Resolution to close Rensselaer landfill passes unanimously

RENSSELAER – The Dunn Landfill in Rensselaer is located right next door to the high school and close to a residential area. Just about everyone agrees this isn’t ideal.

A rally was underway Wednesday ahead of the Rensselaer Common Council voting on a resolution to close the landfill, where construction and demolition debris is dumped.

The clear consensus is that no one wants a landfill in their neighborhood.

Several dozen environmental activists were demonstrating outside City Hall, determined to convince Common Council members to pass a resolution that forces the Department of Environmental Conservation not to renew the operating permit at the Dunn Landfill, which has been operating since 2015.

The current permit expires in 2022.

Residents have long complained of quality of life concerns including loud trucks, dust and debris particles, and proximity to the

Rensselaer City School District campus where more than 1,100 students, faculty, and staff attend class.

East Greenbush Supervisor Jack Conway is part of this rally. His community has already passed a resolution urging DEC not to renew the Dunn permit.

It was expected to pass unanimously in Rensselaer.

The ball will soon be in DEC’s court.

NewsChannel 13 will keep you posted on the vote results.