Cathy Young

Citing her “extreme opposition to the landfill expansion proposed by Sealand Waste,” in the town of Carroll, state Sen. Cathy Young, R-Olean has sent a letter to the regional office of the New York state Department of Environmental Conservation urging the agency to reject the pending permits to reopen and expand the Jones-Carroll Landfill.

“There is overwhelming opposition to Sealand’s proposal to reactivate the Jones-Carroll facility into a construction and demolition landfill.

State, county and town officials and members of the community have expressed deep concern about the environmental, economic and quality of life impacts that would result from the proposed operation,” Young said.

A DEC legislative hearing was held recently in Frewsburg. Several local residents, as well as elected officials, expressed concern with an application by Sealand Waste LLC to operate a landfill on Dodge Road in the town. Sealand is also challenging the town’s local law allowing such facilities.

Those speaking out against the issuing of a permit to Sealand include State Assemblyman Andy Goodell and County Executive George Borrello.

Young is the latest to publically oppose the landfill. “The debris and waste generated at the site would threaten the natural habitat and groundwater of the surrounding area and destroy property values in the thriving residential neighborhoods adjacent to the site,” she said. “Additionally, the property is in close proximity to the Martz/Kohl observatory, a wonderful resource to the community and tourist destination which is in the midst of investing in a significant upgrade of its facilities.

“The observatory’s operations would be threatened by the dust, turbulence and other byproducts of the landfill. For these and many other reasons, I am in wholehearted agreement that this proposed project should not move forward.”

Young’s letter was sent to Charles Cranston, deputy regional permit administrator of the state DEC regional office. The DEC is accepting letters regarding Sealand’s application for a permit through today.