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Putnam Valley MS4 Annual Stormwater Report Reveals Phosphorous and Mercury Pollution Problems
by Edward Paul Greiff
The Civil and Environmental Engineering firm of J. Robert Folchetti and Associates, LLC, filed during the month of May 2007, Putnam Valley's Annual MS4 report (Stormwater Discharge from Municipal Separate Storm Sewer Systems) with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation.
The report summarizes the Town's efforts to prevent water contamination, detect sources of pollutants, correct problem situations, and educate the public on how they can help prevent water pollution.
Susan Manno is the Local Stormwater Public Contact and Coordinator, and Gary Wulfhop, PV's Deputy Highway Superintendent, is the Stormwater Management Program Coordinator. Together they administer the MS4 program in Putnam Valley and the State's Municipal Compliance regulations. In addition, Putnam Valley partners with Putnam County to administer the MS-4 program.
Regarding the section of the report dealing with local water quality information the report lists Oscawana Lake as an "Impaired Waters" and "Pollutants of Concern" because of the level of Phosphorous found in the water. Boyd's Corners Reservoir Basin and Amawalk Reservoir Basin were cited as having Mercury pollutants. The report explains that the Town of Putnam Valley will shortly begin phosphorous and mercury reductions as required by the Compliance Permit and will enact local laws by the end of the summer of 2007 to enforce such regulations.
The Lake Oscawana Community has begun phosphorous reduction via bidding a contract for retrofitted catch basins. The retrofitting will remove approximately forty percent of the first flush total phosphorous as well as eighty percent of oil, grease, and total suspended solids found in the first flush. 'First Flush' is defined as the stormwater that initially runs off an area and can be more polluted than subsequent water run off.
A newsletter was sent to the residents of Putnam Valley in the Oscawana Lake District in regards to phosphorous reduction. It indicates how phosphorous can be moderated by utilizing phosphorous-free automatic dishwasher detergent, planting trees/vegetation, properly maintaining septic systems, not fertilizing excessively, having soil tested, and using compost for fertilizer.
Funding and adequate resources are not in place to complete the Stormwater Management Program. The Town of Putnam Valley is waiting for the Board to approve funding for drainage maps, and there is not enough grant money or money in the budget to complete the program by January 8, 2008.
The Town did receive a fifty/fifty grant for a "Vacuum Truck" for $87,500 on August 15, 2006. A grant for GIS equipment which will be necessary to complete the MS4 compliance goals was filed with the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation. The Town has not received any information in regards to the status of this grant.
A public education and outreach program has been successful with two publications being distributed. The first was a publication targeting local businesses and the second was a newsletter that was mailed to residents. These are available at Town Hall and the local library. In addition a Web site has been developed and is constantly updated with new information regarding various stormwater management practices. Brochures about stormwater management are distributed with drinking water permits, building permits, and catch basin design. A video entitled After the Storm co-produced by the Environmental Protection Agency and the Weather Channel is posted for viewing on the Town's website and is posted on channel 20.
Another area of concern is the use of salt by the Town's Highway Department. Information has been posted on the Town's website explaining the Town's new Highway Snow Removal Process that is an effort to reduce the amount of salt needed during the winter months. The Town has purchased new salt trucks which mix the salt with water. This, in addition to the Highway Department salting prior to a winter storm, allows for less salt to be utilized and reduces pollutants.
Other efforts made by the Town to educate residents include outdoor postings on how to keep the lakes and watercourses clean when transferring boats to and from the water. An educational seminar entitled "A Presentation of the Water Quality of Lake Peekskill" was recently conducted by Fred S. Lubnow, PhD, Director of Aquatics Program of Princeton Hydro, LLC. The presentation included information on the current water quality of Oscawana Lake, biological data, and watershed control measures that may protect the lake.
The Town of Putnam Valley issues information pamphlets addressing the hazards associated with discharge and runoff from construction sites, and construction site stormwater runoff control with all construction site permits. In addition the existing Soil Erosion and Sediment Control Ordinance, Chapter 155, is scheduled to be amended to strengthen the Town's Erosion Control Plan. And last, but not least, the Town of Putnam Valley Building Department, Town Engineer, and/or the Code Enforcement Officer inspect and enforce stormwater runoff procedures for new and re-development sites. For the period of March 9, 2006 to March 10, 2007, seventeen "Correction Memos," and thirty-two "Stop Work Orders" had to be issued to those who violated stormwater, erosion, and sediment control procedures during construction.
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