BILL NUMBER: S5441
SPONSOR: ASHBY
 
TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the environmental conservation law, in relation to
directing the department of environmental conservation to undertake a
review of the regulations governing the permitting of landfills and
transfer stations to ensure that such regulations integrate the latest
scientific information
 
PURPOSE OR GENERAL IDEA OF BILL:
The purpose of this bill is to require the NYS Department of Environ-
mental Conservation to review the regulations related to permitting
landfills and transfer stations to ensure that the regulations consider
scientific information related to the impacts on vulnerable populations.
 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:
Amends 27-0703 of the environmental conservation law by adding a new
subdivision 7 to require a review of regulations to ensure conformity to
scientific standards and a public report on the findings.
 
JUSTIFICATION:
The S.A. Dunn Sand & Gravel Co. landfill has operated since 2015 at 315
Partition St Ext, Rensselaer, NY 12144. Rensselaer Central Schools
border the landfill. There was an increase in the number of odor-comp-
laints and truck traffic since late 2018 due to a permit that allows the
landfill to accept construction debris.
This legislation would require the NYS Department of Environmental
Conservation to undertake a comprehensive review of regulations related
to permitting landfills and transfer stations to consider the impact on
vulnerable populations, such as children and senior citizens. The Dunn
Landfill is adjacent to an environmental justice community, and it is
imperative that evolving scientific standards and information be consid-
ered when determining any potential impacts. A public report of the
findings will ensure full transparency and allow community members to
review the considerations made when reviewing the regulations.
 
PRIOR LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
2023-24: A.1767
 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:
To be determined.
 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect immediately.

Statutes affected:
S5441: 27-0703 environmental conservation law