Vertis Inc applies for change in Air State Facility Permit

Applicant:

Vertis Inc
250 West Pratt St 18th Fl
Baltimore, MD 21201

Facility:

Vertis Inc
1 Tomsons Rd
Saugerties, NY 12477

Application ID:

3-5148-00070/00013

Permit(s) Applied for:

Article 19 Air State Facility

Project is Located:

Saugerties, Ulster County

Project Description:

The New York Division of Vertis Inc. produces advertising inserts and other printed materials for commercial use. The facility operates five heatset and two coldest web offset lithographic printing presses. Supporting operations include pre-press, a scrap paper recovery and baling system, a labeling operation, and a bindery.

VOC (volatile organic compound) emissions from the heatset presses are controlled by natural gas fired catalytic oxidizers. Particulate emissions from the scrap paper recovery system are controlled by two cyclones and a bag filter unit.

Presently, the facility is designated as a major source of air pollution. The Air State Facility Permit will limit VOC emissions from the facility to 40.89 tons per year, in order to stay below the major source threshold of 50 tons per year. Thus, the facility will no longer be subject to the requirements of Title V of the Federal Clean Air Act. The facility will track usage of VOC containing materials to demonstrate compliance with the VOC limit.

Persons wishing to inspect the subject files, including the application with all relevant supporting materials, the Draft Permit, and all other materials available to the DEC (the "permitting authority") that are relevant to this permitting decision should contact the DEC representative listed below. The Draft Permit and Permit Review Report may be viewed and printed from the Department web site at: http://www.dec.ny.gov/chemical/32249.html.

DEC will evaluate the application and comments received on it to determine whether to hold a public hearing. Comments and requests for a legislative public hearing should be in writing and addressed to the Department representative listed below. A copy of the Department's permit hearing procedures is available upon request or on the Department web site at: http://www.dec.ny.gov/permits/6234.html.

Availability of Application Documents:

Filed application documents, and Department draft permits where applicable, are available for inspection during normal business hours at the address of the contact person. To ensure timely service at the time of inspection, it is recommended that an appointment be made with the contact person.

State Environmental Quality Review (SEQR) Determination:

Project is an Unlisted Action and will not have a significant impact on the environment. A Negative Declaration is on file. A coordinated review was not performed.
SEQR Lead Agency: None Designated

State Historic Preservation Act (SHPA) Determination:

The proposed activity is not subject to review in accordance with SHPA. The permit type is exempt or the activity is being reviewed in accordance with federal historic preservation regulations.

Coastal Management:

This project is not located in a Coastal Management area and is not subject to the Waterfront Revitalization and Coastal Resources Act.

Opportunity for Public Comment:

Comments on this project must be submitted in writing to the Contact Person no later than Jun 17, 2011.

Contact:

Kenneth R Grzyb
NYSDEC Region 3 Headquarters
21 South Putt Corners Rd
New Paltz, NY 12561
(845)256-3054
r3dep@gw.dec.state.ny.us

March Issue of Environment DEC

Hello!

The NYS Department of Environmental Conservation's public newsletter for March 2011 is now available online. You can access the main table of contents at DEC's website: http://www.dec.ny.gov/environmentdec/newsletter.html

Snow and Ice Hazards for Recreationists in the Adirondacks http://www.dec.ny.gov/environmentdec/72423.html - Unstable snow and unsafe ice in the Adirondacks can make winter recreation deadly for those who are unprepared.

NYS Rechargeable Battery Recycling Law
http://www.dec.ny.gov/environmentdec/72469.html - The law requires manufacturers of covered rechargeable batteries to collect and recycle the batteries statewide in a manufacturer-funded program at no cost to consumers.

U.N. General Assembly Declares 2011 "International Year of Forests"
http://www.dec.ny.gov/environmentdec/72561.html - DEC was invited to send a delegate to the ninth session of the U.N. Forum on Forests, where ways to sustainably manage the world's forest resources were discussed.

Trout Season Opens April 1
http://www.dec.ny.gov/environmentdec/72515.html - New York State offers world-class fishing for a wide variety of species on more than 7,500 lakes and ponds, 50,000 miles of rivers and streams and hundreds of miles of coastline.

Comments Invited on New SEQR Forms
http://www.dec.ny.gov/environmentdec/72518.html - Comments and supporting documents will be accepted on new State Environmental Quality Review forms until the close of business on April 8, 2011.

Bald Eagles a Welcome Sight at Onondaga Lake http://www.dec.ny.gov/environmentdec/72481.html - In another promising sign of the lake's comeback, an increasing number of American bald eagles return year after year, much to the delight of bird watchers and nature lovers.

Brain Worm in NYS Moose
http://www.dec.ny.gov/environmentdec/72478.html - Brain worm causes moose and other susceptible animals to behave abnormally, compromises their health and eventually kills them.

Meetings on "State of Lake Ontario" Scheduled http://www.dec.ny.gov/environmentdec/72498.html - These meetings, to be held in Oswego, Niagara and Monroe counties, will provide an excellent opportunity for individuals interested in the lake to talk to the scientists who study its fisheries.

Transfer of Lifetime Sporting Licenses Now Possible http://www.dec.ny.gov/environmentdec/72467.html - A new state law that became effective on January 15, 2011 allows for the one-time transfer of lifetime hunting, fishing and trapping licenses under certain circumstances.

