Narrative of Resolution:
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Opposing the Proposal put forth by the Ulster County resource Recovery Agency
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RESOLUTION SPONSORED BY EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE OPPOSING THE PROPOSAL PUT FORTH BY THE ULSTER COUNTY RESOURCE RECOVERY AGENCY REGARDING THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A COUNTYWIDE LANDFILL AT EITHER OF THE TWO IDENTIFIED LOCATIONS IN THE TOWN OF WAWARSING
WHEREAS, the Ulster County Resource Recovery Agency (“UCRRA”) has proposed the establishment of a countywide landfill at either of two identified locations in the Town of Wawarsing; and
WHEREAS, the proposed sites are on the border of Sullivan County and the Town of Mamakating, thereby directly impacting the residents and ecosystems of both counties; and
WHEREAS, the potential environmental impact of siting a landfill in Wawarsing cannot be overstated, as both the Milk Road and Brown Road sites are adjacent to areas of natural beauty and ecological significance in Ulster and Sullivan Counties; and
WHEREAS, placing a landfill in these locations would jeopardize the rural nature of these two locations disrupting the local ecosystems, including water sources and wildlife habitats, with potential contamination of groundwater and streams, thereby posing a threat to public health and the environment; and
WHEREAS, the hydrology and soil studies proposed by the “UCRRA” are inadequate to fully assess the long-term consequences of siting a landfill in these sensitive environments; and
WHEREAS, increased heavy truck traffic associated with landfill operations would result in significant wear and tear on local roads, degrade road quality, compromise safety for residents, and disrupt daily life in surrounding communities, including those in Sullivan County; and
WHEREAS, the assertion that these locations are suitable due to their proximity to state routes fails to address the substantial traffic burden on smaller, local roads not designed to accommodate heavy truck traffic; and
WHEREAS, the establishment of a landfill at these locations poses a threat to property values, local tourism, and the quality of life for residents in both counties; and
WHEREAS, the Town of Wawarsing and the surrounding areas are known for their natural beauty and outdoor recreational opportunities, which would be irreparably harmed by the siting of a landfill; and
WHEREAS, the Sullivan County Legislature supports the intent of the UCRRA to site a landfill within Ulster County in a location that is better suited for industrial type development and not in a rural setting.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOVLED, that the Sullivan County Legislature strongly opposes the proposal by the “UCRRA” to establish a countywide landfill at either of the two identified locations in the Town of Wawarsing; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Sullivan County Legislature urges the “UCRRA” to abandon the proposed sites in Wawarsing and to prioritize siting a landfill in an area of Ulster County more suited to industrial type development, and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Sullivan County Legislature calls upon the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation and other relevant agencies to conduct comprehensive environmental impact assessments and to ensure that any proposed waste management projects adhere to the highest environmental and public health standards and to ensure Sullivan County is protected if a landfill should be sited at one of the two proposed locations; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Clerk of the Legislature is hereby directed to forward copies of this resolution to the Ulster County Legislature, the “UCRRA”, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, and all others deemed necessary and proper.
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