A Seneca Falls manufacturer says it plans to present new evidence this week alleging that odors and emissions from the Seneca Meadows Landfill affected employees inside its facility and that local officials failed to adequately respond to complaints.
Waterloo Container, one of the area’s largest employers, is expected to address the Seneca Falls Town Board during its meeting Tuesday and publicly release monitoring data, employee affidavits, photographs, and other documentation related to an odor incident the company says occurred on May 15.
According to the company, employees reported a strong landfill odor throughout its facility, which is located across the street from Seneca Meadows Landfill. Waterloo Container said it responded by conducting real-time hydrogen sulfide monitoring inside the building using an Acrulog monitoring device.
The company said the monitor recorded peak hydrogen sulfide readings of 29 parts per billion, with sustained 10-minute averages reaching 16 parts per billion in workspaces and offices. Waterloo Container noted that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recommends a long-term hydrogen sulfide exposure level of 1.4 parts per billion.
Company officials said several employees reported symptoms including throat irritation, headaches, chest pain, difficulty breathing, and nausea during the incident. Waterloo Container also said it collected 24 signed employee affidavits documenting workers’ experiences.
In addition to concerns about the reported emissions, the company is expected to allege that town officials declined to investigate after the complaint was reported.
Waterloo Container said it has notified the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, Seneca County Health Department, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and local officials about the incident.
The presentation comes as debate continues over the proposed expansion of Seneca Meadows Landfill and ongoing concerns from some residents, businesses, and community groups about landfill odors in the Seneca Falls area.
Town officials and representatives of Seneca Meadows had not publicly responded to the company’s latest allegations as of Thursday.
The Seneca Falls Town Board is scheduled to meet Tuesday, where Waterloo Container is expected to present its findings.
