HomeMy WebLinkAboutSWMP GEIS Findings Statement 1991 •
STATE ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY�REVIEW ACT
FINDINGS STATEMENT
TOWN OF SOUTHOLD SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT PLAN
GENERIC ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT
Issued by
Town of Southold
Town Board
Southold, New York
otMarch 12, 1991
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STATE ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY REVIEW ACT
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FINDINGS STATEMENT
TOWN OF SOUTHOLD SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT PLAN
GENERIC ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT
Proposed Action
Town of Southold Solid Waste Management Plan/Generic Environmental
Impact Statement ("Plan').
Description of Action
The Town of Southold (the "Town") proposes to undertake a Townwide
comprehensive solid waste management plan that provides for the, reduction,
recycling, processing, and disposal of all municipal solid waste generated within the
Town. The Plan includes a resource recovery system aimed at 70% to 75%
reduction/recycling/reuse of the Town's waste stream. Elements of the resource
recovery system include:waste reduction;materials recycling, to be achieved through
mandatory source separation; household hazardous waste removal (S.T.O.P.
program); yard waste composting of leaves and brush; a pilot demonstration yard
waste composting project for.-organic components of the waste stream (i.e. sludge
and low grade paper); construction and demolition debris processing by the private
sector; land clearing debris processing by the private sector; major household
appliance handling for recycling; tire handling for recycling; and a two-acre clean fill
for residentially generated clean materials at the existing solid waste disposal
complex in Cutchogue, and a separate two-acre clean fill on Fishers Island. For the
remaining 25% to 30% of the waste stream, the Plan contains recommended actions
that include: 1) continued, but reduced, landfilling of the waste remaining after
reduction, recycling, and reuse using the existing landfill through 1992; 2) use of a
new lined five-acre landfill at the existing site from 1993 through 1995; 3) use of a
new, in-Town lined landfill to be developed in three five-acre stages from 1996 to
2015. Plan updates will be prepared prior to the end of each stage to evaluate
municipal or private sector processing facilities that may become available, and to
determine the appropriateness of utilizing those facilities or of continuing the
recommended actions of the Final Plan/GEIS.
Location
t Town of Southold, County of Suffolk, New York.
Agency Jurisdiction
The Town of Southold Town Board (the '"Town Board"), as SEQRA Lead
Agency.
Date Final GEIS Filed
January 22, 1991
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TOWN OF SOUTHOLD SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT PLAN
GENERIC ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT
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FACTS AND CONCLUSIONS
IN THE GENERIC ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT
RELIED UPON TO SUPPORT THE DECISION
Introduction
The Town of Southold Solid Waste Management Plan (Plan) has been
developed as part of a comprehensive planning effort for solid waste management.
The Plan has been necessitated by many factors, including strict landfilling
limitations required by the Long Island Landfill Law, the State's 1988 Solid Waste
Management Act, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation's
1987 Solid Waste Management Plan (and updates), and the Part 360 solid waste
regulations.
The Town owns and operates a solid waste disposal complex in Cutchogue
that receives most of the municipal solid waste generated and disposed of in the
Town. The site includes an area for voluntary drop-off of recyclables, a yard waste
composting operation, a household hazardous waste containment facility for the
Town's "Stop Throwing Out Pollutants" (S.T.O.P.) program, separate holding areas
for household appliances and tires awaiting transfer to processing facilities, and a
landfill for the remainder of the waste delivered to the complex. Collection is
offered to residential, commercial, institutional, and industrial customers on an
individual contract basis by Town-permitted carters. A portion of the waste is
delivered to the complex by self haulers and private commercial vehicles.
Current scale house data from January through November, 1990 indicates that
solid waste generation in the Town, including Fishers Island, averages approximately.
+ 131 tons per day. Current estimates and solid waste generation projections are
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contained in the Plan. All future projections are based on the Plan's 'base year"
• estimated daily average of 127.2 tpd of waste generated in the Town during 1989.