Exams for Wildlife Rehabilitator and Falconry Apprentice http://www.dec.ny.gov/environmentdec/72528.html - The deadline to apply for either exam is April 1, and both exams are scheduled for April 22.

Applications for Pheasant Release Program Due March 15, 2011 http://www.dec.ny.gov/environmentdec/72422.html - This program enhances pheasant hunting opportunities through a partnership with DEC, sportsmen and sportswomen, 4-H youth and landowners who are interested in rearing and releasing pheasants.

Miscellaneous News
http://www.dec.ny.gov/environmentdec/72545.html - Even though there's still ice and snow around, it's not too early to make a reservation at a DEC environmental education camp or campground. Also, applications are now being accepted for the eighth annual NYS Environmental Excellence Awards program and registration is open for the June Becoming and Outdoors-Woman workshops.
_______________________________________________

If you are interested in learning about the environment, also check out our award-winning outdoor magazine, the Conservationist.  You get 7 issues of gorgeous photographs and captivating articles for only $12 a year or 14 issues for $21 when subscribing online.  Check it out at: http://www.dec.ny.gov/pubs/conservationist.html

_______________________________________________
EnvironmentDEC mailing list
EnvironmentDEC@lists.dec.state.ny.us
http://lists.dec.state.ny.us/mailman/listinfo/environmentdec

Forecast: DEC accelerates GAS DRILLING permits in New York State Parks

Gas Drilling permits will accelerate in just released New York Department of Environmental Conservation "Strategic Plan for [New York] State Forest Management" if the draft is not changed. A quote reads: "Natural gas development has the potential to be a significant and growing source of development on State Forest... due to new technologies that enable industry to effectively extract natural gas from the Marcellus shale play."  See page 227 -

Ny DEC Gas Drilling Draft

Northeast Solite of Saugerties Requests Title V Facility Permit from DEC

Applicant:

Northeast Solite Corp
PO Box 437
Mount Marion, NY 12456 -0437

Facility:

Northeast Solite Corporation
962 Old Kings Hwy
Mt Marion, NY 12456

Application ID:

3-5148-00084/00025

Permit(s) Applied for:

Article 19 Air Title V Facility

Project is Located:

Saugerties, Ulster County

Project Description:

The Department has prepared a Draft Permit pursuant to Article 19 (Air Pollution Control) of the NYS Environmental Conservation Law (ECL) and Title V of the Federal Clean Air Act Amendments and made a tentative determination to issue a renewal for the Title V Air Facility Permit for the operation of Northeast Solite Corporation located in Mt. Marion, Ulster County. Northeast Solite Corporation is a lightweight aggregate manufacturing facility. Raw material (shale) is quarried and processed on site. The shale is heated and expanded in any of three kilns to form the lightweight aggregate. The three kilns can burn coal or no. 2 oil. Recycled aggregate from off site can also be used in the manufacturing process. For purposes of the Title V permit, the facility is divided up into five air emission units. These units include a raw material processing area, the three kilns and associated equipment, a coal processing area, a lime handling system, and a finished material processing area. The raw and finished material processing areas consist of crushers, screeners, and conveyors. Five new conveyors will be added to the finished material processing area. The following regulations are applicable to the facility: 6NYCRR Parts 200, 201, 202, 211, 212, and 225. The new conveyors will be subject to 40 CFR 60 Subpart OOO. By acceptance of this permit, the permittee agrees that the permit is contingent upon strict compliance with the ECL, all applicable regulations, the General Conditions specified and any Special Conditions included as part of this permit.
In accordance with 6NYCRR Parts 621.7(b)(9) and 201-6.4(c), the Administrator of the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) has the authority to bar issuance of any Title V Facility Permit if it is determined not to be in compliance with applicable requirements of the Clean Air Act or 6NYCRR Part 201.

###################################
Persons wishing to inspect the subject Title V files, including the application with all relevant supporting materials, the draft permit, and all other materials available to the DEC (the "permitting authority") that are relevant to this permitting decision should contact the DEC representative listed below. The Draft Permit and Permit Review Report may be viewed and printed from the Department web site at: http://www.dec.ny.gov/chemical/32249.html.
DEC will evaluate the application and the comments received on it to determine whether to hold a public hearing. Comments and requests for a legislative public hearing should be in writing and addressed to the Department representative listed below. A copy of the Department's permit hearing procedures is available upon request or on the Department web site at: http://www.dec.ny.gov/permits/6234.html.
################################

Availability of Application Documents:

Filed application documents, and Department draft permits where applicable, are available for inspection during normal business hours at the address of the contact person. To ensure timely service at the time of inspection, it is recommended that an appointment be made with the contact person.

State Environmental Quality Review (SEQR) Determination:

Project is not subject to SEQR because it is a Type II action.
SEQR Lead Agency: None Designated

State Historic Preservation Act (SHPA) Determination:

The proposed activity is not subject to review in accordance with SHPA. The permit type is exempt or the activity is being reviewed in accordance with federal historic preservation regulations.

Coastal Management:

This project is not located in a Coastal Management area and is not subject to the Waterfront Revitalization and Coastal Resources Act.

