Machine-extracted (OCR) from the official document — formatting is approximate; the official copy governs.
335 MONTGOMERY STREET, FLOOR 2M, SYRACUSE, NY 13202
315.435.3770 • ECONOMICDEVELOPMENT@ONGOV.NET • ONGOVED.COM
Special Meeting Agenda
November 18, 2025
Call to Order the Special Meeting of the Agency
A. Conflict of Interest
Action Items:
1. Micron New York Semiconductor Manufacturing LLC
Agency Action Requested:
a. A resolution of the Board approving the issuance of a findings statement pursuant to the
State Environmental Quality Review Act for the Micron New York Semiconductor
Manufacturing LLC Project
Representative: Jeffrey Davis & Yvonne Hennessey, Agency Counsel
2. Property Disposition Authorization
The Agency desires to lease and/or sell all or a portion of approximately 819.92 acres of real
property located on Burnet Road, Caughdenoy Road and State Route 31 commonly referred to
as the White Pine Commerce Park in the Town of Clay, Onondaga County, New York to Micron
New York Semiconductor Manufacturing LLC for a sale price of $30 million.
Agency Action Requested:
a. A resolution of the Board authorizing the lease and/or sale of all or a portion of
approximately 819.92 acres of real property located on Burnet Road, Caughdenoy Road and
State Route 31 commonly referred to as the White Pine Commerce Park in the Town of
Clay, Onondaga County, New York to Micron New York Semiconductor Manufacturing
LLC, and execution of documents in connection therewith, subject to compliance with the
Public Authorities Law requirements.
Representative: Robert Petrovich, Executive Director
3. Micron New York Semiconductor Manufacturing LLC (Project #3101-23-07A)
Micron New York Semiconductor Manufacturing LLC is proposing to construct and operate
two large-scale, state-of-the-art dynamic random-access memory (DRAM) semiconductor
manufacturing facilities at the White Pine Commerce Park in the Town of Clay. Each fab will
occupy approximately 1.2 million sq. ft. of land and contain approximately 600,000 sq. ft. of
Page 1 of 327
semiconductor cleanroom manufacturing space. The fabs will be supported by central utility
buildings, warehouse space, and product testing space.
Agency Action Requested:
a. A resolution of the Board authorizing the financial assistance the Agency will provide.
Agency benefits requested include exemptions from certain real property taxes, real
estate transfer taxes and sales and use taxes.
Representative: Micron New York Semiconductor Manufacturing LLC Representative
4. Micron New York Semiconductor Manufacturing LLC (Rail Spur) (Project #3101-25-
06A)
Micron New York Semiconductor Manufacturing LLC is proposing to construct a rail spur and
construction material conveyance facility on approximately 38 acres west of 8625 Caughdenoy
Road in the Town of Clay to economically transport fill and other aggregate construction
material to the Micron Campus by rail.
Agency Action Requested:
a. A resolution of the Board authorizing the financial assistance the Agency will provide.
Agency benefits requested include exemptions from certain real property taxes, real
estate transfer taxes and sales and use taxes.
Representative: Micron New York Semiconductor Manufacturing LLC Representative
Adjourn
Page 2 of 327
New York State Environmental Quality Review Act
Findings Statement
Micron Semiconductor Manufacturing Project
Town of Clay
Onondaga County, New York
This State Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQRA) Findings Statement documents
the findings and decision of the Onondaga County Industrial Development Agency (OCIDA) to
proceed with the Preferred Action Alternative, as described in the Final Environmental Impact
Statement (FEIS), for the Micron Semiconductor Manufacturing Project. Pursuant to Article 8 of
SEQRA of the New York Environmental Conservation Law (ECL) and Title 6 of the New York
Code of Rules and Regulations (NYCRR) Part 617, OCIDA as the Lead Agency makes the
following findings and decision:
Name of Action: Micron Semiconductor Manufacturing Project
Location: 5171 Route 31
Town of Clay, New York 13041
SEQRA Lead Agency: Onondaga County Industrial Development Agency
Robert M. Petrovich, Executive Director
335 Montgomery Street, Floor 2M
Syracuse, New York 13202
(315) 435-3770
SEQRA Status: Type I Action, Positive Declaration
SEQRA Review Type: Coordinated Review
Draft EIS Accepted: June 25, 2025
Final EIS Accepted: November 7, 2025
1.0 INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND
OCIDA is authorized and empowered by the provisions of Chapter 1030 of the 1969 Laws
of New York, constituting Title 1 of Article 18-A of the General Municipal Law, Chapter 24 of
the Consolidated Laws of New York, as amended, Chapter 435 of the Laws of 1970 of the State
of New York and Chapter 676 of the Laws of 1975 of the State of New York, as amended,
constituting Section 895 of said General Municipal Law to promote, develop, encourage, and assist
31438748.1
Page 3 of 327
Onondaga County Industrial Development Agency Findings Statement
Micron Semiconductor Manufacturing Project, Clay, New York
in the acquiring, constructing, reconstructing, improving, maintaining, equipping, and furnishing
of manufacturing, warehousing, research, commercial, and industrial facilities, among others, for
the purpose of promoting, attracting, and developing economically sound commerce and industry
to advance the job opportunities, health, general prosperity, and economic welfare of the people
of the State of New York (the “State”), to improve their prosperity and standard of living, and to
prevent unemployment and economic deterioration.
In accordance with its mandate, in the early 1990s, OCIDA and the City of Syracuse started to study potential sites for locating industrial businesses in Onondaga County to increase manufacturing employment. Central New York and other regions of New York State have experienced a reduction in manufacturing jobs over several decades. The White Pine Commerce Park (WPCP) was ultimately selected due to its proximity to water and energy infrastructure, highway access, and its zoning classification. OCIDA’s intent in forming the WPCP was buttressed in 1998 with the inception of the New York high-tech Semiconductor Manufacturing Initiative (SEMI-NY) program, a comprehensive effort to encourage semiconductor manufacturing in the state. Thereafter, following decades of unsuccessful efforts to develop the WPCP, OCIDA increased the size of the WPCP to make it more attractive to a broader scope of industries, particularly the semiconductor industry, and bring high-tech and high-paying jobs to Onondaga County.
OCIDA previously conducted multiple studies of the WPCP. In 2021, OCIDA prepared, as lead agency under SEQRA, a Final Supplemental Generic Environmental Impact Statement (SGEIS) that evaluated the contemplated expansion and development of the WPCP for semiconductor manufacturing. As OCIDA determined in its Findings Statement for the SGEIS, high-tech advanced manufacturing holds the promise of transforming the Onondaga County economy through new high-paying jobs, significant financial investment, and increased economic activity, including: (1) the creation of thousands of construction jobs and significantly more permanent jobs; (2) a robust supply chain of companies that will service a high-tech advanced manufacturing organization; (3) a reduction in poverty; and (4) secondary benefits such as increased local small business activity, growth in community civic and cultural organizations, and increased county and municipal investment.
Domestic production of semiconductor chips has also become a major focus of federal and
state policy. In 2020, Congress enacted the Creating Helpful Incentives to Produce
Semiconductors for America Act (CHIPS Act), as amended by the CHIPS Act of 2022, to
strengthen and sustain American leadership in chip technology. The CHIPS Act directs the
investment of tens of billions of dollars in semiconductor manufacturing incentives and research
initiatives over the next 5-10 years. The Creating Helpful Incentives to Produce Semiconductors
(CHIPS) Program Office (CPO), acting on behalf of the U.S. Department of Commerce
(Department of Commerce) and the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), is
responsible for implementing the CHIPS Act by providing incentives for investment in
semiconductor facilities and equipment in the United States. Incentivizing expanded domestic
dynamic random-access memory (DRAM) production to a level sufficient to offset potential
disruptions to United States economic and national security is a key Department of Commerce
responsibility under the CHIPS Act.
2
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Onondaga County Industrial Development Agency Findings Statement
Micron Semiconductor Manufacturing Project, Clay, New York
The State of New York is similarly committed to creating 21st century jobs and becoming a global capital for semiconductor manufacturing. Adopted in 2022, New York’s Green CHIPS Program offers up to $10 billion in economic incentives to locate new, cutting-edge semiconductor manufacturing and supply chain projects within the state. New York’s Green CHIPS Excelsior Jobs Tax Credit Program provides certain semiconductor manufacturer tax incentives that are intended to help attract thousands of jobs and billions of dollars to establish New York as a leader in domestic re-shoring of semiconductor manufacturing. New York State is considering providing financial support and tax incentives to Micron under the Green CHIPS Act and the Green CHIPS Excelsior Jobs Tax Credit Program to support construction and operation of a semiconductor manufacturing facility in Clay, New York.
On June 14, 2023, Micron New York Semiconductor Manufacturing LLC (Micron), a wholly owned subsidiary of Micron Technology, Inc., submitted an application to OCIDA requesting certain financial assistance within the meaning of New York General Municipal Law § 854(14). Micron’s application, as amended and restated, includes, among other things, the acquisition of an interest in all or a portion of approximately 806 acres of land, which based upon final survey verification has been determined to be approximately 819 acres, located on the westerly side of Brunet and the undertaking of potential property condemnation pursuant to the New York Eminent Domain Procedure Law (EDPL), as well as the construction of two approximately 1.2 million square foot memory fabrication facilities (fabs). Micron also proposes to construct a rail spur and construction material conveyance facility to reduce truck trips and support construction as well as a childcare center, healthcare center, and recreation center to serve its employees, and to lease existing warehouse space.
