Environment DEC
From the January 2004 issue
DEC Seeking Public Input on Crossroads Resort Proposal
DEC has released the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) and draft State Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (SPDES) permits for a resort project proposed by Crossroads Ventures, LLC in the towns of Shandaken, Ulster County and Middletown, Delaware County. The DEIS and draft SPDES permits have been published in the Environmental Notice Bulletin (ENB) and are subject to a public review and comment period, which ends February 24, 2004.
The proposed project area is located within the New York City Catskill and Delaware Watershed and the boundaries of the New York State Catskill Park. The proposed project is divided into two related, but geographically distinct developments-the Big Indian Plateau and the Wildacres Resort.
Two Developments, One DEIS
The proposed Big Indian Plateau resort would be located on 1,242 acres east of the existing Belleayre Ski Resort, in the Town of Shandaken. A total of 331 acres would be developed to build an 18-hole golf course; a 150-room hotel; 183 additional hotel/time-share units housed in 77 buildings, and related infrastructure. A total of 242 acres would be developed, and the remainder of the parcel would be left undeveloped.
The proposed Wildacres Resort would be located on 718 acres west of the existing Belleayre Ski Resort, in the Town of Middletown. The proposed resort would consist of an 18-hole golf course; a 250-room hotel; 168 additional hotel/time-share units in 21 buildings; a 21-lot subdivision of single-family homes, and related infrastructure. A total of 242 acres would be developed, and the remainder of the parcel would be left undeveloped.
DEC has accepted a DEIS that describes and analyzes the proposed project and potential impacts on the environment. As required by the State Environmental Quality Review (SEQR) Act, the DEIS discusses potential environmental impacts of the entire project proposed by Crossroads, including, water quality impacts to local streams, wetlands and New York City reservoirs; formal aspects of the project; adequacy of the proposed water supplies; potential impacts on current public water supplies, particularly the wells serving the hamlet of Pine Hill; traffic, visual and aesthetic impacts, and potential impacts to community character.
Public Review of Permits
Two draft environmental permits for the proposed project are available for public review and comment. They address the required treatment and discharge of wastewater and stormwater, and soil erosion control requirements. DEC also seeks comment on draft modifications to the Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) allocations for phosphorus in the Ashokan and Pepacton reservoirs. The proposed modification would reallocate, within the TMDL's existing total for phosphorus, the contribution between point and non-point sources to maintain and protect water quality in the reservoirs.
In addition, the project proposed by Crossroads would require permits from DEC for water supply at the two resorts, as well as for stream crossings. The application materials submitted to DEC by Crossroads also are available to the public for review and comment at this time.
Hearings, Conference, Comments
DEC will hold legislative public hearings to receive comments from the public on the proposed project, including the DEIS, the draft permits and permit application materials as follows:
- Wednesday, January 14, 2004; Margaretville Central School, 415 Main Street, Margaretville; 4 PM until 5:30 PM, and again at 7 PM
- Thursday, January 15, 2004; Onteora Central School, 4166 State Highway 28, Boiceville; 4 PM until 5:30 PM, and again at 7 PM
DEC also has scheduled an issues conference for March 9, 2004 at the Margaretville Fire Hall in the Town of Middletown, at which time a DEC administrative law judge will hear arguments from interested parties on which issues should be subject to adjudication.
All interested parties are encouraged to attend the hearings and/or conference, and to submit oral or written comments. Written comments will be accepted until February 24, 2004 and should be submitted to Alexander Ciesluk, Jr., NYSDEC Region 3 Headquarters, 21 South Putt Corners Road, New Paltz, NY 12561-1696.
All documents related to this application are available for review at DEC's Office of Hearings and Mediation Services located at 625 Broadway, Albany, NY 12561-3042. The documents also are available for review at the Skene Memorial Library on Main Street in Fleischmanns.
Electronic (CD ROM) copies of the DEIS are available at the following locations:
- Fairview Public Library, 43 Walnut Street, Margaretville, NY 12455
- Skene Memorial Library, Main Street, Fleischmanns, NY 12430
- Morton (Pine Hill) Library, Elm Street, Pine Hill, NY 12465
- Phoenicia Library Assoc., Main Street, Phoenicia, NY 12464
