21 Organizations Ask NYSDEC for More Time to Review Proposed Landfill Leachate Rule

Today, 21 environmental and community organizations sent a letter to the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) asking the agency to provide a 90-day public comment period for its upcoming rule on how landfill leachate is treated and disposed of.

The coalition submitted the request ahead of the rulemaking process beginning, asking the Department to commit to a longer comment period once the proposal is officially published.

Leachate is the contaminated liquid that forms when rainwater and other liquids pass through landfill waste. This liquid can contain a mix of harmful pollutants, including PFAS (“forever chemicals”) and other substances that can threaten drinking water,  public health and the environment.

Because of the potential impacts on local communities, drinking water supplies, and wastewater treatment systems, the organizations are asking the state to allow enough time for the public to carefully review the proposal.

The groups note that the rule is complex and technical, and that communities, local governments, scientists, and environmental organizations will need time to understand what the proposal could mean for their regions.

A 90-day public comment period would give people across New York the opportunity to review the proposal, consult experts, and submit meaningful feedback before the rule is finalized.

The coalition also asked NYSDEC to publish notice of the extended comment period in both the New York State Register and the Environmental Notice Bulletin so that communities across the state are aware of the opportunity to participate.

TAKE ACTION!  Urge the DEC to open the Rulemaking Process with a 90-day public comment period.

DONATE!  Consider a donation of any size to support this important work.