To the Editor:

At its Oct. 3 meeting, the Seneca Falls Town Board voted to approve the controversial Memorandum of Understanding between the town of Seneca Falls and New York state’s largest landfill, Seneca Meadows, which outlines new conditions for the dump if it receives approval to extend its operations through 2040, allowing it to expand its footprint by an additional 47 acres and increase its height by 70 feet.

This decision gives a false nod of approval to the Department of Environmental Conservation, contradicting our community’s wishes for the future of our town. It is a glaring example of how some board members have chosen to prioritize a powerful, multibillion-dollar corporation over the well-being of its residents.

An influx of cash to the town each year that Seneca Meadows continues its operations doesn’t make up for the decimated quality of our environment, air, and water; lost revenue from our thriving agritourism economy; and our community’s health, well-being, and longevity.

Waste Connections is in violation of the current host community agreement, which states that “Seneca Meadows will not seek vertical or lateral expansion of its facility to treat, store, dispose or transport solid waste after the year 2025.” How can we possibly trust Waste Connections to fulfill any host agreement when they have so shamelessly violated the current one?

Furthermore, town Supervisor Mike Ferrara has failed to be transparent and communicate effectively with residents on this issue. His actions, such as negotiating the HCA behind closed doors and consulting his brother instead of his fellow board members during negotiations, raise questions about his motives for Seneca Falls.

For years, residents of Seneca Falls and surrounding communities have spoken out against the environmental impact, odor problems, and health risks linked to the landfill. Our drinking water is contaminated with harmful chemicals. Our county’s lung cancer rates are 31% higher than the state’s average. Unfortunately, these pressing concerns largely have been ignored, and our state leaders have failed to take decisive action to address them.

Although they proved to be incapable of controlling their current pile of garbage, Seneca Meadows has filed for a permit to expand the landfill. This will continue to damage our environment and endanger our health.

It is high time we prioritize the health and safety of our residents over the interests of a multibillion-dollar corporation. Elected officials must heed our concerns and safeguard our community from the harmful effects of the landfill.

VALERIE SANDLAS

Seneca Falls