On August 18, 2023, Micron filed an application with CPO for direct funding under the CHIPS Incentives Program’s February 28, 2023, Notice of Funding Opportunity for the construction of commercial semiconductor fabs in Clay, New York. On December 10, 2024, the Department of Commerce announced final direct funding awards of up to $6.165 billion under the CHIPS Incentives Program to support Micron Technology’s plans to construct two semiconductor manufacturing facilities in New York and one semiconductor manufacturing facility in Idaho. On June 12, 2025, the Department of Commerce announced a final direct funding award of up to $275 million under the CHIPS Incentives Program to support Micron Technology’s plans to expand and modernize a semiconductor manufacturing facility in Virginia and an amendment to the original agreement to include one additional semiconductor manufacturing facility in Idaho.
2.0 BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACTION
The Micron Semiconductor Manufacturing Project requires action from several federal,
state, and local agencies. OCIDA is the Lead Agency responsible for environmental review,
decision-making, and action under SEQRA, as codified at ECL § 8-0101 et seq. and its
implementing regulations at 6 NYCRR Part 617, of the project based on its role in the proposed
lease and subsequent sale of the WPCP, the potential granting of financial assistance within the
meaning of New York General Municipal Law § 854(14), and the potential undertaking of property
condemnation pursuant to the EDPL. Other state and local land use decisions, permits,
authorizations and approvals are also under consideration by relevant authorities. In addition,
Micron Technology is seeking federal funding under the CHIPS Act and has submitted
applications and requests for certain federal permits and approvals that require federal
3
Page 5 of 327
Onondaga County Industrial Development Agency Findings Statement
Micron Semiconductor Manufacturing Project, Clay, New York
environmental review, including, but not limited to, federal wetlands permits pursuant to Section
404 of the Clean Water Act (CWA). CPO is acting as Lead Agency for environmental review of
the action under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), as codified at 42 U.S.C. § 4321
et seq.
For purposes of SEQRA, and to ensure that the potential environmental impacts associated
with the full buildout of the Micron Campus were fully evaluated, the Action analyzed in the FEIS
included the project described in Micron’s Application to OCIDA as well as the ultimate
construction of all four (4) fabs, the Rail Spur Site and Childcare Site (as those terms are defined
in Section 3.0 below). The Action also included various connected actions associated with the
utility and infrastructure improvements necessary to meet the Proposed Project’s electricity,
natural gas, water supply, wastewater, and telecommunications needs.
3.0 THE PROPOSED PROJECT AND CONNECTED ACTIONS
Micron proposes to construct and operate a large-scale state-of-the art DRAM
semiconductor manufacturing facility (the Micron Campus) on an approximately 1,377-acre site
consisting primarily of the current WPCP, in Onondaga County, New York. Micron also proposes
to: (1) construct a rail spur and construction material conveyance facility to reduce truck trips and
support construction of the Micron Campus (the Rail Spur Site); (2) construct a childcare center,
healthcare center, and recreational center to support the estimated 9,300 employees who will
ultimately work at the completed Micron Campus (the Childcare Site); and (3) lease an existing
warehouse space in an industrially zoned area at a location to be determined within 20 miles of the
Micron Campus (the Warehouse Site). The Micron Campus, Rail Spur Site, Childcare Site, and
Warehouse Site are collectively referred to as the “Proposed Project.” The Proposed Project also
will require utility and infrastructure improvements to meet its electricity, natural gas, water
supply, wastewater, and telecommunications needs, collectively referred to as the “Connected
Actions.” The construction and operation of the Proposed Project and Connected Actions is
collectively referred to as the “Preferred Action Alternative” in this SEQRA process and its
accompanying documents.
Proposed Project
The Micron Campus is the primary component of the Proposed Project, occupying the
WPCP, the Burnet Road right-of-way (ROW), the South Finger, and the one-acre Jack and Bore
site for utility lines. The area surrounding the WPCP is sparsely populated with relatively low-
density residential development, mostly along Caughdenoy Road and Verplank Road west of the
WPCP. I-81 is located a little more than one mile to the east of the WPCP. The WPCP is
approximately 7 miles north of the City of Syracuse. While a majority of the Micron Campus is
contained within the Town of Clay, Onondaga County, New York, a small portion will be located
in the Town of Cicero, Onondaga County, New York.
4
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Onondaga County Industrial Development Agency Findings Statement
Micron Semiconductor Manufacturing Project, Clay, New York
Proposed Micron Campus Boundary
5
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Onondaga County Industrial Development Agency Findings Statement
Micron Semiconductor Manufacturing Project, Clay, New York
Proposed Project Location Map
6
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Onondaga County Industrial Development Agency Findings Statement
Micron Semiconductor Manufacturing Project, Clay, New York
The Micron Campus will consist of a semiconductor manufacturing facility with four
DRAM production fabs, ancillary support facilities, driveways, parking, and ingress and egress
roads with access from NYS Route 31, U.S. Route 11, and Caughdenoy Road. Construction of
each fab on the Micron Campus will occupy approximately 1.2 million square feet (sf) of land and
contain approximately 600,000 sf of clean room space, 290,000 sf of clean room support space,
and 250,000 sf of administrative space; and each set of two fabs will be supported by
approximately 360,000 sf of central utility buildings, 200,000 sf of warehouse space, and 200,000
sf of product testing space housed in separate buildings. At full build-out in 2041, the Micron
Campus will include 645 acres of new impervious surface, 58 acres of semi-pervious area, and
278 acres of green space within the 997-acre construction disturbance footprint.
Construction of the Proposed Project will take place in stages over approximately 16 years.
Subject to the receipt of all applicable permits, authorizations and approvals, Micron will mobilize
for initial site preparation for the Proposed Project beginning in 2026, with the first two DRAM
manufacturing facilities (fabs 1 and 2) estimated to be operational no later than 2030 and 2033,
respectively, and the remaining fabs (fabs 3 and 4) estimated to be operational no later than 2037
and 2041, respectively. The manufacturing facility will ramp up to full production output by 2045.
The Proposed Project will involve the development of three additional properties with uses
ancillary to the Micron Campus – the Rail Spur Site, the Childcare Site and the Warehouse Site.
The Rail Spur Site is an approximately 38-acre parcel on the west of 8625 Caughdenoy Road in
the Town of Clay. The Rail Spur Site will include the following components: rail siding, rail yards,
and an off-loading track and facility; the aggregate materials conveyance system; an office
building and trailer; a locomotive shed; paved access roads and a parking area; paved storage areas;
a backup stockpile area; a stormwater management area; and lighting. Construction of the
proposed Rail Spur Site is expected to start in 2025 with tree clearing and take approximately
seven months to conclude, concluding in 2026 with operations also anticipated to start in 2026.
The Childcare Site is an approximately 31-acre parcel located at 9100 Caughdenoy Road
in the Town of Brewerton, Onondaga County, New York. In addition to its childcare, healthcare,
and recreation centers, the Childcare Site will include a soccer field, a tennis/pickleball court, the
sewage disposal system and leaching field, stormwater management areas, a pedestrian walkway
and bridge, and lighting. Construction of the childcare center will start no later than 2028.
Construction of the healthcare and recreation centers will begin no later than 2032 and would open
when the employee base at the Micron Campus grows large enough to support the need for those
facilities.
The Warehouse Site will be a leased space of 360,000-500,000 sf in an industrially zoned
area at a location to be determined within 20 miles of the Micron Campus. The purpose of the
Warehouse Site will be to store manufacturing equipment and materials, including spare
equipment such as robots, hardware consumables, electronics parts, and components related to
Extreme Ultraviolet Lithography and other process tools. Micron anticipates leasing the warehouse
space for a 7-10-year term beginning in November 2028.
7
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Onondaga County Industrial Development Agency Findings Statement
Micron Semiconductor Manufacturing Project, Clay, New York
Connected Actions
Construction of the Connected Actions will include expansion of certain existing utility properties and the construction and operation of various utility improvements by National Grid, Onondaga County Water Authority (OCWA), Onondaga County Department of Water Environment Protection (OCDWEP), and others to support the electricity, natural gas, water supply, wastewater, and telecommunication needs of the Proposed Project. The Connected Actions will be constructed on a parallel schedule to meet the utility needs for the Proposed Project as it scales up over the 16-year construction period.
To supply the estimated electricity needs of the Micron Campus, National Grid proposes to undertake phased construction based on interconnection approvals from the New York Independent Systems Operator (NYISO). For fab 1, National Grid proposes to expand the existing footprint of the Clay Substation (located to the northwest of the WPCP across the CSX Railroad line) toward the north and east by approximately 10 acres. This expansion will enable the installation of four new 345 kV electric transmission lines that will run from the Clay Substation through eight new underground duct banks to four new 345kV substations on the Micron Campus (one for each fab). Construction of the proposed Clay Substation expansion and electricity improvements would start as early as 2027. For fab 2, National Grid has tentatively identified a general location in Lysander, New York for the new substation/switchyard required by NYISO. However, a specific location has yet to be identified. National Grid will be responsible for securing the necessary regulatory approvals for construction and operation of any additional electrical infrastructure upgrades determined to be needed by NYISO, which are anticipated to be completed under Article VII of the Public Service Law. For fabs 3 and 4, Micron will similarly be required to apply for interconnection approval from NYISO.
