Local News: January 17, 2024

- Cargill asks DEC for permit adjustment to deal with leaking groundwater -

Cargill has applied to the New York Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) for a mining permit adjustment for its mine below Cayuga Lake. The company says they need more storage for groundwater leaking into the mine. The Ithaca Voice says according to the DEC the water is “not a leak” and “ not related to the lake.”  The agency has known about the water coming in from shafts since the 1990s. Environmental activists have been urging Governor Hochul and the DEC to increase oversight of Cargill’s operations since last fall.  The DEC says the company is required to regularly report about the inflow of water. The agency says it will continue to monitor the mines.

- Cayuga Nature Center seeking new homes for live animals due to financial downturn -

Cayuga Nature Center is ending its live animal program. The Ithaca Times reports the decision to end the program is because of the financial challenges of its parent organization the Paleontological Research Institute. The Center says it’s working with experienced regional nature centers, zoos, and wildlife sanctuaries to find appropriate homes for the animals. They expect all animals will be in their new homes by March.

- Geneva will hold a special election to fill a vacant city council seat after a November election tie -

The November elections are still not settled for residents of Geneva’s 6th Ward. Last fall’s election ended in a tie between the Democratic and Republican candidates. The Finger Lake Times reports the city’s attorney concluded the City Council didn’t have the authority to appoint someone to fill the position. Now, 6th Ward residents have two new candidates to choose from. The special election was scheduled for March 12 after current Council members passed a resolution asking Governor Hochul to set a date.