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Hudsonia is a non-advocacy, not-for-profit, scientific research and education institute based at the Bard College Field Station in Dutchess County, New York.

In 1994, Adirondack Communities Advisory League (ACAL) hired Hudsonia to complete various assessments regarding the proposed Oneida-Herkimer Solid Waste Authority (OHSWA) landfill site in the Town of Ava.

Botanist Gretchen Stevens provided ACAL with extremely detailed and eye-opening information regarding the proposed landfill site and the potential environmental concerns regarding the placement of a landfill in the Ava area, particularly the location near the South Branch of Moose Creek.

An assessment of wetland delineation (boundaries) concerning the OHSWA landfill site was completed by Terrestrial Environmental Specialists, Inc. (TES) in 1994. Stevens concluded that the TES survey ignored “issues concerning rare or vulnerable habitats and neglects the more important issues of impacts to offsite wetlands and streams”, namely to Moose Creek and the Black River downstream.

In 1998, Ms. Stevens prepared comments for ACAL regarding OHSWA’s Draft Environmental Impact Statement. In addition to reinterating previous comments regarding biological assessments four years prior, Stevens raised serious questions relating to wetland delineation and state jurisdiction. In particular, Stevens discussed four memos found in New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) files discussing wetlands on the landfill site. The DEC documents contained “multiple areas of blacked out text” (expunged), suggesting there were missing documents and “incomplete documentation of field data” concerning the wetlands issues.

But of greater importance is the following information expressed by Ms. Stevens in 1998, taken from ACAL’s website, www.ACALnews.org, Appendix B, ACAL News.

The risk of siltation of the South Branch of Moose Creek during landfill construction and operation is very high. Sedimentation basins must have sufficient capacity to allow them to function effectively as a silting basin, even during a 100-year or larger storm [event]. “The failure of this system could have devastating consequences to the stream ecosystem. A stream may take many decades to recover from even a single siltation event.”

Since the Spring of 2005, OHSWA has been responsible for approximately 30 silation events entering the trout-spawning stream of Moose Creek. ACAL recently hired biologists to perform a stream and habitat assessment of the stream, which has been repeatedly violated by OHSWA. Had the DEC and OHSWA listened to recommendations of Gretchen Stevens twelve years ago, Moose Creek may not be at risk today.

But despite past ignorance from professional recommendations concerning the landfill, The DEC has failed to hold OHSWA accountable to the conditions of their permit. ACAL filed a citizens’ suit against OHSWA to ensure they comply with state and federal environmental laws. Area citizens can also do their part to help keep the area safe from potential negligence associated with the landfill.

For the past several years, annual snowfall amounts at the Jackson (Merry) Hill Weather Station have been 50-60 inches below the average of 215 inches. Spring thaw, better known as “mud season” has not occurred since landfill construction began. It will be extremely important for residents to keep a watchful eye on the lands and water surrounding OHSWA’s landfill this winter and especially next spring. Any visual disturbances should be reported to ACAL immediately.

In addition, I urge all area citizens to please report any accidents or dangerous situations regarding garbage trucks driving through the Village of Boonville and West Leyden, and on Route 294. I am appalled that OHSWA encourages large tandem trailers of garbage to drive through the Village of Boonville, past restaurants, local businesses, and two schools. Several weeks ago, an accident was reported involving an SUV and garbage truck at the light near the Village Green in Boonville. Thank goodness no one was hurt. However, as garbage trucks continue to make their way through the village and onto Route 294, it is only a matter of time before subsequent accidents will occur.

Once again, I urge all citizens to report any accident or dangerous occurrence, including speeding dump trucks on Route 294. Last fall, I personally followed a local dump truck leaving the landfill site driving towards West Leyden. At 70 mph, I could not catch it. This is unacceptable. State and local police officers have an obligation and responsibility to protect the local citizens from speeding trucks and accidents. Do not hesitate to call them. The Boonville Police can be reached at 943-2050 and the State Police may be contacted by dialing 911.

Now that OHSWA’s landfill is open, ACAL and area citizens must work together to keep our streets and environment safe. Thank you for your ongoing support.

Jacki Chamberlain, ACAL Communications Chairperson