Fight Over Proposed Clay Mine

By Zack Seward

Rochester, NY – A group of concerned citizens in the Finger Lakes is fighting a proposed clay mine in the area.

The group says plans by Seneca Meadows Landfill to open a new 120-acre soil mine will create health, air and noise issues.

Glen Silver, president of the Concerned Citizens of Seneca County, says the industrialization of the Finger Lakes is going unchecked.

"It's certainly unchecked by our state's public authorities, which have written laws such that they can supersede town laws," says Silver. "In doing so, they make pretty much every town in this state vulnerable to injustice, disrespect and violation of citizens' rights."

Seneca Meadows Landfill says the new soil mine will actually have less impact on the local community.

Don Gentilcore, area manager of Seneca Meadows Landfill, says using an on-site mine for covering household waste is a win-win.

"Instead of trucking this soil from several miles away and going past hundreds of homes and schools, we are locating a facility directly adjacent to our landfill operations," says Gentilcore. "So we feel like it is certainly more protective of the environment and our operating record speaks for itself."

The state Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) is holding a hearing on the clay mine tonight at 7:00 p.m. The hearing will be held at the Holiday Inn located at 2468 NYS Route 414, Waterloo, N.Y.

Silver, of the Concerned Citizens of Seneca County, says he's expecting about 100 anti-mine advocates to attend.

More information on the project can be found here: http://www.dec.ny.gov/enb/77587.html

The DEC is accepting public comments until November 7.