Ash For Trash Draft Scoping Document

Proposed Cortland-Onondaga
Regional Solid Waste Partnership

Draft Scoping Document

April 2014

Proposed Cortland-Onondaga County
Regional Solid Waste Partnership

Draft Scoping Document

April 2014

Prepared For:

Prepared By:

Barton & Loguidice, D.P.C.
Engineers Environmental Scientists Planners Landscape Architects
290 Elwood Davis Road
Box 3107
Syracuse, New York 13220
Proposed Cortland-Onondaga Regional Solid Waste Partnership Draft Scoping Document

331.112.001/4.14 - i - Barton & Loguidice, D.P.C.
Table of Contents
Section Page
1 Introduction ............................................................................................................... 1
2 Proposed Project ...................................................................................................... 3
3 Project Description.................................................................................................... 6
3.1 Existing Disposal Facilities to be Utilized ........................................................... 6
3.1.1 Cortland County Landfill .............................................................................. 6
3.1.2 OCRRA Waste-to-Energy Facility ................................................................ 7
3.2 Proposed Cortland County Landfill Tonnage Increase ....................................... 8
3.3 Proposed Cortland County Transfer Station....................................................... 9
3.4 Waste Transportation ......................................................................................... 9
3.5 Local Solid Waste Laws and Management Plans ............................................ 10
3.6 Regulatory Approvals ....................................................................................... 10
4 Potentially Significant Impacts, Existing and New Information, and Mitigation
Measures ...................................................................................................................... 12
4.1 Project-wide Potential Impacts ......................................................................... 12
4.1.1 Transportation and Traffic .......................................................................... 12
4.1.2 Air Resources ............................................................................................ 13
4.1.3 Energy Conservation ................................................................................. 13
4.1.4 Unacceptable Materials ............................................................................. 14
4.2 Cortland County Potential Impacts ................................................................... 14
4.2.1 Geologic Resources .................................................................................. 14
4.2.2 Water Resources ....................................................................................... 15
4.2.3 Ecological Resources ................................................................................ 16
4.2.4 Land Use and Zoning ................................................................................ 16
4.2.5 Population .................................................................................................. 17
4.2.6 Public Services .......................................................................................... 17
4.2.7 Public Health ............................................................................................. 17
4.2.8 Property Values ......................................................................................... 18
4.2.9 Utilities ....................................................................................................... 18
4.2.10 Historic and Archaeological Resources ..................................................... 18

331.112.001/4.14 - ii - Barton & Loguidice, D.P.C.
4.2.11 Visual Setting ............................................................................................. 18
4.2.12 Noise Analysis ........................................................................................... 19
4.2.13 Fiscal Analysis ........................................................................................... 20
4.3 Onondaga County Potential Impacts ................................................................ 20
4.3.1 Impacts Previously Addressed by SEQR................................................... 20
4.3.2 Population .................................................................................................. 21
4.3.3 Public Health ............................................................................................. 21
4.3.4 Fiscal Analysis ........................................................................................... 21
5 Reasonable Alternatives to Be Considered ............................................................ 22
5.1 No Action Alternative ........................................................................................ 22
5.2 Cortland County Flow Control Alternative ........................................................ 22
5.3 Cortland County Landfill Sale or Lease ............................................................ 22
5.4 Alternative Cortland County Transfer Station Sites .......................................... 22
5.5 Onondaga County Resource Recovery Facility Ash Residue Disposal Site
Alternatives ................................................................................................................ 22
5.6 Alternative Cortland County Waste Disposal Technologies ............................. 23
6 Additional Draft EIS Contents ................................................................................. 24
6.1 Summary of Proposed Action ........................................................................... 24
6.2 Cumulative Impacts .......................................................................................... 24
6.3 Growth-Inducing Impacts ................................................................................. 24
6.4 Unavoidable Adverse Impacts .......................................................................... 24
6.5 Non-Significant Impacts ................................................................................... 24
6.6 Irreversible and Irretrievable Commitment of Resources ................................. 25
6.7 References ....................................................................................................... 25
7 Preliminary List of DEIS Appendices ...................................................................... 26
8 Preliminary Table of Contents ................................................................................ 27

Appendices
Appendix A Full Environmental Assessment Form
Appendix B DEIS Preliminary Table of Contents


331.112.001/4.14 - 1 - Barton & Loguidice, D.P.C.
1 Introduction
This Draft Scoping Document (DSD) has been prepared in accordance with the
regulations of the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation
(NYSDEC) set forth in 6 NYCRR(Codes, Rules and Regulations of the State of New
York) Part 617, which pertains to the State Environmental Quality Review (SEQR) Act .
This DSD will discuss the proposed Cortland-Onondaga Regional Solid Waste
Partnership (Partnership) between Cortland County, Onondaga County, and the
Onondaga County Resource Recovery Agency (OCRRA) for improvement of municipal
solid waste (MSW) management within the two counties. The proposed Partnership
includes the use of the existing OCRRA Waste-to-Energy (WTE) Facility, located in
Onondaga County, for processing both Onondaga County and Cortland County MSW
into energy. In addition, the existing Cortland County Landfill would be utilized for
disposal of ash residue from the WTE Facility. Refer to Section 2 for further details on
the proposed project.
SEQR and its implementing regulations set forth at 6 NYCRR Part 617 establish
a process for the systematic consideration of environmental impacts in the planning
stages of actions that are directly undertaken, funded, or approved by local, regional,
and state agencies. SEQR requires the approving or sponsoring entity to identify and
consider significant adverse environmental impacts and mitigation alternatives with
respect to the activity it is proposing, funding, or permitting.
In March 2014, Cortland and Onondaga Counties (the Counties) jointly
prepared Part 1 of the SEQR Full Environmental Assessment Form (EAF) for the
proposed project (Attachment A). After reviewing the EAF, the Counties classified the
proposed Partnership as a Type I action (as this term is defined under the SEQR
regulations set forth at 6 NYCRR Part 617.4(b)). The Counties requested and obtained
concurrence on their intent to serve as Co-Lead Agencies from the other involved
agencies (as defined in the SEQR regulations), specifically NYSDEC, OCRRA, and the
New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT). After declaring themselves
Co-Lead Agencies, the Counties made a determination of significance for the project
and issued a positive declaration. A formal scoping process, which includes a public
comment period, is now being undertaken, as outlined in the SEQR regulations (6
NYCRR Part 617.8).
This DSD identifies the potentially significant issues and impacts that will be
addressed in the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) for proposed actions.
The DEIS is the principal document that provides technical and environmental
information to evaluate potential impacts associated with the Partnership components
outlined in Section 2, below. The components of the DEIS are described in Sections 4
through 8 of this document. The DEIS will also include a discussion of the Partnerships
background, purpose, and public needs and benefits, including social and economic

considerations. The appendices to the DEIS will include various technical studies,
correspondence with regulatory agencies, and other documents. Section 7 lists the
anticipated appendices. Following completion and formal acceptance of the DEIS, there
will be another opportunity for public comment on the comprehensive document.


2 Proposed Project
The Partnership consists of a number of proposed actions, which will result in the
formation of a cohesive system for the management of MSW generated in Cortland and
Onondaga Counties. These actions include:
Transporting and disposal of approximately 90,000 tons/year of ash residue from
the OCRRA WTE facility at the Cortland County Landfill;
Transporting and processing approximately 25,000 tons/year of Cortland County-
generated municipal solid waste (MSW) at OCRRAs WTE Facility. OCRRA will
transport MSW from Cortland County on the return trip to the WTE Facility in the
same OCRRA vehicles that hauled the ash residue to the Cortland County
Landfill;
A modification to the current Cortland County Landfill permit to increase the
permitted tonnage acceptance rate from 44,500 tons/year to 95,000 tons/year to
allow for disposal of the WTE Facility ash residue;
Construction of a Grade Separation Transfer Station at the Cortland County
Landfill as a collection point for MSW generated in Cortland County, including a
modification to the landfill permit to allow for construction and operation of the
Transfer Station;
Legislative adoption of changes to the existing importation laws in both
Onondaga and Cortland Counties to allow for the transportation and
management of MSW and ash residue between the two counties;
Modification of the Cortland County Comprehensive Solid Waste Management
Plan (SWMP) to encompass changes necessary for implementation of the
Partnership arrangement;
Update of the Onondaga County SWMP to encompass changes necessary for
implementation of the Partnership arrangement, to incorporate revisions that will
conform the Plan to recent New York State requirements and address changes
within the solid waste management system, including improved recycling of
discarded electronic products and other municipal solid wastes such as batteries;
Enter into appropriate agreements and/or amend existing agreements in support
of the proposed Partnership.
The primary focus of this DSD is to identify potentially significant adverse impacts
that will be addressed in a DEIS. To the extent applicable, potentially significant adverse
impacts and proposed mitigation measure will be briefly described in this DSD for the
following areas of potential environmental concern:
Impacts on Land

Impacts on Water
Impacts on Air
Impacts on Plants and Animals
Impacts on Aesthetic Resources including Visual Impacts
Impacts on Historic and Archeological Resources
Impacts on Transportation
Impacts on Energy
Noise and Odor Impacts
Impacts on Public Health
Impacts on Growth and Character of the Community or Neighborhood
Alternatives to be reviewed in the DEIS will also be identified in this DSD,
including alternatives specific to the proposed actions in Cortland County
(implementation of flow control, landfill sale or lease, alternate transfer station sites, and
alterative waste disposal technologies) and alternatives specific to Onondaga County
(alternative ash residue disposal sites), as well as the no action alternative for both
counties.
Several aspects of this proposal will provide significant public benefits. To that
extent, they can be considered as mitigation measures for potentially significant adverse
environmental impacts. These public benefits are highlighted below:
Cortland County will receive additional revenue at their MSW landfill due to the
increase in disposed tonnage at the facility on an annual basis. The facility is
currently underutilized and is facing financial concerns.
OCRRA will realize significantly reduced ash residue transport and disposal
costs, as ash residue is currently hauled to a facility 80 miles away from the WTE
Facility. The Cortland County Landfill is approximately 40 miles from the WTE
Facility. In addition, OCRRA would receive favorable, guaranteed disposal rates
at the Landfill facility through the terms of the Partnership.
OCRRA will realize additional revenue through the increased electricity
generation at the WTE Facility due to the increased throughput from the addition
of Cortland Countys MSW.
Both Cortland County and Onondaga County will benefit from the ability to
partner on alternative solid waste programs such as household hazardous waste
(HHW) collection, recycling infrastructure, recycling education, organics
management, and mercury, battery, and fluorescent bulb collection.
Independently, these municipalities have struggled to fully fund such programs
due to the recent economic downturn. By combining resources, residents of both
Counties can have access to such programs. Cortland County residents will
benefit from their ability to participate in OCRRAs already developed

construction and demolition debris recycling program, food and yard waste
composting facility as well as more frequent household hazardous waste
collection.
The potential impacts and mitigation measures that will be addressed in the DEIS,
along with existing information sources and/or information gathering methods, will be
discussed further in this document.


3 Project Description
3.1 Existing Disposal Facilities to be Utilized
3.1.1 Cortland County Landfill
The Cortland County Landfill property is located in the Towns of
Cortlandville, Solon and Homer, approximately 5 miles east of the City of
Cortland, New York. The landfill property is a 539.9-acre parcel of land
currently owned by Cortland County which encompasses the active
Cortland County (West Side) Landfill, the closed Old Cortland County
Landfill (also known as the Towslee Landfill), the closed Abandoned City
of Cortland Landfill, the remediated Buckbee-Mears Sludge Disposal
Areas, and the closed Pine Tree Landfill. The active Cortland County West
Side Landfill is a permitted 6 NYCRR Part 360 operating landfill facility
approximately 31.7 acres in size and is located on the western portion of
the landfill property.
The landfill is operated by the Cortland County Highway
Department and is permitted to accept 44,500 tons of waste per year.
Currently, the facility annually accepts approximately 25,000 tons of mixed
residential and commercial MSW, construction and demolition debris
(C&D), and wastewater treatment plant sludges; all of which is generated
from within Cortland County. The Cortland County Landfill has consumed
approximately 51,262 cubic yards (CY) of airspace per year (average of
2011 through 2013). As of J uly 26, 2013, the existing landfill has
approximately 1,264,002 CY of remaining capacity. At the average
consumption rate of 51,262 CY per year, the landfill has approximately
24.7 years of remaining site life under current operations.
The West Side Landfill is a double composite lined landfill facility.
The landfill was sited in accordance with NYSDEC regulations outside of
the primary and principal aquifers in the area. Leachate is collected by the
landfill liner system to prevent surface water and ground water
contamination. The NYSDEC only requires ash landfills to be constructed
with a single composite liner system with no leak detection layer. The
Cortland County Landfill, however, has more environmental protection
measures in place because it is constructed with a state-of-the-art double
composite liner system. The double composite liner system allows for a
dual liner system (primary and secondary) with leak detection zone to
monitor liner system performance. Each liner is constructed with a
synthetic high density polyethylene (HDPE) geomembrane and
corresponding low permeability soil or geosynthetic clay liner to form a

composite. Therefore, the Cortland County Landfill liner system exceeds
NYSDEC requirements for ash residue containment. Performance of the
Countys liner system to date has been well within NYSDEC requirements,
as verified by daily monitoring of the liner systems leachate collection
system. In addition, the Cortland County Landfill has an extensive
groundwater monitoring well network in place to detect any potential
release from the landfill. The groundwater monitoring test results do not
indicate impacts to the groundwater from the operational landfill.
Leachate collected by the landfill is stored in an on-site leachate
storage tank prior to being hauled to the City of Cortland Wastewater
Treatment Plant for treatment and disposal. To date, the Cortland County
Landfill leachate has been successfully treated and disposed of at the
Citys treatment plant.
3.1.2 OCRRA Waste-to-Energy Facility
The Onondaga County Waste-to-Energy (WTE) Facility, just off of
route I-481 in J amesville, is a key component of OCRRAs solid waste
management system. This Facility processes all of Onondaga Countys
non-recyclable MSW, while also generating enough electricity for 25,000 -
30,000 households and reducing the volume of material that needs to be
landfilled by 90%. The WTE Facility is permitted to accept 361,350 tons of
waste annually; however, the Facility is currently operating at 87% of
capacity, leaving approximately 45,000 tons of unutilized capacity. The
acceptance of Cortland County-generated MSW would return the Facility
to historical levels of operation.
Since the WTE Facility began operations in 1994, it has integrated
state-of-the-art air pollution control technologies to comply with one of the
strictest air permits in the nation. The air pollution control technologies
include: anhydrous ammonia injection in the boiler to control nitrogen
oxides emissions; activated carbon injection in the scrubber to control
mercury and dioxin/furan emissions; lime injection in the scrubber to
control acid gas emissions; and particulate removal via the Facilitys
baghouse (fabric filter system). Emissions from the Facility are carefully
monitored through continuous emissions monitors (CEMs) and annual
stack testing.
In addition to recovering energy, the WTE Facility recovers 8,000-
9,000 tons of metal (ferrous and non-ferrous) annually. The by-product of
the combustion process is a biologically inert, non-hazardous ash residue,

