NYS Poised to Approve Controversial Solid Waste/Mining Expansion On L.I. Despite Major Environmental Risks

ALBANY, NY (11/17/2014)(readMedia)-- On Wednesday, November 19th, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC), will hold a public hearing in Bridgehampton, NY on Sand Land Corporation's application requesting the authorization to significantly expand its solid waste management facility and mining site operations on Long Island, and extend the life of the facility for twenty-five years. Despite overwhelming local opposition to the application, including from the Town of Southampton, NYSDEC has said it will not require a full Environmental Impact Statement from Sand Land Corporation prior to ruling on the application.

The Sand Land Corporation site covers more 50 acres and reaches a depth of 160 feet, and the expansion would allow the increasing the depth to 200 feet directly over the aquifer in one of the most in the environmentally protected groundwater areas on Long Island. To date, despite evidence from its own investigation that faculties like this have a negative environmental impact, NYSDEC has not required any groundwater testing or monitoring at the site.

Earlier this year, despite evidence presented by public health and environmental officials that approving the expansion would have serious negative environmental and health consequences, NYSDEC issued a "negative declaration" on Sand Land's expansion application. By receiving a "negative declaration," Sand Land Corporation is not required to provide an Environmental Impact Study prior to getting approval for their application.

A diverse group of elected and town officials have called on NYSDEC to rescind the ruling and require Sand Land Corporation to provide an Environmental Impact Statement before approving ruling on their application.

Opposition to the Sand Land Corporation's application and those calling for greater regulation of this site include: Town Supervisor Anna Throne Hoist; Southampton Town Highway Supervisor Alex Gregory; Southampton Town Planner Kyle P Collins; The Southampton Town Council; Suffolk County Commissioner of Health James Tomarken; Senator Ken Lavalle; Assembly Member Fred Thiele; Citizens Campaign for the Environment; Group for the East End; and the Sag Harbor, Noyac and Southampton Civic Councils.

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