Maine city pauses $65 million sewage sludge gasification project with 180-day moratorium

The Sanford City Council unanimously approved a 180-day moratorium on new biosolids and sewage thermal processing facilities, temporarily suspending plans for the proposed $65 million sewage sludge gasification plant by Aries Technology of Tennessee.

City leaders stated the pause will allow time to develop new ordinances for these facilities in response to public opposition. The moratorium follows a citizen initiative that collected over 1,100 signatures seeking stricter oversight of biosolids processing projects.

Aries Technology’s proposed facility would use high-temperature gasification to convert municipal sewage sludge into electricity and destroy per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), also known as “forever chemicals.” The company promotes this technology as a solution for managing biosolids and eliminating persistent contaminants.

However, local residents have expressed concerns about the proposed Cyro Drive location, citing its proximity to the Mousam River, wetlands, and a permeable aquifer that supplies local drinking water as potential risks to water quality and air emissions.

Community members welcomed the council’s decision, viewing it as an opportunity to strengthen environmental protections before considering similar industrial developments. The council also established an Industrial Development Standards Task Force to review zoning and environmental safeguards for future projects.

Aries Technology had not publicly responded to requests for comment following the council’s decision.