which is about 10% of the original volume of the MSW, and 25% of the
original weight of the MSW. The ash residue, which is tested semi-
annually, has historically been sent to a landfill for use as alternative daily
cover under a NYSDEC-approved Beneficial Use Determination. This
beneficial reuse of the ash means that other finite materials, such as clean
soil, do not need to be used for landfill cover.
The proposed Partnership would not require any permit
modifications for the operations of the WTE Facility. The Facility has
sufficient capacity to allow for the processing of Cortland County-
generated MSW, as well as Onondaga County waste, while still providing
additional capacity if these waste streams were to modestly increase.
Adding MSW from Cortland County would simply return the Facility to the
same processing levels as 2001 2008. The acceptance of Cortland
County MSW is highly unlikely to impact the properties of the ash residue.
Over the past 19 years of WTE Facility operations, the ash residue has
always been determined to be non-hazardous. These considerations will
be explored in more detail in the DEIS.
Further details of potential impacts to be studied in the DEIS are
outlined in Section 4 of this DSD.
3.2 Proposed Cortland County Landfill Tonnage Increase
In order to manage the entire quantity of ash residue generated at the
OCRRA WTE Facility, the proposed Partnership would require an increase to the
Cortland County Landfills annual tonnage limit. The landfill is currently permitted
to accept 44,500 tons of mixed MSW per year. Through a 6 NYCRR Part 360
permit modification application, Cortland County proposes to increase the annual
tonnage limit at the landfill to 95,000 tons/year. Ash residue from the WTE
facility is much more dense than the unprocessed MSW currently landfilled. With
the tonnage increase up to 95,000 tons/year, transitioning the landfill to primarily
an ash residue landfill will decrease the remaining site life to an estimated range
of 17 to 18 years.
Besides affecting the landfill site life, the tonnage increase and
transitioning the waste mass to primarily ash residue may affect the landfill
leachate characteristics, landfill operational techniques, and landfill liner system.
Each of these will be analyzed in the 6 NYCRR Part 360 permit modification
application and DEIS.
Further details of potential impacts to be assessed in the DEIS are

3.3 Proposed Cortland County Transfer Station
Although the landfill will no longer be used for the disposal of Cortland
Countys mixed MSW, Cortland County will continue to manage the mixed MSW
waste generated by its residents, businesses, and institutions. Rather than
hauling the waste directly to the landfills working face for disposal, a transfer
station will be constructed near the landfills weigh scales for the transfer of
Cortland Countys waste to OCRRAs WTE Facility. This will maintain a
centralized location for the consolidation, sorting, and loading of Cortland
Countys waste. All incoming waste to the site will still utilize the landfill scales for
proper documentation of incoming waste tonnage. Ash residue and wastewater
treatment plant sludges will be landfilled directly. C&D waste loads will be
directed to the transfer station where they can be segregated for separate
transportation to OCRRAs Ley Creek Transfer Station for separation and
recycling.
Cortland County will apply for NYSDEC approval to construct and operate
the transfer station as part of the 6 NYCRR Part 360 permit modification
described in Section 3.2. The transfer station will change traffic flow patterns at
the site and will require site development by Cortland County in a location of the
landfill property not previously permitted for development. The permit application
will address traffic and transfer station operations in accordance with 6 NYCRR
Part 360.
3.4 Waste Transportation
As described above, the Partnership would allow OCRRA to transport
their ash residue a considerably shorter distance than their current practice. The
trip from the WTE Facility to the Cortland County Landfill is approximately 77
miles roundtrip; a significant reduction from the 160-mile round trip to the facility
currently used for disposal of the ash residue (i.e., the High Acres Landfill located
in Monroe / Wayne Counties). In addition, it is proposed that the vehicles
delivering the ash residue to the Landfill Facility would also be utilized to
transport the MSW collected at the proposed transfer station back to the WTE
Facility for processing. Therefore, the transport of MSW from Cortland County to
Onondaga County would not result in an increase in the need for waste hauling
vehicles or truck trips.
With the tonnage increase outlined in Section 3.2, additional truck trips will
be required beyond the current traffic flow to the Cortland County Landfill. The

traffic pattern for ash residue hauling vehicles will also change slightly in
Onondaga County. Traffic impacts will be addressed in the DEIS. The DEIS will
also evaluate the proposed vehicle type, size, and weight with respect to the
proposed haul route.
3.5 Local Solid Waste Laws and Management Plans
Currently, both Cortland and Onondaga Counties have local laws that
prohibit the importation of municipal solid waste generated outside the County to
a landfill or WTE Facility within the County. The proposed Partnership would
require that legislation in each county be enacted by the respective Legislature.
The Local Solid Waste Management Plan (LSWMP) for each County will
be updated and/or modified as required by the NYSDEC and to reflect changes
in the solid waste management systems in each county anticipated over the next
ten years. The Partnership-related modifications to the LSWMPs will be
addressed in the DEIS.
3.6 Regulatory Approvals
It is anticipated that the following regulatory approvals and/or permits will
be required prior to the implementation of the project components described
above:


Agency Permit/Approval Action
NYSDEC
Cortland County Landfill
Part 360 Landfill Permit
Modification
Annual tonnage acceptance
limit increase transfer station
construction and operation

Cortland County Landfill
Construction Stormwater
SPDES Permit
Construction of the transfer
station

Cortland County and
Onondaga County Local Solid
Waste Management Plan
Update/Modification
Approvals

NYSDOT
Divisible Load Permit Ash Residue Haul Trucks
Cortland County
Enact Legislation Allow for the importation of
Onondaga County ash
residue for disposal
Highway Divisible Load Permit Ash Residue Haul Trucks

Adopt Local Solid Waste
Management Plan
Update/Modification

Approve Partnership contract
Onondaga County
Enact Legislation Allow for the importation of
Cortland County waste for
processing at WTE Facility

Adopt Local Solid Waste
Management Plan
Update/Modification

OCRRA
Approve Partnership contract


4 Potentially Significant Impacts, Existing and New Information, and
Mitigation Measures
Potentially significant environmental impacts will be assessed through review and
analyses of information obtained from the sources listed below. Methodologies for
obtaining new information will be in accordance with accepted standards and
procedures applicable to each specific area of environmental analysis. This listing of
information resources is subject to change, as deemed necessary or appropriate by the
SEQR Co-Lead Agencies during preparation of the DEIS. Available published maps,
reports, studies, and other documents on file with various local, County, State, and
Federal agencies will be utilized to the extent they provide relevant information.
Information needed to address specific areas of potential environmental impacts is
described in the following subsections. Previous studies prepared for the development
of the existing landfill and WTE Facility will be utilized where applicable.
Potential mitigation measures will be described below for the proposed actions
based on conceptual site and facility development plans. This scoping document does
not attempt to list all of the mitigation measures that will be described in the DEIS, since
much of that information will be developed as part of the conceptual engineering site
planning, design analyses, and impact analysis. Key features of the conceptual site
planning and facility design will be described in the DEIS as part of the project
description. Potentially significant adverse environmental impacts and proposed
mitigation measures related to the proposed projects conceptual design will be
examined in the DEIS.
Due to the multiple components of the proposed project and the occurrence of
activities in multiple locations, the potential impacts will likely be assessed in three
separate categories; impacts associated with the overall project occurring within both
Cortland and Onondaga Counties (project-wide potential impacts), impacts associated
solely with those activities proposed within Cortland County, and impacts associated
solely with those activities proposed within Onondaga County.
4.1 Project-wide Potential Impacts
4.1.1 Transportation and Traffic
The DEIS will analyze transportation impacts associated with the
proposed project related to the additional truck traffic along the proposed ash
residue haul route from the WTE Facility to the Cortland County Landfill. As the
same vehicles will be used to backhaul waste to the WTE Facility from the
proposed transfer station at the Cortland County Landfill, additional traffic will not
result from that portion of the project.


The proposed haul route will be identified in the DEIS. The
NYSDOT will be contacted regarding available information and input
concerning the appropriate scope of the study area. A Level of Service
analysis will be performed for those key intersections and road segments
along the proposed haul route at which future traffic levels may increase.
The Level of Service analyses will utilize existing peak traffic hour data
and will be undertaken in accordance with the Transportation Research
Boards Highway Capacity Manual by utilizing its highway capacity
software program. A Level of Service analysis will be prepared for future
traffic conditions, based on estimated future, worst case peak traffic hour
volumes under the proposed Partnership. The DEIS will also evaluate the
proposed vehicle type, size, and weight with respect to the proposed haul
route.
Potential mitigation measures, if necessary, include modifications to
operational criteria to limit or eliminate traffic queues and modification of
operating hours to move peak traffic loads to off-peak traffic periods.
4.1.2 Air Resources
It is anticipated that impacts to air, including greenhouse gases,
associated with the project would result in a net reduction in air emissions,
however this will be explored in great detail in the DEIS. Sources of
emissions to be assessed will include landfill gas emissions at the
Cortland County Landfill Facility, emissions associated with combustion at
the OCRRA WTE Facility, and vehicle emissions associated with the
transportation of ash residue and MSW. Air impact assessments will be
undertaken utilizing annual site-specific testing data for the WTE Facility,
regulatory guidance published by the NYSDEC Division of Air Resources,
and emission factors and regulatory guidance published by EPA.
4.1.3 Energy Conservation
The proposed actions include several energy-related impacts;
specifically, a reduction in fuel consumption associated with ash residue
transportation, an increase in electrical generation at the WTE Facility due
to higher throughput, and an increase in energy used at the landfill facility
related to operation of the transfer station and handling of the increased
tonnage accepted at the landfill. It is anticipated that these changes in
energy use will result in an overall net decrease in energy usage related to
the handling of Cortland County and Onondaga County MSW. The DEIS
will assess in more detail the expected changes in energy use due to the
proposed Partnership.

4.1.4 Unacceptable Materials
Impacts associated with the receipt of unacceptable materials
(including but not limited to hazardous waste) at the Cortland County
transfer station and WTE Facility include potential downtime of the WTE
Facility, potential impacts to the air emissions at the WTE Facility, and
potential impacts to the classification of the ash residue from the WTE
Facility. Mitigation measures to ensure that unacceptable materials are not
accepted at the transfer station and WTE Facility, as well as programs for
removing these wastes through special collection programs, will be
evaluated and outlined in the DEIS.
Existing ash residue sampling and testing protocols are required by
the Part 360 operating permit for the WTE facility. The ash residue
sampling protocols and third party laboratory analysis ensure that ash
residue from the facility is acceptable for disposal at a NYSDEC-permitted
MSW landfill. The ash residue is analyzed per the toxicity characteristic
leaching procedure (TCLP), as required by the NYSDEC and US EPA.
The current sampling and testing protocols will continue to be utilized prior
to disposal at the Cortland County Landfill. Data from the additional TCLP
sampling and analysis (beyond the currently required testing parameters)
that was performed at the request of Cortland County will be used for
analysis of potential impacts in the DEIS.
4.2 Cortland County Potential Impacts
4.2.1 Geologic Resources
The only subsurface construction proposed as part of the
Partnership is the construction of the proposed transfer station at the
Cortland County Landfill, which will require subsurface support structures
and minimal grading of access and maneuvering areas. The excavation of
large quantities of soil beyond those already permitted by the current Part
360 operating permit for the landfill is not proposed. Previous geologic
studies performed for the landfill site will be utilized, when possible. Test
pits will be completed for the proposed transfer station location to
determine subsurface conditions and soil stratigraphy. The results of this
investigation will be included in the Part 360 permit modification
application and DEIS along with any additional potential impacts and
mitigating measures identified during the investigation.
The stability of the currently permitted landfill at proposed final
elevation will be reevaluated based on the change in characteristics of the

waste from MSW to ash residue to make certain that the landfill will
remain structurally sound during and after landfilling activities.
4.2.2 Water Resources
Groundwater, surface water (including wetlands), and stormwater
runoff must be analyzed for potential impacts to human health and the
environment. Potential impacts to groundwater due to the existing
permitted landfill footprint have previously been assessed in the SEQR for
the existing landfill. Any changes to the operation of the existing landfill
due to the tonnage increase and/or change in waste stream will be
addressed in the DEIS.
As discussed in Section 3, the landfill was sited outside of the
primary and principal aquifers in the area, in accordance with NYSDEC
regulations. The landfill is located within the recharge drainage area of the
Cortland-Homer-Preble EPA Sole Source aquifer. Leachate will be
collected by the landfill liner system to prevent surface water and ground
water contamination. The NYSDEC only requires ash landfills to be
constructed with a single composite liner system with no leak detection
layer. The Cortland County Landfill, however, has more environmental
protection measures in place because it is constructed with a state of the
art double composite liner system. Performance of the Countys liner
system to date has been well within NYSDEC requirements, as verified by
daily monitoring of the liner systems leachate collection system. In
addition, the Cortland County Landfill has an extensive groundwater
monitoring well network in place to detect any potential release from the
landfill. The groundwater monitoring program will continue under the
proposed ash residue disposal scenario.
The historical groundwater monitoring and leachate sampling test
results for the landfill facility will be utilized to assess current site
conditions and used as a tool to anticipate potential future impacts due to
changes in site operations and leachate composition. The potential for
impacts from leachate to both surface and groundwater downstream and
downgradient from the landfill facility will be evaluated. Mitigation
measures will include the presence of the landfill liner and leachate
collection systems, the treatment of leachate at a wastewater treatment
plant, and the use of a site stormwater pollution prevention plan.
A wetland delineation has been performed at the site and three
very small wetlands were delineated totaling less than 0.011 acres. The
wetlands are a result of tree transplanting where the small excavations of

