Bill > H723

This bill amends Section 150A of Chapter 111 of the General Laws, which deals with solid waste disposal facilities, by adding a new paragraph that clarifies the authority of cities and towns. Specifically, it states that nothing in this section prevents or restricts a city or town from creating or enforcing zoning ordinances or by-laws, which are local laws governing land use, that apply to landfills, transfer stations (places where waste is collected and consolidated), recycling centers, and sanitary waste disposal sites. However, these local laws cannot interfere with closure activities (shutting down a facility), maintenance activities (upkeep), or assessment activities (evaluating the site) that are deemed necessary by the department, which in this context likely refers to a state environmental agency, to protect public health, safety, or the environment, provided there is substantial evidence to support these determinations.