To supply the estimated natural gas demands of the Micron Campus, National Grid proposes to construct an approximately 3.1-mile long, 16-inch diameter below-grade (underground) natural gas distribution line from its existing Gas Regulator Station (GRS) 147 at 4459 NYS Route 31 to the Micron Campus and to construct a new GRS 147A at the same address. Construction of the natural gas distribution line is expected to take place as early as 2025.
OCWA proposes to undertake two phases of water system capacity and transmission
upgrades to supply water to the Micron Campus. OCWA’s existing water supply system has the
capacity to service the 7.85 million gallons per day (MGD) demand from fab 1 with minor
upgrades but will need to undertake further upgrades to service the 17.4 MGD demand when fab
2 comes online. Phase 1 will involve upgrades to the Lake Ontario Water Treatment Plant
(LOWTP), Raw Water Pump Station (RWPS), and Terminal Campus in Clay, plus construction
of an approximately 2.5-mile raw water transmission main from the pump station to the LOWTP
for water supply redundancy, an approximately 22-mile clear water transmission main running
parallel to the existing transmission main from the LOWTP to the Terminal Campus, and an
approximately 5-mile transmission main parallel to the existing Eastern Branch Transmission
Main. Phase 2 will involve additional upgrades and potential transmission lines based on need to
serve fabs 3 and 4. None of OCWA’s proposed water infrastructure upgrades that are needed to
meet Micron Campus water demands require permanent land acquisition.
8
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Onondaga County Industrial Development Agency Findings Statement
Micron Semiconductor Manufacturing Project, Clay, New York
OCDWEP proposes to undertake two stages of wastewater treatment system capacity and conveyance upgrades to serve the Micron Campus. Stage 1 will involve a bridging project at the existing OCDWEP Oak Orchard Wastewater Treatment Plant (OOWWTP) to receive sanitary wastewater and temporarily accommodate startup industrial wastewater from the Micron Campus as OCDWEP constructs a new Industrial Wastewater Treatment Plant (IWWTP) and water reuse facilities on 36 acres of its existing 76-acre Oak Orchard site. Stage 1 will also involve construction of a new conveyance between the Micron Campus and the Oak Orchard site to send pretreated industrial wastewater to the IWWTP and return reclaimed water to the Micron Campus. Stage 2 will expand and upgrade the IWWTP to serve additional campus industrial wastewater flows from Phase 2 of the Micron Campus build-out (fabs 3-4) and provide additional reclaimed water back to the Micron Campus.
To supply telecommunication and broadband internet connectivity to the Micron Campus
Micron will make use of two existing fiber optic lines along Caughdenoy Road and NYS Route
31 accessible via two fiber optic connection entry points within a mile of the WPCP, one at the
intersection of Caughdenoy and Verplank Roads, and one at the intersection of Caughdenoy Road
and NYS Route 31. The existing fiber optic lines currently serve a cell tower on the southern
portion of the WPCP, just north of NYS Route 31. Construction of the 1–2-mile cable extension
is expected to begin and be completed in 2026.
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Onondaga County Industrial Development Agency Findings Statement
Micron Semiconductor Manufacturing Project, Clay, New York
Proposed Project and Connected Actions
Permits and Approvals
The following table identifies the major permits, approvals, and consultations required for
the Proposed Project and Connected Actions under the Preferred Action Alternative. Micron is
responsible for obtaining all permits, approvals, or other authorizations required for the Proposed
Project, regardless of whether they appear in the table below.1
1
This Findings Statement incorporates by reference the “List of Abbreviations and Acronyms” found on page 0-4 of
the FEIS.
10
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Onondaga County Industrial Development Agency Findings Statement
Micron Semiconductor Manufacturing Project, Clay, New York
Permits, Approvals, and Consultations
Permit/Approval Agency Description
Federal
CWA Section 404 USACE Permit required for the discharge of dredged or fill material
Permit into waters of the U.S. (WOTUS), including wetlands (33
U.S.C. § 1344).
Rivers and Harbors USACE Permit required for structures and/or work in or
Act Section 10 affecting navigable WOTUS (33 U.S.C. § 403).
Permit
ESA Section 7 USFWS Formal consultation with a Biological Opinion and potential
Consultation Incidental Take Statement issued by USFWS authorizing
incidental take of endangered species (16 U.S.C. § 1536).
NHPA Section 106 NYSHPO Consultation with consulting parties regarding effects of
Consultation an undertaking on historic properties and development of
a programmatic agreement (54 U.S.C. § 306108).
State and Local
Financial assistance OCIDA Approval of application for certain financial assistance;
approval of lease and sale of the WPCP, as authorized
under law (General Municipal Law Chapter 24).
Financial assistance ESD Refundable tax credits under New York’s Green CHIPS
Excelsior Jobs Tax Credit Program (Green CHIPS Act
(S. 9467 / A. 10507)).
Authorizations for NYSOGS Approval of a lease, easement, or other interest for
structures in state- structures and appurtenances in, on, or above state-
owned lands under owned lands under water (Public Lands Law Articles 2
water and 6; 6 NYCRR Part 428).
Work and/or NYS Canal Permits for work in and/or occupancy on Canal
Occupation Permit Corporation property (Public Authorities Law Chapter 43-A, Title
1, Section 1005-B).
Certificate of NYSDPS / Approval of application for certificate (Public Service Law
Environmental NYSPSC Article 7) (exempt from SEQRA review; NYSDPS
Compatibility and conducts a separate environmental review).
Public Need
Incidental Take Permit NYSDEC Permit required for incidental take of state-listed
species (ECL Article 11; 6 NYCRR Part 182).
Stream Disturbance NYSDEC Permit required for any change, modification, or disturbance
or Modification of any protected stream, its bed or banks, or to remove from
Permit its bed or banks sand, gravel, or other material (ECL Article
15; 6 NYCRR § 608.2).
Protection of Waters NYSDEC Permit required to excavate, or place fill in waters
Permit protected by the State (ECL Article 15; 6 NYCRR §
608.5).
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Page 13 of 327
Onondaga County Industrial Development Agency Findings Statement
Micron Semiconductor Manufacturing Project, Clay, New York
Permit/Approval Agency Description
Water Supply / NYSDEC Permit required for the construction, operation, or
Withdrawal Permit maintenance of a water withdrawal system (ECL Article
15; 6 NYCRR Part 601).
Beneficial Use NYSDEC
NYSDEC SPDESfor
Permit permit required to
the beneficial usedischarge or cause aof
of large quantities surface or
Determination groundwater
imported discharge
excavated of anythat
materials pollutant
are notfrom anyoroutlet
mined
or point source
purchased (ECLinto the 27;
Article waters of the State
6 NYCRR Parts(ECL Article
360-365).
17; 6 NYCRR Part 750).
Hazardous NYSDEC Registrations or licenses for facilities that store hazardous
SPDES Multi-Sector
Discharge
Substances and NYSDEC Permit for or
substances industrial
petroleum activities that discharge
above threshold stormwater
quantities (ECL
General
Permit Permit
Petroleum Bulk to surface waters of the State must obtain coverage
Articles 17 and 40; 6 NYCRR Parts 597, 598, 610, 613). under
(MSGP)
Storage Permits MSGP (ECL Article 17; 6 NYCRR Part 750).
SPDES
State AirGeneral
Facility NYSDEC
NYSDEC Construction
State activities
air facility permitswith soil disturbance
are required of one
for facilities or
with
Permit for
/ Registration more acres must obtain coverage under the
potential air emissions that are below major sourceGeneral
Construction Permit for but
thresholds, Stormwater
above 50% Discharges from
of the level Construction
that would make
Activities Activities
them (ECL
a major Article
source. Air17; 6 NYCRR
facility Part 750).
registrations are
Reclaimed water required for facilities with regulated air emissions
Registration required for use of reclaimed wastewater that are
NYSDEC
registration below criteria for either State
or greywater (ECL Article 15). facility permits or Title V
permits (ECL Article 19; 6 NYCRR Part 201).
Temporary NYSDOT Permit for new or temporary access to a state highway or
SPDES
Roadway Discharge
Access NYSDEC SPDES
for permit
activities to discharge
conducted or the
within cause a surface
right of wayorof a NYS
Permit,
Permit Septic groundwater
highway (NYSdischarge,
Highwayand Lawapproval
Article ofIII,plans
§ 52).for
System Approval septic disposal system (ECL Article 17; 6 NYCRR
Access or Right-of- OCDOT Permit for construction or modification of buildings,
Part 750).
CWA Section 401
Way Permit NYSDEC / driveway, andthat
Certification activity
means will not
of access violate
related state water
to County
Water Quality NYSDPS quality standards (33 U.S.C. § 1341).
roads (NYS Highway Law Article VI, § 136).
Certification
County Wastewater OCDWEP Waste discharge permit to connect to or discharge into the
CAA Title Permit
Discharge V Permit NYSDEC Permit required
County to construct
sewer system and operate
(Onondaga County aAdministrative
facility that
is considered a major source of air emissions
Code Article XXII, Section 22, et seq.; Appendix that11-A,
are
at or above certain thresholds (ECL Article 19).
Sections 1153 g, j, 11.67, 11.68, 11.79) and pursuant to
Article IV, Section 4.01 of the Rules and Regulations
Activities on NYSDEC Relating
Permit ortoletter
the Use of the Public
of permission SewertoSystem
required conductissued by
activities
wetland and the
on County
wetlandsoforOnondaga, Department
adjacent areas of Water
not specifically Environment
exempted
adjacent areas Protection.
from regulation (ECL Article 24; 6 NYCRR Parts 663-664).
