The future of New York’s largest landfill, Seneca Meadows, hinges on key decisions by state and local authorities, along with pending court rulings. The landfill’s owner, Waste Connections, is seeking approval from the Department of Environmental Conservation to expand operations until at least 2040, a move that has drawn strong opposition. As part of the expansion effort, the Town of Seneca Falls has released a draft of a new Host Community Agreement for public review and feedback. The contract would govern the landfill’s continued operations, contingent on state and local approval of the expansion. The agreement, if finalized, would replace the existing host agreement established in 2007.
Key points of the draft include the regulatory approval of a Valley Infill Expansion project, designed to increase the landfill’s capacity. The term of the new host agreement is set at a maximum of 15 years, subject to early termination if disposal operations cease or regulatory permits are revoked. As part of the arrangement, Seneca Meadows promises to address environmental and quality-of-life concerns through the agreement.
Among the most notable provisions, Seneca Meadows commits to a robust odor management system. This includes installing permanent air monitoring stations around the facility, conducting drone-based methane emission surveys, and maintaining a 24/7 complaint hotline for residents. The company would also adhere to a new “Odor Action Level,” where any exceedance of hydrogen sulfide gas (H₂S) levels will trigger mitigation protocols.
The agreement outlines significant financial contributions to the town. SMI will provide a $1 million initial payment, followed by a $3 million disbursement upon obtaining necessary permits. Furthermore, SMI will pay a per-ton fee for waste received, with guaranteed minimum annual payments starting at $4 million in 2026 and rising to $12 million by 2030.
Additionally, the draft details a Property Value Protection Program to compensate residents whose property values decline due to the landfill’s operations. Seneca Meadows will also offer free residential and municipal waste disposal services and maintain transportation routes that minimize truck traffic through downtown Seneca Falls under the proposal.
Environmental oversight and compliance are also cited in the proposal. Seneca Meadows would be required to meet local, state, and federal regulatory standards, including groundwater protection and fire safety protocols. Monthly meetings between town officials and SMI representatives will address landfill operations and complaints.
The town board is expected to review and discuss the draft in a series of public forums. Officials encourage residents to provide input on the agreement before any final approval. Both parties have emphasized their intent to maintain transparency and cooperation to ensure the community’s best interests are upheld.
The draft agreement remains subject to ongoing negotiations and may undergo revisions based on community feedback and further consultations.
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