By a 3-2 vote, the Seneca Falls Town Board authorized its landfill committee to negotiate a new host community agreement with Seneca Meadows Landfill.
Talks would begin before DEC considers permit renewal
The Finger Lakes Times reports Town Supervisor Mike Ferrara and board members Kaitlyn Laskoski and Frank Sinicropi voted for the measure, and board members Steve Churchill and Dawn Dyson voted no.
The new agreement is contingent on the state Department of Environmental Conservation approving an extension of the facility’s operating permit to 2040. A local law currently on the books calls for Seneca Meadows to close in 2025.
Churchill says Town shouldn’t begin that process until DEC makes decision
“Would this authorize negotiations now or after the DEC makes a decision,” board member Steve Churchill inquired as debate about the motion began. “If that’s the case, I won’t support this. It puts the cart before the horse.”
He went on to call it ‘premature’ and costly to taxpayers because of legal consultants that would be wasted if the DEC decides against allowing Seneca Meadows to expand.
“I feel we should wait for the DEC decision,” Churchill concluded. He was the only board member to comment before the vote.
Related: Seneca Lake Guardian calls on Hochul to shutdown Seneca Meadows landfill
Editor’s Note: An earlier version of this story incorrectly attributed a quote to Supervisor Mike Ferrara. The most-recent version of the story corrects that, and attributes comments opposing negotiations to board member Steve Churchill.
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