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SEQRA Background
On January 23, 1990, the Town of Southold, in accordance with the
requirements of the State Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQRA), issued a
Notice of Intent to be Lead Agency for the development of a solid waste
management plan for the Town. The Town indicated that the development of the
Plan was considered a Type I Action and that a Generic Environmental Impact
( Statement (GEIS) would be required. The Notice of Intent was sent -to 16
potentially involved agencies. Following the 30-day period for comment or dispute
regarding Lead Agency status, the Town assumed Lead Agency status and issued a
Positive Declaration on March 1, 1990.
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A two-session (day and evening) public scoping meeting was held on March
19, 1990. These scoping meetings enabled the Town, involved agencies, interested
parties, and the public to identify important issues to -be addressed in the
development of the Plan/GEIS.
The Draft Plan/GEIS was prepared by the Town's solid waste consultant and
accepted as complete by the Town Board, acting as Lead Agency, on September 25,
1990. A S'EQR Notice of Completion was also issued on September 25, 1990, and
a SEQRA Notice of Public Hearing was issued on October 2, 1990. Copies of the
Draft Plan/GEIS were distributed for review and comment to involved and
interested agencies and parties, and were also made available for review.in the
Southold Town Hall, Southold Free Library, Mattituck Free Library, Cutchogue
Library, Floyd Memorial Library, and Fishers Island Library. Additionally,
summaries of the Draft Plan/GEIS were available to anyone requesting a copy.
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The September 25, 1990 issuance of the Draft Plan/GEIS initiated an
• extended 64-day public review period through November 27, 1990. This review
•' period (greater than the minimum 30-day period required by SEQRA) afforded the
public, involved agencies, and interested parties a substantial opportunity to provide
comments on the Draft Plan/GEIS. The comment period included a 14-day
extension that was granted upon the NYSDEC's request. Although the NYSDEC's
comments were not received by the Town until after the close of the comment
period, on December 6, 1990, the comments were considered, evaluated, and
responded to in significant detail in the Final Plan/GEIS. To maximize the
opportunity for public comment, the Town held a public hearing (optional under
SEQRA) in two sessions (day and evening) on October 30, 1990. Involved agencies,
interested parties, and the public were given additional opportunity at this hearing
to give oral and/or written comments on the Draft Plan/GEIS.
r Following a consideration of all substantive oral and written comments
received, a Final Solid Waste Management Plan/Generic Environmental Impact
Statement (Final Plan/GEIS)was prepared by the Town's solid waste consultant and
accepted by the Town Board. A SEQRA Notice of Completion of the Final
Plan/GEIS was issued on January 22, 1991. The Final Plan/GEIS provided
additional information that has become available since the issuance of the Draft
version, adjustments to the Draft Plan/GEIS, and responses to the comments
received during the SEQRA public comment period.
Alternative Evaluation
In formulating the Town's proposed Plan, a number of alternative processing
i methods and implementation alternatives were evaluated based on their applicability
to the Town's needs. Alternatives which were evaluated included:
o No Action o Land Clearing Debris Disposal
• o Waste Reduction o Landfill Disposal
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o Household Hazardous Waste o Waste-to-Energy
Removal o Municipal Solid Waste
�► o Materials Recycling Composting
o Yard Waste Composting and o Alternative Methods of
-Source Separated Material Processing/Disposal of
o Construction and Demolition Other Wastes
Debris (C&D) processing
The alternatives analysis indicated that if maximum recycling were achieved
through higher residential/private sector participation and strong markets, and
through the implementation of the proposed resource recovery system,approximately
25% to 30% of the Town's waste stream would require subsequent processing
and/or disposal. Alternatives that were considered in the Draft Plan/GEIS for
processing or disposal of the remaining waste stream included the following:
o Existing Landfill Arrangements
o Disposal in new, 15-acre in-Town lined landfill
o Brookhaven CERF (no longer feasible)
o Processing at Huntington ERF (if 4th Unit is implemented)
o Processing at Babylon ERF (if 3rd Unit is implemented)
o Processing at an in-Town MSW composting facility
o Yard waste exchange with a western Long Island town ERF
o Total private sector processing/disposal (including Hempstead ERF)
o Long haul exportation of waste off Long Island
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The Draft Plan/GEIS consideration of the previously proposed Brookhaven
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Composting/Energy Recovery Facility(CERF)has been eliminated as an alternative
option in the Final Plan/GEIS due to the recent Brookhaven/ Hempstead
arrangement that has precluded the need for Brookhaven to develop the CERF
project.
