Riga residents voice opposition,
concerns to Mill Seat Landfill proposal

More than 300 residents, concerned over proposed changes at the Mill Seat Landfill, gathered on October 27 to hear what town and county officials had to say.

"There was a lot of misinformation out there," Bob Nolan, deputy director of communications for County Executive Maggie Brooks said. "Our responsibility at that informational meeting was to provide an overview of how to enhance the potential of the existing landfill. We wanted to inform the residents and town officials of the possibilities."

Nolan said Brooks made her presentation and now it's up to the town to make a decision.

The decision involves the Town of Riga changing the host agreement package for the Mill Seat Landfill and possibly accepting waste from outside the county.

Currently, the 95-acre landfill receives waste from towns across Monroe County and the City of Rochester. That could change, however, if Riga's Town Board agrees to a proposal with the county that would allow the landfill to accept waste from both in-state and out-of-state municipalities.

If the proposal was approved, it could result in the elimination of town taxes, tax rebates and free household waste pick-up.

Private meetings, environmental and traffic concerns top the list of complaints by residents who feel the town board has violated the original Host Community Agreement.

For many residents, the condition was a safeguard to ensuring that property values for residents living near the landfill were protected and that the county's waste needs were being met for the long term.

If the proposal passes, many residents fear that the value of their property will go down, that the size of the landfill will increase, and that Riga would become the next dumping ground for the northeast and Canada.

Dick Stowe, a member of the Community Advisory Board, said that traffic and environmental issues have been addressed by the Department of Transportation and the Department of Environmental Conservation. The project has received their approval, he said.

"It's a very emotional issue," Stowe said. "The host agreement states Riga won't get hazardous waste. Mill Seat would get industrial, commercial and household waste if this is approved."

Members of CAB, Stowe said, were brought on board to address technical issues. "We have no authority to approve or disapprove of the proposal."

Stowe also said the host agreement prohibits trash being brought in from outside the state or nation.

Calls to Town of Riga officials were not returned before deadline.