Environment DEC
From the November 2009 issue
DEC Releases Revised Draft Hazardous Waste Facility Siting Plan
The New York State Hazardous Waste Facility Siting Plan and Generic Environmental Impact Statement (GEIS) have been revised. Both documents are available for review on DEC's website.
The Siting Plan is intended to help guide state agencies, authorities and other entities in making decisions regarding the siting of facilities for management and disposal of hazardous waste generated in New York. A draft siting plan and GEIS were released last year, and hearings were held across the state. The revised drafts recently released provide a second and final opportunity for public comment before finalization.
The plan provides help for decision makers about siting hazardous waste facilities.
The draft plan now includes updated data on in-state and out-of-state hazardous waste generation and management, including in-state treatment, storage and disposal facilities. In the draft plan, DEC also acknowledges that there is not currently a need (based on available capacity) for any new hazardous waste management facilities. The draft provides specific guidance for state agencies, authorities and facility siting boards in determining whether a proposed facility is otherwise necessary or in the public interest. Also in response to public comments, the draft plan now emphasizes the importance of reducing the amount of toxic materials produced and used in New York State and includes options that could help decrease the use of chemicals that contribute to hazardous waste.
Hearings on the updated draft are being held in each of DEC's nine regions. In addition, written comments will also be accepted until the close of business on December 14, 2009. Comments may be sent to John Iannotti, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, Division of Solid and Hazardous Materials, 625 Broadway, Albany, NY 12233-7250. They can also be faxed to 518-402-9024 or e-mailed to HWSiting@gw.dec.state.ny.us.