Opportunity for Public Comment:

Comments on this project must be submitted in writing to the Contact Person no later than Sep 17, 2010.

Contact:

Kenneth R Grzyb
NYSDEC Region 3 Headquarters
21 South Putt Corners Rd
New Paltz, NY 12561
(845)256-3054
r3dep@gw.dec.state.ny.us

FOIL Appeal Denied - Diamond Mills Paper Company / Dam on Partition Street, Saugerties, New York

FOIL Appeal Determination for 09-08-3A (David Radovanovic, February 13, 2009)

February 13, 2009

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation
Office of General Counsel, 14th Floor
625 Broadway, Albany, New York 12233-1500
PHONE: (518) 402-9522 FAX: (518) 402-9018 or (518) 402-9019
Website: http://www.dec.ny.gov/

CERTIFIED MAIL, RETURN RECEIPT REQUESTED

February 13, 2009

David Radovanovic
100 Dock Street
Saugerties, New York 12477

Re: Freedom of Information Law ("FOIL") Appeal No. 09-08-3A
FOIL Request No. 09-127 / 25-3/09
Partition Street Project / Partition Street, Saugerties, Ulster County (Diamond Mills Paper Company / Dam)

Dear Mr. Radovanovic:

This is in response to your appeal, pursuant to the New York State Freedom of Information Law ("FOIL", codified at §§ 84-90 of the Public Officers Law ["POL"]), from the denial of access to certain records pertaining to the Diamond Mills Paper Company / Dam on Partition Street, Saugerties, New York.

In accordance with the Department's FOIL appeal procedures, I requested copies of the records that were withheld from disclosure by the Department's Region 3 office. On this appeal, I conducted a de novo review of those records.

BACKGROUND
On January 14, 2009 you submitted a letter to the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation's (hereinafter "DEC" or the "Department") FOIL e-mail address seeking certain records of the Department relating to the Partition Street Project / Partition Street, Village of Saugerties, New York. On January 16, 2009 DEC's Region 3 Records Access office acknowledged receipt of your request and assigned your request FOIL No. 25-3/09. By letter dated January 20, 2009, Region 3 Division of Environmental Permits responded to your request by releasing all responsive records that were in the custody of that division. On January 21, 2009, Region 3 Division of Water responded to your request and released responsive records, however withheld disclosure of six (6) records as they were exempt from disclosure pursuant to POL §87(2)(g), as they contain inter-agency or inter-agency deliberative communications. Finally, on January 27, 2009, Region 3 Division of Law Enforcement responded to your request by stating that after a diligent search, no records could be located that were responsive to your request. On February 5, 2009 you filed this appeal with my office regarding the six (6) records withheld from disclosure by Region 3 Division of Water.

I have received the records withheld by Region 3 Division of Water staff and I have conducted a de novo review. Following is my determination:

RECORDS REVIEWED
On this appeal, I have reviewed six (6) records, consisting of nine (9) pages, that were provided to me by Department staff. The records consist of four (4) e-mails between December 2005 and January 2008 and two (2) internal memoranda from 2008.

RELEVANT STATUTORY EXEMPTIONS
POL §87(2)(g): inter-agency or intra-agency deliberative communications
POL §87(2)(g), authorizes the denial of access to records or portions thereof that are intra-agency or inter-agency materials which are not: (i) statistical or factual tabulations or data; (ii) instructions to staff that affect the public; (iii) final agency policy or determinations; or (iv) external audits, including but not limited to audits performed by the comptroller and the federal government (see POL §87[2][g][i]-[iv]). Intra-agency and inter-agency materials that consist of opinions and recommendations of agency staff are exempted from FOIL "to protect the deliberative process of the government by ensuring that persons in an advisory role would be able to express their opinions freely to agency decision makers (citation omitted)" (Matter of Xerox Corp. v. Town of Webster, 65 N.Y.2d 131, 132 (1985); see also New York Times Co. v. City of New York Fire Department, 4 N.Y.3d 477, 488 (2005) ("The point of the intra-agency exception is to permit people within an agency to exchange opinions, advice and criticism freely and frankly")).

The e-mail before me on this appeal contain opinions, evaluations, requests and perceptions of Department staff. Furthermore, the internal memoranda consist of recommendations regarding a permit and opinions of staff regarding the same. Such internal deliberative communications, exempt from disclosure pursuant to POL §87(2)(g), will not be released through this appeal. Based on the above, your appeal is denied.

This letter is the final determination of the Department of Environmental Conservation with respect to your appeal. You have the right to seek review of this determination pursuant to Article 78 of the New York Civil Practice Law and Rules, and Public Officers Law §89(4)(b). In any further correspondence relating to this appeal, please refer to FOIL Appeal No. 09-08-3A.

Sincerely yours,

/s/

Dena N. Putnick, Esq.
FOIL Appeals Officer

cc: Robert Freeman, Executive Director
Committee on Open Government
Ruth Earl, Records Access Officer
Michael Knipfing, Region 3 Records Access
Beth Zicca, Region 3 Division of Water
 
For an DEC's online record visit http://www.dec.ny.gov/public/52420.html

IMPORTANT: Public Hearing for Saugerties Partition Street Project

Partition Street Project Public Hearing

Date: Mon, Oct 26, 2009
Contact: Mary Frank
Phone: 845-246-2321 x1
Email: mfrank@villageofsaugerties.org
Description
Time: 7 p.m.

