ACAL News

Recent Documents...

datetitledescription
08/12/11Managing Solid Waste Facilities to Prevent OdorPaper by written by The National Solid Wastes Management Association (NSWMA) - a trade association representing for-profit companies in North America that provide solid, hazardous and medical waste collection, recycling and disposal services.
06/21/10NYSDEC New Solid Waste Plan DraftEntitled Beyond Solid Waste - A Sustainable Materials Management Strategy for New York, the NYSDEC has drafted a 480-page plan to reduce solid waste through increases in reuse, recycling and composting in local communities. Further, the plan calls for a reduction in packaging by manufacturers and a reduction in climate and environmental impacts caused by transporting waste and harmful emissions coming from incinerators and landfills.
06/17/10New Yorkers for Zero Waste Platform 2010Local, regional, state and federal organizations join with NY Zero Waste Alliance, a project of Citizens Environmental Coalition, to support the reduction of waste through increase in reuse, recycling and composting.
10/24/0611 August 2006 DEC LetterRegion 6 Water Engineer Steven Botsford's letter to OHSWA Executive Director Hans Arnold stating OHSWA's environmental responsibility for clean water quality compliance associated with the Ava Landfill site.
06/08/06ACAL vs. OHSWAACAL filed a lawsuit against OHSWA for polluting the trout spawing stream of Moose Creek for over a year. The ongoing pollution to the creek violates State environmental law and the Clean Water Act.
04/20/06Letter to Ava from OHSWALengthy letter from OHSWA Executive Director Hans Arnold to the Ava Town Board regarding a "host community benefit package". The Ava board refuses to negotiate with OHSWA for a 1000+/- acre landfill that is being forced into their rural community.
03/31/06DEC response to AvaDEC Region 6 Director Sandra LeBarron's letter to Town of Ava regarding Ava's request to rescind the March 2006 DEC Consent Order and take "appropriate enforcement action". Ms. LeBarron states the DEC's response must be "somewhat restrained" since ACAL has filed a notice of intent to file a citizen's suit against OHSWA.
03/21/06Notice of Intent to SuePursuant to the Clean Water Act, against the Oneida-Herkimer Solid Waste Management Authority (OHSWA) and Rifenberg Construction, Inc. by Adirondack Communtities Advisory League (ACAL)
03/20/06Ava Complaint to DECThe Town of Ava sends a letter to Region 6 DEC requesting their Consent Order be rescinded. The town board and the citizens they represent are genuinely concerned about the environment in Ava. They are extremely distressed that OHSWA and Rifenburg have been given permission by the DEC to allow excessive sediment to enter Moose Creek - "a provision that is contrary to the basic mission of the DEC."
02/13/06NYSDEC Consent OrderNYSDEC is giving OHSWA permission to discharge excessive sediment and water into nearby Moose Creek, a federally protected trout spawning stream in Ava, NY.
09/10/05DEC ComplaintAugust 2005

News Updates...

ACAL NEWS – Week of April 13, 2006

I read an article in a weekly paper a few days ago entitled, Gov. Pataki Preservation of 512 Acres Along Battenkill. The paper, located in a small town in Washington County, New York, went on to describe in detail how New York State (NYS) will use $330,000 from the Environmental Protection Fund (EPF) to acquire the property from a family who has owned it for more than 100 years.

The State intends to create a new State Forest and create public access “to allow recreational activities including hunting, fishing, trapping, bird watching, nature photography, hiking, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing”. In addition, the State’s land purchase will protect approximately 85 acres “including several wetlands that provide habitat for a variety of wetland plants and animals, and protect the water quality of the Battenkill (River).”

Governor Pataki stated, “The Battenkill is an environmentally significant river that has long been regarded as one of the premier trout fishing waters in the Northeast. The (land) acquisition and preservation of this important parcel will further protect a sensitive ecosystem and expand popular outdoor recreational opportunities in the area, including fishing and paddling.”

State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Denise Sheehan was quoted as saying, “This new State Forest will provide endless enjoyment to residents and visitors to NYS, and build upon Governor Pataki’s continuing commitment to protecting open space, promoting sustainable forestry practices, and increasing access for fishing and other outdoor pursuits.”

The article concluded by stating this fact: “Since 1995, NYS has invested more than $13 billion to protect and preserve New York’s environment, including nearly 946,000 acres of open space statewide.”

If the State cares so much about preserving and protecting New York’s environment, why does it continue to ignore the ecosystem of Moose Creek that has been repeatedly polluted by runoff and excessive sediment from the Ava Landfill site?

What about fishing, hunting, bird watching, nature photography, hiking, cross-county skiing and snowshoeing in Northern Oneida and Southern Lewis counties? Ask any Boonville, Ava, West Leyden, Port Leyden, Lyons Falls, Constableville, or Westernville resident about any of these outdoor activities, and he/she will tell you exactly where you can catch the best trout, find the nicest swimming hole, witness the most beautiful scenery, and enjoy the unspoiled region of the Tug Hill Plateau.

