Statement from Assemblyman Brian Manktelow Regarding the Proposed Butler Sludge Plant

Several people have reached out to me regarding the Tully Environmental sludge processing plant proposed for a gravel pit owned by Riccelli Enterprises in the Town of Butler. I have contacted Butler Town Supervisor David Spickerman about the matter and he told me that he and the town board have many questions about the proposal.

“The people who live and operate businesses in the area are raising concerns, and rightly so. This would bring sludge from New York City to be processed in Butler and then trucked elsewhere for use as a composting or fertilizing material for agricultural use.

“I am encouraging everyone seeking more information on this proposal to attend a meeting at the Butler Town Hall on March 9, where representatives of Tully Environmental will be present. The town has just received the proposal and started its review. This is a many-step process and will, among other things, require a permit from the town. Supervisor Spickerman has promised that the town will have its own engineer and legal counsel to review the proposal. The state Department of Environmental Conservation will also do a detailed review.

“It is very important for those who are concerned about this proposal to stay informed, and to voice their thoughts about this to Butler Town officials. I will continue my conversation on the proposal with Supervisor Spickerman as more information becomes available. I will share any concerns received with him.

“The meeting on March 9 will be held at the Butler Town Hall, 4576 Butler Center Road in Butler at 7 p.m. Please call the Butler Town Hall at 315-594-2719 for more information on the meeting’s agenda.