County Planning
Collection, Disposal Onondaga
NYSDEC Review andgenerators
Permit for recommendation by the Onondaga
and transporters County
of hazardous
Review
and and of
Treatment County Planning Planning Department
wastes (ECL relative
Article 27; to the discretionary
6 NYCRR Part 373).
Recommendation
Refuse and Other Department approvals required by the Towns of Clay and Cicero
Solid Wastes (General Municipal Law Section 239).
Subdivision of Land Town of Cicero Review and approval of applications for subdivision of land
Zoning Amendment Town
Planning
of Clay
Board Approval
(Chapter by
185,Town
CodeBoard
of theofTown
a Petition
of Cicero).
for Change of Zone,
Town Board amending the zoning ordinance, and to reclassify the
zoning district (Town of Clay Code Section 230).
In addition to the
Subdivision foregoing
Town of Clay permits, approvals
Review and consultations,
and approval of applicationsthe
for Proposed
subdivisionProject
of land is
also subject to environmental
approval review
Planning Boardunder NEPA.
(Town Initially,
of Clay following
Code Chapter Micron’s
200, Chapter application
230 § 230- to the
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) for a (Subdivision
26.B.(2) permit pursuant to Section 404 of the CWA to
of Land).
discharge dredged or fill
Site Plan Review Townmaterial
of Clayinto the waters
Review andofapproval
the United States,
of site plans the USACE
(Town of Claywas the lead
Code
federal agency for the Planning
ProposedBoard
Project§under NEPA.
230-26.B.(4)). By subsequent agreement with USACE,
Special Use Permit Town of Clay Review and approval of applications for special use permits
12
Planning Board (Town of Clay Code § 230-26.B.(3); §§ 230-27, generally).
Page 14 of 327
Onondaga County Industrial Development Agency Findings Statement
Micron Semiconductor Manufacturing Project, Clay, New York
CPO became the lead federal agency for the Proposed Project on behalf of NIST and the
Department of Commerce on April 6, 2024.
CPO and OCIDA agreed to act as joint Lead Agencies under NEPA and SEQRA and to
jointly prepare the DEIS. The USACE and the United States Environmental Protection Agency
(USEPA) agreed to act as cooperating agencies for the NEPA review. The U.S. Federal Highway
Administration (FHWA), U.S. Department of Interior, Office of Environmental Policy and
Compliance, the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (USFWS), and Onondaga Nation agreed to act as
participating agencies. The Onondaga Nation agreed to be a participating entity in the development
of the EIS.
4.0 PURPOSE AND PUBLIC NEED
Memory chips using DRAM technology have crucial applications in military equipment,
cybersecurity technology, the aerospace industry, artificial intelligence (AI), and other cutting-
edge uses, as well as more common areas of the domestic consumer economy such as medical
devices and other healthcare technology. However, the global structure of the semiconductor
supply chain is vulnerable to critical points of failure that create the risk of geopolitical tensions
and large-scale supply interruptions, which could impair access to suppliers or customers.
Expanding or “onshoring” domestic advanced semiconductor manufacturing capacity in key areas
such as memory is critical to enhancing the resilience of the U.S. semiconductor supply chain to
potential global disruptions. This need is particularly critical given that current DRAM production
in the U.S. represents less than one percent of global DRAM production.
Although the Department of Commerce’s final award to Micron only includes direct funding to support Micron’s construction and operation of fabs 1 and 2, the Department of Commerce based its award decision on Micron’s proposal to establish a full 4-fab cluster by 2041 (which would ramp up to full operational capacity by 2045). The Department of Commerce’s funding award for a the construction of a semiconductor memory facility is based on two factors: (1) the amount of cleanroom space that is required to achieve an economically viable domestic memory chip output sufficient to meet U.S. economic and national security objectives, based on economic modeling; and (2) by extension, the amount of total building area and site configuration that is required to support that cleanroom space, accounting for technological, logistical, and cost considerations.
The Department of Commerce has determined that Micron’s proposal to the CPO for the
construction of a new semiconductor manufacturing campus will achieve domestic memory
production at the scale necessary to offset potential disruptions to U.S. economic and national
security. When complete, the Proposed Project will be the largest domestic producer of DRAM,
increasing national DRAM output by 1,200 percent. Micron Technology proposes to increase its
U.S.-based DRAM production by a factor of 12 (i.e., to approximately 12 percent of global DRAM
output) over the next two decades, which will also increase the U.S. share of global DRAM
manufacturing capacity to a level that meets the U.S. need for domestically produced memory
chips. This production increase is not achievable through modernizations and expansions at
existing domestic Micron locations alone and would necessitate the construction of a new
semiconductor manufacturing campus.
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Micron’s purpose and need for the Proposed Project are to construct and operate a state-
of-the-art, economically viable semiconductor manufacturing facility. In coordination with CPO
and OCIDA, and based on its Sales and Operations Planning (SNOP) process, Micron determined
that the only feasible method of establishing an economically viable large-scale memory chip
production facility in the United States would be to develop a 4-fab facility on a single site capable
of efficiently increasing Micron’s U.S.-based DRAM production 12-fold from current levels to
52,000 wafers per week, which also would ensure a resilient domestic supply of DRAM chips
consistent with CHIPS Incentives Program and New York Green CHIPS Program objectives.
Micron identified the WPCP as a suitable location for the Proposed Project based on the
site’s ability to accommodate a 4-fab footprint and its proximity to the utility, transportation, and
human resources infrastructure necessary to achieve the economies of scale the Proposed Project
would require. Accordingly, Micron proposes to lease and ultimately purchase the WPCP from
OCIDA and to construct and operate a 4-fab facility at that location.
In addition to the SEQRA purpose and need, the Proposed Project also fulfills the Department of Commerce’s statutory responsibilities under the CHIPS Act, including the requirement to provide federal financial assistance to covered entities to incentivize investment in facilities and equipment in the United States for the fabrication, assembly, testing, advanced packaging, production, or research and development of semiconductors, materials used to manufacture semiconductors, or semiconductor manufacturing equipment. Moreover, it fulfills Onondaga County’s long-term mission to transform Onondaga County’s economy through new high-paying jobs, significant financial investment, and increased economic activity, including: (1) the creation of thousands of construction jobs and significantly more permanent jobs; (2) a robust supply chain of companies that will service a high-tech advanced manufacturing organization; (3) a reduction in poverty; and (4) secondary benefits such as increased local small business activity, growth in community civic and cultural organizations, and increased county and municipal investment. Similarly, it helps deliver on the State of New York’s commitment to attract new semiconductor manufacturing and related material supplier projects to the State.
5.0 ALTERNATIVES
SEQRA requires agencies to consider a reasonable range of alternatives to the proposed
action that are feasible considering the objectives and capabilities of the project sponsor. Working
with CPO, the evaluation criteria for considering the alternatives were (1) the ability to meet
CPO’s purpose and need under NEPA; (2) the ability to meet Micron’s purpose and need under
SEQRA; (3) technical and economic feasibility and practicability; and (4) reduced adverse and/or
greater beneficial environmental effects when compared to the Preferred Action Alternative.
Except for the No Action Alternative, if an alternative would not meet CPO’s purpose and need
under NEPA or Micron’s purpose and need under SEQRA or would not be technically and
economically feasible and practicable, that alternative was not carried forward for detailed analysis
in the EIS, regardless of how it would compare against the fourth criterion.
The range of alternatives considered were the Preferred Action Alternative, the No Action
Alternative, a Reduced Scale Manufacturing Alternative, a U.S. Route 11 Access Elimination
Alternative, and six Micron Campus Site Layout Alternatives. As only the Preferred Action
Alternative was feasible given Micron’s objectives and capabilities (as well as that of CPO),
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OCIDA has selected the Preferred Action Alternative for construction and operation of the Micron
Semiconductor Manufacturing Project. The Preferred Action Alternative was selected after
weighing and balancing all relevant factors and considerations, including those provided through
public comments, and allows for mitigation of all environmental impacts to the greatest extent
reasonable and practicable.
No Action Alternative
Under the No Action Alternative, the WPCP would remain in its current condition pending
future development proposals. OCIDA acquired all parcels on the WPCP, the vast majority of
which are presently vacant, for the specific purpose of creating an industrial park (as analyzed in
the WPCP 2021 Supplemental Generic Environmental Impact Statement). The No Action
Alternative would delay OCIDA’s long-standing objective to bring high-tech facilities and high
paying jobs to Onondaga County at the WPCP until such time as OCIDA identifies another suitable
development proposal for the property. The Rail Spur and Childcare Sites would remain vacant
properties. The existing utility authorities would not undertake utility improvements or need to
obtain easements for the Connected Actions.
