LIVERPOOL, N.Y. — The Draft Environmental Impact Statement hearings for the Micron project happened at Liverpool High School, drawing hundreds of concerned and supportive community members from across Central New York.
Participants were given three minutes each to express their views to a panel that included representatives from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Department of Commerce. After that three minutes concluded, those at the microphone were given a stark “beep” sound, signaling their time is over.
READ THE DOCUMENT | 719-page Draft Environmental Impact Statement regarding Micron released; read it here
There were some people who came up two, even three times after everyone else had spoken just to get their opinions on the record. Those at the meeting came from all over Central New York: from Madison County, Syracuse, Baldwinsville, and more.
They represented everything from CenterState CEO, SUNY ESF, the Syracuse NAACP, the Sierra Club, there was even a “John Doe” in the mix.
One woman who lives in Madison County, voiced her concerns with the project. she said, “Do not come here, destroy the environment, then take off.”
Lots of people echoed that same sentiment. A handful of people compared the pollution from Solvay Process to the future of Micron. Another speaker highlighted environmental impacts,
They stating, “Two things you left off your DEIS: You destroy 300 acres of wetlands and release 305 metric tons of carbon dioxide. That’s the yearly emissions of 66,000 cars.”
Paul Doody, a retired chemical and environmental engineer, shared his industry insights.
“I’ve seen what can go wrong, not just in semiconductors, but many many different types of industries,” said Doody. He said he supports the project, but he wants to see it “done right.”
Donald Hughes from the local Sierra Club group warned of the chemical processes involved.
“It’s just this perfect storm,” said Hughes. “Conductors are using all these different kinds of chemicals. They’re going through the process, generating other chemicals and it’s just dust under the radar.”
The community has until Aug. 11th to further voice their concerns by mail to CHIPSNEPA@CHIPS.GOV, or to the mailing address with the following postage:
Onondaga County Industrial Development Agency (OCIDA)
ATTN: Micron Project
335 Montgomery Street, Floor 2M
Syracuse, New York, 13202
What Happens Next?
While the public hearings have ended, many neighbors are now asking what comes next and how their voices will shape the future of the Micron project.
Austin Miller of Cicero believes a public Q&A session should be the next step. “It’s the most likely chance of getting more public trust with the local community to grow between them,” he said.
Other attendees said they’re still waiting for more clarity, not just about the project, but about how it will be implemented.
“I want to see stuff happen. I really do,” said Chip Fike, who attended one of the hearings. “I’d like to see this get wrapped up as quickly as possible because, as far as I’m concerned, this is the security.”
Although representatives from Micron, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and Onondaga County were present at the hearings ,neighbors say they’re looking for more than just appearances. They’re calling for ongoing, transparent communication and deeper engagement with the public.
“It’s on public officials to take these local voices seriously,” said Alexandra Scrivner, a Syracuse resident. “Even if there’s a lot of money flowing in from the state and federal levels, that doesn’t mean the lives of Central New York are going to go along with it because they’ve already been burned before.”
Some community members are also raising larger questions about the region’s long-term future not just in terms of economic growth, but in terms of equity, ethics, and sustainability.
“Automation is going to do certain things. I don’t think there’s going to be many jobs. How are we going to survive?” asked Raul Huerta of Liverpool. “These are ethical and moral questions and this forum isn’t designed for that. But that’s what we have to do.”
As the August 11th comment deadline approaches, neighbors hope their input will result in action and that next steps will reflect the scale of the promises being made.
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