ACAL News

Recent Documents...

News Updates...

OHSWA Executive Director, Hans Arnold, and Board Chairman Louis Critelli, appear to be terribly bothered by the fact that ACAL is talking about the highly publicized New York City (NYC) garbage crisis. Why is OHSWA bothered by something that should be of no consequence to them? They have their permits to construct and operate a state mandated two-county landfill. The heat is off of them to achieve their stated goal. They should be calm, cool, and collected. Instead, they are accusing ACAL of providing misinformation while downplaying the truth concerning NYC Garbage and Host Community Agreements.

Why is the Host Community Agreement so important to OHSWA? They have stated repeatedly, they are not required to pay compensation. If that is true, then everything from this point forward is just a walk in the park for them. Their response is out of proportion to the circumstances. Why?

The Authority’s most recent newsletter dedicates nearly a full page to dispel what they refer to as misinformation pertaining to waste importation. Three OHSWA imposed questions and answers are listed. The second question, Can the laws be changed to accept waste from other areas? provides merely an explanation to support their position. OHSWA failed to supply an answer, but the answer is, YES, the law can be changed. To make such a change would not be difficult. OHSWA admits a revised law could not be put in place without the approval of the county legislature, state legislature, and the Governor. A couple of votes and a signature is all it would take to change the existing laws.

As long as there is the possibility of a viable publicly controlled landfill in Ava, NY, there is a potential risk for NYC garbage invasion. Under DEC regulations, solid waste management facilities may increase their capacity by 49.9% without having to seek a major modification of their permit. All landfills expand, and it is very likely OHSWA will attempt to take the Veteran’s Memorial Forest to increase the capacity at the Ava site. Furthermore, New York City has clearly indicated they want to purchase the development rights of publicly controlled landfill disposal capacity in upstate New York.

ACAL is not spreading misinformation as Mr. Critelli, and Mr. Arnold have stated. ACAL is simply presenting the facts as they have presented themselves, and the public has the right to be informed of the truth! All NYC information can be substantiated, and has been presented almost word for word from valid sources.

The residents of Ava and Boonville need to weigh the facts, and determine the safest course of action for their future. The mounting threat to the environment and the health of rural citizens in surrounding communities will be greatly intensified should Ava and Boonville decide to become “Willing Host Communities”. Mr. Arnold and Mr. Critelli fail to recognize, as they have for 12 years, that the residents of Ava and Boonville have rights. They have the right to protect themselves in any way they see fit. How low will OHSWA stoop in trying to secure a “Willing Host Community”? Time will tell.