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Based upon the analysis of these alternatives, a comprehensive Plan for 100%
of the waste has been proposed that is expected to result in the effective
management of the Town's solid waste in an environmentally sound, cost-effective
manner that reflects the social and economic characteristics of Southold. In
particular, the proposed Plan reflects the Town's rural nature as a farming
community with a relatively small population. The proposed Plan involves a 70%
to 75% base plan resource recovery system that is targeted for achievement by 1995
through reduction, recycling, and reuse. The proposed Plan also contains the
recommended action for the processing/disposal of the remaining 25% to 30% of
the waste stream.
In addition to evaluating technical alternatives involving processing and
implementation, the planning effort also included an evaluation of legislative/
regulatory/legal options that could be undertaken to ensure that, with regard to
future landfilling in Southold, the Long Island Landfill Law be made consistent with:
a) the L.I. 208 Plan recommendations for landfilling in rural areas;
b) the NYSDEC 1986 Long Island Groundwater Management Program for
landfilling in rural areas; and
c) the Long Island Landfill Law deadline be made more realistic with a 2-
year extension.
Suffolk County Department of Health Services position on landfilling on Long Island
The Suffolk County Department of Health Services (SCDHS),issued a report
in June 1990 entitled Impacts of Landfills on Water Quality in Suffolk Cou.M. This
report drew the following conclusions:
1) Leachate-impacted groundwater does not spread out in all
directions to impact large regions, but instead stays confined to rather
restricted plumes with definable boundaries. Even within plume
boundaries, drinking water standards may not be exceeded in all areas.
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2. Leachate often is depicted as an extremely toxic substance that
is going to render Long Island groundwater totally undrinkable. In fact,
the data indicate that the contaminants characterizing landfill leachate
have been found to be relatively non-conservative in the aquifer system.
a. The only inorganics found to exceed any standard have been
iron and manganese which are secondary standards established for
aesthetic purposes.
b. The sparsity of heavy metal results do not show any significant
groundwater contamination other than isolated, often unconfirmed,
samples taken very near a landfill.
c. The presence of occasional organic compounds confirms that
landfills have buried hazardous wastes but leachate movement is such
that no public water wells will be affected.
3. The relatively small number of municipal landfill sites (11 active,
19 inactive), plus the small percentage of groundwater that could
potentially be impacted by leachate (upper limit of .1%), makes
avoidance of plume areas a viable, though not necessarily optimal,
`r 4 management strategy for public water supply management.
4. No impacts from landfill leachate have been found in any existing
public water supply wells.
5. Continued use of existing landfills presents no threat to water
supply (present or future) in Suffolk County. Other areas in the state,
with different hydrogeological conditions,would need a separate review.
Conclusions
The evaluation conducted by the Town's consulting engineers as part of the
planning effort has concluded that the lined landfilling of waste in rural Long Island
areas can be conducted in an environmentally sound manner. This conclusion is
supported by previous technical studies, including those of the DEC, and the recent
draft report by the Suffolk County Department of Health Services whose conclusions
are outlined above.
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Decision
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• Upon considering: (1) all comments made during the scoping process; (2) the
Draft and Final Plan/GEIS for the proposed action; (3) all statements and
comments on the Draft Plan/GEIS made at the two-session public hearing held on
October 30, 1990; (4) all written comments received during the SEQRA public
_ comment period; and (5) analyses performed by the Town's solid waste consultant,
the Town Board makes the following decisions concerning the proposed action:
Proposed Action: The Solid Waste Management Plan
The Solid Waste Management Plan for the Town of Southold provides
recommendations for handling 100% of the waste stream in two major
classifications: a resource recovery system for 70% to 75% of the waste stream; and
actions for processing the 25% to 30% remaining waste.