Description:

The Village of Saugerties Planning Board will receive comment on the proposed Partition Street Project, located at the former Cantine Mill premises. The project involves a catering hall, restaurant, hotel, parking, infrastructure, lighting improvements and landscaping.

Senior Citizens Center, Market Street.

Saugerties Violates Clean Water Act 26 Times Since 2004

The New York Times reports that since 2004 Saugerties has violates the Clean Water Act 26 times:

http://projects.nytimes.com/toxic-waters/polluters/new-york/12477

	Facility Name	City	Last Inspected	Violations	Fines
	Saugerties (V) Dock Street STP	Saugerties	Feb. 13, 2006	18	$0
	Glasco WWTP	Saugerties	Feb. 8, 2006	4	$0
	Malden On Hudson WWTP	Saugerties	Feb. 11, 2004	4	$0
	Hits On The Hudson	Saugerties	No Information	0	$0
	Horse Show Facility	Saugerties	June 1, 2004	0	$0
	Philips Components	Saugerties	March 17, 2003	0	$0
	Saugerties MS4 Storm Sewers	Saugerties	No Information	0	$0
	Saugerties MS4 Storm Sewers	Saugerties	No Information	0	$0

This zip contains 8 facilities of 4,606 in the state.

In parts of New York, Rhode Island, Ohio, California and other states where sewer systems cannot accommodate heavy rains, untreated human waste has flowed into rivers and washed onto beaches. Drinking water in parts of New Jersey, New York, Arizona and Massachusetts shows some of the highest concentrations of tetrachloroethylene, a dry cleaning solvent that has been linked to kidney damage and cancer. (Specific types of water pollution across the United States will be examined in future Times articles.)

Records analyzed by The Times indicate that the Clean Water Act has been violated more than 506,000 times since 2004, by more than 23,000 companies and other facilities, according to reports submitted by polluters themselves. Companies sometimes test what they are dumping only once a quarter, so the actual number of days when they broke the law is often far higher. And some companies illegally avoid reporting their emissions, say officials, so infractions go unrecorded.

Some violations are relatively minor. But about 60 percent of the polluters were deemed in “significant noncompliance” — meaning their violations were the most serious kind, like dumping cancer-causing chemicals or failing to measure or report when they pollute.

Finally, the Times’s research shows that fewer than 3 percent of Clean Water Act violations resulted in fines or other significant punishments by state officials. And the E.P.A. has often declined to prosecute polluters or force states to strengthen their enforcement by threatening to withhold federal money or take away powers the agency has delegated to state officials.

Here are some commercial labs certified by NYS:

http://www.wadsworth.org/labcert/elap/comm.html

LABID: 10709: ADIRONDACK ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES INC

314 NORTH PEARL STREET
ALBANY NY 12207
MR. PAUL BATISTA (518) 434 -4546

Approved for the following categories:
• Air and Emissions
• Non Potable Water
• Potable Water
• Solid and Hazardous Waste

LABID: 11740: ALPINE ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES, INC.

1146 CENTRAL AVENUE
ALBANY NY 12205
MR. CRAIG PETREIKIS (518) 453 -0146

Approved for the following categories:
• Air and Emissions

LABID: 11129: FIBERS ID INC

1670 WESTERN AVE BLDG. B
ALBANY NY 12203-4218
MR. MICHAEL H. HAY (518) 456 -4501

Approved for the following categories:
• Air and Emissions
• Solid and Hazardous Waste

LABID: 11799: JH CONSULTING GROUP, INC

15 LYNWOOD DRIVE
LOUDONVILLE NY 12211-1347
MR. JACK HALSTUCH (518) 785 -9839

Approved for the following categories:
• Non Potable Water
• Potable Water

LABID: 11917: RESPONSE LABS LLC

12 COLVIN AVENUE
ALBANY NY 12206
MR. JUSTIN ADAMS (518) 482 -5630

Approved for the following categories:
• Air and Emissions

LABID: 10350: ST. PETER'S BENDER LABORATORY

19 WAREHOUSE ROW
ALBANY NY 12205
DR. JEFFREY D. HUBBARD (518) 525 -5480

Approved for the following categories:
• Non Potable Water
• Potable Water

LABID: 11859: THE HOME INSPECTOR, LLC

14 TAMARACK LANE
NISKAYUNA NY 12309
MR. DOUG VIERATH (518) 496 -7240

Approved for the following categories:
• Air and Emissions

LABID: 11779: WKP LABORATORIES INC

565 WASHINGTON AVENUE
ALBANY NY 12206
MS. NOELLE BRUNO (518) 431 -0007

Approved for the following categories:
• Air and Emissions

Glasco Ponds Subdivision in Saugerties applies for DEC Permit

Glasco Turnpike Operating LLC
c/o Joseph Scharf
225 W 83rd St Apt 32
New York, NY 10024
Facility:

Glasco Ponds Subdivision
Glasco Tpke (CO Rte 118) ¼ Mi E of US Rte 9W
Saugerties, NY 12477
Application ID:

3-5148-00349/00003
Permit(s) Applied for:

