The Juniper Ridge Landfill is a step closer to an expansion that would allow for roughly 11 more years of use, despite continued objections from local residents and advocates concerned about the landfill’s impact on air and water quality in the region.

The decision allows the state to apply to add 61 acres to the state-owned Juniper Ridge Landfill, which takes in 52% of the state's waste.

The department's decision allows Maine to apply to add 61 acres to the state-owned Juniper Ridge Landfill, which takes in 52% of the state's waste.

The whale was found dead near Martha's Vineyard in January, but the official cause of death was announced Wednesday.

The female North Atlantic right whale was found dead near Martha’s Vineyard in January due to chronic entanglement.

Federal biologists say Maine fishing gear killed an endangered right whale that washed up on Martha’s Vineyard back in January.