Environment DEC
From the September 2008 issue
Hazardous Waste Facility Siting Plan
A significantly amended version of the proposed New York State Hazardous Waste Facility Siting Plan is being made available for public review. The Siting Plan is intended to help guide state agencies, authorities and other entities in making decisions regarding management and disposal of hazardous waste, so as to avoid potentially adverse effects on air, land, water or public health.
Map showing the amount of hazardous waste received in each DEC region. Page 30 of the linked PDF file shows a larger version of the map and a discussion of the volume of hazardous waste received by region. (830 kB PDF file)
DEC also has issued a draft Generic Environmental Impact Statement (GEIS) for public review. The GEIS evaluates and addresses any potential effects the draft plan may have on the environment. However, it does not replace the need for a separate and distinct site-specific EIS for any new or expanded hazardous waste-management facility proposed for New York State in the future.
To reflect public comments, the draft plan and GEIS have been changed substantially from previous versions. The revised plan also includes updated data on in-state and out-of-state hazardous-waste generation and management, as well as in-state treatment, storage and disposal facilities.
Hearings and Public Comments
Before the plan and GEIS are finalized and in accordance with statutory requirements, DEC will hold two rounds of public hearings across the state, with at least two in each DEC region. Following each of the rounds, DEC staff will review and respond to the issues raised and revise the draft plan and GEIS if warranted.
Locations and dates for the first round of hearings will be announced soon. All people, organizations, corporations and government agencies, etc., which may be affected by the proposed plan are invited to attend and submit either written or oral statements. Written comments also will be accepted if received by the close of business on November 26, 2008.
Comments can be sent to John Iannotti, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, Division of Solid and Hazardous Materials, 625 Broadway, Albany, New York 12233-7250. They also can be faxed to 518-402-9024 or or e-mailed to hwsiting@gw.dec.state.ny.us.