Reduced Scale Manufacturing Alternative
OCIDA considered reduced scale manufacturing alternatives in coordination with Micron. As described in the FEIS, reduced scale alternatives, including two- and three-fab configurations, would not be able to achieve the level of economically viable domestic memory chip output sufficient to meet Micron’s purpose and need. A reduced scale manufacturing alternative would incur significantly higher costs per unit of DRAM produced than a full-scale four-fab campus and would not meet Micron’s economic sustainability needs. Without a single campus capable of achieving 52,000 chip wafers of output per week, Micron also would not be able to facilitate co- location and efficient operation of semiconductor manufacturing supply chain expertise and supplier delivery operations in the vicinity, which would impede the Proposed Project’s operational efficiency by making it more difficult to obtain critical materials and keep production high and costs low through collaborative engineering. Further, reduced scale alternatives would require constructing and operating additional fabs at other locations, above and beyond what is already being contemplated, which would have additional environmental effects. Based on the above factors, reduced scale manufacturing alternatives would not be economically viable or meet Micron’s purpose and need and were not carried forward for further evaluation. U.S. Route 11 Access Elimination Alternative
In coordination with Micron, OCIDA considered a potential site layout alternative for the
proposed Micron Campus that would eliminate driveway access to the campus from U.S. Route
11. Eliminating the driveway would avoid the disturbance of 2.3 acres of Federal jurisdictional
wetlands, including 0.71 acres of State jurisdictional wetlands accounted for within the 2.3 acres
of Federal jurisdictional wetlands. The site access driveway from U.S. Route 11, however, would
be a vital access point to the Micron Campus and would ensure sufficiently streamlined
construction traffic movement to avoid interference with local traffic patterns, particularly during
construction of fabs 2 through 4, when carefully managing the flow of construction vehicles,
equipment, and personnel would be crucial to maintain efficiency and safety. Further, the driveway
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would distribute site access more effectively across the area roadway network and would mitigate
post-construction traffic effects from campus operations. Therefore, OCIDA did not carry this site
layout alternative forward for further analysis in the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS).
Micron Campus Site Layout Alternatives
In coordination with Micron, OCIDA considered a further series of potential site layout alternatives for the proposed Micron Campus to determine whether a different layout of the fabs and supporting buildings from the Preferred Action Alternative site layout would result in fewer impacts to waterbodies on the WPCP. Specifically, six site layout alternatives were considered in addition to the Preferred Action Alternative. However, OCIDA determined that none of the site layout alternatives, besides the Preferred Action Alternative, would be practicable because each would create inefficiencies that would prevent the Micron Campus from achieving the semiconductor wafer output necessary to achieve commercial viability. In addition, OCIDA found that the Preferred Action Alternative would impact fewer Federal jurisdictional wetlands (approximately 190 acres) compared to other site layout alternatives, all of which would impact 200 acres or more of Federal jurisdictional wetlands. Therefore, OCIDA did not carry this site layout alternative forward for further analysis in the EIS. Other Locations
Although not a formal alternative, the EIS describes the efforts that preceded Micron’s application by the State of New York and OCIDA to identify a suitable location for a semiconductor manufacturing facility. This included (1) the process that the State of New York conducted to identify semiconductor technology parks sufficient in scale to advance the State’s semiconductor manufacturing sector; and (2) the process that OCIDA conducted to identify sites in Onondaga County sufficient in scale to host a large-scale semiconductor manufacturing facility. Of the four sites that New York identified, only the WPCP was available and met Micron’s criteria. OCIDA also completed a GEIS, which was supplemented in 2021, that identified and screened various alternatives to the WPCP within Onondaga County. The analysis concluded that the WPCP was the only viable option to meet the semiconductor industry’s needs, as it meets specific project pre-requisites, including a large, contiguous parcel of land controlled by a single owner, and access to significant, redundant, and resilient transportation and utility infrastructure.
As part of the EIS, OCIDA required Micron to update these prior searches for alternative locations within New York. Micron’s updated property search focused on identifying other potentially reasonable alternative sites for the Proposed Project. Using an available parcel listing survey, Micron identified three sites, including the WPCP, that were available for purchase and that were 1,000 acres or greater in size. Of the three sites, only the WPCP was located in a NYISO Load Zone with the potential to provide a sufficiently reliable and stable electricity supply to the Proposed Project. In addition, the WPCP satisfied all of Micron’s other site selection criteria, whereas the other two sites failed several criteria.
6.0 BENEFITS OF THE PROPOSED PROJECT
The Preferred Action Alternative will complete the anticipated development of the WPCP,
bringing its vision to reality and creating numerous benefits for state and local governments in the
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form of capstone developments that are regional destinations, increased tax revenue, and additional
economic growth, as well as fulfilling a need for domestic semiconductor industry growth in the
United States. Specifically, the Proposed Project provides the following benefits:
• The Proposed Project will construct and operate a large-scale state-of-the art DRAM
manufacturing facility at the WPCP that will achieve state and federal initiatives to
expand long-term economically sustainable growth in the domestic semiconductor
industry in support of U.S. economic and national security. Upon completion, the
Proposed Project will be the largest domestic producer of DRAM chips, which have
crucial applications in military equipment, cybersecurity technology, the aerospace
industry, AI, and other cutting-edge uses, as well as more common areas of the
domestic consumer economy. The Proposed Project will produce 52,000 DRAM chips
per week, increasing national DRAM output by 1,200 percent.
• The Proposed Project will generate substantial new economic activity in the local and
regional areas. Operations of a 4-fab facility are anticipated to generate over $10 billion
in real GDP impacts within the regional area. The Proposed Project will generate
additional tax revenues for the local and regional areas and will invest $500 million in
local and regional initiatives that advance identified community needs.
• Construction and operation of the Proposed Project will lead to substantial job
generation and increased wage potential within the local and regional areas. The
construction of the Proposed Project is anticipated to generate over 4,000 on-site
construction jobs, providing new construction employment opportunities and
additional income. By 2045, the Proposed Project is anticipated to generate over 9,000
permanent on-site operational jobs, providing long-term skilled employment
opportunities for unemployed, underemployed, and job-changing residents in the local
and regional areas.
• Construction of the Proposed Project is anticipated to reverse the overall net job loss
trend in the local and regional construction sector.
• Construction of the Proposed Project is anticipated to have significant beneficial effects
on the local and regional areas through projected increases in average annual wages
and household incomes for those areas, as well as the associated induced income
growth through increased household spending. The Proposed Project is estimated to
generate over $2 billion in induced disposable personal income in the five-county
region by 2035 and over $3.3 billion by 2041.
• The Proposed Project’s construction and operational activities will generate off-site
economic activity and additional jobs and labor income within industries supporting
Micron’s construction, and within governments and businesses supporting workers’
day-to-day spending. By 2045 the Proposed Project is anticipated to generate demand
for nearly 9,500 jobs at regional supply chain businesses and approximately 23,500
jobs at regional governments, institutions, and businesses supporting the growth in
regional household spending (approximately 33,000 off-site jobs in total).
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• The Proposed Project’s induced growth will encourage economic diversity, increasing
regional competitiveness and strengthening regional supply chain industries. The
supply chain and consumer spending activity will support existing businesses and
attract new businesses to the region.
• In the longer-term, Micron and other construction-related employment opportunities
will attract skilled workers to the region due to the increased labor demand.
• The increased housing demand in the regional area is anticipated to lead to investment
in neighborhoods where deferred maintenance and lack of housing production are
present, including in the City of Syracuse, where housing conditions have been
deteriorating.
• The Proposed Project will be the largest private investment in New York’s history. By
the end of the decade, one in four U.S.-made chips are anticipated to be manufactured
in and around Upstate New York.
• The Proposed Project will create new infrastructure in an industry and manufacturing
facility of local, state and national importance, investment in workforce development,
hundreds of construction jobs and thousands of permanent full-time positions and
increased sales tax revenue, and thereby advance the job opportunities, health, general
prosperity, and economic welfare of the people of the County of Onondaga and the
State of New York.
7.0 SEQRA REVIEW PROCESS
On June 14, 2023, OCIDA received an Application for Financial Assistance from Micron
for financial assistance within the meaning of New York General Municipal Law § 854(14) to
construct the Proposed Project. Micron’s application has been amended and restated and includes
the lease and eventual purchase of the WPCP in Clay, New York and the undertaking of potential
property condemnation pursuant to the New York EDPL. In connection with this application and
to assist OCIDA in determining whether the Proposed Project may have a significant impact upon
the environment, Micron submitted to OCIDA a Full Environmental Assessment Form (EAF). In
order to ensure that the potential environmental impacts associated with the full buildout of the
“Micron Campus” were fully evaluated, the EAF covered both the project as described in Micron’s
application as well as the construction of all four (4) fabs, the Rail Spur Site and Childcare Site.
On July 20, 2023, OCIDA passed a resolution at a regular meeting declaring its intent to
act as Lead Agency under SEQRA and classifying the proposed action as a Type I for purposes of
a coordinated SEQRA review. Parts 2 and 3 of the EAF were completed by OCIDA, in accordance
with 6 NYCRR § 617(f) of the SEQRA regulations.
On July 28, 2023, OCIDA circulated a public Notice of Intent to Establish Lead Agency to
all of the required involved, and interested agencies, via receipted delivery. No objection to that
notice was received during the subsequent 30-day comment period. At its regular meeting on
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September 14, 2023, OCIDA issued a Positive Declaration, indicating the need for an EIS, and
scheduled a public scoping meeting.