Resource Recovery System for 70% to 75% of the Waste Stream
The resource recovery system includes elements of waste reduction, materials
recycling, major household appliances handling, tire handling/processing, household
hazardous waste separation, construction and demolition debris recycling and
processing,land clearing debris recycling and processing, and yard waste composting.
Waste materials to be targeted by the resource recovery system will include:
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o,Newspaper o Ferrous Metals
o Magazines o Nonferrous Metals
o Corrugated/Brown Bags o Three Colors of Glass
o Other Paperboard o Wood and Lumber
o Office'Paper o Asphalt
o Low-Grade (Other) Paper o Concrete/Brick
o Polyethylene Terphthalate (PET) o Tires
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o High Density Polyethlyene (HDPE) o Dirt
o Yard Wastes o Textiles
o Sludge o Household Hazardous Wastes
o Sand/Sod o Batteries (Vehicle/Household)
Waste Reduction: This element of the Plan consists of supporting legislation
and other initiatives designed to encourage commercial, industrial, and institutional
establishments to reduce waste generation at the source or point of packaging. The
Town will support legislative efforts by State and Federal governments that aim to:
reduce the volume and type of packaging materials; expand the current beverage
container deposit law; encourage the-greater use of recycled materials; promote the
development of household hazardous waste removal programs; assist private sector
reduction and recycling programs; and assist and encourage backyard composting.
The Plan establishes a waste reduction goal of 10% of the total waste stream.
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Materials Recycling: A cornerstone of the Plan's resource recovery system is
a comprehensive materials recycling program designed to minimize the quantity of
waste that will require subsequent processing and disposal. Based on the
recommendations contained in the Plan, the Town is in the process of instituting
mandatory source separation for residential, commercial, industrial, and institutional
sectors. Portions of the Town currently recycle newspaper, plastic, and glass through
a voluntary curbside collection program. The Plan sets a materials recycling goal of
18% to 23% of the total waste stream. Recyclable materials will either be picked
up by individual recyclers, transported to the Brookhaven MRF that is nearing
startup, or transported to an East End municipal or private sector MRF if one is
implemented in the future.
Major Household Appliances Handling: Discarded major household
appliances (also referred to as "white goods") will continue to be stockpiled at the
Town solid waste disposal complex and will be transferred on a regular basis to
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private recycling/ processing facilities. It is estimated that major household
• appliances comprise approximately 1% of the total waste stream in Southold.
Tire Handling/Processing: In accordance with the Plan recommendations, a
portion of the Town solid waste disposal complex will continue to be used to
stockpile up to 1000 discarded tires for subsequent transfer to appropriate
reprocessing or recycling facilities. It is estimated that less than 0.5% of the Town's
total waste stream will be handled by this operation.
Household Hazardous Waste Separation: The Town currently has a voluntary
S.T.O.P. program. Household hazardous wastes dropped off at the Town solid waste
disposal complex are stored in a state-of-the-art household hazardous waste
containment facility for pickup by a licensed hazardous waste hauler. It is estimated
that household hazardous wastes comprise less than 0.5% of the Town's total waste
stream. Items to be separated from the waste stream include, but are not limited
to, the following:
o Adhesives o Paint Removers
o Alcohol o Paint Thinners
o Antifreeze o Pesticides
o Brake Fluid o Petroleum Based Solvents
o Charcoal Lighter Fluid o Photographic Chemicals and Supplies
o Cleaning Solvents o Plant and Insect Spray
o Degreasers o Pool Chemicals
o Fertilizers o Solvents
o Gasoline o Spot Removers
o Herbicides o Stain and Varnishes
o Kerosene o Wood Preservatives
o Paints o Unknown and Unlabeled Containers
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Construction and Demolition Debris Recycling and Processing: It is
• recommended that construction and demolition debris be disposed of in a two-acre
(or less) clean fill at the existing solid waste disposal complex in Cutchogue and on
FIshers Island, for a three to five year period in accordance with the requirements
set forth under 6 NYCRR 360-8.6(c). Materials that cannot legally be disposed of
in a clean fill will be directed to the private sector. Over the long-term, recycling
and processing of all construction and demolition debris will be directed to the
private sector, ,as is the case in most towns on Long Island. It is estimated that
construction and demolition debris comprise approximately 15% of the Town's total
waste stream.