the root balls were not filled in following tree removal. Initial assessment
indicates that these are isolated wetlands which are too small to be
regulated. It is anticipated that a jurisdictional determination will be
obtained from the United States Army Corps of Engineers. Any additional
assessments will be completed, as necessary, and will be undertaken in
accordance with the 1987 Army Corps of Engineers Wetland Delineation
Manual. The previously identified wetlands are located within the
proposed development area and may be filled with soil upon regulatory
approval.
Impacts to stormwater are anticipated due to the development of
the proposed transfer station facility, which will result in the generation of
additional runoff due to the construction of additional impermeable area.
As part of the DEIS, a stormwater analysis will be conducted to determine
the size and type of stormwater infrastructure that will be required.
4.2.3 Ecological Resources
The presence of endangered, threatened or rare plants will be
determined based on correspondence with DEC (Natural Heritage
Program) and the US Fish and Wildlife Service and on-site field
observations. A rare plants field survey will also be conducted. Inquiries
to the NYSDEC Natural Heritage Program have indicated that no records
of rare or state-listed animals, plants, or natural communities exist for the
site or its immediate vicinity. An inquiry to the US Department of Fish and
Wildlife will be prepared and any plants or species identified will be
examined via field investigations and further evaluated in the DEIS.
A vegetation cover type map will be prepared for the transfer
station facility site based on analyses of air photos, available maps and
reports, and on-site observations.
4.2.4 Land Use and Zoning
It is currently anticipated that the proposed action will not require a
modification of the current zoning in the Town of Homer, Cortland County.
Based on available information, a special or conditional use permit is not
required for this project. The proposed project is consistent with the local
land use plans which outline the project property as public services.
These statements will be vetted with the local zoning officials for the
municipalities in which the facility is located and any changes to this
information will be evaluated in the DEIS.

4.2.5 Population
The project is not anticipated to have any impacts to population
growth in the vicinity of the landfill; however, population trends must be
assessed to ensure that changes in population will not affect the proposed
scope and scale of the Partnership. Population data and estimates for the
County of Cortland and the Towns of Homer, Cortlandville, and Solon will
be obtained from the U.S. Census Bureau and the NYS Data Center, if
available. Population densities for these Towns and the County of
Cortland will also be presented. Population projections, and other growth
projections for the community (if any), will be obtained from State or local
agencies.
A screening of environmental justice considerations will be
undertaken using maps prepared by the DECs Office of Environmental
J ustice. If the proposed transfer station facility development triggers
environmental justice considerations based on a review of aforesaid
maps, then demographic and economic information will be gathered from
public domain sources to conduct the environmental justice review in
accordance with the DEC Commissioners Policy 29 Environmental
J ustice and Permitting that was issued on March 19, 2003.
4.2.6 Public Services
Impacts to public services are expected to be minor and relate to
the need for police, ambulance, and fire services at the facility as well as
the use of the existing City of Cortland WWTP for the continued disposal
of leachate. The ability of these existing services and utilities to continue
to support the landfill facility and the proposed transfer station will be
evaluated in the DEIS.
4.2.7 Public Health
The proposed action involves a number of activities including
leachate collection and disposal, landfill gas generation, and waste
disposal that may be believed to present a potential impact to public
health. Consistent with SEQR, the DEIS will discuss these public health
concerns as part of a review of potential impacts to existing patterns of
population concentration resulting from waste handling activities.
Potential impact will be derived from an evaluation of the findings of the
most recent Community Health Assessment prepared by the Cortland
County Health Department. The DEIS will also discuss relevant

environmental regulations that not only protect the environment, but also
public health.
4.2.8 Property Values
Due to the location of the project in a rural area, the large buffer
area surrounding the existing landfill and proposed transfer station facility,
and the fact that the nature of the proposed activities is consistent with
existing activities at the project site, it is not anticipated that the proposed
project will have a significant impact on property values in the area.
Property value information will be obtained from Cortland County to
determine trends in property values in the vicinity of the project site and,
based on this information, any changes in these trends due to the
proposed project will be discussed in the DEIS.
4.2.9 Utilities
Additional utilities will be required at the site in order to provide
electrical service to the proposed transfer station. The existing utilities
available at the site and the ability of these existing utilities to service the
proposed transfer station will be evaluated in the DEIS.
4.2.10 Historic and Archaeological Resources
Site disturbance associated with the construction of the transfer
station has the potential to impact any historic or archaeological resources
located within the disturbance area. The NYS Historic Preservation
Offices (SHPO) Public Access Online Tool has already been utilized to
determine the potential for the presence of an area designated as
sensitive for archaeological sites and no such sites were found within or
adjacent to the proposed transfer station facility site. A Phase I A/B
archaeological investigation has also been completed and submitted to
SHPO for review and a letter of no impact has been received. The results
of the study and all correspondence with SHPO will be included and
discussed in the DEIS.
4.2.11 Visual Setting
Impacts to the visual setting would be associated only with the
transfer station construction, as no changes to the permitted height or
limits of the existing Cortland County Landfill are proposed. The Draft EIS
will include a review of impacts on aesthetic resources consistent with
DECs 7-31-00 guidance policy entitled Assessing and Mitigating Visual
Impacts. The existing visual setting will be described and, where

appropriate, depicted with photographs taken during leaf-off conditions
from selected vantage points, including any potentially historic structures
and any significant scenic/aesthetic resources. In addition, a visual
simulation for the transfer station will be prepared using digital
photographs taken during leaf-off conditions from selected vantage points.
A baseline viewshed map will also be prepared for the site, to depict
locations within a five mile radius of the site that could potentially see the
transfer station upon completion of construction. The baseline viewshed
map will be prepared using GIS software and topographic information to
determine the screening effects of topography on the view of the site
within a five mile radius. The potential screening effects of vegetation will
not be factored into this viewshed analysis, thereby providing a worst
case assessment of the baseline viewshed area. An inventory of
significant scenic and aesthetic resources located within a five mile radius
of the landfill site will be compiled based on the sources listed in the
DECs Assessing and Mitigating Visual Impacts guidance policy. The
baseline viewshed map will be utilized to determine whether the facility, as
proposed, could be visible from any such inventoried scenic/aesthetic
resources. This comparison will form the basis of the visual impact
assessment of the proposed transfer station.
4.2.12 Noise Analysis
The current landfill operations are part of the existing ambient noise
environment at the site. Although the current operations produce noise,
the potential exists for increased operational noise at nearby off-site
locations as a result of the proposed increased tonnage limit and the
operation of the transfer station.
Existing noise level data will be utilized where applicable. Additional
noise levels will be measured at selected site boundaries and at potential
sensitive receptors (where access is available) near the landfill site, if
necessary. Significant noise sources (e.g., equipment and facility
operations, on-site and off-site traffic) at each location will be identified. If
measurements are necessary, noise meters that measure and record A-
weighted sound levels will be used. Noise level readings will be recorded
every thirty seconds for a minimum of thirty minutes at each noise reading
location. A-weighted L eq energy equivalent sound levels will be
calculated based on the noise readings. The noise meters will be
calibrated and operated in accordance with the manufacturers
instructions. Field measurements of wind speed, temperature and relative
humidity will be recorded to verify that weather conditions are within
acceptable operating parameters for each noise meter. Potential noise

impacts will be assessed in accordance with DEC guidance for
undertaking noise assessments.
Noise readings taken during the operation of comparable
equipment and facilities, as well as manufacturer-specified or noise level
limits for operating equipment, will be used as inputs to a noise model that
will be used to predict future noise levels at the site boundaries and at any
nearby sensitive receptors that may be identified. The impact of potential
noise mitigation measures can also be evaluated and selected for
incorporation in the proposed project[s] during this noise modeling effort, if
the initial noise level predictions result in unacceptable noise levels.
Several mitigation measures are available for use in minimizing the
impact of additional noise, if any, from the operations associated with the
tonnage increase and/or the transfer station operation. Mitigation
measures include orienting exhausts away from potential receptors and
the use vegetation for barriers. All of these measures will be evaluated for
this facility in the DEIS, and appropriate mitigation measures will be
recommended as needed.
4.2.13 Fiscal Analysis
Impacts associated with the fiscal fitness of Cortland County for the
proposed Partnership are expected to be positive due to the benefits
outlined in Section 2 above. However, the fiscal impacts of the proposed
Partnership will be evaluated fully within the DEIS.
4.3 Onondaga County Potential Impacts
4.3.1 Impacts Previously Addressed by SEQR
The WTE Facility has previously undergone a full environmental
review prior to construction that included the completion of a DEIS, a Final
Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS), and a Statement of Findings.
Because the proposal to accept Cortland County-generated waste at the
WTE Facility would not require OCRRA to operate the Facility outside of
its existing permit limits, a majority of the findings included in the original
FEIS are still valid. For this reason, findings associated with topics such as
site setting, geology, soils, topography, water resources, air quality,
terrestrial ecology, traffic (ingress and egress from the facility), land use,
zoning, community services, demography, cultural and historic resources,
occupational health and safety, noise, economics, odors, energy,
unavoidable adverse impacts, irreversible/irretrievable resources, siting
alternatives, disposal alternatives, management alternatives, and

technological alternatives will be relied upon for the review of continued
use of the facility within its permit limits. The DEIS will assess whether
additional information on any of these topics is required for a complete
review.
4.3.2 Population
The project is not anticipated to have any impacts to population
growth in the vicinity of the WTE facility, as no changes in overall facility
operation or permitted scale are proposed, however, population trends
must be assessed to ensure that changes in population will not affect the
proposed scope and scale of the Partnership. Population data and
estimates for Onondaga County will be obtained from the U.S. Census
Bureau and the NYS Data Center, if available. Population projections, and
other growth projections for the community (if any), will be obtained from
State or local agencies.
A screening of environmental justice considerations will be
undertaken using maps prepared by the DECs Office of Environmental
J ustice. If the proposed Partnership triggers environmental justice
considerations based on a review of aforesaid maps, then demographic
and economic information will be gathered from public domain sources to
conduct the environmental justice review in accordance with the DEC
Commissioners Policy 29 Environmental J ustice and Permitting that
was issued on March 19, 2003.
4.3.3 Public Health
The proposed Partnership involves a number of activities including
operations at the WTE Facility that may be perceived as presenting a
potential impact to public health. Health impacts were assessed during the
initial environmental review of the WTE facility. However, consistent with
SEQR, the DEIS will discuss these public health concerns as part of a
review of potential impacts resulting from solid waste management
activities. The DEIS will incorporate the findings of the most recent
Community Health Assessment prepared by the Onondaga County Health
Department. The DEIS will also discuss relevant environmental
regulations that not only protect the environment, but also public health.
Impacts associated with the fiscal fitness of OCRRA and Onondaga
County for the proposed Partnership are expected to be positive due to

the benefits outlined in Section 2. However, the fiscal impacts of the
proposed Partnership will be evaluated fully within the DEIS.
5 Reasonable Alternatives to Be Considered
5.1 No Action Alternative
This section will evaluate the no action alternative for both Cortland and
Onondaga Counties. This would evaluate the continued use of the Cortland
County Landfill solely for the disposal of Cortland County-generated waste, and
the use of the OCRRA WTE Facility solely for the processing of Onondaga
County-generated waste.
5.2 Cortland County Flow Control Alternative
This section will evaluate the no action alternative described above, with
the addition of the implementation of flow control within Cortland County. This
would involve the adoption of a County law to require that all waste generated
within Cortland County be disposed of at the Cortland County Landfill. The
impacts associated with an increased waste quantities and the possibility of
enforcement options will be addressed. It would be assessed independently of
options for the management of Onondaga County-generated waste.
5.3 Cortland County Landfill Sale or Lease
This section will evaluate the option of selling or leasing the Cortland
County Landfill to a private company to decrease the financial burden on
Cortland County. The County has previously studied this option and the previous
analysis will be summarized. This scenario would be independent of Onondaga
County-generated waste management.
5.4 Alternative Cortland County Transfer Station Sites
This section will evaluate potential alternative transfer station sites within
Cortland County, while assuming all other components of the proposed
Partnership remain as described above. The availability of alternative sites and
impacts associated with traffic and site disturbance will be evaluated.
5.5 Onondaga County Resource Recovery Facility Ash Residue Disposal Site
Alternatives
This section will evaluate the no action alternative, with the addition of and
assessment of the alternative sites for the disposal of the WTE Facility ash

residue. This will be evaluated independently of the management of Cortland
County-generated waste.
5.6 Alternative Cortland County Waste Disposal Technologies
This section will evaluate the option for implementing alternative waste
disposal technologies for the Cortland County-generated waste such as
pyrolysis, gasification, mixed MSW composting, mechanical/biological treatment,
and anaerobic digestion.


6 Additional Draft EIS Contents
The SEQR regulations (6 NYCRR Part 617) establish the elements that must be
contained in a DEIS. In addition to those discussed above, the following elements will
be included in the DEIS.
6.1 Summary of Proposed Action
The purpose of the Partnership and the public need for the Partnership will
be described, including environmental, social, and economic considerations. Site
location maps with property ownership information for parcels on which the
facilities are located and for adjacent parcels, as well as a site plan will be
included to supplement this description. This section will include a brief
description of the site/facility history, a detailed description of the proposed
Partnership and associated actions, and a summary of Partnership benefits,
potentially significant adverse impacts, mitigation measures, and alternatives.
6.2 Cumulative Impacts
This section will include an evaluation of impacts associated with the
entire Partnership as a whole, as described in Section 4.1.
6.3 Growth-Inducing Impacts
This section will examine the potential effects that the proposed
Partnership may have on community growth, both residential and commercial. It
will also include economic benefits that a long-term solid waste management
partnership may have on the surrounding communities and Cortland and
Onondaga Counties as a whole.
6.4 Unavoidable Adverse Impacts
Potentially significant adverse environmental impacts for which mitigation
measures are either not available or not feasible will be described in this section
of the DEIS. The extent and significance of any unavoidable adverse impacts will
be discussed.
6.5 Non-Significant Impacts
Impacts associated with the currently approved and permitted landfill and
WTE facility operations, including impacts associated with operation of these
facilities within their current permit limits are considered part of the baseline (i.e.,
existing) conditions. These will not be analyzed in the DEIS.