What gives the State the right to pick and choose which areas of NYS will be preserved and protected for future generations? Don’t the people of this region deserve more from government officials and law-makers? You bet we do!

The State appointed Oneida-Herkimer Solid Waste Authority is not a friend to local residents, and they are not to be trusted. Executive Director Hans Arnold has been quoted as saying the runoff and excessive sediment entering Moose Creek from the landfill site is not a threat to the environment.

According to information obtained by ACAL member Kathy Crofoot, Mr. Arnold has consistently downplayed the significance of the storm water management system failures that have resulted in the siltation of Moose Creek and the waters downstream. During the early site-evaluation process, Botanist Gretchen Stevens predicted the siltation of Moose Creek, and reported that choosing the current site for landfill development would have a profound impact on the adjacent wetlands and the Black River watershed. New York State Environmental Conservation Law provides for the protection of Trout Streams. I think it is safe to say that the NYSDEC has failed miserably in their conservation duties by allowing turbid stream conditions to occur that are detrimental to the fragile Moose Creek and Black River Ecosystem.

The people of this area have a voice. The only way to get the State to realize the Tug Hill Plateau is to be preserved and protected, is by citizens like you refusing to allow this area become the future dumping ground for New York City garbage.

Attend an ACAL meeting, 7PM at the United Methodist Church basement on Tuesdays. Visit our website, www. ACALnews.org and learn the facts. Write a letter sharing your personal stories. Send a tax-deductible donation. Support ACAL fund- raisers.

Together we can work to stop the injustice of forcing an 848-acre landfill on a community that produces less than 1% of the state’s total garbage. Instead, let’s put our resources together and get the attention of the State to preserve and protect the environment in our area for future generations. This is our homeland - the area settled by our ancestors. It is our duty to protect it!

