The Sniff Test: Chapter 2

Miss Chapter 1? Click here to catch up on the story.

It seems the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) may finally understand the gravity of the issues at High Acres. In response to FAFE, Inc. concerns around the Towpath report, the NYS DEC has agreed to facilitate our ongoing efforts to assess and address odor impacts affecting neighborhoods surrounding the High Acres landfill.

In a written response to both FAFE admins and Waste Management (WM) leadership, the NYC DEC announced that it will be increasing its presence in the neighborhoods near the facility over the weekends. The NYS DEC has deployed uniformed officers to patrol the area from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. on both Saturdays and Sundays to assess the situation and respond to complaints by citizens. 

But, it seems WM might have taken this advance notice as an opportunity to redefine “Business as Usual" at High Acres.

Permits for the facility allow for work to be conducted between the hours of 8:00AM to 12:00PM on Saturdays. Residents in the area have noted that work was conducted on the face of the landfill almost every Satruday, for the past few months. However, a FAFE member's aerial photos from February 24th seem to show that no work was conducted on this particular Saturday. And, the lack of trains in queue is a striking difference from the typical weekend at High Acres.

High Acres Landfill - February 24, 2018

But, even with an obvious attempt to decrease odors, over 200+ complaints, with 96 emails sent to the NYS DEC allowed the DEC to confirm odors reached the Macedon Walmart area and the Fairport Village. 

NYS DEC Region 8 Director Paul J. D’Amato has informed FAFE that they will continue its presence for future weekends. This further shows the importance-- now more than ever-- for FAFE members to update their FAFE apps, and continue logging complaints!