DEC Denies Request for More Time on New Leachate Rules

 

DEC says 70 days is enough. We disagree.

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has denied our coalition’s request for an additional 30 days to review and comment on its proposed regulations governing the treatment and disposal of landfill leachate.

DEC’s justification is remarkably brief:

“Given the limited size of the revisions, DEC has determined the 70-day comment period is appropriate.”

As our coalition partner Drew Gamils, Senior Attorney at Riverkeeper explained in response, describing the revisions as “limited in size” fails to reflect the scope or significance of the proposal. The rule addresses the treatment and disposal of landfill leachate—a complex waste stream with important implications for water quality and public health—and amends multiple sections of state regulations that must be reviewed in context.

Meaningful comments require time for environmental organizations, technical experts, municipalities, legislators, and the public to understand and analyze the proposal.

The rule was published July 1, with comments due September 9. That 70-day window includes the Fourth of July and Labor Day holidays and the summer vacation period. Many members of the public and legislators are only now becoming aware of the rulemaking.

We are therefore renewing our request that DEC extend the comment period through October 9, 2026.

We will continue to push for more time. But with the September 9 deadline approaching, it is more important than ever to act now.

TAKE ACTION (and share widely)

DEC may believe 70 days is sufficient.  We believe New Yorkers deserve better.

Individuals: Send a message to DEC through our action alert and tell them to strengthen the proposed leachate rules and extend the comment period.

Community Groups and Organizations: Sign on to our coalition comment letter calling for stronger protections and meaningful public participation.