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COMMITTEE ON THE ENVIRONMENT
Joint w/COMMITTEE ON COMMUNITY AFFAIRS
Tuesday, March 20, 2001
3:00 P.M.
PRESENT: ENV: M. Kaplowitz, Chair; U. LaMotte; V. Pinto;
J. Maisano.
CA: K. Carsky, Chair
STAFF: C. Ryer, Sec’y.
ALSO PRESENT: Hope Corbin (Intern-MK); Keith Austin, Mayor (Briarcliff Manor); Rick Hall, Jr.-Env. Mgr. (Millennium Pipeline); Ed Hoffmeister (WC/Planning Dept.); Brent Archer (Columbia Gas); Cara Thunder (Pace U./HELP); Katherine McLoughlin (NY/LCV); Mike Sakala (WC/Health Dept.); Bill Randolph (CE’s Office); Richard Herbeck, Mgr./Clerk (Vil. Croton).
DISCUSSION:
The meeting was called to order at 3:15 p.m., by Chairs Kaplowitz and Carsky, respectively. Chair Kaplowitz noted that all other business would be conducted after the presentation from Millennium Pipeline and Columbia Gas.
Brent Archer stated that FERC has issued a supplemental DEIS and presented the two-piece document noting that Part-1 specifically deals with routing issues related to the entry point in the Town of Cortlandt, to just below the Briarcliff Manor area, and the issues and concerns relating to the Taconic corridor and Route 9/9A. Part-2 relates to other issues, such as Lake Erie, the Hudson River and other proposed route variations in different parts of New York State. Mr. Archer expressed that FERC’s point of view is positive, and that the Millennium Pipeline could be built on the Route 9/9A corridor or along the Con Ed power line corridor. In summary, the FERC document describes that from an engineering, archeological, environmental perspective – either of the two routes are workable for the pipeline. However, there are concerns from the northern communities along the Route 9/9A corridor, regarding an
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agreement between the Public Service Commission (PSC) and Millennium to expand and cover the additional 6-miles in the northern part of the County, which implies that if the PSC is responds positive to the suggestion, it will be an option for FERC to pursue, and if the PSC response is negative, the Route 9/9A corridor becomes the “default corridor” in the document. Mr. Archer continued briefly, clarifying the contents of the document and mentioned that he will be available for answering questions before the April 9th Public Hearing, which is to be held at the Ossining High School – the comment period ends April 30th (45-days after PSC issued document.)
Chair Kaplowitz questioned how PSC would choose which is the better route in order for FERC to decide the route, or is the default route the preferred route if there is no decision. Mr. Archer replied, the document is written to imply that, PSC is expected to make a positive choice. Chair stated that Con Ed is (publicly) opposed to both routes, and should the default route be selected, would Millennium intervene to make the balanced decision. Mr. Archer noted that Millennium filed a letter with FERC on March 6th, expressing the awareness and concerns of the impact on the communities along the Route 9/9A corridor, should there be construction along that route. Also, alternative pipeline routes and construction measures to reduce impact should be addressed. Chair Kaplowitz questioned what else could be done by the community leaders to support the successful building of the pipeline? Rick Hall added, that FERC is looking for comments and input from the communities to address their concerns, and for viable options which could be considered. Legislator Carsky expressed her concerns regarding the placement of the pipeline crossing through the southern section of the County, especially over the Delaware and Catskill Aqueducts in the Bronxville/Yonkers area.
Mr.
Hall noted that he met with officials from several southern communities (under
the management of DEP), and visited possible sites
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for the crossing. Mt. Vernon has been discussing the use of different locations, for the best output of the delivery point. Bill Randolph added that the Mt. Vernon City Council and the Mayor have had many discussions and with a difference of opinions, he stated that Mt. Vernon would hold a public hearing for questions and answers and to obtain community input. Ed Hoffmeister expressed that one of the County’s concerns is the placement of transmission lines through the back yards of family homes in certain areas. He emphasized, that by using the Con Ed right-of-way in the northern part of the area, it would take the route away from a more densely populated area along the 9/9A corridor, but it would seriously impact the environmental area in the same location. Mr. Archer assured that whichever route the pipeline is placed, it would be built and operated safely. The discussion continued briefly, focusing on the design requirements. Mr. Randolph asked if Columbia has completed any similar construction project in other areas in the country, as densely populated as Mt. Vernon, and the results of its impact/outcome. Mr. Archer replied that Columbia operates pipelines in similarly densely populated areas in Washington, DC; Pittsburgh, PA; and Baltimore, MD. He stated that as construction varies in differently densely populated areas, there are different “classified” design requirements, (i.e., Class 1-4 design), with Class-4 being the most densely populated area. Chair thanked the guests for their participation.
The next topic of discussion was with regard to Subsurface Sewage Treatment Systems (SSTS), which was presented by Mike Sekala. Mr. Sekala briefly explained the proposed Act to authorize the County to renew an agreement with the City of New York DEP to protect the water supply in the County’s Watershed. The terms of the agreement would extend the term from 3-years to 5-years, effective July 1, 2000 through June 30, 2005. Chair Kaplowitz entertained a motion to accept, and it was moved by Legislator Pinto, seconded by Legislator LaMotte, with all in favor.
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The minutes of February 13th and 27th, were approved on the motion of Legislator Pinto, seconded by Legislator Maisano, with a vote of 4-0. With a review of the agenda items, the following was noted: item #22-01 has been forwarded to Jim Robertson (Law Dept.); item #23 was received and filed on the motion of Legislator Pinto, seconded by Legislator LaMotte, with all in favor. Item #24 will remain for discussion at a later date.
With no further business to discuss, the meeting adjourned at 4:37 p.m.