NARROWSBURG, NY -
Claiming neutrality at this point on the gas drilling issue, the Upper Delaware Council (UDC) in Narrowsburg is seeking information and expecting to work with the National Park Service on presenting a public seminar on what is going on.
Vidal Martinez, Park Service Superintendent on the Upper Delaware Scenic & Recreational River, told the UDC Thursday night that the Park Service has been asked numerous times to present information on the issue. Also stating they are not taking a position, Martinez asked the UDC to help.
How gas drilling will impact the region is unknown, said UDC Director William Douglass. “We need a lot more information; will it leave a farmer’s fields a mess, will it tear up the roads?” The Council approved going ahead with setting up a program. Douglas stated that the Delaware Highland Conservancy and the Catskill Montainkeeper organization both offered assistance.
They may not always be able to stay neutral. George Fluhr, who represents Shohola Township on the UDC, reminded that ultimately a position will be needed, once they determine what impact gas drilling may have on the River Management Plan.
The UDC was formed in 1988 to oversee the River Management Plan, a document authorized by Congress as a guide to protect the natural, cultural and historic resources of the Upper Delaware river corridor.
Fluhr noted there is concern to what extent the Wayne County townships bordering the river will defend the Plan, since they have not joined the UDC. Once researched to satisfaction, the UDC must decide whether to oppose or support gas drilling in the region, and may decide to work closely with the townships which have concerns about the impact as well.
Quarry quandary
• UDC is closely watching a planned expansion of the Holbert Bros. bluestone quarry in Lackawaxen Township. A protracted conditional use hearing held its first session in March, to be continued April 10 (5:30 p.m., Lackawaxen Twp, Municipal Buidling). Douglass noted that the applicant is requesting a 40 acre quarry within the bounds of the river corridor, and the River Management Plan only allows four acres. The UDC is deciding whether to seek legal counsel to represent the UDC at the hearing sessions. Charles Wieland, Town of Tusten delegate, raised the question of what action the UDC could pursue to enforce the Plan, should the Township rule in favor of the applicant. Lackawaxen is currently in “substantial conformance” with the River Management Plan meaning the township ordinances conform to the Plan.
• Reservoir levels affecting the Upper Delaware are high, said Robert Tudor, Delaware River Basin Commission (DRBC). In fact, the Cannnonsville on the West Branch and the Pepacton the East Branch are both spilling. The average river flow in March, measured at Montague, NJ, was 24,623 cubic feet per second, which is way over the norm of 8,820 cfs for that time of year. Reservoir storage is 115.3 billion gallons over the DRBC’s drought warning line.
• Pa. Governor Ed Rendell can expect a thank you note soon from the UDC, for taking an unusually proactive stand on the need for accelerated spring time releases from the reservoirs, for flood mitigation. Given the high reservoir levels, and the predicted wet spring, further releases now would allow for empty reservoir space and less chance for a catastrophe. New York City manages the reservoirs for drinking supply and requires them to be full in time for the normally drier summer when water demand is highest.
• Phil Chase, UDC’s Town of Deerpark delegate, also raised concern how excess water in the reservoirs will be addressed should the Delaware Aqueduct System tunnel be closed in 2011 as expected, and water no longer channeled to the City that way. The notoriosly leaky Rondout-West Branch tunnel would be shut down for repairs. Tudor said that the DRBC is investigating the same question.
• The UDC’s 20th Annual Awards Ceremony banquet is set April 27 in Hancock. Individuals, organizations and projects that have enhanced the quality of life or protected the resources of the river corridor will be honored. Contact the UDC for details.
The UDC meets on the first Thursday at 7:30 p.m. at their offices, 211 Bridge St., Narrowsburg, NY. The office may be contacted at (845)252-3022.
link is here:
http://www.wayneindependent.com/news/x1056546431
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