Confusion and frustration filled a packed meeting in Cicero as New York’s environmental agency explained new wetland rules, according to State of Politics. Many Oneida Lake residents fear the changes—meant to protect wetlands and impose 100-foot buffer zones—could limit what they can do on their own properties.
DEC officials insisted the rules won’t affect every homeowner and only apply where protected wetlands are present. Still, residents were told it’s their responsibility to check if they fall under the regulations. The process for confirmation could take up to 90 days.
Suspicion also grew that the updates were linked to Micron’s massive semiconductor project nearby, which will destroy 200 acres of wetlands. Some questioned whether wetlands were reclassified elsewhere to offset the damage.
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