Land Clearing Debris Recycling and Processing: It is recommended that land
clearing debris be disposed of in a two-acre (or less) clean fill at the existing solid
waste disposal complex in Cutchogue, and on Fishers Island, for a three to five year
period in accordance with the requirements set forth,under 6 NYCRR 360-8.6(c).
Materials that cannot legally be disposed of in a clean fill will be directed to the
private sector. Over the long-term, recycling and processing of land clearing debris
will be directed to the private sector, as is the case in most towns on Long Island.
It is estimated that land clearing debris comprise approximately 15% of the Town's
total waste stream.
Yard Waste Composting: The existing yard waste composting facility will
continue to operate and be expanded to accommodate all of the Town's leaves and
brush. The Town will also develop a limited demonstration pilot cocomposting
effort for organic portions of the waste stream (i.e. sludge and low-grade paper).
Marketability of this type of compost product will also be evaluated. The Town will
continue to evaluate the possibility of a regional, or subregional composting
operation. Portions of the existing solid waste disposal complex will be evaluated
for additional yard waste composting operations. The Town will encourage backyard
composting to minimize the size of the expanded yard waste composting operation.
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It is estimated that yard waste comprises approximately 10% of the Town's total
waste stream.
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Clean Fill: The nonrecyclable, noncombustible, and noncompostable wastes
generated in small quantities by homeowners, that can legally be disposed of in a
clean fill in accordance with the requirements set forth under 6 NYCRR 360-8.6(c),
will be diverted to a less than two-acre clean fill at the Town solid waste disposal
complex in Cutchogue, and a less than two-acre clean fill on Fishers Island for a
period of three to five years. Following this period, these materials will be directed
to the private sector for recycling, together with the C&D and land clearing portions
of the Town's waste stream.
Proposed Action for Processing the 25% to 30% Remaining Waste
The resource recovery system portion of the Plan discussed above is expected
to effectively reduce/recycle/reuse (including composting) approximately 70% to
75% of the Town's total waste stream, provided that relatively high participation
rates are achieved and markets are available. A phased plan for the 25% to 30%
residual waste remaining after implementation of the proposed resource recovery
system will be implemented.
The residual waste portion of the Plan will consist of an interim phase, a
short-term phase, and a long-term phase. The residual waste portion of the Plan
contains recommended actions for the interim period (1990-1992) that will allow for
initial Plan start-up. The short-term phase (1993-1995) consists of actions that will
provide for continued planning to allow for changes in solid waste projects in other
'`. towns, and will reflect a cautious and flexible approach to the Town's decision
making. As a result of the size of the Town and uncertainties regarding the Landfill
Law and solid waste projects in other Long Island towns, the long-term phase is
divided into three stages (1996-2001, 2002-2008, and 2009-2015).
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Interim Phase
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A two year extension (through legislative, regulatory, or legal action) of the
landfill closure date mandated by the Long Island Landfill Law would be necessary
for continued, but reduced, landfilling at the current site in the interim period (1990-
1992) until the new five-acre lined landfill (short-term phase) is permitted and
completed.
Continued use of Southold's existing landfill would also allow it to achieve
the desired configuration and contour elevations for proper closure and capping.
This two year extension would also provide for interim disposal and avoid long haul.
This would avoid travel through western towns and New York City, and would not
result in out-of-state or upstate exportation. This arrangement would conform to the
Landfill Law's provision allowing continued landfilling during implementation of a
resource recovery system if there is no energy recovery processing available to the
Town. If a landfill extension is not granted, then long haul of the Town's waste off
of Long Island could be necessary until the first five-acre cell is completed.
