The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has extended the public comment period for Cargill Inc.’s mined land reclamation permit renewal and modification until January 19, 2025. The permit covers more than 13,500 acres of mining activity beneath Cayuga Lake, spanning Tompkins, Cayuga, and Seneca counties. The extension comes amid ongoing public scrutiny over the mine’s stability and environmental safety.
Cargill is seeking a five-year renewal for its mining permit while also requesting modifications to water storage operations. Specifically, the company plans to use a section of Level 6, known as S3, for brine storage, following the near-capacity status of its traditional storage site on Level 4. The proposed changes are intended to ensure storage capacity for at least 15 more years at current groundwater inflow rates.
Earlier this year, two major stories highlighted growing concerns about the mine. In January, it was revealed that the DEC had formally requested Cargill to disclose consultant reports analyzing potential risks associated with storing brine in the S3 section. Portions of these reports raised alarms about the structural integrity of the mine’s roof and pillars under increased humidity and brine saturation. While Cargill provided select excerpts to state regulators, the company withheld complete analyses, sparking criticism from environmental advocates and state officials.
In June, another layer of uncertainty emerged when a state Senate bill aimed at requiring Cargill—or any future mine operator—to post a financial bond sufficient to cover potential environmental disasters stalled in the Assembly. The bill, which passed the Senate unanimously, sought to ensure adequate funding would be available in the event of a catastrophic mine collapse or lake salinization. Proponents argued that the current $3.5 million bond required of Cargill falls woefully short of the potential multibillion-dollar costs of such an event.
Meanwhile, local advocacy group CLEAN (Cayuga Lake Environmental Action Now) continues to press for greater transparency and accountability from both Cargill and the DEC. Their petition, which now has thousands of signatures, calls for a $10 billion environmental bond and a full environmental impact statement (EIS)—something Cargill has never been required to produce since taking over the mine in 1970.
With the public comment period now extended, stakeholders—including local residents, environmental groups, and policymakers—will have additional time to review Cargill’s permit modification plans and voice their concerns. Comments can be directed to Jonathan Stercho at 315-426-7438 or via email at [email protected]
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