Micron’s draft plan puts water, health, and climate at risk for all New Yorkers. Call for stronger protections before the August 11th deadline!
The Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) for Micron’s proposed semiconductor facility in Onondaga County, NY is available for public comment through August 11th, but it’s lacking critical protections for our water, health, and climate that will impact all New Yorkers.
This is one of the largest industrial projects in New York State history, backed by billions in public subsidies. The Proposed Project—as is—poses serious environmental risks that could impact not only Central New York but communities and waterways across the state. The DEIS fails to adequately address the use of toxic PFAS chemicals, the destruction of over 200 acres of wetlands and streams, and the need for robust renewable energy planning. We need your voice to help demand a stronger, safer plan. Submit your comment before the public comment period ends on August 11!
Background
Micron is proposing a massive semiconductor chip manufacturing campus in Onondaga County, NY, with the promise of job creation and economic growth. However, the current DEIS raises serious concerns:
Toxic PFAS “forever chemicals” will be used extensively in manufacturing, with little commitment to replace them with safer alternatives. These chemicals don’t break down, bioaccumulate in our bodies, and are linked to serious health issues including cancer, thyroid disease, and developmental harm.
PFAS-contaminated wastewater from the facility would be discharged into local waterways. The DEIS lacks a clear plan for on-site pretreatment, and local wastewater facilities cannot remove PFAS, putting our rivers, lakes, and drinking water at risk.
Over 200 acres of wetlands and thousands of feet of streams would be permanently filled and destroyed. Wetlands are essential for flood control, wildlife habitat, and protecting drinking water sources yet Micron’s current mitigation plan is insufficient and fails to meaningfully compensate for this extensive loss of high value wetlands.
The facility would require massive amounts of energy—increasing energy demand by 10% statewide—but offers only a minimal amount of on-site solar generation. It’s suggested the facility would rely on new or “advanced” nuclear power to meet its energy needs—an option that is too costly, too slow, and too risky.
What Needs to Change
We’re calling on the Onondaga County Industrial Development Agency (OCIDA) to strengthen the final Environmental Impact Statement by requiring:
A phase-out of PFAS chemicals wherever safer alternatives exist, and full transparency around their use;
On-site pretreatment of wastewater to remove PFAS to the lowest technically achievable levels before discharge;
Stronger wetland protections, including a scientifically supported mitigation plan with at least a 10-to-1 replacement ratio for destroyed wetlands and streams;
A real clean energy commitment, including solar, geothermal, and battery storage—not unproven new nuclear power.
Thank you for taking action!
Sincerely,
All of Us at CCE