MINUTES

COMMITTEE ON THE ENVIRONMENT

FEBRUARY 13, 1996 AT 4:00 P.M.

PRESENT: Chair Carsky, Legs: LaMotte

and Latimer

ALSO PRESENT: Comm. Trelewicz, Deputy Comm.

Mattarazzo, Mr. Hogan, Ms. LeLash,

Ms. Morgan, Ms. Rose, Ms. Penn,

Ms. Roet.

ITEMS DISCUSSED:

Chair Carsky called the meeting to order at 4:00 P.M. The Committee discussed Household Hazardous Chemical Clean-up Day and how to again turn it into more than one day.

Comm. Trelewicz stated that oil-based paint is the biggest and costliest problem. Last year the County spent $23,000 alone on paint. Comm. Trelewicz suggested that paint cans be left open and kitty liter added to it, which would dry out the paint and then the local garbage collection would take the empty cans.

Mrs. LaMotte suggested that possibly local paint stores could collect paint throughout the year, but both the Commissioner and Mr. Hogan didn’t think that would work.

Comm. Trelewicz suggested giving the paint to a neighbor, Church or charity drive or to educate the public more on how to dry out paint. This would save the County money and possibly fund a second clean-up day.

A central location was discussed similar to the Rockland Facility. Comm. Trelewicz stated that they received figures of $700,000 to build and then there would be the cost to run and staff it.

Last year at Playland we had 2000 people for the one day event at a cost of $80,000.

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A mobile van was discussed and the staff must be licensed to carry and a chemist must be involved which could also be very costly. Comm. Trelewicz suggested that he might put out a bid to see what type of response he might get for a twice a month clean-up, but has no idea on the cost.

Mrs. LaMotte suggested that possibly we could include the surrounding counties and Mr. Hogan stated that would not work because if something became contaminated, who has the liability and the ramifications involved would end any discussions.

The State has endorsed Westchester County as one of the best. Non-rechargeable batteries can be disposed of in the garbage. However, watch batteries and rechargeable batteries cannot.

Mr. Hogan explained that the County of Westchester has received a $300,000 grant from New York State to study broken mixed-colored glass. The study will take two years and most of the country will be awaiting our results, since everyone has this problem.

Mrs. LaMotte asked about Plastics above 2. Mr. Hogan stated that upstate there is a facility that takes 3-7 but it has turned into a nightmare.

Comm. Trelewicz stated that landfills are capable of taking paint. The Health Department will be generating handouts also to help educate the public in the future.

Environmental Facilities put out fliers that they distribute to all municipalities to educate the public.

Composting was discussed. Scarsdale seems to be the only municipality that has closed its facility due to community pressure. They will be paying $20.73 per ton for leaves.

On motion of Mrs. LaMotte, seconded by Mr. Latimer, Town of Yorktown lead determination on Yashivah Kehilat Yakov Site Plan was received and filed 3-0.

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There will be no Environment Committee meeting next week. The Committee will met on February 27, at 4:00 P.M. with the Chair of the Airport Advisory Board.

On motion of Mr. Latimer, seconded by Mrs. LaMotte, the meeting adjourned at 5:00 P.M.