UPDATE: Last night’s votes by the Seneca Falls Town Board that approved a new host community agreement and local operating permit for the Seneca Meadows Landfill have been deemed invalid. This was after town officials determined that the votes were conducted without a motion, or second being made on the resolutions by board members. The resolutions will be placed on a future agenda for a re-vote.
The Seneca Falls Town Board approved a new host community agreement and an operating permit for the Seneca Meadows Landfill.
The community agreement would provide the town with $150 million dollars over 15 years and would implement a new complaint response and pollution mitigation system.
The State Department of Environmental Conservation has the final say on whether the landfill can expand and remain open until 2040. The DEC decision is expected later this year.
The vote for the host community agreement was approved by a 4-to-1 vote with Jackson Puylara opposed, saying he was not satisfied with the agreement. Supervisor Frank Schmitter and Trustees Kaitlyn Laskoski, Dawn Dyson and Frank Sinicropi voted in favor.
The second vote on the operating permit was 3-to-2 with Town Supervisor Frank Schmitter voting no with Jackson Puylara. Schmitter said he doesn’t believe landfills belong near residential areas.
The environmental group Seneca Lake Guardian released a statement after the town board’s vote.
“Tonight’s vote is a slap in the face to every resident who has fought tirelessly to protect our air, water, and way of life from the dangers and irreparable harm of Seneca Meadows,” said Yvonne Taylor, Vice President of Seneca Lake Guardian. “This Town Board ignored the voices of its own people and rubber-stamped a deal that prioritizes corporate profits over public health. Waste Connections is no “partner” to our community – they’ve made our town a dumping ground for out-of-state garbage. Our fight is far from over. Governor Hochul, it’s up to you now. Don’t trash the birthplace of Women’s Rights. We call on you to meet the urgency of this crisis and close the landfill once and for all.”
The landfill’s expansion has drawn fierce opposition from municipalities, business owners, and advocates across the state. Nearly twenty cities, villages, and counties have passed resolutions opposing the landfill, including Syracuse, Rochester, Geneva, Watkins Glen, Skaneateles, Onondaga, Yates and Tompkins Counties, and more. Dozens of State legislators, hundreds of businesses and dozens of statewide environmental organizations have also called for its closure, citing concerns about pollution, methane emissions, PFAS contamination of waterways, and the long-term economic impact on the region.
Opponents of the landfill vow to continue the fight through legal challenges, advocacy, and community organizing to ensure the Finger Lakes is protected for generations to come.