6.6 Irreversible and Irretrievable Commitment of Resources
This section will examine effects the proposed project may have on finite
resources, such as land, that cannot be replaced or easily restored. The quality
and availability of these resources that surround the landfill site, the property as a
whole, and the County and region will be addressed.
6.7 References
A reference section within the DEIS will be used to support the analyses
presented. Preparation dates and summaries of relevant studies and reports
previously prepared for the proposed project and/or facilities will be cited in
appropriate sections of the DEIS.


7 Preliminary List of DEIS Appendices
Provided below is a list of studies, documents, or investigations that are
anticipated to be discussed in the DEIS and subsequently included as appendices to
that document. This list is subject to change.
Cortland County Noise Analysis
Cortland County Transfer Station Visual Impact Assessment
Air Quality Report
Correspondence with NYSDEC Natural Heritage Program and USFWS regarding
Cortland County
Cortland County Wetland Delineation and Correspondence
Transportation Analysis
Cortland County Archaeological Reports and Correspondence
Cortland County 6 NYCRR Part 360 Permit Application Documents
Onondaga County Resource Recovery Facility Solid Waste (Part 360) and Air
(Title V) Permits


8 Preliminary Table of Contents
Attached to this DSD (Attachment B) is a preliminary table of contents for the
DEIS. This table of contents is subject to change as the project studies progress.

Appendix A
Full Environmental Assessment Form

Page 1 of 13
Part 1 - Project and Setting
Instructions for Completing Part 1
Part 1 is to be completed by the applicant or project sponsor. Responses become part of the application for approval or funding,
are subject to public review, and may be subject to further verification.
Complete Part 1 based on information currently available. If additional research or investigation would be needed to fully respond to
any item, please answer as thoroughly as possible based on current information; indicate whether missing information does not exist,
or is not reasonably available to the sponsor; and, when possible, generally describe work or studies which would be necessary to
update or fully develop that information.
Applicants/sponsors must complete all items in Sections A & B. In Sections C, D & E, most items contain an initial question that
must be answered either Yes or No. If the answer to the initial question is Yes, complete the sub-questions that follow. If the
answer to the initial question is No, proceed to the next question. Section F allows the project sponsor to identify and attach any
additional information. Section G requires the name and signature of the project sponsor to verify that the information contained in
Part 1is accurate and complete.
A. Project and Sponsor Information.
Name of Action or Project:
Project Location (describe, and attach a general location map):
Brief Description of Proposed Action (include purpose or need):
Name of Applicant/Sponsor: Telephone:
E-Mail:
Address:
City/PO: State: Zip Code:
Project Contact (if not same as sponsor; give name and title/role): Telephone:
E-Mail:
Address:
City/PO: State: ZipCode:
Property Owner (if not same as sponsor): Telephone:
E-Mail:
Address:
City/PO: State: ZipCode:
Cortland County, Onondaga County and the Onondaga County Resource Recovery Agency (OCRRA) are proposing to enter into a Regional Solid Waste
Partnership to improve management of solid waste within Cortland and Onondaga Counties. See attachment at the end of this form for further description of the
proposed action.
No site development or permit modifications are proposed i n Onondaga County. Therefore, answers in this EAF regarding a specific site will focus on
the Cortland County Landfi ll site unless otherwise indicated (see the more detailed outline of the Action and anticipated impacts attached hereto).

Page 2 of 13

B. Government Approvals
B. Government Approvals Funding, or Sponsorship. (Funding includes grants, loans, tax relief, and any other forms of financial
assistance.)
Government Entity If Yes: Identify Agency and Approval(s)
Required
Application Date
(Actual or projected)
a. City Council, Town Board, Yes No
or Village Board of Trustees

b. City, Town or Village Yes No
Planning Board or Commission

c. City Council, Town or Yes No
Village Zoning Board of Appeals

d. Other local agencies Yes No
e. County agencies Yes No

f. Regional agencies Yes No
g. State agencies Yes No
h. Federal agencies Yes No
i. Coastal Resources.
i. Is the project site within a Coastal Area, or the waterfront area of a Designated Inland Waterway? Yes No
If Yes,
ii. Is the project site located in a community with an approved Local Waterfront Revitalization Program? Yes No
iii. Is the project site within a Coastal Erosion Hazard Area? Yes No
C. Planning and Zoning
C.1. Planning and zoning actions.
Will administrative or legislative adoption, or amendment of a plan, local law, ordinance, rule or regulation be the Yes No
only approval(s) which must be granted to enable the proposed action to proceed?
If Yes, complete sections C, F and G.
If No, proceed to question C.2 and complete all remaining sections and questions in Part 1
C.2. Adopted land use plans.
a. Do any municipally- adopted (city, town, village or county) comprehensive land use plan(s) include the site Yes No
where the proposed action would be located?
If Yes, does the comprehensive plan include specific recommendations for the site where the proposed action Yes No
would be located?
b. Is the site of the proposed action within any local or regional special planning district (for example: Greenway Yes No
Brownfield Opportunity Area (BOA); designated State or Federal heritage area; watershed management plan;
or other?)
If Yes, identify the plan(s):
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________________
c. Is the proposed action located wholly or partially within an area listed in an adopted municipal open space plan, Yes No
or an adopted municipal farmland protection plan?
If Yes, identify the plan(s):
________________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Page 3 of 13

C.3. Zoning
a. Is the site of the proposed action located in a municipality with an adopted zoning law or ordinance. Yes No
If Yes, what is the zoning classification(s) including any applicable overlay district?
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________
b. Is the use permitted or allowed by a special or conditional use permit? Yes No
c. Is a zoning change requested as part of the proposed action? Yes No
If Yes,
i. What is the proposed new zoning for the site? ___________________________________________________________________
C.4. Existing community services.
a. In what school district is the project site located? ________________________________________________________________
b. What police or other public protection forces serve the project site?
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________
c. Which fire protection and emergency medical services serve the project site?
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________
d. What parks serve the project site?
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________
D. Project Details
D.1. Proposed and Potential Development
a. What is the general nature of the proposed action (e.g., residential, industrial, commercial, recreational; if mixed, include all
components)?
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________
b. a. Total acreage of the site of the proposed action? _____________ acres
b. Total acreage to be physically disturbed? _____________ acres
c. Total acreage (project site and any contiguous properties) owned
or controlled by the applicant or project sponsor? _____________ acres
c. Is the proposed action an expansion of an existing project or use? Yes No
i. If Yes, what is the approximate percentage of the proposed expansion and identify the units (e.g., acres, miles, housing units,
square feet)? % ____________________ Units: ____________________
d. Is the proposed action a subdivision, or does it include a subdivision? Yes No
If Yes,
i. Purpose or type of subdivision? (e.g., residential, industrial, commercial; if mixed, specify types)
________________________________________________________________________________________________________
ii. Is a cluster/conservation layout proposed? Yes No
iii. Number of lots proposed? ________
iv. Minimum and maximum proposed lot sizes? Minimum __________ Maximum __________
e. Will proposed action be constructed in multiple phases? Yes No
i. If No, anticipated period of construction: _____ months
ii. If Yes:
Total number of phases anticipated _____
Anticipated commencement date of phase 1 (including demolition) _____ month _____ year
Anticipated completion date of final phase _____ month _____year
Generally describe connections or relationships among phases, including any contingencies where progress of one phase may
determine timing or duration of future phases: _______________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________

