Increased waste disposal concerns: Examining future options for Seneca Meadows after 1,500 tons of trash over 15 years.

In the heart of New York State, the town of Seneca Falls, known for its historical significance in the women's rights movement, is currently grappling with a modern-day issue: the ongoing operation of the Seneca Meadows Landfill. This landfill, the state's largest, is aiming to stay open until 2040, despite a local law requiring it to close by the end of this year.

The Seneca Meadows Landfill has been a subject of controversy, especially since New York City sends 44 million pounds of trash to landfills daily, with 1,500 tons of that going to Seneca Falls. This has raised concerns among locals and opponents, who argue that the landfill poses serious health and environmental risks. Some have even linked it to a nearby cluster of lung cancer cases.

Local Law 3, passed in 2016, requires Seneca Meadows to close by December 31. However, if approved, dumping at Seneca Meadows could continue past the end of this year. This extension could provide an additional $150 million for the town.

The decision about Seneca Meadows' operation could potentially be a significant issue for the first female governor of New York, Kathy Hochul, who was in office in December 2022. The governor plays a decisive role in the decision about the continued operation of the Seneca Meadows Landfill.

New York City's "Zero Waste" law aims to end landfill use by 2030, but currently less than 25% of waste is diverted. The governor's decision on Seneca Meadows could be a crucial step towards achieving this goal.

The expansion of Seneca Meadows landfill needs approval from the state Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC). The DEC has not yet published regulations required under the state's climate law, which aims to slash emissions 40% by 2030, but emissions have gone up each year since 2020.

The DEC is currently reviewing Waste Connections' environmental impact statement. Waste Connections, the company that owns Seneca Meadows, is fighting to keep it open and growing, with plans to fill valleys between trash piles and build the dump 70 feet higher. However, Waste Connections disputes any link between the landfill and harm, submitting its own analysis claiming "no evidence" of such.

Meanwhile, residents of Seneca Falls, like Taylor, are calling for action. Taylor says the state needs to step up to protect her town and fulfill its climate promises. A report found that cancer rates were as much as 63% higher in the area around the landfill between 2013 and 2017, further fueling these concerns.

The future of the Seneca Meadows Landfill remains uncertain, with the decision lying in the hands of the governor and the DEC. This issue is not just about waste management, but also about health, environment, and the state's commitment to its climate goals.

Increased waste disposal concerns: Examining future options for Seneca Meadows after 1,500 tons of trash over 15 years.