Expansion of Seneca Meadows Landfill Denied

Provided by Jim Delia
Network Board

Seneca Meadows Landfill rises above the countryside.

On December 3, the Seneca Falls Town Board blocked a proposed enlargment of the Seneca Meadows landfill, voting 4 - 1 against an expansion of M2 zoning, which is needed to operate a solid waste facility.

The meeting was attended by approximately 100 people, many of whom opposed the expansion. In addition, the Board was presented with over 1,300 signatures opposing the zoning change. Seneca Meadows is located on the west side of Route 414, just south of Thruway exit 41 and is authorized to operate through 2010 on its existing property. The zoning change, if passed, would have allowed the landfill to expand to the east side of Route 414.

The Town of Seneca Falls receives over $1.5 million annually in landfill revenues from Seneca Meadows. This money has been used to keep taxes down and to help build public buildings like the new Recreation Center. However, concerns have been raised regarding the potential for groundwater and well contamination, increased truck traffic, and the aesthetics of the operation. Look for a continuing exploration of the economic benefits and potential watershed resource risks associated with the Seneca Meadows landfill in future issues of the Network News.