Section 401 - Clean Water Act Water Quality Certification
Project is Located:

Saugerties, Ulster County

Project Description:

The applicant proposes to construct a 68-lot residential development, Glasco Ponds Subdivision, with associated internal roadways and stormwater management facilities on a 47 + acre site. The project includes construction of six stormwater detention basins with outfalls to an unnamed tributary of the Hudson River (Class C), and four separate crossings of this stream. Construction will result in the filling of approximately 0.42-acre of federally regulated wetland; approximately 0.81-acre of new wetland will be constructed at the project site as mitigation. The project is located on the south side of Glasco Turnpike (County Route 118), east of US Route 9W in the Town of Saugerties, Ulster County.
Availability of Application Documents:

Filed application documents, and Department draft permits where applicable, are available for inspection during normal business hours at the address of the contact person. To ensure timely service at the time of inspection, it is recommended that an appointment be made with the contact person.
State Environmental Quality Review (SEQR) Determination:

Project is a Type I action and will not have a significant effect on the environment. A coordinated review with other agencies was performed and a Negative Declaration is on file.

SEQR Lead Agency: Saugerties Town Planning Board
State Historic Preservation Act (SHPA) Determination:

A cultural resources survey has been completed. Based on information provided in the survey report, the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (OPRHP) has determined that the proposed activity will have no impact on registered or eligible archaeological sites or historic structures. No further review in accordance with SHPA is required.
Coastal Management:

This project is not located in a Coastal Management area and is not subject to the Waterfront Revitalization and Coastal Resources Act.
Opportunity for Public Comment:

Comments on this project must be submitted in writing to the Contact Person no later than Sep 04, 2009.
Contact:

R Scott Ballard
NYSDEC Region 3 Headquarters
21 South Putt Corners Rd
New Paltz, NY 12561
(845)256-3054
r3dep@gw.dec.state.ny.us

Town of Saugerties applies for DEC Permit - Kings Highway

Applicant:

Town of Saugerties 4 High St Saugerties, NY 12477

Facility:

Kings Highway Water District Kings Hwy - St Rte 212 - S 3 Mis Saugerties, NY

Application ID:

3-5148-00382/00001

Permit(s) Applied for:

Article 15 Title 15 Water Supply

Project is Located:

Saugerties, Ulster County

Project Description:

The applicant, the Town of Saugerties, proposes to construct new water supply mains within the Kings Highway corridor in order to supply 58 residential and commercial parcels with potable water in conjunction with the formation of a new water supply district, the Kings Highway Water District. Approximately 138,000 gallons per day (gpd) of potable water will be supplied by the existing Village of Saugerties water supply system. The project will not result in any additional flow, nor require additional water supply, above the currently approved 600,000 gpd of potable water allocated by the inter-municipal agreement between the Town and Village of Saugerties. The project includes the construction of 16,665 linear feet of 14 inch diameter water main and 1,250 linear feet of 12 inch diameter water main. The project is located south of NYS Route 212 and will run concurrently along three miles of the Old Kings Highway (County Route 31) corridor in the Town of Saugerties, Ulster County.

Availability of Application Documents:

Filed application documents, and Department draft permits where applicable, are available for inspection during normal business hours at the address of the contact person. To ensure timely service at the time of inspection, it is recommended that an appointment be made with the contact person.

State Environmental Quality Review (SEQR) Determination:

Project is a Type I action and will not have a significant effect on the environment. A coordinated review with other agencies was performed and a Negative Declaration is on file.

SEQR Lead Agency: Saugerties Town Board

State Historic Preservation Act (SHPA) Determination:

A cultural resources survey has been completed. Based on information provided in the survey report, the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (OPRHP) has determined that the proposed activity will have no impact on registered or eligible archaeological sites or historic structures. No further review in accordance with SHPA is required.

Coastal Management:

This project is not located in a Coastal Management area and is not subject to the Waterfront Revitalization and Coastal Resources Act.

Opportunity for Public Comment:

Comments on this project must be submitted in writing to the Contact Person no later than Aug 21, 2009.

Contact:

R Scott Ballard NYSDEC Region 3 Headquarters 21 South Putt Corners Rd New Paltz, NY 12561 (845)256-3054 r3dep@gw.dec.state.ny.us

Quoted from a recent Behan Planning & Design Report:

The Catskill Mountains in Saugerties also contain several headwater streams, including the Lucas Kill, Fly Kill, and Saxton Creek, which flow into the Plattekill. Headwaters are the area where a stream begins. Headwater streams are often cool mountain streams that support trout and other cold water species. The headwaters also supply food and nutrients to downstream ecological communities. The Lucas Kill and Saxton Creek flow into the Plattekill, which feeds the Blue Mountain Reservoir, a major drinking water source for the Village of Saugerties, as well as many town residents.

The Plattekill originates deep in the Catskills, in the Kaaters Kill Wild Forest. The Plattekill is the largest tributary of the lower Esopus Creek. The Plattekill runs through the Platte Clove, forming a series of waterfalls before making its way to the wetlands at the reservoir. The Plattekill continues into a 30-foot wide creek in the agricultural areas of town before entering the Esopus Creek (the Esopus Creek then enters the Hudson River).