Short-term Phase
In the short-term phase of the Plan (1993-1995), it is recommended that the
Town construct a new, five-acre in-Town lined landfill for residual waste disposal.
' The new landfill would be located on Town owned land at the existing solid waste
disposal complex and would feature a double composite liner system, dual leachate
collection and treatment systems, and methane recovery. This new landfill would
provide for the disposal of the 25% to 30% residual waste until the Town can take
the necessary steps to implement the recommended action for the long-term phase,
and is expected to have a useful life of approximately four to five years, depending
on levels of recycling.
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Long-term Phase
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• The long-term phase is divided into three stages from 1996"through 2001,2002
through 2008; and 2009 through 2015. The three stages will provide for a periodic
evaluation of alternative processing/disposal options for the 25% to 30% residual
waste. This will allow the Town to pursue a more cost-effective option, should one
become available during any one of the three stages. During the final two years of
each stage, a Plan update will be prepared, at least with respect to the residual
waste portion of the Town's Plan, to reflect any new and emerging technologies and
changes in the currently proposed processing/disposal options in other towns,
particularly in the larger western towns that could potentially process a portion of
Southold's waste.
The implementation of this multistaged approach would allow for disposal of
the 25% to 30% residual waste remaining after the implementation of the Town's
resource recovery system without necessarily committing to lined landfilling for the
full life of the proposed Plan. The implementation of a new, in-Town lined landfill,
to be developed in three five-acre cells, would allow for a continuous evaluation of
any municipal or private sector facilities that may become available in the future.
Proposed Action: New. Lined in-Town Landfill
The Town proposed to implement the preferred action as identified in the
Final Plan/GEIS. The preferred action calls for a 15-acre landfill (needed for the
20 year period from 1996 to 2015), to be implemented in three five-acre cells. The
new, state-of-the-art landfill would be double lined and would feature dual leachate
collection and treatment systems and methane recovery. The first five-acre cell
would be sufficient to dispose of the 25% to 30% residual waste for the first stage
of the long-term phase (1996 through 2001). During the final two years of this stage,
a Plan update would be prepared for the evaluation of any municipal or private
sector facilities that may become available for possible utilization during the second
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stage of the long-term phase (2002 through 2008). .If a suitable facility to process
the remaining waste is not found to exist before the end of the first stage, a second
9 five-acre landfill cell would be constructed for use during the second stage of the
long-term phase (2002 through 2008). This would be followed by a third five-acre
landfill cell if the Plan update to be performed during the final two years of the
second stage indicates that it would be necessary to continue landfilling for the final
long-term stage of the Plan (2009 through 2015).
Fishers Island
As part of the 25% to 30% residual portion of the Plan, Fishers Island would
continue current landfill procedures for approximately one to two years until the
existing landfill (which is relatively flat) reaches capacity and can be capped and
closed. After that time, the mixed waste and separated recyclables could be
c " transported directly off of Fishers Island using collection vehicles rather than a
transfer operation and handled with the rest of the Town's waste stream.
Environmental Impacts and Mitigation Measures
As described in the Draft and Final Plan/GEIS, the proposed action is
expected to result in environmental impacts of varying significance. The following
summarizes the potential impacts of the proposed action and associated mitigation
measures.
Potential Beneficial Impacts
While elements of the proposed Plan may result in environmental impacts
that would require mitigation, the long term effect from implementation of the
proposed action is expected to be beneficial. The proposed Plan is consistent with
! the provisions of the New York State Solid Waste Management Plan, the Solid
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Waste Management Act, and the Long Island Landfill Law. The following have
been identified as anticipated potential beneficial impacts in the Plan/GEIS:
1. The pursuit of a Townwide recycling program,with processing of recyclable
materials at the Brookhaven Materials Recovery Facility (MRF) or an East End
municipal or private sector MRF if one is implemented, is expected to generate
' recycled newspaper, glass, metals, and plastics. In addition, revenues from the sale
of recycled materials, if markets exist, are expected to offset the cost of the resource
recovery system.
