The Battle Over Seneca Meadows Landfill: Plans for Expansion Spark Controversy and Environmental Concerns

Residents in upstate New York are concerned about the potential expansion of Seneca Meadows, the state’s largest landfill. The landfill, which rises nearly 300 feet tall and covers more than 350 acres, has been a source of complaints for years due to its odor and environmental impact. The owner of the landfill, Waste Connections, has indicated in filings with the state that it wants approval to fill a 47-acre “valley” between two of the site’s mounds, which would raise the peak of Seneca Meadows by about 70 feet. Environmentalists and business owners have raised concerns about the expansion, citing issues such as truck traffic, dust, and the potential for contamination of drinking water. The company has faced allegations of buying off town board members and has a complaints hotline that some residents say is ineffective. The expansion plans are currently being evaluated by the state’s Department of Environmental Conservation.