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Casting a Vote That Makes Sense
Scenario
On Tuesday, residents of Northampton, Massachusetts, will be voting on this question:
The state of Massachusetts wants to expand the landfill. It now occupies 52 acres, but after the
expansion, the landfill will cover 81.5 acres. Many people are against the idea.
Are Landfills Safe?
Landfills produce large amounts of methane gas, along with a poisonous liquid that seeps from the
compressed trash. Landfills often have liners and pipes that collect the toxic liquid to keep it from
contaminating groundwater. But according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), even the
best collection systems and landfill liners deteriorate and leak:
“No liner … can keep all liquids out of the ground for all time. Eventually liners will either
degrade, tear, or crack and will allow liquids to migrate out of the unit. Some have argued that
liners are devices that provide a perpetual seal against any migration from a waste management
unit. EPA has concluded that the more reasonable assumption, based on what is known about the
pressures placed on liners over time, is that any liner will begin to leak eventually.”
When a landfill liner does leak, poisons escape directly into the environment, where they can
contaminate air, water, and soil.
The landfill has served Northampton, Easthampton, and several other communities in Western
Massachusetts for 40 years. If nothing is done, the landfill will be full in two years. If it is expanded,
it can last another 20 years. But the proposed expansion lies on top of the recharge area of the aquifer
that supplies drinking water to four cities and towns.
Supporters of the expansion say not to worry because studies have shown no evidence of
increased cancer rates due to contamination in the area. But the Barnes Aquifer Protection Committee
warns that the long-term costs of expanding the landfill far outweigh any short-term benefits.
The Northampton City Council had a chance to put the question on the ballot last summer, but the
council members voted it down. Then a group of citizens got enough signatures on a petition to put
the question on the ballot anyway. The group wanted the citizens of Northampton to be heard on this
important environmental issue.
You live in Northampton and you really want to vote the right way on this important issue. But
what is the right way? What are the risks? What are the benefits? You must understand the issue
better before you cast a vote.
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Questions
1. Are Landfills Always Safe? Read the information in “Are Landfills Safe?” Do you think
landfills are always safe? Explain. Base your answer on information from at least 2 different
sources.
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2. What Is an Aquifer? Before you can cast a well-informed vote, you have to make sure you
understand the vocabulary used. What is an aquifer?
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3. The Recharge Area Why is it important to protect an aquifer’s recharge area?
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4. Before You Cast Your Vote This question is a very important one. There are costs and there are
benefits to expanding the landfill. Fill in the table below to analyze the costs and benefits of
expanding the landfill.
Cost of Landfill
Benefits of Landfill
Conclusion
Let’s see what you learned about the importance of thinking scientifically when voting on an
important issue.
1. Why is it important to understand the scientific terms before you vote?
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2. How did your scientific knowledge help you decide on your vote? What scientific evidence or
data influenced your vote the most?
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Now, each member of your group must write their vote on an index card. On the back, write your
name and a complete sentence explaining the main scientific reason for your vote. Drop your
completed ballot in the ballot box.