The Plattekill is a Class A trout stream above the Blue Mountain Reservoir and a Class B trout stream below the reservoir. Because the Plattekill enters the Esopus Creek, it is designated as part of the Hudson River Estuary. The Lucas Kill and the Saxton Creek are both Class A streams in this area, with some segments being trout spawning streams, according to the NYSDEC water quality classification standards. The Fly Kill is a Class C trout stream through most of its length in Saugerties.

The Protect the Plattekill Creek & Watershed board (PPCW) is involved in the protection of the Plattekill watershed as well as in coordination between the town and the Hudson River Watershed initiatives. Because the Plattekill is prone to flooding, the PPCW is also involved in flood protection initiatives, working with state and federal agencies. The Plattekill watershed is an important limiting factor to the growth of Saugerties because much of the new development depends on the purchase of water from the village from this essential watershed.

The NY Supreme Court set a limit to the amount of water that can be drawn from the Blue Mt. Reservoir to 1.8 million gallons a day.

Both the Groundwater Protection Plan for the Town of Saugerties (2005) and the Source Water Protection Plan for the Village of Saugerties Public Water Supply address the Plattekill and its watershed as part of a critical water supply.

Interesting Links:

Kings Highway Corridor Infrastructure Improvement Project

Protect the Plattekill Creek & Watershed
Focus: Plattekill Watershed
Contact: Sandra Thorpe 290 Fish Creek Rd. Saugerties, NY 12477
845-246-7174
rthorpe@hvc.rr.net

Saugerties Watershed Council - Joe Damrath (845) 657-6069

Surface Discharge Project - Glasco Saugerties

Ulster County
Applicant:

Town of Saugerties
4 High St
Saugerties, NY 12477
Facility:

Glasco Sewer District WWTP
Glasco Tpke & Hudson St
Saugerties, NY 12477
Application ID:

3-5148-00074/00002
Permit(s) Applied for:

Article 17 Titles 7 & 8 Municipal SPDES - Surface Discharge
Project is Located:

Saugerties, Ulster County

Project Description:

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) is pursuing a Department Initiated Modification (DIM) and renewal to the State Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (SPDES) Permit (NY 014 5564), pursuant to 6 NYCRR Part 750-1.18, New York State's Environmental Benefit Permit Strategy (EBPS).
The following describes the proposed modifications: The Glasco Wastewater Treatment Facility is a municipal wastewater treatment facility. The permit is for a discharge of 0.424 mgd. Effluent limits are for secondary treatment with year-round disinfection. No changes in effluent limits are proposed. Permit pages have been updated based on current department guidance, format and nomenclature. The modification also includes several other minor reporting modifications. The facility has surface discharge into the Hudson River, a class A water.
Availability of Application Documents:

Filed application documents, and Department draft permits where applicable, are available for inspection during normal business hours at the address of the contact person. To ensure timely service at the time of inspection, it is recommended that an appointment be made with the contact person.
State Environmental Quality Review (SEQR) Determination:

Project is an Unlisted Action and will not have a significant impact on the environment. A Negative Declaration is on file. A coordinated review was not performed.

SEQR Lead Agency: None Designated
State Historic Preservation Act (SHPA) Determination:

The proposed activity is not subject to review in accordance with SHPA. The permit type is exempt or the activity is being reviewed in accordance with federal historic preservation regulations.
Coastal Management:

This project is located in a Coastal Management area and is subject to the Waterfront Revitalization and Coastal Resources Act.
Opportunity for Public Comment:

Comments on this project must be submitted in writing to the Contact Person no later than Jun 26, 2009.
Contact:

Teresa Diehsner
NYSDEC Headquarters
625 Broadway
Albany, NY 12233
(518)402-9167
depprmt@gw.dec.state.ny.us

Village of Saugerties Landfill, Ulster County Results of Environmental Sampling Conducted by NYSDEC

2008.10.16 Village of Saugerties Landfill Sampling Results

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Questioning the Village's Sanitary

Village responds to allegations of problems at water treatment plant

According to Dock Street resident David Radovanovic, the water treatment plant is operating at near capacity, and will be unable to accommodate projects now in the planning stage. At the January 20 meeting of the village board, trustee William Murphy and wastewater superintendent Mike Marino addressed the issue. They said that although the plant has been cited numerous times by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), just one of those citations was classified as severe, and stated that the plant has the capacity to meet all planned projects at this time -- including the hotel/convention center on Partition Street and the three and half miles of new commercial hook-ups planned for Kings Highway.

At the village board meeting two weeks ago, Radovanovic produced reports from the EPA showing noncompliance at the Dock Street wastewater treatment plant for eleven of the past twelve quarters. The EPA oversees the work of the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, which is directly responsible for monitoring the facility.

"I checked with the DEC and these were factual findings," said Murphy. "There was only one significant noncompliance issue. Eleven were not severe. There are obviously problems we have to look into, but these are not constant problems. The main cause of the problems is infiltration and inflow, which we have been dealing with for years."

Radovanovic said that while infiltration does contribute to the problem, "other factors that are being glanced over. I'm afraid that if we hook up industrial level types of waste, there must be some type of pretreatment."

Radovanovic said that some of the cases of noncompliance were due to an elevated presence of coliform in the plant's water, which he attributed to the presence of fecal matter.

