Environment DEC
From the June 2005 issue
Governor Announces Funds for Landfill Closure Projects
Landfills are closed under stringent requirements that provide high levels of protection
Governor George E. Pataki has awarded $8.5 million for municipal landfill closure projects across New York State. The landfills are being closed in accordance with stringent state requirements that will prevent pollution and protect public health and the environment. The grants are provided through a combination of funding from the Clean Water/Clean Air Bond Act, the state Environmental Protection Fund (EPF) and other available environmental funds.
"Over the last decade, New York has provided unprecedented funding for important environmental projects across the state that are helping to protect our natural resources and improve the quality of life for our residents," Governor Pataki said. "We're proud that these new grants will allow local communities to properly close their old, inactive municipal landfills to prevent pollution and ensure the protection of our environment for our children and future generations to come."
Project Cost Coverage
The landfill closure grants will provide between 50 and 90 percent of total eligible project costs, up to a maximum of $2 million per project. Municipalities with populations of less than 3,500 are eligible for up to 90 percent of total eligible project costs. To receive state assistance for landfill closure, municipalities must have a landfill closure plan approved by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and be in compliance with all applicable environmental laws and regulations.
Municipalities must be in compliance with environmental laws and regulations, and have an approved closure plan to receive funding
DEC Acting Commissioner Denise M. Sheehan said, "Governor Pataki has made another strong commitment to the protection of New Yorkers and their valued natural resources. With this funding, communities will be able to close landfills in accordance with our current high standards, preventing pollutant runoff or leachate from affecting public health or the environment."
Grant Recipients
The seven grant recipients are as follows:
Westchester DEF, Westchester County - $2,000,000
The Railroad One Landfill is an 18-acre site located on the east side of Croton Point, a 500-acre peninsula that extends approximately two miles into the Hudson River from the eastern shore. This grant will provide funding for engineering, designing, and recapping construction to upgrade the present landfill cap to current standards.
Town of Southeast, Putnam County - $1,379,435
The Town of Southeast Sanitary Landfill located on Deans Corners Road in the Town of Southeast consists of approximately 13 acres. This grant will provide funding for construction of a leachate collection system, gas-venting layer, gas collection system, barrier layer and barrier protection layers, a topsoil layer and a vegetative cover.
Joint Landfill Board of Governors, Dutchess County - $2,000,000
The Dutchess County Airport Landfill consists of approximately 25 acres and is located on NYS Route 376 (New Hackensack Road) in the Town of Wappinger. This grant will be applied toward the cost of engineering, designing and constructing erosion control, a leachate collection system, a gas-venting layer, barrier layer, a topsoil layer and a vegetative cover.
Town of Rotterdam, Schenectady County - $107,482
The Town of Rotterdam Municipal Solid Waste Landfill is located on Rynex Corners Road. This grant will provide funding for an enhanced leachate collection system.
Town of Otselic, Chenango County - $18,422
The Town of Otselic Landfill is a 7-acre site located on County Road 16. This grant will provide funding for the completion of the landfill cap.
Village of Solvay, Onondaga County - $1,385,000
The Solvay Landfill consists of approximately 17 acres and is located near the corner of Matthews and Boyd avenues. This grant will provide funding for the construction of a gas-venting layer, gas collection control system, construction of the barrier layer and the barrier-protection layer, a topsoil layer and a vegetative cover.
Town of Macedon, Wayne County - $1,650,000
The Town of Macedon Sanitary Landfill located on Quaker Road consists of approximately 18 acres. This grant will provide funding for engineering, designing and constructing a gas-venting layer and gas collection system, a barrier layer, a barrier protection layer, a topsoil layer and a vegetative cover.
