Delaware seeks permit to dredge brooks

By TOM KANE

HORTONVILLE, NY — Residents of Hortonville may get some welcome relief from future storms. They may finally get permission to dredge the clogged stream beds.

The Town of Delaware has applied to the Department of Environmental Conservation for a permit to remove rocks and sediment that has collected at the bottom of the North Branch of the Callicoon Creek and Joe Brook. Joe Brook is a short stream that empties into the Callicoon Creek behind the town barn along Route 17B. The North Branch of the Callicoon Creek will be cleared from the Beechwoods Road to the main segment of the Callicoon Creek.

Officials and homeowners have gone on record that the sediment makes the brook prone to overflowing into the basements of nearby homes along the creek’s banks during heavy rainfall.

“We have word from Brian Burstman of the Soil and Water District that it’s highly likely that the [Department of Environmental Conversation] DEC will grant the permit for a section of both brooks,” said Delaware Supervisor Bill Moran at the Delaware Town Board meeting on Wednesday, August 17.

A few months ago, the town received a permit to clear the bottom of the Callicoon Creek in Jeffersonville. “Since we got it for Jeff, we feel that they might permit it for Hortonville,” Moran said.

“The application must be a joint application. Not only the DEC must give its permission but the Army Corps of Engineers must comment on the application as well,” Brustman said.

The highway department will use its trucks to haul away the sediment. “We’ll pay for the excavation from the general fund,” Moran said.

The DEC would not permit the town to erect a berm along the brooks to raise the sides so as to keep the water back. “I don’t know why they won’t allow that,” Moran said.

“We cannot comment on an application until it is examined by management,” said Wendy Rosenbach, spokesperson for DEC Region III.

The cost to the town will most likely be in the area of $20,000, Moran said.

If approved, the permits will be valid until September 30.