ENB Region 4 Completed Applications 07/05/2006

The applicant proposes to modify an existing SPDES permit to construct an interim wastewater treatment plant prior to construction of a previously permitted permanent plant at the proposed Rigpa Center for Wisdom and Compassion.  The system would consist of a sand filter system discharging 675 gallons per day to an unnamed tributary of the Switz Kill.  The Department has made a tentative determination to issue a permit for a State Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (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 no signify department approval for or endorsement of the activity for which a permit is sought or for the overall proposed project.  A draft permit is available for inspection and comment at the Region 4 Office noted below.  

Applicant proposes to remove debris from Kinderhook Creek as well as scalp gravel bars and rip rap the shoreline at five locations along the creek to prevent frequent flooding of New Lebanon School District property and the Lebanon Valley Raceway.   The project, which will result in the disturbance of approximately 500 feet of the bed and banks of this stream, is located on New York State Route 20, between New Lebanon Elementary School and Lebanon Valley Raceway in the Town of New Lebanon, Columbia County, New York.

The applicant proposes to construct  two approx. three quarter acre  trout ponds in the adjacent area of FWW # ED-21. The ponds will be partially excavated and be contained by dikes.

The applicant proposes to construct 2 low earthen embankments  and 3 shallow water wetland potholes to enhance wildlife values in Freshwater Wetland ED-21 along Butternut Creek just downstream of the intersection of County RTE 16 and Turnbull Rd. The irregularly shaped potholes will be at least 5,000 square feet each and will predominately be less than 18 inches deep with a maximum depth of 4 feet.