NYC's TIMELINES & EMPTY PROMISES

So Mike Hein, our County Exec plans to contact AG Schneiderman's office asking them to investigate the turbid water release into the Esopus. I think this is a wise move on his part as we head toward another 30+ days of pollution in our precious waterways. 


Hein had a press conference last week to announce the first step his administration is taking to file a suit against the NYC DEP for the release. Flanked with bi-partisan support of the Legislature, his office put the issue out there and demonstrated just how serious we are about the long term damage to our waterways. Damage to our ecology, agriculture, tourism and community drinking source.

William Kemble has a great article in the Freeman with much of the details, however I'd like to than Exec Hein for taking such a firm stand on this issue. Ulster County is but a part of the overal NYC watershed, but we have rights as well. 


At a recent gathering, Michael spoke about the frustrating absence of action from DEC officials despite acknowledgement of the Esopus Creek damage. Almost 600 Million Gallons are being artificially sent down the creek from the Ashokan. This has been going on for over 100 days with no end in sight.

Hein also spoke of the impact that the contaminated water would have on our irrigated crops heading into the next growing season. This is pristine farmland with award winning produce. What farming that survives such a disaster will be faced with different sales avenues, such as providing feed for animals instead of at market. Not good.
 
Hein was quoted in the paper: “I want them to pay for an independent evaluation of the damage they’ve already caused by polluting our water for the past 100 days in a row and to delivery a legally binding commitment to never do it again. They are taking the easy way out." 

Hein continued: “New York City DEP had a history of dealing with turbidity by using alum and New York state DEC has precluded them from using alum. Instead of examining other options they took the easy way out to dump concentrated, polluted water down the waste channel into the lower Esopus.” 


On another point, using the AG's office for this isn't un-heard-of. The Legislature has toyed with the idea of contacting the office to help with the RRA issue. Depending on where our County Comptroller's Report on the agency goes, will determine if we seek help from Mr Schneiderman. 

In closing, I ask will the threat of lawsuit from Ulster County help or hinder our case against NYC? We have no way of knowing. We do know we will spend money making the case, but that's what the fund balance is for.