The Seneca Town Board has voted to hire a Rochester consulting firm to help it gather public input about the future of the Ontario County landfill.
The Finger Lakes Times reports the board has hired Causewave Community Partners LLC to help it design a process to gather residents’ input. The landfill is scheduled to close when its current operating permit expires in 2028, but the county hasn’t ruled out extending the permit. Aaron Latanzio of Causewave made a presentation at Tuesday’s board meeting as to how the company will gather input. He said the firm will present information to residents on the benefits of the landfill and the potential impact of closing it, both environmentally and fiscally.
Related: Payment uses are permitted for Casella by the Board of Supervisors
Latanzio says the average resident of the town saves about $150 per year in taxes because of the revenue hosting the landfill provides the town. He says Causewave will hold three public information sessions this summer and will send residents a survey asking them what they want to happen after 2028.
Town residents’ input will be a big factor in county decision-making
Town Supervisor Drew Wickham told the Times county officials have told him town residents’ input will be an important factor in what the county decides to do.
Related: Casella settles class-action odor lawsuit over Ontario County Landfill
Casella Waste Systems has operated the landfill since 2015, agreeing to pay the county $18.3 million over the life of the operating permit.
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