The following state and local agencies are involved agencies for the SEQRA review:
• New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC)
• Empire State Development, including the New York State Department of Economic
Development and the New York State Urban Development Corporation (ESD)
• New York Department of State (NYSDOS)
• New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT)
• New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (OPRHP)
• New York Office of General Services (NYSOGS)
• New York Power Authority (NYPA)
• New York State Canal Corporation
• Onondaga County Department of Transportation (OCDOT)
• OCWA
• OCDWEP
• Town of Clay Town Board
• Town of Clay Planning Board
• Town of Cicero Planning Board
The following state and local agencies are interested agencies for the SEQRA review:
• New York State Public Service Commission (NYSPSC)
• New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA)
• Onondaga County Department of Planning
• City of Syracuse
• Syracuse Metropolitan Transportation Council (SMTC)
• Town of Cicero Town Board
Scoping Process
OCIDA completed the SEQRA scoping process pursuant to 6 NYCRR § 617.8. At its
regular meeting on September 14, 2023, OCIDA accepted a Draft SEQRA Scope of Work, made
it available for review and comment by all involved and interested agencies, and by the public, in
accordance with SEQRA, and scheduled a public scoping meeting to be held on October 11, 2023.
The Positive Declaration and notice of public scoping meeting were published in the
Environmental Notice Bulletin (ENB) on September 20, 2023. Notice of the public scoping
meeting was placed in The Post Standard (Syracuse.com) – a newspaper of general circulation
serving the broader Clay, New York area. Project information and a Draft SEQRA Scope of Work
were posted on OCIDA’s website (www.ongoved.com).
A public scoping meeting was held on October 11, 2023, with public comments received
on the Draft SEQRA Scope of Work until October 31, 2023. In total, 39 individuals, organizations,
and agencies provided comments during the public comment period, including written comment
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letters from USFWS and NYSDEC. Because the EIS was prepared to satisfy the requirements of
both SEQRA and NEPA, a separate NEPA scoping comment period and scoping meeting was held
as well.
On December 14, 2023, OCIDA adopted the Final SEQRA Scope, which was made
available to the previously noticed agencies and posted on OCIDA’s website. Notice of the final
scoping document was published in the ENB on December 27, 2023.
Preparation and Acceptance of the DEIS
CPO and OCIDA jointly prepared the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) to
evaluate the potential environmental effects of the Proposed Project as required under NEPA and
SEQRA. OCIDA prepared the DEIS to consider the environmental effects of the Proposed Action
and alternatives, equally with social and economic factors, before it or any involved State or local
agency may issue SEQRA findings and exercise discretionary decision-making or funding
authority with respect to the Proposed Project, and to propose mitigation measures to avoid or
minimize adverse environmental effects to the maximum extent practicable.
During development of the DEIS, OCIDA regularly consulted with other SEQRA involved and interested agencies (including but not limited to NYSDEC and NYSDOT) to ensure that all environmental impacts were identified and fully evaluated in the DEIS while at the same time CPO regularly consulted with NEPA participating and cooperating agencies (including but not limited to USEPA and USACE). OCIDA created a working group to understand and evaluate the Proposed Project and Connected Actions and all potentially significant environmental impacts, including available avoidance, minimization and mitigation measures, as well as to consider and assess preliminary drafts of the DEIS. In May and June of 2025, OCIDA staff held numerous agency working group sessions during which OCIDA’s counsel and consultants discussed each environmental resource area evaluated in the DEIS and addressed all questions.
On June 25, 2025, OCIDA adopted the DEIS as complete for the purpose of
commencement of public review and set an August 11, 2025, deadline for the receipt of public
comments. On that same date, OCIDA adopted a Public Hearing Resolution and filed the DEIS
with the involved and interested agencies, including with the Chief Executive Officer of the Town
of Clay and the Town of Cicero and published the Notice of Availability in the ENB and The Post-
Standard. CPO filed the DEIS with USEPA for issuance of a Notice of Availability in the Federal
Register and mailed the Notice of Availability to the parties on the mailing list.
The Notices of Availability provided notice of public hearings to take place, explained how
to access the DEIS either in-person or on CPO’s and OCIDA’s websites, announced a 45-day
period for the public to comment on the DEIS, and explained how electronic or written comments
can be submitted to CPO and OCIDA. The DEIS was made available at the OCIDA office at: 335
Montgomery Street, Floor 2M, Syracuse, New York 13202; Onondaga County Public Library, 447
South Salina Street, Syracuse, NY 13202; Town of Clay Town Hall, 4401 Route 31, Clay, NY
13041; Town of Cicero Municipal Offices, 8236 Brewerton Road, Cicero NY 13039; and posted
on OCIDA’s website to facilitate public review.
As noticed, three public hearings on the DEIS were held on July 24, 2025, from 10AM –
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1PM, 2PM – 5PM and 6PM-9PM at the Liverpool High School Auditorium, 4338 Wetzel Road,
Liverpool, New York, 13090. Written public comments were accepted until August 11, 2025.
Comments on the DEIS were accepted in writing, either by first class mail or electronic mail, or
as part of the July 24, 2025, Public Hearing. In total, there were approximately 1270 comment
submissions received from the general public on the DEIS, some of which were duplicates, from
a total of approximately 1050 commenters, some in support of the Proposed Project and Connected
Actions and others opposed, which includes three comments from local elected officials. In
addition, comments were received from 12 federal, State and local agencies.
Preparation and Acceptance of the FEIS
In response to public comments on the DEIS, comments made by involved and interested
agencies and further development of the Proposed Project and Connected Actions, OCIDA made
the following revisions to the DEIS that were incorporated in the FEIS:
• Acknowledgement of a potential revision to the Proposed Project’s construction
schedule and commencement of construction for each fab and the Child Care Site
as well as Connected Actions;
• Addition of a new substation based on the recent decision by NYISO that a new
electrical substation will be required for operations of fab 2;
• Revisions to noise mitigation measures requested by the Town of Clay Planning
Board for the Proposed Project;
• Addition of Appendix A-5 which includes a summary of all comments received
from the public, including the involved and interested agencies, during the public
comment period, and responses to those comments. Copies of comments that were
received are provided in Appendix A-6.
• Addition of Appendix L-1 which expands on the discussion in the DEIS on the
proposed use, management, and disposal of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances
(PFAS) as part of the Proposed Project and Connected Actions;
• Addition of Appendix R-2 which expands on Micron’s public outreach activities;
• Other minor revisions to the DEIS in response to agency and other public comments
or to update Tables and Figures, as needed.
During development of the FEIS, OCIDA regularly consulted with other SEQRA involved
and interested agencies (including but not limited to NYSDEC and NYSDOT) while at the same
time CPO again regularly consulted with NEPA participating and cooperating agencies (including
but not limited to USEPA and USACE). OCIDA also held additional Agency working group
sessions during which the Agency’s counsel discussed the process and the changes from DEIS to
FEIS and addressed all questions. OCIDA ultimately determined that none of the changes from
DEIS to FEIS materially change the reasonably foreseeable effects that were described in the DEIS
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for the Proposed Project and Connected Actions or alter the significance of those effects.
The FEIS was accepted as complete by OCIDA on November 7, 2025. OCIDA caused the FEIS and Notice of Completion of Final EIS to be filed in accordance with SEQRA, with copies of the FEIS sent to the Involved and Interested Agencies. Copies of the FEIS were also made available for public viewing at the office of OCIDA during business hours and at the Onondaga County Public Library. The FEIS can be viewed on OCIDA’s webpage at: https://ongoved.com/micronfeis2025/. The Notice of Completion of Final EIS was published in the ENB on November 12, 2025, in accordance with SEQRA (6 NYCRR § 617.12(c)(1)).
8.0 FACTS AND CONCLUSIONS RELIED UPON TO SUPPORT THE FINDINGS
This Findings Statement considers the relevant environmental, economic and social
impacts, facts and conclusions disclosed in the FEIS for the action, including all appendices and
applications for permits and approvals, as well as the Final SGEIS for the WPCP (2021) and all
other documents prepared in conjunction with the SEQRA process. Other federal and State
agencies, including the USACE, USFWS, USEPA, NYSDEC, NYSDOT, and New York State
Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation participated in the environmental review of
the Proposed Project and offered their technical advice within their agency’s areas of expertise.
OCIDA relies on this technical expertise, including the USFWS’ Biological Assessment, the
Section 106 consultation process led by CPO and the permitting processes before the USACE and
NYSDEC for the Proposed Project and Connected Actions.
This Findings Statement weighs and balances relevant environmental impacts with social,
economic and other considerations and provides a rationale for OCIDA’s decisions regarding
potential environmental impacts associated with the action and certifies that the requirements of 6
NYCRR Part 617 and Article 8 of the ECL have been met. OCIDA further certifies that the action
chosen is the alternative that, consistent with social, economic, and other essential considerations,
avoids or minimizes potential significant adverse environmental impacts to the maximum extent
practicable and that such impacts will be avoided or minimized to the maximum extent practicable
by incorporating, as conditions, those mitigating measures that are identified as practicable herein.
The FEIS identifies both short-term, construction-related activities and long-term impacts
associated with the Preferred Action Alternative and No Action Alternative. The facts and findings
of the potential impacts of the Preferred Action Alternative by topic (including impact thresholds),
as well as best management practices (BMPs) to reduce or eliminate potential adverse impacts
and, where required, mitigation measures, are summarized by topic below.
Land Use, Zoning and Public Policy
Impacts
Land Use and Zoning
Construction of the Proposed Project and Connected Actions under the Preferred Action
Alternative will convert existing vacant land and residential land uses to industrial use over a 16-
year timeframe, representing a significant direct change to existing land use. At full build-out, the
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Micron Campus, Rail Spur Site, and Childcare Site will replace existing vacant land and limited
residential uses with industrial and commercial uses. Construction will require removal of the
existing structures on the WPCP (the four remaining single-family homes on Burnet Road and
Caughdenoy Road) and the Childcare Site (the former single-family home and barn vacated in
2024). The existing high-power transmission lines and telecommunications tower will remain on
the WPCP, while the existing OCWA water line will be relocated on the WPCP site. Further
development of the Micron Campus will remove Burnet Road and create new access roads and
driveways leading to the manufacturing facility from NYS Route 31, U.S. Route 11, and
Caughdenoy Road.
