ENB Region 4 Completed Applications 02/23/2005

The applicant propses to operate a 6.2 acre life-of-mine sand and gravel mine of which the entire 6.2 acres is proposed to be affected during the initial permit term with concurrent reclamation of the site. Reclamation will return the site to a meadow for hay or other forage crops. On-site processing will include the screening of material under 150 tons/hour.  The project is located on Quarry Road approximately 50' west of County Route 23.

This discharge of wastewater is to the Schoharie Creek which is classified C which indicates the best use as fishing and secondary contact recreation which would indicate that disinfection is not required.  However, disinfection of wastewater is a public health issue and in this instance, the existing permit for this discharge requires year-round disinfection due to a request by the Schoharie County Health Department.  The Village has requested to change this requirement to seasonal disinfection (May 1 - October 31). This request has been reviewed by the Schoharie County Health Department and has been approved by them.  The Department has made a tentative determination to modify this State Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permit under Article 17 of the Environmental Conservation Law.  This tentative determination indicates that the discharge regulated under this statute is considered to satisfy regulatory standards for permit issuance, based on information available to the Department at this time.  As a tentative determination, the Department seeks comments on the proposed regulated activity prior to making a final decision on the modification issuance.  As such this tentative determination does not signify department approval for or endorsement of the activity for which a modification is sought.  Refer to this application by application number listed above and SPDES number NY0023655.