Wastewater department superintendent Mike Marino, however, pointed out that while coliform can be found in feces, it is also sometimes present in drinking water, as well as other sources. Marino also said that the coliform levels were not considered by the DEC to be high enough to constitute a case of significant noncompliance.

Marino admitted that Radovanovic's argument is correct: the Dock Street wastewater treatment plant has been found to be in noncompliance during eleven of the past twelve quarters, but that only one quarter showed a significant issue. In the first quarter of 2005, the plant showed high levels of settleable solids, and was found by the DEC to be in a state of significant noncompliance. Marino attributes this to heavy precipitation levels during the early months of 2005.

As for the other factors, Marino said the violations were modest. "What you have to understand," said Marino. "Is that if any reading on any day of the quarter is one-tenth of one percent over, the plant is considered to be noncompliant. It doesn't mean that the water is not safe."

This is how the severe violation that year played out. The plant is allowed a daily maximum of .3 mg/L settleable solids. Several days of heavy rain in January 2005 caused the maximum monthly result to come in at .8 mg/L. In February of the same year, the plant experienced another higher than normal reading of .5 mg/L of settleable solids.

According to Marino, settleable solids are materials suspended in water that will settle to the bottom over a period of time, filtering them. Most settleable solids do so within about an hour, he explained.

Radovanovic also asserted that the plant is running at near capacity, although village officials claim that there is room for growth.

"They act as though the plant was designed to take all of Saugerties. I don't think they're looking past their noses, quite frankly," said Radovanovic.

The plant is allowed a maximum capacity of 1.32 million gallons of water per day to be treated before being discharged into the Hudson River. In December 2008, Saugerties received 28.7 inches of rain and snow, and the wastewater department saw 1.05 million gallons per day pass through the facility. Marino says that the yearly average is much lower, though, usually around 800,000 gallons per day.

"We have some room for growth," said Marino. "I would like more, but there is some room there."

Marino says that the storm water separation project -- which will redirect three catch basins in the southern part of the village to empty into the Esopus Creek rather than transport storm water into the village's sewer system --will solve only a small percentage of the problem. The amount of water that passes through the plant after a heavy rain is due in large part to infiltration and inflow, often referred to as I&I.

I&I refers to water that infiltrates weaknesses in the sewer system's infrastructure. Much of this infrastructure, Marino says, is more than 100 years old and is constructed of clay tile pipes, which have developed cracks over time as the ground has shifted. Rainwater often finds its way into these cracks, causing excess water, uncontaminated water to pass through the plant. Upgrading the entire sewer system would be quite expensive, according to Marino, and the village is in the process of seeking grant monies in order to accomplish this without placing the burden on the taxpayers.

"Mr. Radovanovic has a valid point," said Marino. "We do have a system that is in need of maintenance."

"We will continue to find things to try to help it," said Murphy. "Overall, to accept growth we have to continue to do these little things."

Although the village wastewater treatment plant has never received a fine or penalty of any kind from either the DEC or the EPA, Radovanovic attributed this to the workload facing these agencies rather than a sign that the village wastewater plant is conforming to expectations.

"The reality is that these guys [at the EPA and DEC] are completely overwhelmed with the amount of work that they have. The pick the worst ones to go after," said Radovanovic.

The next meeting of the village board will be held on Monday, February 2, at 7 p.m. at the Village Hall.

Full article at UlsterPublishing: http://ulsterpublishing.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=article&articleID=474703

A closer look is needed

In regard to the Partition Street Project and its impact on the Saugerties Village Waste Treatment Plant, the adjoining wetlands, disturbance of plant, fish and wild life and public access.
DISTURBANCE OF FISH and WILDLIFE ESTUARY:

PDF DOWNLOAD “SIGNIFICANT HABITATS AND HABITAT COMPLEXES OF THE NEW YORK BIGHT WATERSHED”, the Esopus Creek entering the Hudson River is a tributary for spawning habitat for herrings and overwintering areas for black bass species, just to name a few. It is determined that there are six wintering sites that are extremely important or critical to the maintenance of the Hudson River black bass stocks including Esopus Creek. THE ENTIRE DOCUMENT PDF

Local fishermen and sportsmen have used the lower Esopus Creek (right below dam) for centuries as an important resource for their recreation and livelihood. The Partition Street Project will have an adverse affect on this recognized estuary and historically significant resource, if permitted as indicated in the current plans that have been submitted and expressed to Saugerties Village Board.

References: http://training.fws.gov/library/pubs5/web_link/text/upp_hud.htm and http://www.dec.ny.gov/lands/4920.html

SASS - IV. IMPACT ASSESSMENT: PDF DOWNLOAD

Please note that the referenced property is located at the (formerly known as) "Barclays Dam" and is within the "Scenic Areas of Statewide Significance" (published by the New York State Department of State, 1993) and therefore is subject to review. This was incorporated in the Saugerties Village's Waterfront Revitalization Plan originally drafted in 1985 and published as the village's Local Waterfront Revitalization Plan in 1986.

"Whether within or outside a designated SASS all proposed actions subject to review under federal and State coastal acts or a Local Waterfront Revitalization Program must be assessed to determine whether the action could affect a scenic resource and whether the action would be likely to impair the scenic beauty of the scenic resource."

