BUCKSPORT, Maine — An alleged proposal to use the Bucksport landfill for mercury-contaminated waste has sparked unanimous opposition from local leaders and residents, even as the landfill remains under a state order to close by the end of 2026.

"There was a feeling of a little disbelief, a little bit of surprise," Bucksport Mayor Paul Bissonnette explained.

The pushback came after town officials allegedly learned that a representative from American Iron and Metal (AIM) , the company that owns the landfill, had apparently discussed the possibility of accepting dredged material from the Penobscot River as part of a mercury remediation project.

“There are very few issues everyone agrees on,” Bissonnette added. “This one? I’ve heard nobody say we should consider expanding that landfill.”

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