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Thurston board adopts Local Law 4 to regulate land application of sewage sludge
Summary
The Town Board unanimously enacted Local Law No. 4 of 2025 after issuing a SEQRA negative declaration, overriding a Steuben County Planning Department recommendation that raised Right to Farm concerns; the action was taken by roll call vote as Resolution #12 of 2025.
The Town Board of Thurston voted unanimously May 21 to adopt Local Law No. 4 of 2025, a local law regulating the land application of sewage sludge in the town. The board approved a SEQRA (State Environmental Quality Review Act) full environmental assessment and issued a Negative Declaration, finding the measure would not have a significant adverse environmental impact, and enacted the law by Resolution #12 of 2025.
Board members reviewed FEAF Parts 2 and 3 prepared by the town’s attorneys and discussed comments from the Steuben County Planning Department, which had recommended disapproval on the grounds the law might conflict with the state Right to Farm statute and could exceed the town's authority regarding permits issued by other entities. The board discussed those concerns but concluded it has authority to enact the law and proceeded to adopt it. The resolution directs the town clerk and attorneys to file the law and distribute the Negative Declaration to involved agencies.
The enactment was carried by roll call vote: Jennifer Hargrave, aye; Noel Sylvester, aye; Daniel Gee, aye; Holly Chase, aye; Michael Volino, aye. The resolution includes directions to file the enacted law with the New York State Department of State and to send the Negative Declaration to the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation and the New York State Department of Agriculture & Markets.