Page 4 of 13

f. Does the project include new residential uses? Yes No
If Yes, show numbers of units proposed.
One Family Two Family Three Family Multiple Family (four or more)
Initial Phase ___________ ___________ ____________ ________________________
At completion
of all phases ___________ ___________ ____________ ________________________
g. Does the proposed action include new non-residential construction (including expansions)? Yes No
If Yes,
i. Total number of structures ___________
ii. Dimensions (in feet) of largest proposed structure: ________height; ________width; and _______ length
iii. Approximate extent of building space to be heated or cooled: ______________________ square feet
h. Does the proposed action include construction or other activities that will result in the impoundment of any Yes No
liquids, such as creation of a water supply, reservoir, pond, lake, waste lagoon or other storage?
If Yes,
i. Purpose of the impoundment: ________________________________________________________________________________
ii. If a water impoundment, the principal source of the water: Ground water Surface water streams Other specify:
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________
iii. If other than water, identify the type of impounded/contained liquids and their source.
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________
iv. Approximate size of the proposed impoundment. Volume: ____________ million gallons; surface area: ____________ acres
v. Dimensions of the proposed dam or impounding structure: ________ height; _______ length
vi. Construction method/materials for the proposed dam or impounding structure (e.g., earth fill, rock, wood, concrete):
________________________________________________________________________________________________________
D.2. Project Operations
a. Does the proposed action include any excavation, mining, or dredging, during construction, operations, or both? Yes No
(Not including general site preparation, grading or installation of utilities or foundations where all excavated
materials will remain onsite)
If Yes:
i .What is the purpose of the excavation or dredging? _______________________________________________________________
ii. How much material (including rock, earth, sediments, etc.) is proposed to be removed from the site?
Volume (specify tons or cubic yards): ____________________________________________
Over what duration of time? ____________________________________________________
iii. Describe nature and characteristics of materials to be excavated or dredged, and plans to use, manage or dispose of them.
________________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________________
iv. Will there be onsite dewatering or processing of excavated materials? Yes No
If yes, describe. ___________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________________
v. What is the total area to be dredged or excavated? _____________________________________acres
vi. What is the maximum area to be worked at any one time? _______________________________ acres
vii. What would be the maximum depth of excavation or dredging? __________________________ feet
viii. Will the excavation require blasting? Yes No
ix. Summarize site reclamation goals and plan: _____________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________________
b. Would the proposed action cause or result in alteration of, increase or decrease in size of, or encroachment Yes No
into any existing wetland, waterbody, shoreline, beach or adjacent area?
If Yes:
i. Identify the wetland or waterbody which would be affected (by name, water index number, wetland map number or geographic
description): ______________________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Page 5 of 13
ii. Describe how the proposed action would affect that waterbody or wetland, e.g. excavation, fill, placement of structures, or
alteration of channels, banks and shorelines. Indicate extent of activities, alterations and additions in square feet or acres:
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________
iii. Will proposed action cause or result in disturbance to bottom sediments? Yes No
If Yes, describe: __________________________________________________________________________________________
iv. Will proposed action cause or result in the destruction or removal of aquatic vegetation? Yes No
If Yes:
a of vegetation proposed to be removed ___________________________________________________________
_____ expected acreage of aquatic vegetation remaining after project completion________________________________________
purpose of proposed removal (e.g. beach clearing, invasive species control, boat access): ____________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________
proposed method of plant removal: ________________________________________________________________________
if chemical/herbicide treatment will be used, specify product(s): _________________________________________________
v. Describe any proposed reclamation/mitigation following disturbance: _________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________
c. Will the proposed action use, or create a new demand for water? Yes No
If Yes:
i. Total anticipated water usage/demand per day: __________________________ gallons/day
ii. Will the proposed action obtain water from an existing public water supply? Yes No
If Yes:
Name of district or service area: _________________________________________________________________________
Does the existing public water supply have capacity to serve the proposal? Yes No
Is the project site in the existing district? Yes No
Is expansion of the district needed? Yes No
Do existing lines serve the project site? Yes No
iii. Will line extension within an existing district be necessary to supply the project? Yes No
If Yes:
Describe extensions or capacity expansions proposed to serve this project: ________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________
Source(s) of supply for the district: ________________________________________________________________________
iv. Is a new water supply district or service area proposed to be formed to serve the project site? Yes No
If, Yes:
Applicant/sponsor for new district: ________________________________________________________________________
Date application submitted or anticipated: __________________________________________________________________
Proposed source(s) of supply for new district: _______________________________________________________________
v. If a public water supply will not be used, describe plans to provide water supply for the project: ___________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________
vi. If water supply will be from wells (public or private), maximum pumping capacity: _______ gallons/minute.
d. Will the proposed action generate liquid wastes? Yes No
If Yes:
i. Total anticipated liquid waste generation per day: _______________ gallons/day
ii. Nature of liquid wastes to be generated (e.g., sanitary wastewater, industrial; if combination, describe all components and
approximate volumes or proportions of each): __________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________
iii. Will the proposed action use any existing public wastewater treatment facilities? Yes No
If Yes:
Name of wastewater treatment plant to be used: _____________________________________________________________
Name of district: ______________________________________________________________________________________
Does the existing wastewater treatment plant have capacity to serve the project? Yes No
Is the project site in the existing district? Yes No
Is expansion of the district needed? Yes No
City of Cortland Wastewater Treatment Plant or another approved facility
Page 6 of 13
Do existing sewer lines serve the project site? Yes No
Will line extension within an existing district be necessary to serve the project? Yes No
If Yes:
Describe extensions or capacity expansions proposed to serve this project: ____________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________
iv. Will a new wastewater (sewage) treatment district be formed to serve the project site? Yes No
If Yes:
Applicant/sponsor for new district: ____________________________________________________________________
Date application submitted or anticipated: _______________________________________________________________
What is the receiving water for the wastewater discharge? __________________________________________________
v. If public facilities will not be used, describe plans to provide wastewater treatment for the project, including specifying proposed
receiving water (name and classification if surface discharge, or describe subsurface disposal plans):
________________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________________
vi. Describe any plans or designs to capture, recycle or reuse liquid waste: _______________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________________
e. Will the proposed action disturb more than one acre and create stormwater runoff, either from new point Yes No
sources (i.e. ditches, pipes, swales, curbs, gutters or other concentrated flows of stormwater) or non-point
source (i.e. sheet flow) during construction or post construction?
If Yes:
i. How much impervious surface will the project create in relation to total size of project parcel?
_____ Square feet or _____ acres (impervious surface)
_____ Square feet or _____ acres (parcel size)
ii. Describe types of new point sources. __________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________
iii. Where will the stormwater runoff be directed (i.e. on-site stormwater management facility/structures, adjacent properties,
groundwater, on-site surface water or off-site surface waters)?
________________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________________
If to surface waters, identify receiving water bodies or wetlands: ________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________
Will stormwater runoff flow to adjacent properties? Yes No
iv. Does proposed plan minimize impervious surfaces, use pervious materials or collect and re-use stormwater? Yes No
f. Does the proposed action include, or will it use on-site, one or more sources of air emissions, including fuel Yes No
combustion, waste incineration, or other processes or operations?
If Yes, identify:
i. Mobile sources during project operations (e.g., heavy equipment, fleet or delivery vehicles)
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________
ii. Stationary sources during construction (e.g., power generation, structural heating, batch plant, crushers)
________________________________________________________________________________________________________
iii. Stationary sources during operations (e.g., process emissions, large boilers, electric generation)
________________________________________________________________________________________________________
g. Will any air emission sources named in D.2.f (above), require a NY State Air Registration, Air Facility Permit, Yes No
or Federal Clean Air Act Title IV or Title V Permit?
If Yes:
i. Is the project site located in an Air quality non-attainment area? (Area routinely or periodically fails to meet Yes No
ambient air quality standards for all or some parts of the year)
ii. In addition to emissions as calculated in the application, the project will generate:
___________Tons/year ( ) of Carbon Dioxide (CO
2
)
___________Tons/year ( ) of Nitrous Oxide (N
2
)
___________Tons/year ( ) of Perfluorocarbons (PFCs)
___________Tons/year ( ) of Sulfur Hexafluoride (SF
6
)
___________Tons/year ( ) of Carbon Dioxide equivalent of Hydroflo rocarbons (H )
___________Tons/year ( ) of Hazardous Air Pollutants (HAPs)
Page 7 of 13
h. Will the proposed action generate or emit methane (including, but not limited to, sewage treatment plants, Yes No
landfills, composting facilities)?
If Yes:
i. Estimate methane generation in tons/year (metric): ________________________________________________________________
ii. Describe any methane capture, control or elimination measures included in project design (e.g., combustion to generate heat or
electricity, flaring): ________________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________
i. Will the proposed action result in the release of air pollutants from open-air operations or processes, such as Yes No
quarry or landfill operations?
If Yes: Describe operations and nature of emissions (e.g., diesel exhaust, rock particulates/dust):
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________
j. Will the proposed action result in a substantial increase in traffic above present levels or generate substantial Yes No
new demand for transportation facilities or services?
If Yes:
i. When is the peak traffic expected (Check all that apply): Morning Evening Weekend
Randomly between hours of __________ to ________.
ii. For commercial activities only, projected number of semi-trailer truck trips/day: _______________________
iii. Parking spaces: Existing _____________ Proposed ___________ Net increase/decrease _____________
iv. Does the proposed action include any shared use parking? Yes No
v. If the proposed action includes any modification of existing roads, creation of new roads or change in existing access, describe:
________________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________________
vi. Are public/private transportation service(s) or facilities available within mile of the proposed site? Yes No
vii Will the proposed action include access to public transportation or accommodations for use of hybrid, electric Yes No
or other alternative fueled vehicles?
viii. Will the proposed action include plans for pedestrian or bicycle accommodations for connections to existing Yes No
pedestrian or bicycle routes?
k. Will the proposed action (for commercial or industrial projects only) generate new or additional demand Yes No
for energy?
If Yes:
i. Estimate annual electricity demand during operation of the proposed action: ____________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________
ii. Anticipated sources/suppliers of electricity for the project (e.g., on-site combustion, on-site renewable, via grid/local utility, or
other):
________________________________________________________________________________________________________
iii. Will the proposed action require a new, or an upgrade to, an existing substation? Yes No
l. Hours of operation. Answer all items which apply.
i. During Construction: ii. During Operations:
Monday - Friday: _________________________ Monday - Friday: ____________________________
Saturday: ________________________________ Saturday: ___________________________________
Sunday: _________________________________ Sunday: ____________________________________
Holidays: ________________________________ Holidays: ___________________________________
Page 8 of 13
m. Will the proposed action produce noise that will exceed existing ambient noise levels during construction, Yes No
operation, or both?
If yes:
i. Provide details including sources, time of day and duration:
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________
ii. Will proposed action remove existing natural barriers that could act as a noise barrier or screen? Yes No
Describe: _________________________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________
n.. Will the proposed action have outdoor lighting? Yes No
If yes:
i. Describe source(s), location(s), height of fixture(s), direction/aim, and proximity to nearest occupied structures:
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________
ii. Will proposed action remove existing natural barriers that could act as a light barrier or screen? Yes No
Describe: _________________________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________
o. Does the proposed action have the potential to produce odors for more than one hour per day? Yes No
If Yes, describe possible sources, potential frequency and duration of odor emissions, and proximity to nearest
occupied structures: ______________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________________
p. Yes No Will the proposed action include any bulk storage of petroleum ( over 1,100 gallons)
or chemical products ?
If Yes:
i. Product(s) to be stored ______________________________________________________________________________________
ii. Volume(s) ______ per unit time ___________ (e.g., month, year)
iii. Generally describe proposed storage facilities ___________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________________
q. Will the proposed action (commercial, industrial and recreational projects only) use pesticides (i.e., herbicides, Yes No
insecticides) during construction or operation?
If Yes:
i. Describe proposed treatment(s):
________________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________________
ii. Will the proposed action use Integrated Pest Management Practices? Yes No
r. Will the proposed action (commercial or industrial projects only) involve or require the management or disposal Yes No
of solid waste (excluding hazardous materials)?
If Yes:
i. Describe any solid waste(s) to be generated during construction or operation of the facility:
Construction: ____________________ tons per ________________ (unit of time)
Operation : ____________________ tons per ________________ (unit of time)
ii. Describe any proposals for on-site minimization, recycling or reuse of materials to avoid disposal as solid waste:
Construction: ________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________
Operation: __________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________
iii. Proposed disposal methods/facilities for solid waste generated on-site:
Construction: ________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________
Operation: __________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________
Page 9 of 13
s. Does the proposed action include construction or modification of a solid waste management facility? Yes No
If Yes:
i. Type of management or handling of waste proposed for the site (e.g., recycling or transfer station, composting, landfill, or
other disposal activities): ___________________________________________________________________________________
ii. Anticipated rate of disposal/processing:
________ Tons/month, if transfer or other non-combustion/thermal treatment, or
________ Tons/hour, if combustion or thermal treatment
iii. If landfill, anticipated site life: ________________________________ years
t. Will proposed action at the site involve the commercial generation, treatment, storage, or disposal of hazardous Yes No
waste?
If Yes:
i. Name(s) of all hazardous wastes or constituents to be generated, handled or managed at facility: ___________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________
ii. Generally describe processes or activities involving hazardous wastes or constituents: ___________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________________
iii. Specify amount to be handled or generated _____ tons/month
iv. Describe any proposals for on-site minimization, recycling or reuse of hazardous constituents: ____________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________________
v. Will any hazardous wastes be disposed at an existing offsite hazardous waste facility? Yes No
If Yes: provide name and location of facility: _______________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________________
If No: describe proposed management of any hazardous wastes which will not be sent to a hazardous waste facility:
________________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________________
E. Site and Setting of Proposed Action
E.1. Land uses on and surrounding the project site
a. Existing land uses.
i. Check all uses that occur on, adjoining and near the project site.
Urban Industrial Commercial Residential (suburban) Rural (non-farm)
Forest Agriculture Aquatic Other (specify): ____________________________________
ii. If mix of uses, generally describe:
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________
b. Land uses and covertypes on the project site.
Land use or
Covertype
Current
Acreage
Acreage After
Project Completion
Change
(Acres +/-)
Roads, buildings, and other paved or impervious
surfaces
Forested
Meadows, grasslands or brushlands (non-
agricultural, including abandoned agricultural)
Agricultural
(includes active orchards, field, greenhouse etc.)
Surface water features
(lakes, ponds, streams, rivers, etc.)
Wetlands (freshwater or tidal)
Non-vegetated (bare rock, earth or fill)
Other
Describe: _______________________________
________________________________________
Page 10 of 13
c. Is the project site presently used by members of the community for public recreation? Yes No
i. If Yes: explain: __________________________________________________________________________________________
d. Are there any facilities serving children, the elderly, people with disabilities (e.g., schools, hospitals, licensed Yes No
day care centers, or group homes) within 1500 feet of the project site?
If Yes,
i. Identify Facilities:
________________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________________
e. Does the project site contain an existing dam? Yes No
If Yes:
i. Dimensions of the dam and impoundment:
Dam height: _________________________________ feet
Dam length: _________________________________ feet
Surface area: _________________________________ acres
Volume impounded: _______________________________ gallons OR acre-feet
ii. Dams existing hazard classification: _________________________________________________________________________
iii. Provide date and summarize results of last inspection:
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________
f. Has the project site ever been used as a municipal, commercial or industrial solid waste management facility, Yes No
or does the project site adjoin property which is now, or was at one time, used as a solid waste management facility?
If Yes:
i. Has the facility been formally closed? Yes No
If yes, cite sources/documentation: _______________________________________________________________________
ii. Describe the location of the project site relative to the boundaries of the solid waste management facility:
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________
iii. Describe any development constraints due to the prior solid waste activities: __________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________
g. Have hazardous wastes been generated, treated and/or disposed of at the site, or does the project site adjoin Yes No
property which is now or was at one time used to commercially treat, store and/or dispose of hazardous waste?
If Yes:
i. Describe waste(s) handled and waste management activities, including approximate time when activities occurred:
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________
h. Potential contamination history. Has there been a reported spill at the proposed project site, or have any Yes No
remedial actions been conducted at or adjacent to the proposed site?
If Yes:
i. Is any portion of the site listed on the NYSDEC Spills Incidents database or Environmental Site Yes No
Remediation database? Check all that apply:
Yes Spills Incidents database Provide DEC ID number(s): ________________________________
Yes Environmental Site Remediation database Provide DEC ID number(s): ________________________________
Neither database
ii. If site has been subject of RCRA corrective activities, describe control measures:_______________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________________
iii. Is the project within 2000 feet of any site in the NYSDEC Environmental Site Remediation database? Yes No
If yes, provide DEC ID number(s): ______________________________________________________________________________
iv. If yes to (i), (ii) or (iii) above, describe current status of site(s):
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________
Page 11 of 13
v. Is the project site subject to an institutional control limiting property uses? Yes No
If yes, DEC site ID number: ____________________________________________________________________________
Describe the type of institutional control (e.g., deed restriction or easement): ____________________________________
Describe any use limitations: ___________________________________________________________________________
Describe any engineering controls: _______________________________________________________________________
Will the project affect the institutional or engineering controls in place? Yes No
Explain: ____________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________________
E.2. Natural Resources On or Near Project Site
a. What is the average depth to bedrock on the project site? ________________ feet
b. Are there bedrock outcroppings on the project site? Yes No
If Yes, what proportion of the site is comprised of bedrock outcroppings? __________________%
c. Predominant soil type(s) present on project site: ___________________________ __________%
___________________________ __________%
____________________________ __________%
d. What is the average depth to the water table on the project site? Average: _________ feet
e. Drainage status of project site soils: Well Drained: _____% of ite
Moderately Well Drained: _____% of site
Poorly Drained _____% of ite
f. Approximate proportion of proposed action site with slopes: 0-10%: _____% of site
10-15%: _____% of site
15% or greater: _____% of site
g. Are there any unique geologic features on the project site? Yes No
If Yes, describe: _____________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________________
h. Surface water features.
i. Does any portion of the project site contain wetlands or other waterbodies (including streams, rivers, Yes No
ponds or lakes)?
ii. Do any wetlands or other waterbodies adjoin the project site? Yes No
If Yes to either i or ii, continue. If No, skip to E.2.i.
iii. Are any of the wetlands or waterbodies within or adjoining the project site regulated by any federal, Yes No
state or local agency?
iv. For each identified wetland and waterbody on the project site, provide the following information
Streams: Name ____________________________________________ Classification _______________________
Lakes or Ponds: Name ____________________________________________ Classification _______________________
Wetlands: Name ____________________________________________ Approximate Size ___________________
Wetland No. (if regulated by DEC) _____________________________
v. Are any of the above water bodies listed in the most recent compilation of NYS water quality-impaired Yes No
waterbodies?
If yes, name of impaired water body/bodies and basis for listing as impaired: _____________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________
i. Is the project site in a designated Floodway? Yes No
j. Is the project site in the 100 year Floodplain? Yes No
k. Is the project site in the 500 year Floodplain? Yes No
l. Is the project site located over, or immediately adjoining, a primary, principal or sole source aquifer? Yes No
If Yes:
i. Name of aquifer: _________________________________________________________________________________________
Page 12 of 13
m. Identify the predominant wildlife species that occupy or use the project site: ______________________________
______________________________ _______________________________ ______________________________
______________________________ _______________________________ ______________________________
n. Does the project site contain a designated significant natural community? Yes No
If Yes:
i. Describe the habitat/community (composition, function, and basis for designation): _____________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________________
ii. Source(s) of description or evaluation: ________________________________________________________________________
iii. Extent of community/habitat:
Currently: ______________________ acres
Following completion of project as proposed: _____________________ acres
Gain or loss (indicate +or -): ______________________ acres
o. Does project site contain any species of plant or animal that is listed by the federal government or NYS as Yes No
endangered or threatened, or does it contain any areas identified as habitat for an endangered or threatened species?

p. Does the project site contain any species of plant or animal that is listed by NYS as rare, or as a species of Yes No
special concern?

q. Is the project site or adjoining area currently used for hunting, trapping, fishing or shell fishing? Yes No
If yes, give a brief description of how the proposed action may affect that use: ___________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________________
E.3. Designated Public Resources On or Near Project Site
a. Is the project site, or any portion of it, located in a designated agricultural district certified pursuant to Yes No
Agriculture and Markets Law, Article 25-AA, Section 303 and 304?
If Yes, provide county plus district name/number: _________________________________________________________________
b. Are agricultural lands consisting of highly productive soils present? Yes No
i. If Yes: acreage(s) on project site? ___________________________________________________________________________
ii. Source(s) of soil rating(s): _________________________________________________________________________________
c. Does the project site contain all or part of, or is it substantially contiguous to, a registered National Yes No
Natural Landmark?
If Yes:
i. Nature of the natural landmark: Biological Community Geological Feature
ii. Provide brief description of landmark, including values behind designation and approximate size/extent: ___________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________________
d. Is the project site located in or does it adjoin a state listed Critical Environmental Area? Yes No
If Yes:
i. CEA name: _____________________________________________________________________________________________
ii. Basis for designation: _____________________________________________________________________________________
iii. Designating agency and date: ______________________________________________________________________________

EAF Part 1 Attachment Page 1 of 8
EAF Part 1 - Attachment
Cortland Onondaga Regional Solid Waste Partnership

This Attachment provides additional background information and explanation for
answers given in the completed Part 1 of the State Environmental Quality Review
(SEQR) Full Environmental Assessment Form (EAF). The bold or italicized headings
shown below correspond to specific portions of the Full EAF.

