Chicopee Landfill Closure Alternative's
DLTA 2015

The City of Chicopee requested DLTA support from the PVPC to analyze alternatives and plan for the then anticipated closure of the Chicopee landfill in mid-2017. The Chicopee Landfill was a regional facility that serviced Chicopee and a number of other Western Massachusetts communities. It was the last remaining regional landfill in Western Massachusetts. 

Chicopee has been servicing as the host community for this regional landfill.  For many years Chicopee benefited from a favorable contract for disposal of its solid waste. The contract, initially negotiated in the mid-1980s, currently allows the City to dispose of its solid waste at a rate of $36.62/ton, which is about half of today's market rate. In addition, Chicopee's host community status allows the collection of a host community fee which generates revenue of about $1 million per year on average. In 2017, disposal rates will double and the host community revenue will not longer exist after the anticipated closure. 

To offset this financial impact, Chicopee considered a host of issues and a range of disposal alternatives. Consideration was given to regional disposal options as well as local operational changes. A decision to implement a "pay as you throw" (PAYT) system was made to address each facet of the waste stream (trash, yard waste, bulk waste, hazardous waste) in a unique way. 

To help deal with, and sort through, the multiple issues and options related to the landfill closure, the City applied for DLTA through the PVPC.  PVPC staff worked closely with the Mayoral appointed Landfill Closure Alternatives Committee to research and identify options for Chicopee to consider. The end result was a report with recommended action steps for Chicopee to consider. The report is attached below.

PVPC Staff on Project:

• Catherine Ratte - Principal Planner
• Patty Gambarini - Senior Environmental Planner
• Joshua A. Garcia - Municipal Services Coordinator 

Landfill Closure Alternatives Advisory Committee:

• Arlene Miller, Municipal Assistance Coordinator for MA DEP
• Barry Brouillard, DPW Environmental Programs Coordinator
• Frank Laflamme, Chicopee City Councilor At-Large
• James Tillotson, Chicopee City Counclor At-Large
• Jeffrey Neece, Chicopee DPW Superintendent , 
• Lee Pouliot, Planning Director
• Marc Dugre, Business Representative of DeJordy, Dugre, Croteau, & Co, P.C.
• Monica Blazic, Executive Director of the Chicopee Housing Authority
• Paul Phaneuf, St.Pierre Funeral Home
• Stan Kulig, DPW Project Advisor and Committee Co-Chair
• Tim McLellan, Chicopee Ward 6 City Councilor and Committee Co-Chair
• William Zazkey, Chicopee Ward 4 City Councilor