A state Department of Health report found elevated lung cancer rates in census tracts around Seneca Meadows but said it could not link the landfill to the increase. The report has not eased concerns from residents, workers and environmental advocates who have long complained about odors, respiratory problems and air quality near the landfill. Critics say the state focused too heavily on smoking while giving too little attention to potential landfill emissions, even as Seneca Meadows seeks approval for a major expansion that could keep it operating until at least 2040.
Editorial comment: I am getting fed up with the way that data like this is disregarded because the government agency could not prove causation. The pervasive narrative that, without a larger scientific study, widespread harm apparently from toxic exposures is not relevant and should not result in action to stop pollution, is extremely harmful. This unwillingness to use common sense is dumbing down the population, or at least of policy makers and environmental regulators. – Tracy Frisch
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