Former Dryden landfill could become solar array

A closed landfill in the Town of Dryden, New York, may soon serve as a renewable energy source for local homes and businesses.

Tompkins County and NYSERDA, the state’s energy development agency, have reached a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to collaborate on transforming the former Caswell Road landfill into a large-scale solar energy facility, according to the Ithaca Voice.

Tompkins County Legislative Chairwoman Shawna Black shared her enthusiasm for the potential of solar energy generation at the Caswell Road site, as it aligns with the county’s net-zero goals.

The 112-acre landfill, which operated between 1970 and 1985, has been capped, vented for decomposition gases, and monitored for groundwater quality.

The initiative will be part of NYSERDA’s “Build-Ready Program” and adhere to the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation’s post-closure maintenance and monitoring requirements for landfills.

Staff Report

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