Nozzolio, Kolb, and Palmesano issue joint statement on SMI

New York State Senator Mike Nozzolio, and Assemblymen Brian Kolb and Phil Palmesano released a statement regarding Seneca Meadows. The three men publicly oppose the expansion, which Seneca Meadows is currently seeking to accept roughly 2,500 tons of garbage from New York City.The statement read in part:“As soon as the Seneca County Board of Supervisors issued a resolution of opposition to Seneca Meadows’ proposal to accept an additional 2,500 tons of garbage from New York City, we took an immediate and formal public position to oppose Seneca Meadows’ pians. We communicated our opposition to the Town of Seneca Falls, the Seneca County Board of Supervisors as well as Commissioner Basil Seggos of the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation.”Their statement pointed out that there were three major points made by Commissioner Basil Seggos of the DEC. The statement outlined the following:1. The NYSDEC would have jurisdiction to intervene should any action by Seneca Meadows require a modification of the terms and conditions of its original permit issued by the NYSDEC;It is our understanding that Seneca Meadows current permit expires on October 10, 2017. If an application to renew their permit is made, the law requires the NYSDEC to engage in a full and thorough review of their application, which would include public hearings to take public comment and concerns;2. Modification of the terms and conditions of the current permit would also require the NYSDEC to submit such application to hill scale public review and comment period, and at such time we would insist on public hearings be conducted by the NYSDEC in Seneca County; and3. The NYSDEC Commissioner pledges that the Agency will continue to monitor the Seneca Meadows’ landfill to ensure it is not exceeding its daily tonnage limit governed by its existing permit; that no significant new environmental issues arise, and that operation of the landfill is otherwise in full compliance with State regulations and the requirements of its permit. The trio said in their statement that, ”We have and will continue to insist that there be a full and complete public disclosure of the results of this monitoring.” However, they also pointed out that there wasn’t a lot that could be done on their part legally, since they cannot prevent a business from operating — as long as it does so within the law.The statement continued, “Although we may have personal objections to the operations of a business, as legislators we do not have the legal authority or jurisdiction to force the closure of a business that is operating within the legal bounds of its license or permit.”The representatives urged those who have evidence of Seneca Meadows operating outside its existing permit to provide that information directly to the DEC. The statement closed by reading, “We will continue to insist the NYSDEC give whatever information is provided a full and complete investigation, as is the Agency’s responsibility under the law.”FingerLakes1.com will have more information on this story, as well as an exclusive look at the new rail terminal in Seneca County — which landfill opponents say was created for the purpose of importing more trash to the region.