Holbrook Regional Trash Transfer Station FAQs The following FAQs (frequently asked questions) are based on questions residents have asked of the proposed regional solid waste transfer station.
How many tons of trash per day will the transfer station collect? According to the lease, the transfer station will accept 1,000 tons of municipal solid waste per day. 
How many years is the lease and will TLA-Holbrook be able to extend the lease? According to the lease, the lease agreement between Holbrook and TLA-Holbrook is good for 20 years and can be extended for an additional 20 years or four successive periods of five years. 
What state, federal, and local permits does the transfer station need and do the permits include rail access? According to the lease, the transfer station needs to be reviewed under the state’s Environmental Protection Act process (MEPA certificate), site suitability approval from the state Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), DEP construction and operation authorization, approval from the EPA to amend the Baird-McGuire Superfund Record of Decision. From the town of Holbrook, the project needs a building permit, board of health site approval, planning board site-plan review, variances from the zoning board, and an order of conditions from the conservation commission. TLA-Holbrook has 36 months to get approval from any rail company to use the rail company’s tracks. 
How much will the operators of the transfer station pay to the town of Holbrook in rent? According to the lease, for the first five years of operation, Holbrook will receive $1 for every ton of trash brought to the transfer station. (Holbrook’s trash is excluded from this calculation.) 
Does the town of Holbrook get free trash collection? According to the lease, subject to a separate agreement between the town and TLA-Holbrook, the town will not have to pay for trash disposal and recyclables. Residents can also bring their recyclables to the transfer station within certain limits imposed by the operators. Trash and recyclables generated by local businesses are excluded from this agreement. 
Will the transfer station accept hazardous materials? According to the lease, the facility would only accept hazardous materials if the board of health approves, but TLA-Holbrook can use “minimal” amounts of hazardous materials to conduct its operations. The use of “minimal” amounts does not need board of health approval. 
What are the transfer station’s hours of operation and how many days a week will it be open? According to the lease, the transfer station will be open Monday through Saturday 6 AM to 6 PM, however “additional” on-site activities can go on until 9 PM. In addition, staff will be on site beginning at 5 AM.The lease also states that the town agrees to let TLA-Holbrook operate at any time “which is necessary for its compliance with maintenance and other standards.” 
How will trucks get to and from the transfer station? According to the lease, TLA-Holbrook agrees to route traffic in a manner that “utilizes main access roads to the maximum extent possible.” 
How will the transfer station operators address noise, odor, seagulls, and rats? According to the lease: 
|