The operator of the Southbridge Landfill, Casella, applied to the Southbridge Board of Health for "Minor Modification to a Site Assignment".  They are required to do this because they wish to change the nature of the waste being disposed of at the landfill from construction and demolition waste to municipal solid waste.  The Board of Health, under 310 CMR 40 is required to hold hearings and judge whether this change could present any dangers to public health, safety and the environment.  If there are any potential dangers, the board of health must deny the modification.

A hearing officer was hired to govern the proceedings and make sure that they are run properly.  Because the Town of Sturbridge was not notified properly, Casella withdrew their application and submitted a new one.  The Hearing Officer decided that they could use all the information that they have already submitted, including the expert testimony that was already heard.  The Board of Health decided that the hearing would begin again on March 27th.