NIAGARA COUNTY: State action wanted on disposal tax

Local News

July 27, 2009

By Mark Scheer<br><a href="mailto:scheerm@gnnewspaper.com">E-mail Mark</a> The Tonawanda News Mon Jul 27, 2009, 10:27 PM EDT

Niagara County lawmakers may push state officials to get moving on the approval of a proposed hazardous waste disposal tax in New York.

Legislators John Ceretto, R-Lewiston, and Clyde Burmaster, R-Ransomville, have co-sponsored a resolution that calls on the state Senate and Assembly to take action on the proposed tax this year. Their resolution is expected to be considered during the Legislature’s meeting at 7 p.m. tonight at the Niagara County Courthouse in Lockport.

If approved by the state Legislature, the so-called New York Hazardous Waste Land Disposal Tax would place a $20-per-ton disposal tax on all hazardous waste imported into the state. The main target of the tax is the Northeast’s lone commercial hazardous waste facility — CWM Chemical Services in the Town of Porter.

Advocates maintain that the tax will make it less cost effective for companies who are looking to dispose of hazardous materials to do so at CWM, thus reducing the amount of waste traveling into the county.

“Hopefully that tax will encourage CWM to use alternatives.” Ceretto said. “It’s a tax well needed as far as getting them to change because we don’t want them there anymore.”

In addition, the measure calls for the Niagara County Health Department to receive 10 percent of the annual disposal tax, an amount that could bring an estimated $300,000 into the county’s coffers each year.

The bill was originally introduced by state Assemblywoman Francine DelMonte, D-Lewiston, in June. It also calls for a reduction in taxes currently paid by companies that generate hazardous waste in New York from $27-per-ton to $7-per-ton. Similar legislation has been introduced in the Senate by Sen. Antoine Thompson, D-Niagara Falls and Buffalo.

DelMonte said she’s confident the measure will be brought up for a vote when the Assembly returns to session in September. She said she considers the legislation vitally important as she’s hopeful the tax will make Niagara County less inviting for companies who are looking for places to dump hazardous waste.

“I’m firm in my commitment to get this bill passed and signed by the governor,” she said.

A spokesperson for Thompson said it is hoped the Senate bill will also be considered for a vote when the Senate reconvenes later year, possibly in September.

Contact reporter Mark Scheer at 282-2311, ext. 2250.

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