Are steps being taken to protect the Pine Bush from any adverse impacts related to landfill operations?
The City of Albany has been an active participant in the preservation activities regarding the Pine Bush. When the permit for the Albany Interim Landfill was granted in 1990, the City agreed to fund certain start-up costs of the Albany Pine Bush Preserve Commission, and to create an endowment of approximately $1 million dollars. Additionally, the City has spent approximately $6 million to acquire parcels of land necessary to establish a viable preserve. Since 1995, the City has contributed over $1.5 million dollars to the Albany Pine Bush Preserve Commission through the imposition of a “tip fee surcharge” on all waste handled at the landfill. In addition, as part of the closure of previously filled sections of the Rapp Road Landfill, the City is utilizing appropriate vegetative species that are consistent with the native vegetation found in the Pine Bush. The City is committed to the continued use of native vegetative species as part of the closure of sections of the landfill as they a
