Seneca Nation Environmental

08/21/2026

REMINDER: HAZARDOUS WASTE DROP-OFF EVENT NEXT WEEK, AUGUST 24-27th

https://sni.org/event/household-hazardous-waste-collection-event/

08/21/2026

REMINDER: HAZARDOUS WASTE DROP-OFF EVENT NEXT WEEK, AUGUST 24-27th

08/21/2026

Due to the recent rain events, water sampling was cancelled this week. Assume all local creeks, streams, and beaches are unsafe for swimming, surfing, or wading.

Please remember that recreational activities involving submersion, such as swimming, should be avoided in all environmental waters - including creeks, streams, and beaches - 72 hours following a storm event. Depending on the storm's intensity, runoff volume, and current water conditions, elevated bacterial levels can persist after rainfall has stopped.

08/19/2026

REMINDER: HAZARDOUS WASTE DROP-OFF EVENT NEXT WEEK

https://www.facebook.com/431977315700093/posts/1375050184726130

08/13/2026

Household Hazardous Waste Drop-Off event scheduled for the Seneca Nation Transfer Station from August 24-27th. See flyer for list of hazardous wastes that will be accepted for disposal.

For questions, call: 716-682-0233

Seneca Nation Transfer Station Household Hazardous Waste Drop-Off event scheduled for the Seneca Nation Transfer Station. See the above list of hazardous wastes that will be accepted for disposal. For … Continued

08/07/2026

Please be advised that the Transfer Station will be closed on Tuesday, August 18 for mandatory staff training. We will have open hours on Saturday, August 15. Nya:wëh for your understanding!

07/27/2026

As part of our ongoing commitment to public health and safety, the Seneca Nation Environmental Protection Department conducts weekly water quality testing at 16 recreational waterway sites across the Allegany and Cattaraugus Territories from Memorial Day through Labor Day.

Water samples collected on July 21 and July 22, 2026, indicate that bacteria levels at the following locations currently exceed recommended limits for recreational use.

Swim Advisories in Effect
It is recommended that you do not ingest or submerge yourself in the following waters at this time:
Allegany Territory: Main St. Bridge
Hillview Beach
Indian Park

Cattaraugus Territory: Aldrich St. Ext.
Newtown Beach
Castile Creek (Burning Springs Rd)

Locations with No Advisories
Water testing results for the following locations remain within safe recreational limits:
Allegany Territory: Bear Claw, High Banks, Twin Ponds, Vandalia Bridge, and Rt 219/Junction Kayak Launch.
Cattaraugus Territory: Pinewoods Beach, Taylor Hollow (North Branch Clear Creek), Thruway Bridge, Nation Beach, and Catt Creek Harbor

General Safety Reminder: Post-Storm Advisory
Please remember that recreational activities involving submersion, such as swimming, should be avoided in all environmental waters—including creeks, streams, and beaches—for 72 hours following a storm event. Depending on the storm's intensity, runoff volume, and current water conditions, elevated bacterial levels can persist long after rainfall has stopped.

Contact Information
If you have any questions or concerns regarding water quality testing or this advisory, please reach out to the Seneca Nation Environmental Protection Department at (716) 532-2546 or via email at [email protected].

07/16/2026

A MESSAGE FROM SENECA NATION PRESIDENT J. CONRAD SENECA

Nya:wëh Sgë:nö’

Our region’s air quality is currently being impacted by smoke from wildfires in Canada, bringing a noticeable haze and odor to our skies. While this condition is expected to clear our region in the next few days, we want to make sure that everyone in our community is aware of the seriousness of the situation and takes the proper precautions to protect your personal health. Exposure to this condition can cause anything from slight eye or throat irritation to difficulty breathing.

During this time, people should:

✔️limit outdoor activities
✔️take more breaks indoors
✔️wear a mask if necessary
✔️seek medical attention if you are having trouble breathing or experiencing effects from the smoke

The Nation is making a limited number of masks available for community members during business hours at the administration buildings in Cattaraugus and Allegany until 6 p.m., as well as at the powwow this weekend, while supplies last. Masks have also been provided to Seneca Nation employees who work outdoors as well as our Buffalo Community Center. If anyone, including any Seneca businesses, has masks they would like to donate to the community, they may drop them off at the William Seneca Building or the Seneca Allegany Administration Building.

The current air quality conditions can pose elevated risk to vulnerable individuals, including the elderly and very young, and people with respiratory and cardiovascular conditions. Our region’s air quality level is expected to approach a “very unhealthy” level, according to the air quality index chart posted below. If air quality conditions worsen throughout the day or into the weekend, everyone should consider moving all planned outdoor activities inside or rescheduling them. You can track current air quality conditions by visiting https://www.airnow.gov/

I urge everyone to pay attention to any weather-related advisories or warnings that are issued by environmental agencies. We want everyone to enjoy summertime activities and events, like our powwow, but it is more important to protect your health. Please keep aware of this situation over the next few days and please take time to look after others in our community, especially any elderly or frail family members and neighbors, as well as your pets.

Nya:wëh

Seneca Media & Communications Center

07/13/2026

**SWIM ADVISORY IN EFFECT**
Water sample testing at 16 Seneca Nation recreational waterway sites began the week after Memorial Day and will take place weekly until Labor Day. The water samples are analyzed for elevated contaminants that may pose a threat to human health.
Results from the samples collected on 7/7/2026 and 7/8/2026 indicate that the bacteria levels were above the recommended limits for recreational use at the FOLLOWING listed waterway locations:

ALLEGANY TERRITORY
Vandalia Bridge
Junction Boat Launch
Main St. Bridge
Hillview Beach
Indian Park

CATTARAUGUS TERRITORY
Castile Creek, Nation Beach, Taylor Hollow, Thruway Bridge

**It is recommended that you do not ingest or submerge yourself in the above-listed waters at this time.**

SAFE TO RECREATE for the following:
Allegany-Twin Ponds, High banks, Bear Claw,
Cattaraugus-Aldrich St Ext, Pinewoods Beach, Newtown Beach, Creekside @ Nation Beach, ,

Additionally, keep in mind that recreational activities such as swimming (submersion) should be avoided in all environmental waters (creeks, streams, beaches) for 72 hours following a storm event. Elevated bacterial levels can persist after a rainstorm, depending on the storm's intensity, runoff volume, and current water conditions.
Please get in touch with the Seneca Nation, Environmental Protection Department at (716) 532-2546 or email [email protected] if you have any questions or concerns.

07/02/2026

***REMINDER... TEMPORARILY CLOSED JULY 6-10TH***
https://www.facebook.com/633715040159698/posts/1333248272239655

*** Temporary Closing Notice ***
The Transfer Station will be temporarily closed from July 6th to July 10th for heavy equipment operation training.
We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.