State regulators have approved a key set of environmental permits that allow construction to begin on Micron’s massive semiconductor project in Central New York.
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation announced it has issued nine permits for Micron New York Semiconductor Manufacturing LLC’s planned campus in the town of Clay, a milestone that moves the long-term project closer to breaking ground.
What the permits cover
DEC officials say the permits include strict conditions designed to protect natural resources while allowing development to move forward.
The approvals address impacts to freshwater wetlands, water quality, and endangered or threatened species. They also include six mitigation projects that will create, restore, or enhance wetlands in the area, along with a Clean Water Act Section 401 Water Quality Certificate.
DEC Commissioner Amanda Lefton said the permits reflect months of review and public input. “The permits finalized today provide important requirements for the protection of freshwater wetlands, water quality, and endangered and threatened species,” Lefton said, while still supporting responsible economic development in Central New York.
Public review still underway
The permitting process is not finished.
DEC is still accepting public comments on a draft Air Title V permit for the Micron facility through Dec. 17. The agency held two virtual public hearings on the air permit earlier this week.
Additional comment periods remain open on related projects that would extend water and gas service to the Micron campus. DEC said final permitting materials will be posted once reviews are complete.
A major step for the region
State officials view the permits as a major turning point for Central New York.
Gov. Kathy Hochul said the DEC approvals pave the way for local and federal permits needed to begin construction. She described the review process as one of the most exhaustive environmental analyses ever conducted for a New York project.
“This milestone reflects a historic collaborative effort,” Hochul said, calling on local and federal partners to move quickly so construction can start in the coming weeks.
Micron’s project is expected to unfold over decades and bring tens of thousands of jobs to the region, reshaping the economy of Onondaga County and surrounding areas.
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