The Department has made a tentative determination to approve the application for a modified SPDES permit for existing discharges to the Black River from the Deferiet Paper Company paper mill in the Village of Deferiet in Jefferson County. The paper mill has closed and is no longer producing paper. The wastewater treatment facility has also been shut down and will no longer be accepting wastewater from the mill, but will continue to receive and discharge stormwater. The modification includes a reduction of monitoring frequency and a change of effluent limitations to reflect the discharge of treated stormwater.

The applicant proposes to modify an existing permit to mine 18.5 acres of sand and gravel on a 300 acre parcel owned by Clinton Walseman, RR #3, Box 114, Lowville, NY 13367. It is proposed to add 15.5 acres for a new life of mine area of 34 acres. The site is located approximately 500' east of NYS Route 812, 2000' south of the intersection of NYS Route 812 and Buckingham Road. The additional acreage will facilitate reclamation which will achieve flatter slopes for agricultural use.