Onondaga County lawmakers Tuesday approved the creation of an administrative mechanism that would manage the wastewater created by Micron. But the vote did not come without calls for more transparency about the future treatment plant.
Democrats Jeremiah Thompson and Gregg Eriksen were among the 15 who voted yes on creating the Oak Orchard Industrial Sewer district despite lingering reservations.
“I will be voting in favor of this resolution, not because I'm satisfied with the answers that we've gotten so far, but because I want to keep the project in the light where we can see it," Thompson said before the vote.
“There are a lot of real questions and valid concerns about this final project," Eriksen told his colleagues. "Concerns about environmental impact, funding, liability, and we will need answers to those. And we can address those as we learn more about this project.”
Still, fellow Democrat Ellen Block wasn’t convinced and wanted to have that information ahead of their vote. She was one of two “no” votes.
“My constituents have reached out to me to express their concerns about how this will be paid for, who will bear liability if something should go wrong, and what the full scope of Micron's commitment to this region will be," Block said. "When we press for answers to these questions, we're told we'll find out.”
Chemist and former wastewater engineer Don Hughes agreed. He spoke during the public comment period ahead of the meeting.
"What are the fiscal arrangements between Micron and the county? There's no mention of financial obligations in this resolution," Hughes said. "And operating the plant will also be very expensive because it involves very energy-intensive treatment technology. Why should the county be held responsible for fully treating Micron's wastewater?"
But Republican Cody Kelly said he takes comfort knowing the county has complete and direct oversight over it when its built.
“We will know exactly what is coming and exactly how it's treated, and we'll be the ones watching it," Kelly said. "We will be the ones running the show, and they're going to pay for it. In my opinion, it's the best of both worlds.”
Regardless, most lawmakers promised more scrutiny and urged the county executive and Micron to be more forthcoming with information and agreements in writing as negotiations continue.