2. The anticipated reduction in landfilling of solid waste will lead to a
diminishing of landfill-associated environmental impacts such as odors, groundwater
leaching, and dust emissions. In addition, the shift away from landfilling the Town's
total waste stream would reduce the need for additional landfill space in accordance
with New York's legislative mandate that landfilling be deemphasized as a means
of solid waste disposal.
3. As a result of yard waste composting, a portion of the Town's waste stream
will be utilized as a natural recycled product for environmentally sound application
as garden mulch, fertilizer, etc.
4. Avoiding the long-haul exportation of solid waste is expected to ensure
reliability of disposal and reduce costs to the Town.
5. Removal of household toxics from the waste stream is expected to reduce
the potential for adverse environmental impacts from these materials.
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6. Construction and operation of the various Plan components is expected to
result in additional short and long-term employment opportunities in the Town.
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7. Implementation of the proposed Plan is expected to increase business
opportunities associated with collection, processing, marketing, and use of recycled
materials.
Potential Adverse Impacts and Associated Mitigation Measures
Although the overall impacts of the Plan are expected to be beneficial when
compared to the Town's existing solid waste disposal practices, certain environmental
impacts requiring mitigation are expected. The following have been identified as
potential adverse environmental impacts in the Plan/GEIS. The discussion takes
into account the "generic" nature of the review at this stage. Subsequent site and
facility-specific environmental review would address specific impacts and mitigation
measures in greater detail.
1. Town Setting (Sites) - During construction of the various Plan facilities,
there is a potential for short-term and intermittent impacts relating to erosion and
storm water runoff. Litter and windblown debris may occur on and off-site.
However., mitigation measures will be implemented to minimize this potential-
impact. Proper siting considerations have been implemented to minimize or
eliminate impacts from long-term operation of sites. Erosion and sediment control
methods, such as berms and hay bales, may be used during construction and
operation of the proposed facility sites. Open vehicles will be required to utilize
covers to reduce wind blown debris and litter. Proper site maintenance is expected
to minimize the potential for nuisance animals and vectors.
2. Geology. Soils. and Topography - Areas to be developed would be
disturbed during construction of the various Plan component facilities. The existing
topography is expected to change as a result of construction activities and landfill
operations. Areas exposed during construction would be quickly revegetated to
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minimize erosion and visual appearance impacts. Measures such as berms, barriers,
retaining walls, and terraces would be undertaken during construction to direct
• surface runoff away from sensitive areas.
3. Water Resources - Normal operations at some of the various processing
facilities will require additional water use. Leachate is expected to result from
landfilling and possibly from composting activities. Consumptive water use is
1` expected to be offset by on-site water recycling and other water conservation
strategies. Leachate generated by the landfill would be controlled by providing
double liners and collection systems in accordance with applicable State regulations.
Leachate from composting facilities is expected to be mitigated by providing cover,
runoff controls, and on-site water recycling.
4. Air Resources - Construction and operation of Plan component facilities
could result in fugitive dust, exhaust emissions, and odors. Impacts from stationary
sources of air pollution would be mitigated by state-of-the-art emission controls,
scheduled equipment maintenance programs, and periodic testing of control
equipment, as required by State and Federal law. This includes controls for
i methane gas generated at the landfill. During construction, all practicable measures
will be implemented to minimize fugitive dust and vehicle exhaust emissions. This
would be accomplished by limiting vehicle use in construction areas (via alternating
staging areas), and implementing water spray dust suppression programs. Solid
waste delivered to Plan component facilities will be expeditiously-processed to
minimize odors. The landfill would be required to provide daily cover and provide
for controls to mitigate potential odors. Odor production at composting facilities
would be minimized by maintaining aerobic conditions and ensuring proper facility
maintenance. Truck routes would be established to minimize off-site odors.
5. Terrestrial and Aquatic Ecology - Construction on an undeveloped site
would remove those lands from use by animals and plant species. Surface erosion
during construction may impact nearby habitats. Restoration of vegetative cover
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would offset construction period impacts. Impacts to plant life from methane
• emissions'would be mitigated through proper collection/venting of landfill emissions.
