Colonie
The state Department of Environmental Conservation has approved permits for the town of Colonie's proposed landfill expansion, although Saratoga County leaders still oppose the project over environmental concerns.
The town received the permits on April 5, allowing it to expand into an area known as Area 7 of the landfill, which is located between the Mohawk River and Route 9. It is just south of the Halfmoon town line, and is operated for the town by Waste Connections.
"DEC determined the application to be in compliance with all New York state rules and regulations governing waste management practices and all proposed landfill operations have been deemed to be fully protective of public health and the environment," DEC said in a statement issued by a spokeswoman.
Colonie had originally planned a 105 acre expansion, but had scaled back the plan to 93 acres, and placed the site 500 feet from the water, instead of just 100 feet.
The landfill will be allowed to pile up another 30 feet of trash, rather than the 87 feet that the town was originally seeking.
Although the permits are vital to Colonie — the landfill is likely to reach capacity by the end of the year — supervisors in the town of Halfmoon and Waterford are not happy, claiming the expansion will cause odors and further pollute the Mohawk.
Waterford Town Supervisor Jack Lawler is also worried that the additional 30 feet of trash added on top of the current landfill could destabilize hazardous waste in the existing landfill. He said the DEC is downplaying the potential of that happening.
"It is pure speculation on their part, and very risky speculation at that," he said.