The vast majority of the WPCP is zoned Industrial (I-2) under the Town of Clay Zoning Code, except for the three parcels along Burnet Road with vacant single-family homes which are zoned Residential/Agricultural (RA-100). Construction of the Proposed Project will require rezoning of the remaining residential parcels along Burnet Road to I-2. Rezoning this land, however, will be consistent with the I-2 zoning for the majority of the WPCP and OCIDA’s intended use for the WPCP as an industrial park and employment center, as well as public policies. Micron, together with OCIDA as the current landowner, has submitted an application to the Town of Clay Town Board requesting these parcels be rezoned to I-2.
Construction of the Connected Actions will not result in land use changes except for certain changes to properties required for the wastewater conveyance system build-out. For construction of the new OCDWEP industrial wastewater conveyance system a new easement area will be required, running through portions of vacant land and farmland on the parcels between the Oak Orchard site and the Verplank Road ROW. This easement currently contains ten properties. The conveyance system will require a change in use and demolition of existing structures on one of the properties, a privately owned residential parcel previously acquired by Micron. Micron also has secured easements with the owners of seven of the other properties. Easements on these seven properties and on the two remaining properties will not require demolition, relocation, or movement of any existing structures or change the current use of the property outside the easement area. If agreements cannot be reached with the owners of the remaining two properties, OCIDA will move to acquire the properties by eminent domain under the EDPL, and the owners will receive just compensation. The remainder of construction of the Connected Actions will occur at existing utility properties (the National Grid Clay Substation, the OCDWEP Oak Orchard site, and the OCWA LOWTP) and in existing easement areas and ROW.
Public utility projects in New York State are generally exempt from local zoning
regulations. Therefore, the Connected Actions that will be undertaken by OCDWEP and OCWA
may be exempt from some or all local zoning requirements. To the extent the improvements are
subject to any zoning requirements, OCDWEP, OCWA, and National Grid will apply for any
necessary local approvals and will work with the municipalities to ensure the proposed
improvements comply with applicable zoning requirements.
The proposed Micron Campus, Rail Spur Site, and Childcare Site do not include properties
with active agricultural uses, but portions of these sites were formerly agricultural land, and the
Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) classified most of the soil on the sites as prime
farmland. The Proposed Project willl directly and indirectly convert a total of 1,043.2 acres of
protected farmland to industrial and commercial uses: 975 out of 1,276 acres of prime farmland
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Onondaga County Industrial Development Agency Findings Statement
Micron Semiconductor Manufacturing Project, Clay, New York
and farmland of statewide importance on the Micron Campus, 38 acres of prime farmland on the
Rail Spur Site, and 31 acres of prime farmland on the Childcare Site.
NRCS conducted a land evaluation and site assessment and determined by letter dated December 5, 2024, that several Proposed Project and Connected Action components are exempt from Farmland Protection Policy Act (FPPA) provisions because they will be implemented in existing urbanized areas, utility corridors, ROW, or already converted areas. Following the NRCS assessment, CPO completed the rating forms, which resulted in scores below 160 for all sites. Therefore, the Preferred Action Alternative does not require consideration of alternative sites or project adjustments, and no further action under the FPPA is necessary. To comply with Article 25-AA of the New York State Agricultural and Markets Law, Micron and the agencies responsible for the Connected Actions will be required to follow its applicable requirements and notification procedures. Public Policy
The Preferred Action Alternative was analyzed for consistency with all applicable public policies related to land use and planning in the local region, including the Onondaga County Comprehensive Plan, the SMTC 2050 Long Range Transportation Plan 2020 Update, the Town of Clay Northern Land Use Study, the draft Town of Cicero Comprehensive Plan, and the New York Green CHIPS Program. Although the Proposed Project does not directly support all elements of each of these plans, overall the Proposed Project will be consistent with each of these policies and will fulfill several of their goals relating to economic development and industrial use of the WPCP. Growth Inducing Effects
The Proposed Project would likely induce substantial new residential and commercial growth in the five-county region primarily due to increased demand for housing and business services as well as supply chain growth, resulting in gradual changes to land use over an extended period as Micron builds the Proposed Project and as job opportunities attract new populations to the region. The locations and scale of this induced commercial and residential development cannot be predicted at this time, but at least some of this induced growth would potentially result in upzoning existing residential and commercial districts for higher density or occur outside of districts already zoned for residential and commercial development. These growth inducing effects of the Preferred Action Alternative would result in significant changes to land use, including any future rezoning, but would continue to be subject to local discretionary approvals and planning policies, including applicable measures to avoid or minimize adverse development effects. Minimization and Mitigation
Although the Preferred Action Alternative will result in significant changes to existing land
use, those changes will continue to be subject to local discretionary approvals and planning
policies, including applicable measures to avoid or minimize adverse development effects and
preserve community and regional character, and will likely result in beneficial effects by fulfilling
economic development policy goals.
Findings
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Onondaga County Industrial Development Agency Findings Statement
Micron Semiconductor Manufacturing Project, Clay, New York
OCIDA finds that the Preferred Action Alternative will not result in any significant adverse
effects with respect to land use, zoning or public policies and will likely result in beneficial effects
by fulfilling economic development policy goals. No mitigation measures are required.
Geology, Soils, and Topography
Impacts
Construction of the Proposed Project and Connected Actions under the Preferred Action
Alternative will include removal of substantial volumes of soil and bedrock, and extensive fill and
grading resulting in permanent changes to these resources.
Construction of the Micron Campus will require a total area of ground disturbance of
approximately 997 acres within the WPCP, 445 acres of which are currently forested land. The
construction is estimated to require: (1) the removal of 1.5 million cubic yards (CY) of soil from
the WPCP; (2) the removal of 978,000 CY of near-grade bedrock;2 (3) the construction of drilled
pier foundations to support each of the four fabs; and (4) the import of 9 million CY of fill material
to the site. Construction of the Micron Campus foundations will also require drilling and placement
of approximately 25,200 20-foot piers drilled 3.6 to 4.6 feet into bedrock, or 6,300 drilled piers for
each fab.
The removal of 1.5 million CY of soil from the WPCP will be necessary to remove existing
soil types with conditions that would otherwise pose compression and instability risks for
construction of the manufacturing facility foundations and structures. Micron will reuse excavated
soils within the project area to the greatest extent practicable, where reuse is consistent with soil
stability requirements. Micron will reuse all excavated material smaller than six inches for
structural fill within four feet of the bottoms of proposed foundations and slabs and as much of the
remaining excavated material as practicable for non-structural purposes, such as landscaping.
Import of 9 million CY of stable and clean fill material to the Micron Campus site will still
be necessary to replace excavated soils and surficial material and achieve required soil stability
and final site grading, which will range from 385 feet above sea level in the northern portions of
the site to 425 feet near NYS Route 31, consistent with present topographical conditions. Due to
the number of available quarry sources, it is anticipated that adequate volume exists to meet the
needs of the Proposed Project without adversely affecting regional supply. Fill material will be
transported to the Rail Spur Site primarily by rail, with additional shipments by truck. Rail cars
are anticipated to transport up to 1,500 short tons per hour of aggregate fill material during
construction windows.
The removal of 978,000 CY of near-grade bedrock from the WPCP is necessary to
accommodate the construction of the four fabs. Each fab requires specialized foundations and
sufficient below-grade or “sub-fab” building space to house various aspects of the necessary
2
Karst features (e.g., sinkholes, depressions, solution cavities, caves, escarpments, ridges, etc.) were not
observed within the WPCP either at the surface or within boreholes performed by the geotechnical
engineers.
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Onondaga County Industrial Development Agency Findings Statement Micron Semiconductor Manufacturing Project, Clay, New York physical and utility infrastructure to support the fabs and their cleanrooms. In certain limited locations, blasting operations may be necessary as a last resort to fragment the largest segments of bedrock. If used, blasting is expected to produce ground vibrations that may travel as seismic waves through the geology surrounding the blasting locations. In addition, blasting may produce air blasts and fly rock. All bedrock removal activity, including any blasting operations (if needed), will be conducted in accordance with applicable state and local blasting safety regulations, as well as with Micron’s Blasting Plan.
Construction of the Rail Spur Site will require approximately 24 acres of ground
disturbance on the 38-acre site. In addition to tree clearing, the construction will require up to
85,000 CY of soil removal and import of up to 150,000 CY of fill material to achieve final site
grading, followed by installation of new rails to support Rail Spur Site operations. Construction of
the Childcare Site will require 13 acres of ground disturbance on the 31-acre site. In addition to
tree clearing, the construction will require up to 50,000 CY of soil removal and import of up to
25,000 CY of fill material to achieve final site grading. In certain limited locations, blasting
operations may be necessary as a last resort to fragment the largest segments of bedrock at the Rail
Spur Site and Childcare Site.
Construction of the Connected Action improvements will involve ground disturbance
across the various utility properties and routes, including soil removal and potentially the import
of some fill material at certain locations. Rock removal may also be required which will be
achieved primarily through chipping, where necessary; however, blasting is not anticipated. BMPs
for rock removal will be utilized during construction activities to avoid significant adverse effects
on geologic conditions.
