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Ulster County committee rejects resolution opposing proposed Lewarsen-area landfill; debate centers on science, trust and alternatives
Summary
A resolution opposing siting a countywide landfill in Lewarsen failed in committee after extended debate over whether the Ulster County Resource Recovery Agency should continue its studies, whether outside engineering reviews are needed, and whether alternatives such as waste-to-energy, rail export or increased diversion should be pursued.
The Energy, Environment and Sustainability Committee considered a resolution opposing a proposed countywide landfill in the Lewarsen area but defeated the measure after a lengthy debate over site feasibility, agency authority and alternative waste-management options.
Legislator Walls opened discussion by saying he was sympathetic to residents’ concerns but believed the Ulster County Resource Recovery Agency (UCRRA) is charged with studying options. He said he "share[d] such as the steering wheel's perspective" that a preliminary independent review of the Cornerstone site work might be warranted to avoid costly, protracted DEC investigations.
Legislator Nolan said he was "a little concerned that we're kind of mixing apples and oranges" by bringing waste-to-energy/incineration into the conversation and that the county’s 2020 solid-waste plan had not included incineration as a recommended path. He said he would "not support this resolution at this time."
Justin Ryder, director for the resource recovery agency, urged respect for the agency’s statutory role and warned that passing resolutions opposing sites as they are considered could conflict with the county contract. He said the agency is evaluating alternatives including diversion, anaerobic digestion and possible export routes, and has an RFP out for diversion and for landfill engineering services. "We will be able to divert more, shrink the footprint of the landfill," he said when describing how alternatives could change site needs.
Committee members weighed other options including rail export and visiting operating waste-to-energy facilities. Several legislators who toured a Long Island waste-to-energy plant said they were impressed with modern operations but others cautioned that incineration raises air-emissions concerns and could lock the county into long-term feedstock commitments that would limit diversion efforts.
After discussion the committee took a voice vote. The clerk announced, "The resolution fails for 2 to 4." No formal action in favor of an outright ban was passed; members instead discussed further technical review and agency-conducted site studies.
