The grants could also be used to address the liability potential from pollution at active or closed municipal landfills, as well as public swimming pools and other recreation areas.

There are 84 active landfills along the New York side of the basin alone.

From tons of deadly mercury to common household refuse, the Meadowlands hosted as many as 300 active landfills, not to mention raw sewage from adjacent municipalities.

It is the largest active landfill in New York State, as well as Seneca County's fourth largest industrial employer.

But the remaining active landfills cannot be expected to operate indefinitely.

"In our area, Redding is about the only town left with an active landfill," Mr. Loiselle said.

The Brock West site was an active landfill from 1975 to 1997.

It was then used as a "cover" in the active landfill, meaning that a layer of it was deposited across the top of the dump each time garbage was put there.

Puente Hills is home to the country's largest active landfill.

The other active landfills, besides Brookhaven's in Yaphank, are operated by Babylon and Islip towns.