In a significant escalation of their campaign, the Seneca Lake Guardian group, staunch opponents of the Seneca Meadows landfill expansion, voiced concerns directly to state legislators in Albany. The group seeks to prevent the landfill’s operational extension to 2040, with its current permit set to expire in December 2025.
Leading the charge, Joseph Campbell, founder of Seneca Lake Guardian, criticized the expansion plan for promoting a wasteful culture and violating New Yorkers’ constitutional rights to a clean environment. State Senator Rachel May echoed the sentiment, emphasizing the Finger Lakes region’s reputation for tourism, wine, and natural beauty, rather than as a waste disposal hub.
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), currently reviewing the landfill’s application, assures transparent processes and thorough public engagement before any final decision. The DEC said in a statement it takes all concerns seriously.
“DEC takes seriously our responsibility to oversee solid waste management facilities in the state and works transparently with communities every step of our review processes. While a final decision on the expansion of the Seneca Meadows Valley Infill has not been made, DEC is focused on overseeing development of a Draft Environmental Impact Statement for this site and received approximately 600 comments on the draft scope of the EIS,” officials said. “Once finalized, this will guide development of the DEIS and will provide additional opportunities for public comment and engagement before any decisions are made.”
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