At full build-out, the Proposed Project and Connected Actions are not anticipated to
generate any further disturbance to geology, soils, or topography in the study area. Full build-out
of the Micron Campus will result in 645 acres of new impervious surface, including asphalt and
concrete cover, and 58 acres of semi-pervious surface. The remaining areas of the campus will be
permeable land consisting of stormwater areas, softscape, water easements, gravel, bioretention,
and undisturbed land. Approximately 273 acres of permeable land will remain forested land.
The Preferred Action Alternative would result in growth inducing effects on geology, soils,
and topography to the extent that increased demand for new housing and businesses would result
in new development and attendant effects on geological conditions. Future development scenarios
resulting in potentially significant broad-scale effects on geology, soils, and topography in the
study area cannot be ruled out but would likely occur over many years at the pace of broader
development and socioeconomic trends in the five-county region and would be subject to
independent environmental review.
Minimization and Mitigation
Micron will be required to implement the BMPs stated in FEIS Table 3.2-5 for soil and
bedrock removal, pier drilling, and use of fill material throughout construction activities.
Construction activities at the Proposed Project sites will be required to be conducted in accordance
with Micron’s soil and materials management plan as well as State Pollutant Discharge
Elimination System (SPDES) program requirements, including preparation of a Stormwater
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Onondaga County Industrial Development Agency Findings Statement
Micron Semiconductor Manufacturing Project, Clay, New York
Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP). Micron will monitor groundwater levels in 17 monitoring
wells to minimize the effects on groundwater drawdown. Adaptive management will be used
throughout construction and will involve targeted surface and groundwater monitoring before,
during, and after construction to characterize the relationship between surface water and
groundwater, assess flow characteristics of the water resources study area, and identify if
modifications in the design, construction, and management of the Proposed Project are necessary
to minimize and avoid impacts to stormwater.
If blasting is deemed necessary in certain locations, Micron will implement its Blasting
Plan. Construction of the Micron Campus will involve the use of drilled pier foundations as an
alternative to driven piles, as they generate less construction noise compared to pile driving and
also reduce the need for deeper excavation activity. All soil excavation activities will be required
to be managed in accordance with Micron’s Soil and Materials Management Plan (SMMP).
Connected Action construction activity will be subject to applicable laws and regulations,
and terms and conditions of any required permits or approvals, which may include conditions
relating to potential discharges to water resources, stormwater management measures, sediment
and erosion controls, or noise and vibration mitigation measures.
Findings
OCIDA finds that with implementation of the BMPS and compliance with applicable laws,
regulations and permit conditions, the Preferred Action Alternative will not result in any
significant adverse effects with respect to geography, soils and topography. No mitigation
measures are required beyond those required by applicable law, regulation and permit conditions.
Water Resources
Impacts
Wetlands
Micron considered various design modifications to the Proposed Project to minimize losses
of wetlands and wetland buffers. In total, construction of the Proposed Project under the Preferred
Action Alternative will result in the permanent loss of approximately 193.38 acres of wetlands
being treated as Federal jurisdictional wetlands (184.47 acres on the Micron Campus and 8.91
acres at the Rail Spur Site), or approximately 174.77 acres of wetlands being treated as State
jurisdictional, which completely overlap the Federal jurisdictional wetlands except for less than
one acre within wetland complex W2. Construction will also result in the permanent loss of
approximately 10.50 acres of non-jurisdictional wetlands and an estimated 315 acres of protected
wetland buffer areas on the Micron Campus, in addition to the approximately 15 acres of wetland
buffer areas that will be lost at the Childcare Site.
These permanent losses of wetlands and wetland buffers will occur as a result of the
excavation, filling, and grading activities necessary to create the level upland conditions required
for construction of building foundations, walkways, parking lots, and all other associated Proposed
Project components. The permanent loss of these wetlands from construction of the Proposed
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Onondaga County Industrial Development Agency Findings Statement
Micron Semiconductor Manufacturing Project, Clay, New York
Project, the majority of which are considered to be high quality wetlands, will eliminate their
principal and suitable wetland functions and services, as described in FEIS Appendix F-3.1. The
permanent loss of jurisdictional wetlands will also result in indirect long-term effects on the
remaining wetlands as a result of subsequent changes in hydrology, including increased
stormwater runoff and decreased groundwater recharge. The permanent loss of wetland buffer
areas may further increase the indirect effects on remaining wetlands. These losses constitute a
significant adverse effect on water resources.
The Proposed Project is anticipated to result in a permanent increase in impervious surface
coverage of approximately 28 million square feet (653 acres), including approximately 645 acres
at the Micron Campus, 4.3 acres at the Rail Spur Site, and 2.6 acres at the Childcare Site. The loss
of wetlands and conversion of surface area to impervious surfaces could lead to subsequent
changes in hydrology, including increased stormwater runoff and decreased groundwater recharge.
Stormwater runoff can also accumulate and carry pollutant loads downgradient, which could result
in adverse effects on water quality and plant and wildlife species.
Construction of the Connected Actions will result in the permanent loss of a total of 6.40 acres of wetlands being treated as Federal jurisdictional wetlands, including 4.04 acres within the proposed Clay Substation expansion area, 0.087 acres within the natural gas improvement Limit of Disturbance (LOD), and 2.27 acres within the IWWTP LOD. The 2.36 acres lost within the natural gas improvement LOD and the IWWTP LOD are also being treated as State jurisdictional wetlands. The natural gas improvement project is also anticipated to result in the permanent conversion of 0.033 acres of Palustrine Forested (PFO) and 0.132 acres of Palustrine Scrub/Shrub (PSS) wetlands to Palustrine Emergent (PEM) wetlands from ROW maintenance (e.g., clearcutting, grubbing).
Construction of the Connected Actions also will result in temporary effects on a total of 72.30 acres of wetlands, including 4.30 acres within the Clay Substation expansion area (being treated as Federal jurisdictional only), 7.12 acres within the natural gas improvement LOD (being treated as both State and Federal jurisdictional), 53.62 acres within the water supply improvement LOD (being treated as both State and Federal jurisdictional), and 7.26 acres within the wastewater improvement LOD (being treated as both State and Federal jurisdictional). The Connected Actions are anticipated to result in permanent increases in impervious surface coverage, in particular within the Clay Substation expansion area, from facility upgrades at the LOWTP and Terminal Campus, and within the IWWTP LOD. The full extent of increased impervious surface coverage that would be associated with the Connected Actions cannot be determined at this time.
Routine operational maintenance of utility ROW along linear improvement LOD corridors
could potentially require occasional mowing and removal of wetland trees and shrubs within the
corridors for maintenance access or safety reasons. These maintenance activities could indirectly
lead to regression of PFO and PSS wetland cover types to PEM wetland habitat over time.
Maintenance work required along the proposed natural gas line route is anticipated to indirectly
convert 0.033 acres of PFO and 0.132 acres of PSS type wetlands being treated as State
jurisdictional to PEM wetland habitat. It is currently unknown how many acres of State
jurisdictional PFO and PSS wetlands would be subject to habitat conversion as a result of future
maintenance on the proposed water supply lines or the proposed wastewater conveyance. OCWA
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Onondaga County Industrial Development Agency Findings Statement
Micron Semiconductor Manufacturing Project, Clay, New York
and OCDWEP will be required to avoid disturbing these PFO wetlands during maintenance to the
greatest extent practicable.
Surface Water
Micron considered various design modifications to the Proposed Project to minimize losses
of surface water features to the maximum extent practicable. Within the Youngs Creek basin,
construction of the Micron Campus will result in the permanent loss of 6,283 linear feet (LF) of
stream channels being treated as Federal jurisdictional, consisting of 2,585 LF of intermittent
streams (41.1 percent) and 3,698 LF of ephemeral streams (58.9 percent). There will be no losses
of State jurisdictional river or stream features or any surface water features in the Shaver Creek
basin. The proposed Micron Campus layout has been designed to avoid construction in the
perennial main channel of Youngs Creek. The proposed Childcare Site layout has been designed
to avoid losses to the 18 LF of stream channel identified along the western edge of the site
boundary. No rivers or streams were identified at the proposed Rail Spur Site.
Construction of the Connected Actions will result in the permanent loss of a total of 1,545
LF of regulated ditches being treated as Federal jurisdictional, all within the proposed Clay
Substation expansion area. Construction will also result in temporary effects on a total of 3,491
LF of rivers and streams being treated as Federal jurisdictional, including 380 LF within the
substation expansion area, 175 LF within the natural gas improvement LOD, 2,835 LF within the
water supply improvement LOD, and 101 LF within the wastewater improvement LOD.
The permanent loss of headwater streams within the Youngs Creek basin will cause the loss of their principal functions, including wildlife habitat, retention of organic and inorganic particulates, nutrients, and contaminants, and stabilization of the beds, banks, and floodplains of Youngs Creek and its tributaries. Secondary functions will also be lost, including the ability to transport woody debris and sediment to influence stream bed forms and provide thermal regulation. The loss of these stream channels, in combination with the wetland losses described above, constitutes a significant adverse effect on water resources. These losses will alter local hydrologic conditions and could lead to indirect effects on downgradient surface water conditions including altered transport, downstream flooding, stream bank erosion, soil erosion, excess pollution loads, increased water temperature, increased turbidity, excess nutrient loads, and excessive aquatic algae/weeds.
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