By Ives Mikol
My name is Yves Mikol.
Thank you for the opportunity to share comments.
My well is on the aquifer that stretches from Route 212 to Malden Turnpike.
The Beaverkill flows through my property, downstream from the largest proposed housing project in the county’s history.
This mega project will impact:
Groundwater with over consumption
Sewage discharge in a small shallow stream and
Flooding with loss of property and wildlife.
My family and neighbors will be directly impacted by the mega project.
GROUNDWATER
The current DGEIS underestimates the number of residents per housing units and consumption from the aquifer.
Where will our water come from once the aquifer is depleted?
SEWAGE
I would like to thank all parties who worked hard to bring a water main and a sewer line to Mount Marion.
About sixty homes and businesses are connected to an underground pipe discharging in a large water body. It’s good for public health and good for the environment.
Yet, the largest development in the county with over 900 housing units is not planning an underground pipe to a large water body but will discharge in the small Beaverkill that cannot, I repeat, cannot take additional flow without flooding.
Do you know why the Esopus and the Hudson are closed for swimming after rain events?
Sewage plants do not have the capacity to treat stormwater. Rainwater mixes with sewage and goes untreated, sending millions of bacteria, pathogens, and viruses downstream.
We can prevent this from happening to the Beaverkill.
FLOODING
The Beaverkill is a small, shallow stream that floods when it rains.
Flow studies required by the scoping document were not included in the current DGEIS.
The mega project will be sending more flow in the Beaverkill than when it crosses Route 212.
The Beaverkill will be in constant flooded state, wetlands and trees along the banks will choke.
SOLUTIONS
Solutions are clear, the PPD must:
Cap the amount of water pumped from the aquifer by the mega project.
Discharges from the sewer plant MUST travel in an underground pipe to a large body of water. It is a public health issue, a water quality issue and a quantity issue. The Beaverkill cannot take it.
Extend the water main on Route 32 and side roads from the Holiday Inn to Malden Turnpike before the aquifer gets depleted.
Thank you for your attention.
Yves Mikol
