SOUTHWICK – The Board of Health officially finalized the solid waste handler’s permit during their meeting Thursday night. The residential permit has been in effect since July 13.
As first Reported by the Westfield News on May 19, the permit was nearing its completion. The permit’s main purpose is to address the operations of solid waste handling companies that conduct business through the town of Southwick.
Board of Health Director Tom FitzGerald. (WNG File Photo)
Although it is not a mandatory regulation for the town, Board of Health Director Tom FitzGerald believes that it is certainly a benefit.
“It allows the town to get some resources from the DEP (Mass Department of Environmental Protection),” FitzGerald said to The Westfield News in May.
The resources are available since the solid waste handler’s permit coincides with the SMRP (Sustainable Materials Recovery Program) that the Southwick DPW has. Having the permit in Southwick allows the DPW to have a better chance of receiving grant money from the state. The SMRP program rewards grants to municipalities that have programs and policies that improve waste reduction, reuse, and recycling.
For more information on the SMRP, go to the Energy & Environmental Affairs page on Mass DEP. If there are any questions about the solid waste handler’s permit, call FitzGerald at 413-569-1212.
