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Public to share concerns about 'Trash to Ash' plan during first hearing

Office of Onondaga County Comptroller
Onondaga County's Waste-to-Energy Facility in Jamesville.

Onondaga County is hosting the first of several public hearings on a plan to import trash from Cortland County to burn at Onondaga County’s incinerator in Jamesville.

Onondaga County Legislator David Knapp says this is all part of the process of getting information about the potential impacts of the deal.

“Right now we’re in the scoping phase of the environmental impact process," Knapp said. "So this meeting is open to any resident to come in and give us their thoughts about what should be in the scope of the environmental review.”

He adds that there will also be other chances for concerned citizens to get involved.

“This is going to be the first of many public information meetings we’re going to have on this as we go through the environmental review process," Knapp explained.  

The plan would allow Onondaga County to burn up to 25,000 tons of Cortland County's trash a year. Onondaga County would then be able to dispose of up to 90,000 tons of ash in Cortland County’s landfill.

Supporters say it makes good fiscal sense for the Onondaga County Resource Recovery Agency, which uses revenue to support the county’s recycling program. Some opponents are worried about the environmental impact of burning more trash at the Jamesville facility.

The meeting will be held at the Dewitt Town Hall Monday 6:30 p.m.

Ellen produces news reports and features related to events that occur in the greater Syracuse area and throughout Onondaga County. Her reports are heard regularly in regional updates in Morning Edition and All Things Considered.