ENB Region 4 Completed Applications 06/14/2006

The applicant proposes to repair an eroded stream bank at two sites (550' and 200')  on Downs Brook by placing heavy rock rip rap for stabilization.  The project is located near the pool area and east of the school approximately .2 miles upstream of the confluence of Downs Brook and the East Branch of the Delaware River.

The Town of Middletown proposes to realign and restore approximately 1,100 feet of the channel of Dry Brook at Arkville. The project includes the installation of rock vanes and armoring of the restored channel profile with  rip rap to enhance flow conditions during flood stage and to prevent continued erosion to Dry Brook Road.

The applicant proposes to restore the hydraulic capacity of the lower portion of West Brook due to recent flooding events that have deposited large quantities of gravel and debris inhibiting its ability to convey water.  The project includes restoring the stream profile through approximately 850 linear feet of streambed to historic elevations and wil contain a low flow "V" shaped for fish passage.  The site is located adjacent to the Village water suply well house,  west of Bridge Street and south of SR 10 on the access road extending from Water Street.

The applicant proposes to modify an existing State Pullutant Discharge Elimination System (SPDES) permit to reduce the frequency of monitoring of effluent limits and reduce effluent limits at outfall 001.  As part of the modification, Best Management Practices are also added to the existing permit.  The discharge is from the existing Ashland Chemical Company, located on South Street in the City of Rensselaer.  The Department has made a tentative determination to issue a permit for a SPDES 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 permit issuance.  As such, this tentative determination does not signify approval for, or endorsement of, the activity for which a permit is sought or for the overall project.  A draft permit is available for inspection and comment at the Region 4 office.   

The applicant has applied for a Mined Land Reclamation Permit, State Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (SPDES) permit and Water Quality Certification for a proposed new rock quarry.  The project would include excavation of graywacke in a 79 acre area within a total life of mine area of 89 acres to be operated in 6 phases. The project includes onsite processing of materials (crusher/screener). The proposed mine site is located on the east side of NY Route 66, south of Radley Road in the Town of Nassau, Rensselaer County.  The applicant has also applied for a SPDES permit as part of the proposed project.  Accordingly, the Department has prepared a draft SPDES permit which may be reviewed, along with the DEIS, at the locations listed below.  Comments on the proposed project and draft SPDES permit will be accepted until July 21, 2006.  The application, draft SPDES permit, and supporting documentation are available at the Nassau Town Hall, Clerk’s Office, 29 Church Street, Nassau, or the Nassau Free Library, Church Street in Nassau, or the Region 4 Office of the NYS DEC for review.  In addition, pursuant to recent SEQR amendments, effective February 26, 2006, all Draft Environmental Impact Statements are required to be posted on the world wide web for accessibility by interested parties.  Therefore, the full DEIS for this project is available online at www.griggs-lang.com/public  for review.  A legislative public comment hearing will be held on Tuesday, July 11, 2006, at 6:00 p.m. at St. Mary’s Church Hall on Church Street in Nassau.  All interested parties are welcome to attend and provide verbal comments on the pending applications.  Written comments may be mailed to the contact person below and must be received within 30 days of the date of this notice.  Comments should include specific information relative to the project.