Jacki Chamberlain, ACAL Communications Chairperson

03/16/12 - NEW SCHOLARSHIP INFORMATION
08/07/11 - Can Landfill Odors Be Prevented?
07/27/11 - Don't Give Up the Ship
12/21/10 - AUTHORITY SETTLES LAWSUIT WITH ACAL
10/11/10 - Black River Trash Bash
07/02/10 - Burning household trash is illegal in New York
06/17/10 - New Yorkers for Zero Waste Platform
07/13/09 - ACAL - Alive and well
04/13/08 - ACAL 2008 Update - Part 2
03/18/08 - ACAL Continues Environmental Mission in 2008
11/09/07 - Tug Hill Tomorrow Land Trust
10/26/07 - A good read - The Adirondack Atlas
10/12/07 - New York State Opening Meeting Law
09/28/07 - ACAL Fall Foliage Auction Oct. 5
09/21/07 - Integrity found in the Town of Ava
09/14/07 - Tug Hill resources have been targeted
08/19/07 - Fair and straighforward journalism?
08/10/07 - A Needed Appreciation for Nature
08/03/07 - New York State Municipal Home Rule Law
07/27/07 - Boonville Village Litter/Debris Local Law
07/19/07 - Black River Landing Subdivision Issues
07/13/07 - WTE vs. Landfills
06/29/07 - Too many impaired waters - Black River Watershed
06/22/07 - Protecting our drinking water starts at home
06/15/07 - ACAL Joins Northern Forest Alliance
06/07/07 - ACAL Holds 200/20 Drawing & Picnic, Annual Meeting
06/07/07 - ACAL AWARDED GRANT
06/01/07 - Be a solution - get involved
05/25/07 - American flags do not belong in landfills
05/24/07 - PRESS RELEASE - ACAL Signs Stolen & Vandalized
05/18/07 - Reality check for the DEC
05/04/07 - All citizens are called to act responsibly
04/27/07 - "An Inconvenient Truth"
04/13/07 - Citizens Deserve the Whole Truth ...
04/06/07 - Great Lakes United & Citizen Resources
03/30/07 - "What is the future of local government?"
03/23/07 - Citizens Expect More From Local Government
03/16/07 - Plastic Grocery Bags Harm Wildlife
03/09/07 - The Precious Gift of Water
03/02/07 - Working Together to Protect the Environment
02/26/07 - Grassroots groups are citizens who care!
02/16/07 - Local Citizens Want Environment Protected
02/09/07 - Open Letter to Boonville Town/Village Officials
02/02/07 - Ava Landfill Story Told in Chicago
01/26/07 - It's time for New Yorkers to reclaim their rights!
01/12/07 - CITIZENS' RIGHTS ARE NOT FOR SALE!
01/05/07 - "DO NOT LITTER" Applies to Everyone
12/15/06 - "March of the Penguins"
12/08/06 - Be "good news" in the community
12/01/06 - Moose Creek Prediction - 12 years ago!
11/22/06 - United Haulers v. OHSWA
11/17/06 - A Citizen's Rights
11/03/06 - EXERCISE YOUR RIGHT TO VOTE
11/01/06 - ACAL statement regarding opening of landfill
10/24/06 - OHSWA Opens Landfill Without Required DEC Permit
10/20/06 - OHSWA required by DEC to have proper permit
10/13/06 - Dr. Bob Johnson Speaks at Public Forum
10/06/06 - OHSWA Fails to Deliver
10/04/06 - PRESS RELEASE - Court Denies OHSWA Motions
09/26/06 - PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT
09/21/06 - If OHSWA knew what they were doing ...
09/08/06 - Joint Board Resolution Revisited
08/28/06 - A Special Message
08/11/06 - Who will save the Town of Ava?
07/21/06 - The Emperor isn't wearing any clothes!
06/10/06 - Honoring Flag Day
05/19/06 - Local Residents Demand Protection for Environment
05/12/06 - The Foundation for a Better Life
05/05/06 - ACAL will pursue justice
04/28/06 - "Tug Hill, A Threatened Paradise"
04/21/06 - NYS environmental law contradicts State action
04/13/06 - The Tug Hill Plateau is worth protecting!
03/22/06 - Press Release - OHSWA & Rifenburg Being Sued
02/24/06 - ACAL Finds NYSDEC Consent Out of Order
02/03/06 - ACAL Defends the Truth
01/02/06 - PRESS RELEASE
12/15/05 - ACAL Continues with its Mission
12/01/05 - Tug Hill Heritage
11/23/05 - Boonville Breaks Resolution
11/06/05 - October 2005 OHSWA meeting
10/28/05 - NYS Waste Disposal Policies Not Enforced
10/21/05 - Environmental Conservation Laws
10/12/05 - Response to Village Trustee
09/23/05 - OHSWA Permit Violations
09/16/05 - ACAL Misinformation
09/07/05 - Press Release: DEC Enforcement Action
08/24/05 - ACAL Misinformation
08/05/05 - It's never too late
07/22/05 - Citizens, stand strong - DO NOT NEGOTIATE!
07/15/05 - PRESS RELEASE - Problems on Ava Landfill Site
07/08/05 - The truth must be told
07/07/05 - WBRV Statement #5 - DANGER to our drinking water
07/06/05 - WBRV Statement #4 - Polluting landfills kill
07/05/05 - WBRV STATEMENT #3 - Boonville Poll Not Official
06/29/05 - WBRV Statement #2 - Landfills provide NO benefits
06/27/05 - WBRV Statement #1 -Towns must stick together
06/24/05 - Waste to energy facilities better alternative
06/17/05 - Boonville boards break agreement
06/17/05 - Slope failure sends mud into Moose Creek AGAIN!
06/12/05 - Environmentally safe alternatives to landfills
05/27/05 - Town of Ava will file an appeal
05/22/05 - Dynamite blasting on landfill site?
05/15/05 - Oneida County in Trouble
05/08/05 - FACTS and What You Can Do
05/01/05 - Community Gathers for Prayer Service
04/24/05 - Personal Letter to NYS Comptroller Alan G. Hevesi
04/17/05 - Power of Prayer
04/03/05 - The Waste Authority Must Be Stopped!
03/27/05 - Letter to NYS Comptroller Alan G. Hevesi
03/20/05 - OHSWA Propaganda
03/13/05 - Letter to Griffo - Put Words into Action!
03/06/05 - Get involved in your community
02/27/05 - Assemblyman Townsend Has Concerns Re: OHSWA
02/06/05 - Power of the Press
01/24/05 - Legislator Pam Mandryck Opposes SWA Reappointment
01/02/05 - Weeks of 1/2 - 1/16/05
12/22/04 - Response to letter
12/12/04 - Senator Ray Meier Favors Ava Landfill
11/28/04 - Proud Heritage
11/14/04 - Oneida County chooses - for the people, or not?
11/07/04 - Letters sent to Governor and NYS Senators
10/31/04 - Ava/Boonville future - NO DUMP!
10/28/04 - Letter to Governor Pataki
10/24/04 - Environment Justice All the Way!
10/22/04 - Press Release
10/17/04 - No Civil Rights for Ava Residents
10/10/04 - Article 78 Lawsuit Against DEC Commissioner Crotty
10/03/04 - 400+ Days and Still Fighting!
09/27/04 - Family Home Threatened
09/26/04 - Important Facts to Know About the Ava Landfill
09/19/04 - Letter from Concerned Citizen
09/12/04 - Small Town of Ava Dragged into Court by OHSWA
08/29/04 - Where Do Your Loyalities Lie?
08/22/04 - Beaver Dam Incident Still a Mystery
08/15/04 - Ava-Boonville-Lewis Joint Boards Resolution

 

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