A. Proj ect and Sponsor Information

Brief Description of Proposed Action (include purpose or need):

Cortland County, Onondaga County and the Onondaga County Resource Recovery
Agency (OCRRA) are proposing to enter into a Regional Solid Waste Partnership to
improve management of solid waste within Cortland and Onondaga Counties. The
proposed Action, establishing the partnership, includes the following elements:

Transporting and processing approximately 25,000 tons/year of Cortland County-
generated municipal solid waste (MSW) at OCRRAs waste-to-energy (WTE) facility
on Rock Cut Road in the Town of Onondaga;
Transporting and disposal of approximately 90,000 tons/year of ash residue from the
OCRRA WTE facility at the Cortland County Landfill;
A modification to the current Cortland County landfill permit to increase the permitted
tonnage acceptance rate from 44,500 tons per year to 95,000 tons to allow for
disposal of the WTE facility ash residue;
Construction of a Grade Separation Transfer Station at the Cortland County landfill
as a collection point for MSW generated in Cortland County, including a modification
to the landfill permit to allow for construction and operation of the facility ;
Legislative adoption of changes to the existing importation laws in both Onondaga
and Cortland Counties to allow for the transportation and management of MSW and
ash residue between the two counties;
Modification of the Cortland County Comprehensive Solid Waste Management Plan
(SWMP) to encompass changes necessary for implementation of the partnership
arrangement;

Update of the Onondaga County SWMP to encompass changes necessary for
implementation of the partnership arrangement, to incorporate revisions that will
conform the Plan to recent New York State Solid Waste Management System
requirements and changes that have occurred within the solid waste management
system, including improved recycling of discarded electronic products and other
municipal solid wastes such as batteries;
Enter into appropriate Agreements and/or amend existing agreements in support of
the proposed Partnership.

This partnership would provide much needed revenue to Cortland County, while
significantly reducing ash residue transport and disposal costs for OCRRA. The Cortland
County Landfill is underutilized and is facing financial concerns. Since the economic
downturn in late 2008 and the result of increased recycling efforts by Onondaga County
residences and businesses, OCRRAs WTE facility has not been running at full capacity.
This partnership will increase revenues for Cortland County and OCRRA, as a result of
the waste exchange described below.

Name of Applicant / Sponsor:

Cortland County Onondaga County
60 Central Avenue Office of the Environment
Cortland, New York 13045 J ohn H. Mulroy Civic Center, 14th Floor
J eremy Boylan 421 Montgomery Street
Clerk of the Legislature Syracuse, New York 13202
(607 753-5048 David Coburn, Director
(315) 435-2647

B. Government Approvals

e. County agencies Onondaga County (change to County Law, update Solid
Waste Management Plan, contract authorization, if
needed); Cortland County (mod. to law; update Solid
Waste Management Plan, contract approval), Cortland
County Highway Divisible Load Permit

g. State agencies NYSDEC (Part 360 Modification, Construction Stormwater
SPDES), SWMP approvals and NYSDOT Divisible Load
Permit

C. Planning and Zoning

C3. Zoning

The proposed action will not require a modification of the current zoning in Cortland
County. Based on available information, a special or conditional use permit is not
required for this project. The proposed project is consistent with the local land use plans
which outline the project property as public services. The WTE facility is located on
property zoned Lt-Light Industrial. No changes to the facility are proposed, and therefore
no modification to the zoning in Onondaga County is required.

C.4 Existing Community Services

c. Emergency Services at Cortland County landfill provided by TLC Emergency Medical
Services located in Cortland, NY. Fire protection provided by McGraw Fire Department.
Fire protection at the WTE facility is provided by Southwood Fire Department.

D. Project Details

D.1. Proposed and Potential Development

a. The general nature of the proposed action includes a mix of residential,
industrial, and commercial uses. The project includes a transfer station to serve
residential, industrial and commercial customers, a tonnage increase for an
existing permitted landfill, a modification to Cortland County's local solid waste
management plan and possible modifications of Onondaga County and Cortland
County solid waste laws. The operation of the existing WTE facility in Onondaga
County is also included as part of the action, but no changes to the currently
permitted operation of the facility are proposed.

b. The property is part of a 539.9-acre parcel of land currently owned by Cortland
County which encompasses the Old Cortland County Landfill (also known as the
Towslee Landfill), the Abandoned City of Cortland Landfill, the Buckbee-Mears
Sludge Disposal Areas, the closed Pine Tree Landfill, and the currently active
Cortland County West Side landfill. It is anticipated that the transfer station
portion of the proposed action will occur on a 6.8 acre portion of the landfill
property west of the existing scale house that is currently undisturbed. Refer to
Figure 2. Ultimately, approximately 5-acres will be disturbed as part of the
transfer station construction and improvements. The active West Side landfill
footprint (waste disposal area) will not be expanded and will remain within the
currently permitted limits of disposal.

c. The Cortland County Landfills current permitted design capacity is 44,500 tons
per year. The proposed action proposes to increase the permitted tonnage limit
to 95,000 tons per year to accept the added ash tonnage as well as the transfer
station operations. Further analysis related to this tonnage increase will be
conducted as part of the environmental review process for the project under
SEQR.

g. The proposed action includes the development of a grade separation transfer
station at the landfill facility to accommodate the transfer of waste materials to
OCRRA. It is anticipated that the building size will be roughly 14,500 square
feet.

h. No new leachate impoundment construction is anticipated for this project. The
existing leachate storage tank will continue to be utilized for the storage of landfill
leachate prior to disposal at the wastewater treatment plant. The transfer station
will be equipped with a small dual contained leachate storage tank to collect any
leachate from the transfer station floor.

It is anticipated that a new stormwater pond will be constructed in the vicinity of
the proposed transfer station in order to properly manage the stormwater runoff
resulting from the additional impervious area developed at the site. As part of the
Draft EIS, a stormwater analysis will be conducted to determine the size and type
of stormwater infrastructure that will be required. A disturbance of up to 1 acre for
stormwater management infrastructure has been estimated. Depending on
further analysis, only a portion of this area may contain a surface water
impoundment.

D.2. Project Operations

a. The landfill has approved mining locations as part of the 6 NYCRR Part 360
permit. No new mining areas are anticipated for the project.

b. A wetland delineation has been performed at the site and three very small
wetlands were delineated totaling less than 0.011 acres. The wetlands are a
result of tree transplanting where the small excavations of the root balls were not
filled in. Initial assessment indicates that these are isolated wetlands which are
too small to be regulated. These wetlands are located within the proposed
development area and may be filled with soil upon regulatory approval. This will
be further discussed in the Draft EIS.

d. As discussed, an increase in the permitted amount of incoming tonnage at the
Cortland County Landfill is proposed. The increased tonnage will primarily be
associated with the disposal of ash from Onondaga County Resource Recovery
Agencys (OCRRA) waste to energy (WTE) facility. With the change in the
landfilled waste from primarily MSW and C&D debris to WTE facility ash residue,
the characteristics of the leachate is expected to change compared to existing
Cortland County Landfill leachate. The quantity of landfill leachate is not
anticipated to change significantly. An evaluation of the change in the leachate
characteristics will be completed as part of the preparation of the Draft EIS.
Disposal of the leachate is expected to continue to be trucked off-site to the City
of Cortland Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) or another approved facility.
The Draft EIS will discuss the ability of the City of Cortlands WWTP to treat the
leachate.

e. The Cortland County Landfill currently maintains a Storm Water Pollution
Prevention Plan, which will be updated to reflect the addition of the proposed
transfer station to the site and any other alterations necessary as a result of the
proposed action.

f. Sources of air emissions associated with the proposed action in both Cortland
and Onondaga Counties will be evaluated during the Draft EIS preparation, and
will be addressed as required. No air permitting will be required for the project.

j. As per the EAF workbook provided by the NYSDEC, a project that generates
fewer than 100 peak hour vehicle trips per day will not result in any significant
increases in traffic. An increase in traffic associated with the proposed tonnage
increase is expected. The ash residue will be hauled by OCRRA in covered
vehicles from the WTE facility in J amesville, NY, Onondaga County to the
Cortland County Landfill facility located in the Towns of Solon/ Cortlandville /
Homer. The proposed travel corridor is shown on Figure 1. Depending on WTE
facility operations and seasonal fluctuations, there will be between 12 and 24
trips per day to haul the ash residue. It is anticipated that levels of service for the
transportation system will remain consistent with existing conditions. Traffic

impacts associated with the proposed project will, however, be further analyzed
as part of further environmental review of the project under SEQR.

l. The WTE facility is operational 24-hours per day, 7 days a week. It is open to
accept waste from 6 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday, and from 7 a.m. to 11
a.m. Saturday.

m. The increase in tonnage and the construction and operation of a transfer
station would likely increase operating noise associated with the facility.
Mitigative measures may be implemented to help offset potential increases in
operating noise, if necessary to allow the levels at sensitive receptors to be
below existing background or regulatory levels. It is anticipated that noise
impacts will be analyzed as part of further environmental review of the project
under SEQR.

o. Best management practices will be used to minimize odors and prevent odors
from emanating off-site. For example, daily and intermediate cover soils will be
applied to the waste mass as appropriate, in accordance with NYSDEC Part 360
regulations. In general, less landfill gas will be produce from the landfilling of ash
residue and therefore the potential for odors from landfill activities will decrease.
It is anticipated that odor impacts in both Cortland and Onondaga Counties will
be analyzed as part of further environmental review of the project under SEQR.

E. Site and Setting of Proposed Action

E.1 Land Uses on and Surrounding the Project Site

b. Up to one (1) acre of the proposed development area has been designated for
stormwater management based on initial assessment of the site. The actual area
of surface water features may be less than one acre, depending on the outcome
of more detailed stormwater analysis performed for the Draft EIS. The alternate
cover type for this designated area would be meadow/grassland after
development.

There are no mapped DEC or Federal Wetlands on the landfill property.
Delineation efforts were limited to the proposed transfer station area and
therefore acreage shown is for the proposed project site only. Wetland acreage
is less than a tenth of an acre and therefore does not show in the acreage
balance.

E.2. Natural Resources On or Near Project Site

a. Based on previous hydrogeologic investigations at the site, the depth to
bedrock in the vicinity of the proposed transfer station is generally less than 10-
feet. Additional subsurface data will be included in further environmental review
of the project under SEQR.

EAF Part 1

Cortland - Onondaga Regional Solid Waste Partnership

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Page 1 of 10
Part 2 - Identification of Potential Project Impacts
Part 2 is to be completed by the lead agency. Part 2 is designed to help the lead agency inventory all potential resources that could
be affected by a proposed project or action. We recognize that the lead agencys reviewer(s) will not necessarily be environmental
professionals. So, the questions are designed to walk a reviewer through the assessment process by providing a series of questions that
can be answered using the information found in Part 1. To further assist the lead agency in completing Part 2, the form identifies the
most relevant questions in Part 1 that will provide the information needed to answer the Part 2 question. When Part 2 is completed, the
lead agency will have identified the relevant environmental areas that may be impacted by the proposed activity.
If the lead agency is a state agency and the action is in any Coastal Area, complete the Coastal Assessment Form before proceeding
with this assessment.
Tips for completing Part 2:
Review all of the information provided in Part 1.
Review any application, maps, supporting materials and the Full EAF Workbook.
Answer each of the 18 questions in Part 2.
If you answer Yes to a numbered question, please complete all the questions that follow in that section.
If you answer No to a numbered question, move on to the next numbered question.
Check appropriate column to indicate the anticipated size of the impact.
Proposed projects that would exceed a numeric threshold contained in a question should result in the reviewing agency
checking the box Moderate to large impact may occur.
The reviewer is not expected to be an expert in environmental analysis.
If you are not sure or undecided about the size of an impact, it may help to review the sub-questions for the general
question and consult the workbook.
When answering a question consider all components of the proposed activity, that is, the whole action .
Consider the possibility for long-term and cumulative impacts as well as direct impacts.
Answer the question in a reasonable manner considering the scale and context of the project.
1. Impact on Land
Proposed action may involve construction on, or physical alteration of, NO YES
the land surface of the proposed site. (See Part 1. D.1)
If Yes, answer questions a - j. If No, move on to Section 2.
Relevant
Part I
Question(s)
No, or
small
impact
may occur
Moderate
to large
impact may
occur
a. The proposed action may involve construction on land where depth to water table is
less than 3 feet.
E2d
b. The proposed action may involve construction on slopes of 15% or greater. E2f
c. The proposed action may involve construction on land where bedrock is exposed, or
generally within 5 feet of existing ground surface.
E2a
d. The proposed action may involve the excavation and removal of more than 1,000 tons
of natural material.
D2a
e. The proposed action may involve construction that continues for more than one year
or in multiple phases.
D1e
f. The proposed action may result in increased erosion, whether from physical
disturbance or vegetation removal (including from treatment by herbicides).
D2e, D2q
g. The proposed action is, or may be, located within a Coastal Erosion hazard area. B1i
h. Other impacts: _______________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
Page 2 of 10

2. Impact on Geological Features
The proposed action may result in the modification or destruction of, or inhibit
access to, any unique or unusual land forms on the site (e.g., cliffs, dunes, NO YES
minerals, fossils, caves). (See Part 1. E.2.g)
If Yes, answer questions a - c. If No, move on to Section 3.

