URGENT REQUEST FOR PRAYERS AND ACTION

Bristol Hill UCC, Volney Protests Expansion of Oswego County Landfill

In 1980 Oswego County began construction on a Landfill behind the Volney Congregational Church on Bristol Hill UCC in Volney, NY. Despite the objections of church members and other citizens of the town, the Landfill was approved for operation in 1983.

The Oswego County Landfill will grow to the point where it's edges lie within 1,200' of the Bristol Hill church property. The landfill also borders a swamp where litter has spread, and suspected pollutants have spilled into neighbor's wells. People are experiencing more cancer and health problems around the landfill. The environmental effects are devastating, and pungent odors frequently greet parishioners and visitors as they enter the church grounds.

Bristol Hill is a small country church with a rich history. In 2001 it was placed on the National Historical Ledger as a way station along the Underground Railroad. Several African Americans and European American members joined together and risked their lives and property to hide fugitive slaves seeking freedom from the South.

Recently, Oswego County has made application to the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation to expand the Landfill by increasing the height of the mound by some 50’. Again, the church has been working to fight this expansion and to urge the DEC to turn down the application.

Please pray for this congregation and Pastor Jim Hinman. If you find it within your hearts to support their efforts, please write to:
Joseph M. Dlugolenski
NYSDEC
615 Erie Boulevard West
Syracuse, New York 13204-2400

Ask Mr. Dlugolenski to deny the application for the expansion of the Oswego County Landfill with specific reasons, such as the environmental concerns and/or the historical significance of the Volney Congregational Church on Bristol Hill, Volney, NY.

Blessings,

Rick