Seneca Meadows, the largest landfill in New York, remains open despite being slated to close at the end of last year. The landfill operator is also seeking to expand the site, which could keep it operating until 2040. While the expansion has not been approved, Seneca Meadows has resubmitted environmental impact statements, and the Department of Environmental Conservation has granted extensions allowing continued operation.
Environmental advocates, including Yvonne Taylor of Seneca Lake Guardian, argue that the landfill has already harmed the community through public health, economic, and quality-of-life impacts. Local business owners, such as Vinny Aliperti, note that the landfill jeopardizes the livelihoods of many Finger Lakes businesses that depend on clean water and a healthy environment to promote agritourism. Seneca Lake Guardian has focused advocacy efforts on emphasizing the ongoing odor complaints and health concerns reported by residents to the DEC and Governor Kathy Hochul. Such concerns call for the landfill to close as originally planned. Read the full article at RochesterBeacon.com
