Opponents of the proposed expansion of the Seneca Meadows Landfill gathered Monday to once again call on state officials to deny the project and permanently close the landfill.
The event, organized by Seneca Lake Guardian and Beyond Plastics, included residents, environmental advocates, and New York City Council Member Sandy Nurse. Speakers urged the State Department of Environmental Conservation to reject the landfill’s proposal that would allow a roughly 47-acre expansion and continue operating for another 15 years.
Seneca Meadows’ operating permit expired Dec. 31, 2025, but the landfill continues operating while the DEC reviews its application under provisions of the State Administrative Procedure Act. Organizers argued the landfill has already exceeded its intended lifespan and continues to impact nearby communities through odors, truck traffic, and pollution.
Advocates also called on state lawmakers to pass the proposed Packaging Reduction and Recycling Infrastructure Act, known as PRRIA. Supporters say the legislation would require large corporations to reduce excess packaging, phase out toxic chemicals used in packaging materials, and help fund local recycling and reuse programs.
Several local parents spoke during the event about concerns over odors and potential health impacts. Seneca Falls parent Sarah Mull said her children frequently smell the landfill while outside, at school, and at home, adding that children should not have to worry about what they are breathing.
Michelle Grillone, another local parent, said odors from the landfill are regularly noticeable near schools and athletic fields, and claimed her children have experienced headaches and nausea.
Organizers also argued that the landfill threatens the Finger Lakes tourism, agriculture, and wine industries, which they say support thousands of jobs and billions of dollars in economic activity annually.
The DEC has not yet deemed Seneca Meadows’ latest Draft Environmental Impact Statement complete. Once accepted, the proposal will move into a formal public comment period.
