Spring 2025

Dear North Lawrence neighbors,

We understand that environmental concerns remain a priority for our community, and we want to provide you with an update on the actions North Country Dairy (NCD) has taken since our last communication. We are committed to transparency and progress, and we want to keep you informed of our ongoing efforts.

Over the last several months, we have maintained close, direct contact with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC). Specifically, in December 2024, we entered into a Consent Order that outlines the specific steps we will take to address the environmental concerns. We have had numerous meetings with NYSDEC since then, as well as our outside experts, to ensure we are fully addressing those concerns.

As many of you know, our Wastewater Treatment System (WWTS) is comprised of aerated basins and lagoons, and depends on living organisms, like bacteria, and gravity to treat the wastewater. The WWTS is complex, and the biologic nature of the system is ever-changing, but we remain dedicated to being responsible stewards of our environment and a valued member of the North Lawrence community. To fulfill that goal, here is a summary of some of the actions taken by NCD since December:

• Preparation of the Engineering Report: We have taken numerous steps to further our preparation of a robust WWTS Engineering Report, which will evaluate potential alternatives for operational and/or process changes at the WWTS. This report is anticipated to be completed in June and will include a proposed implementation schedule for any necessary changes to the WWTS.
• Approval of the Engineering Report Workplan: In February 2025, NYSDEC approved our work plan for the Engineering Report, and it was established that we will evaluate the existing design and treatment capacity of the WWTS, conduct extensive sampling of the WWTS, evaluate alternative treatment options against the highest environmental industry standards, and prepare a solids management plan. 
• Evaluation of Additional Short-term Measures: While the Engineering Report is critical to our complete evaluation of the WWTS and evaluation of potential necessary changes, we recognize that the timeframe to complete such a robust report is lengthy and the environmental concerns are current, and thus, we have been continuously evaluating potential short-term measures to implement at the facility. To further this evaluation, we have conducted additional sampling and analysis of the WWTS, more than what is required by our NYSDEC permit and the sampling mentioned above. We have performed this additional sampling in October and November 2024, February 2025, and just recently at the end of March. We are currently analyzing the results, and considering additional sampling.
• WWTS Analysis: In January 2025, we submitted to NYSDEC an updated WWTS Analysis Report which evaluated various aspects of our WWTS, including sludge depths in the basins and lagoons, current volumes of the basins and lagoons, design capacity of the WWTS, and working volume of each basin and lagoon. The Report confirmed that the sludge in the WWTS is not a primary source of nutrients in the facility’s effluent which ultimately discharges to the Deer River. This Report did recommend that, to restore design capacity of one of the four lagoons, sludge in Lagoon 1A be removed.
• Sludge Removal Project: We have committed to following the recommendation outlined in the WWTS Analysis Report to remove the sludge from Lagoon 1A. This project is anticipated to begin, and has been approved by NYSDEC to begin, in June after necessary sludge sediment testing occurs (anticipated to be the end of March).
• Ongoing WWTS Expert: We have engaged multiple third-party WWTS experts to provide ongoing expertise, guidance and assistance. These WWTS experts will be providing additional oversight to the WWTS and visiting the facility on a continuous basis.
• Additional Training: We have committed to providing additional training to our WWTS operators to ensure that the most up-to-date methodologies and techniques are being utilized at the facility.

We thank you in advance for your patience while we perform these various sampling events, evaluations, reports, and plans. As always, we are committed to open communication with the North Lawrence community and will continue to update this website and provide regular communications as we make progress on these important projects. 

Thank you for your continued support and understanding.

Sincerely,
Kevin J. Ellis
CEO, Upstate Niagara Cooperative