I've included the section of the "ULSTER NORTH SCENIC AREA OF STATEWIDE SIGNIFICANCE" that can be found in its entirety at http://www.nyswaterfronts.com/waterfront_developed_SASS.asp for your convenience.

VILLAGE OF SAUGERTIES ADVISORY COMMITTEE POLICY BOOK:

It is noted in the Village of Saugerties Waterfront Advisory Committee’s Policy Book in 21A, 22A, and SCENIC QUALITY POLICIES that the Partition Street Project would violate its guidelines and policies. In fact, Policy 24 almost paraphrases the SASS report above: “Prevent Impairment of Scenic Resources of Statewide Significance as identified on coastal area map.” It goes on to list the inclusions which list many of the guidelines which the Partition Street Project would violate, if permitted to be built as described by its owners’ representatives at the planning board meeting that was held on Wednesday, December 10, 2008 @ 7:00PM.

PATTERN OF NON-COMPLIANCE at DOCK ST WASTEWATER PLANT
SPDES# NY-0031208: PDF DOWNLOAD

I'd would also like to reiterate my concerns about the repeated pattern of non-compliance indicated in DEC records. My reasearch dates back from January 2000 (the first two quarters of) , including 09/18/04, 03/28/05, 04/06/05, 10/25/05, 01/31/06, 02/03/06, 06/28/06.

EPA reports indicate that SAUGERTIES (V) DOCK STREET STP, PDF DOWNLOAD
FRS ID: 110006621021 has been in non compliance eleven (11) quarters in the last (3yrs) NPDES Effluent Charts: http://www.epa-echo.gov/cgi-bin/effluents.cgi?permit=NY0031208

These non compliance reports indicate a systemic problem with the plant operations and should compel your attention and further study before the Partition Street Project connection is permitted.

"Orange Goo" at Saugerties Village Landfill

See photos taken recently 05/2008 below:


"Orange Goo" found by NYS DEC Region 3 Solid Waste (Landfill) Inspector at Village of Saugerties Landfill on Ulster Avenue. A "Significant Impact" was determined by visual inspection and remediation will be required. Village Mayor Yerrick recently relieved neighboring property owner of $17,000.00 in back taxes and passed a law to purchase part of neighbor's contaminated property this past March. Village Board Meeting resulted in no plan of action or report made to DEC officials concerning the "Iron Floc" that colored the water flowing from underneath the landfill.

Below is the unedited DEC report -

Facility Name/Location:
Village of Saugerties Landfill, Ulster County

Date of Site Visit:
May 7, 2008

DEC Staff Present:
J. Giordano

Persons Interviewed:
N/A

Background Information:
This inactive landfill was used by residents of the Village of Saugerties
for disposal of solid waste beginning in 1969. It is not known when
regular disposal activities ceased at the landfill, however a review of
DEC records indicate that the landfill was operating as late as 1978.
There are several monitoring wells situated at the landfill site, however
the details of their construction and the current subsurface condition of
the wells are also not known. Additionally, the size of the landfill is
unknown however, based on topography and vegetation is estimated as
approximately 7 acres. The landfill is located at 169 Ulster Ave. (NY-
32) and is adjacent to the defunct “Weekend Liquidators” warehouse
store.

Purpose of Site Visit:
This inspection was conducted in response to a complaint received by
DEC from a member of the local community.

Notes:
See attached photos.

Required Follow-up:
Violations of 6 NYCRR Part 360 (New York State Solid Waste
Management Facility Regulations) were noted during this inspection
pertaining to the following: presence of exposed solid waste,
unauthorized disposal of solid waste, and uncontrolled discharge of
solid waste leachate to surface water. Solid waste staff will transmit this
inspection report to the Village and begin discussions on corrective
actions which must be taken to address the regulatory violations at the
site.

Report Prepared by:
J. Giordano

Report Date:
May 12, 2008

Figure 1: This photo depicts the plateau of a landfill which is designated as “ADDITIONAL LANDFILL AREA” on the included site map. The area, approximately less than one acre, appears to have been covered with crushed shale at some time in the past. The plateau is relatively clear of woody vegetation however the surface is not properly graded to encourage proper drainage of stormwater. Additionally, the crushed stone provides a pathway for infiltration of stormwater into the waste mass.



Figure 2: The orange deposits seen in this photo are iron flocs which are typically associated with surficial discharges of landfill leachate or leachate-impacted groundwater. There is a spring emanating from the toe of the slope of the additional landfill area (inset photo) which is the source for this large area of iron floc deposition. At the time of the inspection, this particular spring exhibited a very high flowrate. Also note the eroded slope and exposed solid waste in the foreground and in the inset photo. It is possible that the source of the spring is a damaged drainage structure or natural groundwater discharge area.




Figure 3: The side slope of the additional landfill area has eroded, uncovering solid waste including but not limited to household garbage, furniture, lumber and concrete.




Figure 4: The Village operates a yard waste management area on the footprint of the old Village landfill. This area includes an active street sweepings landfilling operation, storage areas for yard waste, as well as recently deposited solid waste including furniture, tires, garbage, and construction & demolition debris. There is spring and associated area of iron floc deposition emanating from the toe of the landfill.




Figure 5: The southern portion of the Iron floc deposition area (wetland) extends South to Route NY-32.