Relevant
Part I
Question(s)
No, or
small
impact
may occur
Moderate
to large
impact may
occur

a. Identify the specific land form(s) attached: ________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
E2g

b. The proposed action may affect or is adjacent to a geological feature listed as a
registered National Natural Landmark.
Specific feature: _____________________________________________________
E3c

c. Other impacts: ______________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________

3. Impacts on Surface Water
The proposed action may affect one or more wetlands or other surface water NO YES
bodies (e.g., streams, rivers, ponds or lakes). (See Part 1. D.2, E.2.h)
If Yes, answer questions a - l. If No, move on to Section 4.

Relevant
Part I
Question(s)
No, or
small
impact
may occur
Moderate
to large
impact may
occur
a. The proposed action may create a new water body. D2b, D1h

b. The proposed action may result in an increase or decrease of over 10% or more than a
10 acre increase or decrease in the surface area of any body of water.
D2b

c. The proposed action may involve dredging more than 100 cubic yards of material
from a wetland or water body.
D2a

d. The proposed action may involve construction within or adjoining a freshwater or
tidal wetland, or in the bed or banks of any other water body.
E2h

e. The proposed action may create turbidity in a waterbody, either from upland erosion,
runoff or by disturbing bottom sediments.
D2a, D2h

f. The proposed action may include construction of one or more intake(s) for withdrawal
of water from surface water.
D2c

g. The proposed action may include construction of one or more outfall(s) for discharge
of wastewater to surface water(s).
D2d

h. The proposed action may cause soil erosion, or otherwise create a source of
stormwater discharge that may lead to siltation or other degradation of receiving
water bodies.
D2e

i. The proposed action may affect the water quality of any water bodies within or
downstream of the site of the proposed action.
E2h

j. The proposed action may involve the application of pesticides or herbicides in or
around any water body.
D2q, E2h

k. The proposed action may require the construction of new, or expansion of existing,
wastewater treatment facilities.
D1a, D2d

Page 3 of 10
l. Other impacts: _______________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
4. Impact on groundwater
The proposed action may result in new or additional use of ground water, or NO YES
may have the potential to introduce contaminants to ground water or an aquifer.
(See Part 1. D.2.a, D.2.c, D.2.d, D.2.p, D.2.q, D.2.t)
If Yes, answer questions a - h. If No, move on to Section 5.
Relevant
Part I
Question(s)
No, or
small
impact
may occur
Moderate
to large
impact may
occur
a. The proposed action may require new water supply wells, or create additional demand
on supplies from existing water supply wells.
D2c
b. Water supply demand from the proposed action may exceed safe and sustainable
withdrawal capacity rate of the local supply or aquifer.
Cite Source: ________________________________________________________
D2c
c. The proposed action may allow or result in residential uses in areas without water and
sewer services.
D1a, D2c
d. The proposed action may include or require wastewater discharged to groundwater. D2d, E2l
e. The proposed action may result in the construction of water supply wells in locations
where groundwater is, or is suspected to be, contaminated.
D2c, E1f,
E1g, E1h
f. The proposed action may require the bulk storage of petroleum or chemical products
over ground water or an aquifer.
D2p, E2l
g. The proposed action may involve the commercial application of pesticides within 100
feet of potable drinking water or irrigation sources.
E2h, D2q,
E2l, D2c
h. Other impacts: ______________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
5. Impact on Flooding
The proposed action may result in development on lands subject to flooding. NO YES
(See Part 1. E.2)
If Yes, answer questions a - g. If No, move on to Section 6.
Relevant
Part I
Question(s)
No, or
small
impact
may occur
Moderate
to large
impact may
occur
a. The proposed action may result in development in a designated floodway. E2i
b. The proposed action may result in development within a 100 year floodplain. E2j
c. The proposed action may result in development within a 500 year floodplain. E2k
d. The proposed action may result in, or require, modification of existing drainage
patterns.
D2b, D2e
e. The proposed action may change flood water flows that contribute to flooding. D2b, E2i,
E2j, E2k
f. If there is a dam located on the site of the proposed action, dam E1e
Page 4 of 10
g. Other impacts: ______________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
6. Impacts on Air
The proposed action may include a state regulated air emission source. NO YES
(See Part 1. D.2.f., D,2,h, D.2.g)
If Yes, answer questions a - f. If No, move on to Section 7.
Relevant
Part I
Question(s)
No, or
small
impact
may occur
Moderate
to large
impact may
occur
a. If the proposed action requires federal or state air emission permits, the action may
also emit one or more greenhouse gases at or above the following levels:
i. More than 1000 tons/year of carbon dioxide (CO
2
)
ii. More than 3.5 tons/year of nitrous oxide (N
2
)
iii. More than 1000 tons/year of carbon equivalent of perfluorocarbons (PFCs)
iv. More than .045 tons/year of sulfur hexafluoride (SF
6
)
v. More than 1000 tons/year of carbon dioxide equivalent of
hydrochlorofl urocarbons (HFCs) emissions
vi. 43 tons/year or more of methane
D2g
D2g
D2g
D2g
D2g
D2h
b. The proposed action may generate 10 tons/year or more of any one designated
hazardous air pollutant, or 25 tons/year or more of any combination of such hazardous
air pollutants.
D2g
c. The proposed action may require a state air registration, or may produce an emissions
rate of total contaminants that may exceed 5 lbs. per hour, or may include a heat
source capable of producing more than 10 million BTU s per hour.
D2f, D2g
d. The proposed action may reach 50% of any of the thresholds in a through c,
above.
D
e. The proposed action may result in the combustion or thermal treatment of more than 1
ton of refuse per hour.
D2s
f. Other impacts: ______________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
7. Impact on Plants and Animals
The proposed action may result in a loss of flora or fauna. (See Part 1. E.2. m.-q.) NO YES
If Yes, answer questions a - j. If No, move on to Section 8.
Relevant
Part I
Question(s)
No, or
small
impact
may occur
Moderate
to large
impact may
occur
a. The proposed action may cause reduction in population or loss of individuals of any
threatened or endangered species, as listed by New York State or the Federal
government, that use the site, or are found on, over, or near the site.
E2o
b. The proposed action may result in a reduction or degradation of any habitat used by
any rare, threatened or endangered species, as listed by New York State or the federal
government.
E2o
c. The proposed action may cause reduction in population, or loss of individuals, of any
species of special concern or conservation need, as listed by New York State or the
Federal government, that use the site, or are found on, over, or near the site.
E2p
d. The proposed action may result in a reduction or degradation of any habitat used by
any species of special concern and conservation need, as listed by New York State or
the Federal government.
E2p
Page 5 of 10

e. The proposed action may diminish the capacity of a registered National Natural
Landmark to support the biological community it was established to protect.
E3c

f. The proposed action may result in the removal of, or ground disturbance in, any
portion of a designated significant natural community.
Source: ____________________________________________________________
E2n

g. The proposed action may substantially interfere with nesting/breeding, foraging, or
over-wintering habitat for the predominant species that occupy or use the project site.
E2m

h. The proposed action requires the conversion of more than 10 acres of forest,
grassland or any other regionally or locally important habitat.
Habitat type & information source: ______________________________________
__________________________________________________________________

E1b

i. Proposed action (commercial, industrial or recreational projects, only) involves use of
herbicides or pesticides.
D2q

j. Other impacts: ______________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________

8. Impact on Agricultural Resources
The proposed action may impact agricultural resources. (See Part 1. E.3.a. and b.) NO YES
If Yes, answer questions a - h. If No, move on to Section 9.
Relevant
Part I
Question(s)
No, or
small
impact
may occur
Moderate
to large
impact may
occur
a. The proposed action may impact soil classified within soil group 1 through 4 of the
NYS Land Classification System.
E2c, E3b

b. The proposed action may sever, cross or otherwise limit access to agricultural land
(includes cropland, hayfields, pasture, vineyard, orchard, etc).
E1a, Elb

c. The proposed action may result in the excavation or compaction of the soil profile of
active agricultural land.
E3b

d. The proposed action may irreversibly convert agricultural land to non-agricultural
uses, either more than 2.5 acres if located in an Agricultural District, or more than 10
acres if not within an Agricultural District.
E1b, E3a

e. The proposed action may disrupt or prevent installation of an agricultural land
management system.
El a, E1b

f. The proposed action may result, directly or indirectly, in increased development
potential or pressure on farmland.
C2c, C3,
D2c, D2d

g. The proposed project is not consistent with the adopted municipal Farmland
Protection Plan.
C2c

h. Other impacts: ________________________________________________________

Page 6 of 10

9. Impact on Aesthetic Resources
The land use of the proposed action are obviously different from, or are in NO YES
sharp contrast to, current land use patterns between the proposed project and
a scenic or aesthetic resource. (Part 1. E.1.a, E.1.b, E.3.h.)
If Yes, answer questions a - g. If No, go to Section 10.
Relevant
Part I
Question(s)
No, or
small
impact
may occur
Moderate
to large
impact may
occur

a. Proposed action may be visible from any officially designated federal, state, or local
scenic or aesthetic resource.
E3h

b. The proposed action may result in the obstruction, elimination or significant
screening of one or more officially designated scenic views.
E3h, C2b

c. The proposed action may be visible from publicly accessible vantage points:
i. Seasonally (e.g., screened by summer foliage, but visible during other seasons)
ii. Year round
E3h

d. The situation or activity in which viewers are engaged while viewing the proposed
action is:
i. Routine travel by residents, including travel to and from work
ii. Recreational or tourism based activities
E3h
E2q,
E1c

e. The proposed action may cause a diminishment of the public enjoyment and
appreciation of the designated aesthetic resource.
E3h

f. There are similar projects visible within the following distance of the proposed
project:
0-1/2 mile
-3 mile
3-5 mile
5+ mile
D1a, E1a,
D1f, D1g

g. Other impacts: ______________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________

10. Impact on Historic and Archeological Resources
The proposed action may occur in or adjacent to a historic or archaeological NO YES
resource. (Part 1. E.3.e, f. and g.)
If Yes, answer questions a - e. If No, go to Section 11.
Relevant
Part I
Question(s)
No, or
small
impact
may occur
Moderate
to large
impact may
occur

a. The proposed action may occur wholly or partially within, or substantially contiguous
to, any buildings, archaeological site or district which is listed on or has been
nominated by the NYS Board of Historic Preservation for inclusion on the State or
National Register of Historic Places.
E3e

b. The proposed action may occur wholly or partially within, or substantially contiguous
to, an area designated as sensitive for archaeological sites on the NY State Historic
Preservation Office (SHPO) archaeological site inventory.
E3f

c. The proposed action may occur wholly or partially within, or substantially contiguous
to, an archaeological site not included on the NY SHPO inventory.
Source: ____________________________________________________________
E3g

Page 7 of 10
d. Other impacts: ______________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
e. If any of the above (a-d) are answered Yes, continue with the following questions
to help support conclusions in Part 3:
i. The proposed action may result in the destruction or alteration of all or part
of the site or property.
ii. The proposed action may result in the alteration of the propertys setting or
integrity.
iii. The proposed action may result in the introduction of visual elements which
are out of character with the site or property, or may alter its setting.
E3e, E3g,
E3f
E3e, E3f,
E3g, E1a,
E1b
E3e, E3f,
E3g, E3h,
C2, C3
11. Impact on Open Space and Recreation
The proposed action may result in a loss of recreational opportunities or a NO YES
reduction of an open space resource as designated in any adopted
municipal open space plan.
(See Part 1. C.2.c, E.1.c., E.2.q.)
Relevant
Part I
Question(s)
No, or
small
impact
may occur
Moderate
to large
impact may
occur
a. The proposed action may result in an impairment of natural functions, or ecosystem
services, provided by an undeveloped area, including but not limited to stormwater
storage, nutrient cycling, wildlife habitat.
D2e, E1b
E2h,
E2m, E2o,
E2n, E2p
b. The proposed action may result in the loss of a current or future recreational resource. C2a, E1c,
C2c, E2q
c. The proposed action may eliminate open space or recreational resource in an area
with few such resources.
C2a, C2c
E1c, E2q
d. The proposed action may result in loss of an area now used informally by the
community as an open space resource.
C2c, E1c
e. Other impacts: _____________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
12. Impact on Critical Environmental Areas
The proposed action may be located within or adjacent to a critical NO YES
environmental area (CEA). (See Part 1. E.3.d)
If Yes, answer questions a - c. If No, go to Section 13.
Relevant
Part I
Question(s)
No, or
small
impact
may occur
Moderate
to large
impact may
occur
a. The proposed action may result in a reduction in the quantity of the resource or
characteristic which was the basis for designation of the CEA.
E3d
b. The proposed action may result in a reduction in the quality of the resource or
characteristic which was the basis for designation of the CEA.
E3d
c. Other impacts: ______________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
Page 8 of 10
13. Impact on Transportation
The proposed action may result in a change to existing transportation systems. NO YES
(See Part 1. D.2.j)
If Yes, answer questions a - g. If No, go to Section 14.
Relevant
Part I
Question(s)
No, or
small
impact
may occur
Moderate
to large
impact may
occur
a. Projected traffic increase may exceed capacity of existing road network. D2j
b. The proposed action may result in the construction of paved parking area for 500 or
more vehicles.
D2j
c. The proposed action will degrade existing transit access. D2j
d. The proposed action will degrade existing pedestrian or bicycle accommodations. D2j
.The proposed action may alter the present pattern of movement of people or goods. D2j
. Other impacts: ______________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
14. Impact on Energy
The proposed action may cause an increase in the use of any form of energy. NO YES
(See Part 1. D.2.k)
Relevant
Part I
Question(s)
No, or
small
impact
may occur
Moderate
to large
impact may
occur
a. The proposed action will require a new, or an upgrade to an existing, substation. D2k
b. The proposed action will require the creation or extension of an energy transmission
or supply system to serve more than 50 single or two-family residences or to serve a
commercial or industrial use.
D1f,
D1q, D2k
c. The proposed action may utilize more than 2,500 MWhrs per year of electricity. D2k
d. The proposed action may involve heating and/or cooling of more than 100,000 square
feet of building area when completed.
D1g
e. Other Impacts: ________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
15. Impact on Noise, Odor, and Light
The proposed action may result in an increase in noise, odors, or outdoor lighting. NO YES
(See Part 1. D.2.m., n., and o.)
If Yes, answer questions a - f. If No, go to Section 16.
Relevant
Part I
Question(s)
No, or
small
impact
may occur
Moderate
to large
impact may
occur
a. The proposed action may produce sound above noise levels established by local
regulation.
D2m
b. The proposed action may result in blasting within 1,500 feet of any residence,
hospital, school, licensed day care center, or nursing home.
D2m, E1d
c. The proposed action may result in routine odors for more than one hour per day. D2o
Page 9 of 10
d. The proposed action may result in light shining onto adjoining properties. D2n
e. The proposed action may result in lighting creating sky-glow brighter than existing
area conditions.
D2n, E1a
f. Other impacts: ______________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
16. Impact on Human Health
The proposed action may have an impact on human health from exposure NO YES
to new or existing sources of contaminants. (See Part 1.D.2.q., E.1. d. f. g. and h.)
If Yes, answer questions a - m. If No, go to Section 17.
Relevant
Part I
Question(s)
No,or
small
impact
may cccur
Moderate
to large
impact may
occur
a. The proposed action is located within 1500 feet of a school, hospital, licensed day
care center, group home, nursing home or retirement community.
E1d
b. The site of the proposed action is currently undergoing remediation. E1g, E1h
c. There is a completed emergency spill remediation, or a completed environmental site
remediation on, or adjacent to, the site of the proposed action.
E1g, E1h
d. The site of the action is subject to an institutional control limiting the use of the
property (e.g. easement deed restriction)
E1g, E1h
e. The proposed action may affect institutional control measures that were put in place
to ensure that the site remains protective of the environment and human health.
E1g, E1h
f. The proposed action has adequate control measures in place to ensure that future
generation, treatment and/or disposal of hazardous wastes will be protective of the
environment and human health.
D2t
g. The proposed action involves construction or modification of a solid waste
management facility.
D2q, E1f
h. The proposed action may result in the unearthing of solid or hazardous waste. D2q, E1f
i. The proposed action may result in an increase in the rate of disposal, or processing, of
solid waste.
D2r, D2s
j. The proposed action may result in excavation or other disturbance within 2000 feet of
a site used for the disposal of solid or hazardous waste.
E1f, E1g
E1h
k. The proposed action may result in the migration of explosive gases from a landfill
site to adjacent off site structures.
E1f, E1g
l. The proposed action may result in the release of contaminated leachate from the
project site.
D2s, E1f,
D2r
m. Other impacts: ______________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
Page 10 of 10

