Western New York salt mine gets OK for rail project opposed by 2 Seneca Indian nations

A western New York company has received permission to extend a rail line at its massive salt mine, a move that was opposed by two Seneca Indian nations.

The Democrat and Chronicle of Rochester reports (http://on.rocne.ws/1tF0RBL ) that the required permit from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has been authorized.

American Rock Salt had been seeking approval to extend its rail siding in the Livingston County town of Groveland, 35 miles south of Rochester. The company says it needs the extension to meet increased demand for its road salt.

Representatives of the Seneca Nation of Indians and the Tonawanda-Seneca Nation had said the project could disturb unmarked burial sites and other culturally sensitive areas where the tribe lived centuries ago.

Officials say protocols have been adopted for the handling of any artifacts and remains unearthed during construction.

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Information from: Rochester Democrat and Chronicle, http://www.democratandchronicle.com