News from Chemung, Genesee, Livingston, Monroe, Ontario, Orleans, Schuyler, Seneca, Steuben, Wayne, and Yates Counties (Region 8)

Environmental Stewards

DEC remains committed to addressing odors originating from the Waste Management (WM) High Acres Landfill, located in the towns of Perinton, Monroe County, and Macedon, Wayne County. DEC recently partnered with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to perform real-time monitoring for pollutants and other air quality issues using a specialized vehicle equipped to help isolate and attribute emissions to specific sources. Upon conclusion of the sampling performed by EPA’s mobile air monitoring vehicle, or ‘GMAP’, DEC will analyze the results provided, share the information with the community, and identify any necessary actions to address the data received.

Report odor complaints by calling the 24-hour dedicated High Acres Odor Reporting Hotline: 585-453-2416.

Continuing actions at High  Acres Landfill include:

• Ambient air monitoring for hydrogen sulfide (H2S)
• Methane monitoring
• Geomembrane cover
• Diversion of rail waste
• Odor neutralizer distribution lines

DEC encourages the community to regularly check our website, as well as, the following websites for any updates on facility operations that could be creating off-site impacts:
WM Operational Updates
Town of Perinton website.

Environmental Education and Outreach:  Honeoye Inlet Wildlife Management Area

Early in May, region 8 wildlife biologist Mike Palermo talked to folks about wildlife management plans at Honeoye Inlet Wildlife Management Area (WMA). The public event was organized by Finger Lakes Community College as part of their "Honeoye Watershed Exploration Series." A representative from the Ontario County Soil and Water District also spoke to the group. Topics also included invasive species monitoring and recreational use at the WMA. 

Arbor Day Event with School Children

In late April to recognize Arbor Day, region 8 forester Brice June went to Livonia Elementary school to talk to kids about the importance of trees. Jim Dalberth provided 500 trees from the DEC Nursery. Each student got to pick out a seedling and put it in a cup with soil to take home and plant.  Mr. Dalberth has a family connection to the school and coordinates the yearly event, including buying the seedlings to hand out to the kids. 

Celebrate Get Outdoors & Get Together Day!

Join DEC, State Parks, Office for People with Development Disabilities, and Veterans’ Services at free events across the state to try a new skill and enjoy the outdoors at Get Outdoors & Get Together Day, a day of inclusion for all people at New York’s accessible Parks and DEC lands. Locations will offer a selection of accessible activities and include a range of guided programming from fishing to nature walks, birding, archery, and more. New York's Get Outdoors & Get Together Day coincides with National Get Outdoors Day, an annual event to encourage healthy, active outdoor fun.

All locations offer wheelchair accessible features and activities including restrooms and select recreation opportunities. Please contact the event coordinator directly with accommodation requests and to find out about the adaptive equipment and activities offered at each site. Learn more by visiting DEC’s website.

Draft Disadvantaged Communities Criteria Hearings