Rell announces $3M for closure of Hartford landfill

Gov. M. Jodi Rell announced today that $3 million to fund the closure of the Hartford Landfill is expected to be approved when the State Bond Commission meets on February 29.

The funding, which will be awarded to the Connecticut Resources Recovery Authority, is the initial installment for the closure project, which has already commenced in the Hartford’s north-end.

“This funding represents an important step forward in closing this landfill and addressing many of the concerns raised by residents of the area,” Rell said.  “One of the unique aspects to this project is that the closure is just one piece to a more comprehensive effort aimed at improving the quality of life for those who reside in this area.” 

The Hartford landfill is located on 100 acres north of the city near I-91 on Leibert Road.  The landfill was opened by the city in 1940 and CRRA leased the landfill from the city starting in 1982. Since 1988, CRRA has used 80 acres of the site to dispose of materials that cannot be processed at CRRA’s Mid-Connecticut Project Trash-to-Energy Facility.  Both facilities, the landfill and trash-to-energy plant, serve 70 cities and towns. 

“In addition to the benefits to the community, the landfill will be closed in such a manner as to prevent pollution from emanating out of the site and impacting groundwater and the nearby Connecticut River,” Rell said.