State says Honeywell won't need local permits to bury contaminated Onondaga Lake sediment in Camillus

Despite the waiver, the company must comply with all technical requirements of local permits that would otherwise apply to the work.

View full sizeLauren Long / The Post-StandardAlec Baldwin speaks against wastebed dumping during an April 17 press conference at Corso's Cookies in Geddes that was organized by the Camillus Community Coalition. Seated at the table are (from left) Pat Rector, outreach educator at the Occupational Health Clinical Center of SUNY Upstate Medical University; Tom Gdula, head of the Camillus Community Coalition; and Rosemary Klein, Director of Clinical Services at the Occupational Health Clinical Center of SUNY Upstate Medical University.

Camillus, NY -- State environmental officials have exempted Honeywell International from any obligation to obtain permits from the town of Camillus for the disposal of contaminated sediment from the bottom of Onondaga Lake in Wastebed 13.

Ken Lynch, Department of Environmental Conservation Region 7 director, said today that despite the waiver, the company must comply with all technical requirements of local permits that would otherwise apply to the work.

The letter from the DEC, dated Aug. 10, requires Honeywell to consult with the town code enforcement officer to ensure that those technical requirements are met. The company must also pay building permit fees even though no permits will be required.

Town Supervisor Mary Ann Coogan had no immediate comment. "I'm trying to digest the letter" she said today. "I will meet with the town board tonight and discuss it with them."

Lynch said the letter reinforces his department’s commitment to work with Honeywell and town officials on the design, construction and operation of the Wastebed 13 project.

The wastebed project is part of the overall effort cleanup of Onondaga Lake. Honeywell is liable for the estimated $451 million cost of the cleanup.

The letter also says Honeywell is expected to participate in the formal closure and future planning of Wastebeds 9-15, located in he town of Camillus.

Honeywell International is the successor to AlliedSignal, which used wastebeds in Camillus and Geddes to dispose of industrial by-products and wastes.

Reach John Stith at jstith@syracuse.com or 251-5718.