Impacts to neighboring habitats is minimized or eliminated through proper siting
considerations.
6. Transportation - Construction and.operation of proposed Plan facilities
could result in increased traffic in the vicinity of such facilities. Traffic impacts will
be mitigated by improving access roads and regulating refuse vehicle routes. The
Plan makes provisions for additional transfer stations to reduce traffic in the vicinity
of the solid waste management facilities. Traffic during construction of Plan
{ facilities could be mitigated by providing accompanying vehicles with warning
signs/flashers, and/or securing local police to direct traffic.
7. Land Use and Zoning - Land would be committed for use by the various
Plan facilities. Proper design and layout of facilities would minimize land use and
zoning impacts. No additional mitigative measures would be required other than
eliminating potential impacts through proper siting considerations.
8. Community Services - With the exception of the potential for unusual
emergencies, mostly related to worker safety, the proposed Plan is not expected to
result in any adverse impacts on community services. Solid waste facilities would be
equipped with fire fighting equipment such as automatic fire detection systems,
sprinkler systems, and fire extinguishers. Worker safety training and compliance
with OSHA regulations would minimize the need for emergency medical services.
9. Demography - The proposed Plan is not expected to result in any
significant impacts on the localized or regional demographics or employment.
10. Cultural.Archaeological, and Historical Resources -Attention to cultural,
archaeological, and historical resources of the Town during the landfill siting
evaluation will minimize impacts upon these areas.
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11. Noise - Noise from the construction and operation of various Plan
facilities is anticipated to be intermittent and temporary. Normal operations at the
various processing facilities could generate some noise. Mitigation measures include,
but are not limited to: use of acoustical construction materials, barricades,
maintenance of tree canopies surrounding the facilities, and installation,of noise
abatement equipment. Major construction activities will be limited to normal
working hours on weekdays, and heavy construction equipment will be equipped with
muffler devices.
12. Visual Aspects - Unavoidable impacts could be expected from the
construction and operation of various Plan facilities, including nighttime lighting at
facility locations, security fencing, and additional traffic signals. Visual impacts will
be minimized through proper landscaping, buffer areas, or other screening devices.
Buildings will be designed to blend in with the existing landscape, and nighttime
lighting will be limited to essential areas to mitigate off-site impacts.
13. Economics - The long-range economic impacts of the proposed Plan are
expected to be positive relative to alternatives that would result in out-of-Town long-
haul of the Town's total waste stream. The Plan employs a number of waste
management technologies to address the various components of the waste stream.
This approach allows the Town to maintain flexibility in its waste management
strategy, and take advantage of the most economical waste management
technologies. To minimize municipal risk, some costs are expected to be transferred
to the private sector, such as those associated with land clearing and construction
and demolition debris processing/disposal. These components of the waste stream
r.=' comprise approximately 30% of the Town's total waste stream.
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Findings
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Having considered the Draft and -Final Generic EIS, and having
considered the preceding written facts and conclusions relied upon to meet
the requirements of 6 NYCRR 617.9, this Statement of Findings certifies that:
1. The requirements of 6 NYCRR Part 617 have been met;
2. Consistent with the social, economic, and other essential considerations
from among the reasonable alternatives thereto, the action approved is
one which minimizes or avoids adverse environmental effects to the
maximum extent practicable; including the effects disclosed in the
Generic Environmental Impact Statement; and
3. Consistent with social, economic, and other essential considerations, to
} " the maximum extent practicable,adverse environmental effects reveal
. ed
in the generic environmental impact statement process will be
minimized or avoided by incorporating as, conditions to the decision,
those mitigative measures and future analyses which were identified as
practicable.
Town of Southold Town Board
r
Name of Agency
Scott L. Harris
Signatu of Responsible Official Name of Responsible Official
Supervisor
MAR 12 1991
Title of Responsible Official Date
Town Hall, P.O. Box 1179, 53095 Main Road, Southold, NY 11971
Address of Agency
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