Calling it another step toward stabilizing trash disposal costs for member communities, RWS officials celebrated the ground breaking of the 20-acre expansion of the RWS ash landfill in Westbrook on Monday. The landfill features a state-of-the-art, double liner system which provides protection for the ground water and soil surrounding the landfill site.

“The double liner system is made up of several layers including clay, sand drainage, synthetic drainage and two thick plastic liners,” said RWS General Manager Kevin Roche. “In total, this double liner system is more than seven-and-a-half-feet deep; it provides ultimate protection for the soil and ground water surrounding the landfill.”

The RWS Board of Directors, made up of representatives of the 21 member communities, approved the expansion in an August meeting.

“This investment is a good move,” explained Roche. “As we watch the rising cost of fuel, RWS will no longer need to pay high fees to transport our waste elsewhere. We will travel a short distance and dispose of our ash here at this expanded landfill.”