New York State bill aims to stop construction of ‘controversial’ WTE facility

The New York State Assembly Thursday passed a bill that prevents construction of any new waste incinerators in the Finger Lakes region.

According to a news release, the bill would prohibit issuance of required permits for incinerator facilities in the region, including the proposal to build a new waste incinerator on a 48-acre parcel of the Seneca Army Depot in Romulus, “which has caused widespread concern throughout the Finger Lakes.”

Under the current state law, a waste incinerator can be built even if it violates local zoning ordinances. Co-sponsored by Assemblywoman Barbara Lifton and Assemblymember Michael Cusick, the new bill would prevent permitting of any new incinerator in the region.

The legislation is aimed at Rochester, New York-based Circular enerG, the startup company behind the proposed $365 million waste-to-energy facility, which would have the capacity to burn 2,640 tons of waste per day into energy. The proposal has received widespread opposition from residents and state legislators who believe the project will have negative impact on health and environment in the region.

After hearing about the proposed project last year, Lifton brought the issue to the attention Cusick, chair of the assembly energy committee. Lifton and Cusick worked closely together to draft the bill.

In a news release, Lifton states, “The proposed project in Romulus carries significant risks to the health and welfare of our region and all our communities, and experts have told us that it could be very damaging to the local environment. Wineries and local businesses throughout our region have also weighed in on the project, expressing concern that an incinerator could have a devastating impact on the local agriculture and tourism industries.”

Lifton hopes that the Senate will pass this bill next and that Governor Cuomo will sign it into law.