Several Finger Lakes communities have passed resolutions opposing the expansion of Seneca Meadows, New York’s largest landfill, due to the disturbance caused by long-haul garbage trucks.
Peter Mantius reports for Inside Climate News.
In short:
- Skaneateles, Geneva, Interlaken, and Yates County have passed resolutions against the expansion, citing traffic and environmental concerns.
- Seneca Meadows’ plan includes adding 47 acres and raising the landfill height by nearly 70 feet to extend operations through 2040.
- Landfill officials have retaliated by denying services to towns opposing the expansion, prompting further conflicts.
Key quote:
“This could have been talked about before the resolution happened.”
— Kyle Black, manager at Seneca Meadows Inc
Why this matters:
The landfill, already a substantial presence, has long been a contentious issue. Its odors, traffic, and potential environmental impacts have sparked numerous debates. However, the proposed expansion has galvanized a more united and vocal resistance among local governments and citizens alike. The trucks, laden with waste from across the state, contribute significantly to noise pollution and air quality degradation, affecting both the environment and the health of local residents.
