Residents both for and against the Micron project in Clay expressed concerns during the daylong public hearing Thursday at Liverpool High School. Even some supporters of the project wanted clarification regarding potential environmental impacts during and after construction. The CEO of Train, Develop, Optimize James D’Agostino told the panel Micron is a game changer for the region.
“I’ve had a front row seat for the exodus of good paying manufacturing jobs in Central New York. Micron’s investment is a turning of the tides. They’re planting a flag right here and it’s going to continue to attract national and global attention,” he said.
Some want more time to review the 20,000 page Draft Environmental Impact Statement and more community engagement sessions. Paul Doody says he’s a retired chemical engineer and saw mistakes with important industrial projects in the past. He says what’s missing from the DEIS is the list of chemicals Micron intends to use in its manufacturing process for computer chips.
“As such we can’t independently assess whether the conclusions of wastewater near discharge… this is one of those waste management and health and safety are reasonable," he said. "Also, the public deserves to know what chemicals will be transported along our roadways. Increasing the risks to the community.”
And for that very reason, another speaker with an environmental engineering background suggested Micron seriously consider transporting the necessary chemicals by rail. Others warned of the dangers of PFAS getting into waterbodies, a chemical spill, or whether there’s enough firefighters to respond to a hazmat emergency. Public comments will be accepted until August 11th. Click here to find out how you can submit your thoughts, comments or questions about the Micron project. All questions and concerns submitted during the public comment period require a reply.
