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Brookhaven residents can breathe easier |
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Written by LandChair
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Wednesday, 26 October 2011 |
Monumental Community Victory!
DEC MANDATES ENCLOSURE OF LI COMPOST BROOKHAVEN RESIDENTS CAN BREATHE EASIER AS DEC ACTS ABCO and the Brookhaven Community Coalition today celebrate an important victory. The NYSDEC announced on October 26th that it intends to issue a modification of Long Island Compost’s permit. After years of community complaints resulted in a recent DEC review, the Agency announced it is revoking a variance given to Long Island Compost/Great Gardens to operate an open air facility at its Yaphank location. For years Brookhaven residents, first in East Moriches and then in Yaphank have endured strong odors and particulate matter emanating from Long Island Compost as well as the nearby Brookhaven Town landfill. Finally requiring that LIC enclose the facility is a good first step torward providing the people of Brookhaven the quality of life we deserve. Finally, many areas of Yaphank, Brookhaven Hamlet, Medford and Shirley will enjoy cleaner air, backyard BBQ's, and enjoy the same quality many others take for granted on Long Island.
This victory comes after a diverse group of stakeholders including ABCO, Brookhaven Fire Department, Brookhaven Fire District, Yaphank Taxpayers and Civic Organization, South Yaphank Civic, Brookhaven Village Association, South Country Ambulance Company, Medford Civic Association and many others along with CCE, joined together to address the environmental, public health, and serious quality of life issues so prevalent in southwestern Brookhaven. Since last spring these groups have met with local and state elected officials and other agencies to address concerns that the facility was not operating within the permit allowance. ABCO belives LIC should not have been given the exemption to operate in an open air facility. On August 11, ABCO joined with others in the BCC group sending a letter that formally requested the DEC to take action to revoke the exemption and variance. ABCO heralds the DEC decision and congratulates our residents in finally compeling government to take steps to alleviate this long-term problem iwthin our communities.
Other stipulations of the modified permit include: - All processing, tipping, storing, storage, and compaction areas must now be located within an enclosed building. - Limit the on-site storage of wood and/or mulch… which requires storage pile size restrictions, time limits, and cover requirements for processed or unprocessed materials. - Prohibit the on-site storage of compost products that are not completely cured or matured. - Mandate the facility to submit a written narrative and site plan delineating all activities conducted within the Great Gardens LLC and Long Island Compost Corporation properties, a schedule for implementation of the enclosure requirements and an updated Part 360 Operations and Maintenance Manual. Read DEC's October 26, 2011
Notice of Intent to Modify Permit |
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