17. Consistency with Community Plans
The proposed action is not consistent with adopted land use plans. NO YES
(See Part 1. C.1, C.2. and C.3.)
If Yes, answer questions a - h. If No, go to Section 18.

Relevant
Part I
Question(s)
No, or
small
impact
may occur
Moderate
to large
impact may
occur
a. The proposed actions land use components may be different from, or in sharp
contrast to, current surrounding land use pattern(s).
C2, C3, D1a
E1a, E1b

b. The proposed action will cause the permanent population of the city, town or village
in which the project is located to grow by more than 5%.
C2
c. The proposed action is inconsistent with local land use plans or zoning regulations. C2, C2, C3
d. The proposed action is inconsistent with any County plans, or other regional land use
plans.
C2, C2
e. The proposed action may cause a change in the density of development that is not
supported by existing infrastructure or is distant from existing infrastructure.
C3, D1c,
D1d, D1f,
D1d, Elb

f. The proposed action is located in an area characterized by low density development
that will require new or expanded public infrastructure.
C4, D2c, D2d
D2j

g. The proposed action may induce secondary development impacts (e.g., residential or
commercial development not included in the proposed action)
C2a
h. Other: _____________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________

18. Consistency with Community Character
The proposed project is inconsistent with the existing community character. NO YES
(See Part 1. C.2, C.3, D.2, E.3)
If Yes, answer questions a - g. If No, proceed to Part 3.

Relevant
Part I
Question(s)
No, or
small
impact
may occur
Moderate
to large
impact may
occur
a. The proposed action may replace or eliminate existing facilities, structures, or areas
of historic importance to the community.
E3e, E3f, E3g
b. The proposed action may create a demand for additional community services (e.g.
schools, police and fire)
C4
c. The proposed action may displace affordable or low-income housing in an area where
there is a shortage of such housing.
C2, C3, D1f
D1g, E1a

d. The proposed action may interfere with the use or enjoyment of officially recognized
or designated public resources.
C2, E3
e. The proposed action is inconsistent with the predominant architectural scale and
character.
C2, C3
f. Proposed action is inconsistent with the character of the existing natural landscape. C2, C3
E1a, E1b
E2g, E2h

g. Other impacts: ______________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________

PRINT FULL FORM
Part 3 - Evaluation of the Magnitude and Importance of Project Impacts
and
Determination of Significance
Part 3 provides the reasons in support of the determination of significance. The lead agency must complete Part 3 for every question
in Part 2 where the impact has been identified as potentially moderate to large or where there is a need to explain why a particular
element of the proposed action will not, or may, result in a significant adverse environmental impact.
Based on the analysis in Part 3, the lead agency must decide whether to require an environmental impact statement to further assess
the proposed action or whether available information is sufficient for the lead agency to conclude that the proposed action will not
have a significant adverse environmental impact. By completing the certification on the next page, the lead agency can complete its
determination of significance.
Reasons Supporting This Determination:
To complete this section:
Identify the impact based on the Part 2 responses and describe its magnitude. Magnitude considers factors such as severity,
size or extent of an impact.
Assess the importance of the impact. Importance relates to the geographic scope, duration, probability of the impact
occurring, number of people affected by the impact and any additional environmental consequences if the impact were to
occur.
The assessment should take into consideration any design element or project changes.
Repeat this process for each Part 2 question where the impact has been identified as potentially moderate to large or where
there is a need to explain why a particular element of the proposed action will not, or may, result in a significant adverse
environmental impact.
Provide the reason(s) why the impact may, or will not, result in a significant adverse environmental impact
For Conditional Negative Declarations identify the specific condition(s) imposed that will modify the proposed action so that
no significant adverse environmental impacts will result.
Attach additional sheets, as needed.
Determination of Significance - Type 1 and Unlisted Actions
SEQR Status: Type 1 Unlisted
Identify portions of EAF completed for this Project: Part 1 Part 2 Part 3
Upon review of the information recorded on this EAF, as noted, plus this additional support information
and considering both the magnitude and importance of each identified potential impact, it is the conclusion of the
as lead agency that:
A. This project will result in no significant adverse impacts on the environment, and, therefore, an environmental impact
statement need not be prepared. Accordingly, this negative declaration is issued.
B. Although this project could have a significant adverse impact on the environment, that impact will be avoided or
substantially mitigated because of the following conditions which will be required by the lead agency:
There will, therefore, be no significant adverse impacts from the project as conditioned, and, therefore, this conditioned negative
declaration is issued. A conditioned negative declaration may be used only for UNLISTED actions (see 6 NYCRR 617.d).
C. This Project may result in one or more significant adverse impacts on the environment, and an environmental impact
statement must be prepared to further assess the impact(s) and possible mitigation and to explore alternatives to avoid or reduce those
impacts. Accordingly, this positive declaration is issued.
Name of Action:
Name of Lead Agency:
Name of Responsible Officer in Lead Agency:
Title of Responsible Officer:
Signature of Responsible Officer in Lead Agency: Date:
Signature of Preparer (if different from Responsible Officer) Date:
For Further Information:
Contact Person:
Address:
Telephone Number:
E-mail:
For Type 1 Actions and Conditioned Negative Declarations, a copy of this Notice is sent to:
Chief Executive Officer of the political subdivision in which the action will be principally located (e.g., Town / City / Village of)
Other involved agencies (if any)
Applicant (if any)
Environmental Notice Bulletin: http://www.dec.ny.gov/enb/enb.html
PRINT FULL FORM
Signatures of Responsible Officers in Co-Lead Agencies:
______________________________________________ __________________________________________
Chair of the Cortland County Legislature Chair of the Onondaga County Legislature
______________________ _____________________
Date Date

Appendi x B
DEIS Preliminary Tabl e of Contents

Draft Environmental Impact Statement
PRELIMINARY TABLE OF CONTENTS
Executive Summary
Glossary of Terms
1.0 Project Description and Background
1.1 Project Background
1.2 System Description and History
1.2.1 Cortland County
1.2.2 Onondaga County / Onondaga County Resource Recovery Agency (OCRRA)
1.3 Project Description
1.4 State Environmental Quality Review Act Process
1.5 Project Purpose
1.6 Public Needs and Benefits
1.7 Local and State Solid Waste Management Plans
1.8 Regulatory Reviews and Approvals
1.9 Public Participation

2.0 Proposed Action
2.1 Existing Disposal Facilities to be Utilized
2.1.1.1 Landfill Liner System
2.1.1.2 Leachate Collection, Treatment and Disposal
2.1.1.3 Site Capacity and Expected Site Life
2.1.2 Onondaga County Resource Recovery (Waste-to-Energy) Facility
2.1.2.1 Environmental Controls
2.1.2.2 Compliance Testing
2.1.2.3 Ash Residue Management
2.2 Proposed Cortland County Landfill Tonnage Increase
2.3 Proposed Cortland County Transfer Station
2.4 Acceptance of Cortland County Generated Waste at Waste- to-Energy Facility
2.5 Waste Transportation
2.6 Local Solid Waste Management Plan Updates
2.7 Action Regarding Amendment of Local Laws
2.7.1 Cortland County Local Law
2.7.2 Onondaga County Local Law
2.8 Opportunities for Collaborative Facilities and Programs
2.9 Regulatory Reviews and Approvals

3.0 Project-wide Existing Environmental Setting, Potential Impacts, and Proposed Mitigation
Measures
3.1 Transportation and Traffic
3.1.1 Environmental Setting (Transportation Route)
3.1.2 Potential Impacts
3.1.3 Proposed Mitigation Measures

3.2 Air Resources
3.2.1 Air Quality and Greenhouse Gas Emissions
3.2.1.1 Environmental Setting
3.2.1.2 Potential Impacts
3.2.1.3 Proposed Mitigation Measures

3.3 Energy Conservation
3.3.1 Fuel Use and Conservation
3.3.2 Electricity Use and Generation

4.0 Cortland County Existing Environmental Setting, Potential Impacts, and Proposed Mitigation
Measures

4.1 Natural Resource Characteristics
4.1.1 Geologic Resources
4.1.1.1 Topography
4.1.1.1.1 Environmental Setting
4.1.1.1.2 Potential Impacts
4.1.1.1.3 Proposed Mitigation Measures
4.1.1.2 Geologic Subsurface Conditions
4.1.2.1 Surface Water
4.1.2.2 Groundwater Resources
4.1.3 Air Resources
4.1.3.1 Odor

4.1.4 Ecological Resources

4.2 Local Community Characteristics
4.2.1 Land Use and Zoning, Agricultural Resources, and Open Space and Recreation
4.2.2 Population Data and Environmental Justice
4.2.3 Public Services
4.2.4 Public Health
4.2.5 Property Values
4.2.6 Utilities
4.2.7 Historic and Archaeological Resources
4.2.8 Visual Setting
4.2.9 Noise Analysis


5.0 Onondaga County Existing Environmental Setting, Potential Impacts, and Proposed Mitigation
Measures

5.1 Impacts Previously Addressed by SEQR
5.1.1 Site Setting
5.1.2 Geology, Soils, and Topography
5.1.4 Air Quality
5.1.5 Terrestrial Ecology
5.1.6 Traffic
5.1.7 Land Use and Zoning
5.1.8 Community Services
5.1.9 Demography
5.1.10 Cultural/Historical Resources
5.1.11 Occupational Health and Safety
5.1.12 Noise
5.1.13 Economics
5.1.14 Odors
5.1.15 Energy
5.1.16 Unavoidable Adverse Impacts
5.1.17 Irreversible/Irretrievable Resources
5.1.18 Siting Alternatives
5.1.19 Disposal Alternatives
5.1.20 Management Alternatives
5.1.21 Technological Alternatives

5.2 Supplemental Environmental Impact Evaluation
5.2.1 Population Data and Environmental Justice

5.2.2 Public Health

6.0 Unavoidable Adverse Impacts
6.1 Topography (specific to Cortland County)
6.2 Site Ecology (specific to Cortland County)
6.3 Traffic

7.0 Irreversible and Irretrievable Commitment of Resources

8.0 Cumulative and Growth Inducing Impacts

9.0 Alternatives Analysis
9.1 No Action Alternative
9.1.2 Onondaga County Resource Recovery (Waste-to-Energy) Facility
9.2 Cortland County Flow Control Alternative
9.3 Cortland County Landfill Sale or Lease
9.4 Alternative Cortland County Transfer Station Sites
9.5 Onondaga County Resource Recovery Facility Ash Residue Disposal Site Alternatives
9.6 Alternative Cortland County Waste Disposal Technologies
9.6.1 Pyrolysis
9.6.2 Gasification
9.6.3 Mixed MSW Solid Waste Composting
9.6.4 Mechanical/Biological Treatment
9.6.5 Anaerobic Digestion

10.0 References
Tables
Figures

Appendices
Cortland County Noise Analysis
Cortland County Transfer Station Visual Impact Assessment
Air Quality Report
Correspondence with NYSDEC Natural Heritage Program and USFWS regarding Cortland County
Cortland County Wetland Delineation and Correspondence
Transportation Analysis
Cortland County Archaeological Reports and Correspondence
Cortland County 6 NYCRR Part 360 Permit Application Documents
Onondaga County Resource Recovery Facility Solid Waste (Part 360) and Air (Title V) Permits

Ash For Trash Draft Scoping Document

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