I am writing about my concern for our limited supply of water. Despite the existence of drought conditions in our region for a lengthy time last year, there seems to be little impact on the …
Stay informed about your community and support local independent journalism.
Subscribe to The River Reporter today. click here
This item is available in full to subscribers.
Please log in to continue |
I am writing about my concern for our limited supply of water. Despite the existence of drought conditions in our region for a lengthy time last year, there seems to be little impact on the approval of new projects often requiring over 100,000 gallons/day of water usage.
The New York State Deparment of Environmental Conservation (DEC), as well as the Delaware River Basin Commission (DRBC), are the grantors of permits for new wells that support multiple homes. It appears that, once granted, that is the end of it.
The New York State Department of Health (DOH) is charged with collecting weekly reports regarding the amount of water withdrawn from group wells. Unfortunately, once the reports are received, it just files them. If the number of homes using a well or the size of the homes increases, and therefore the usage increases, again, DOH just files the report.
Neither the DEC nor DRBC has any idea about these increases, but are nevertheless responsible for approving the drilling of new wells. Furthermore, while builders are supposed to monitor neighboring wells to see if their new well would impact those existing wells, oftentimes this does not happen.
In our area, outdated bungalow colonies have been replaced by large multifamily homes. Older homes have been remodeled, expanding the number of bedrooms. Water usage has grown exponentially, and yet, unsurprisingly, new wells seem to be approved routinely. Furthermore, when blacktop and concrete replace grass and trees, rainwater/snow melt are prevented from entering the ground and replenishing the aquifer.
The DEC advocates the creation of conservation advisory committees/councils (CACs) that advise the local planning and zoning boards about the natural resources impacted by proposed construction. You can find the Conservation Advisory Councils and Boards Fact Sheet at www.on.ny.gov/3PJD6wk. Cornell Cooperative Extension has provided towns with information regarding their natural resources, including wetlands, streams, rivers and lakes as well as potential endangered species. These committees exist in many towns around New York State and have been successful in preserving natural resources and limiting the very problems with which we are dealing.
I urge each town to form a CAC. Gather your interested neighbors and let your town board know you are willing to serve on this committee. Continued depletion of our water supply and negatively impacting other natural resources is unsustainable.
Mary-Ellen Seitelman is a long-time resident of White Lake, NY.
Comments
No comments on this item Please log in to comment by clicking here