A Refresher: The plan calls for the urban-like, closely packed development of identical homes on lots of only one third(+/-) of an acre each, a sewage discharge pipe near a trout stream, a community septic, the building of a housing development close to the Millennium [BB1] gas pipeline, the drilling of 20 new drinking water wells, in an area containing many sensitive environmental and ecological resources as determined by the Department of Environmental Conservation. At risk, in addition to the trout stream, are a wetland and riparian buffer: the riverside dwelling with native plant life that filters water, provides habitat and prevents erosion. The development’s planning to contain stormwater sediment from polluting the Neversink and other nearby waterways is inadequate. You can read the engineers’ analysis of the environmental impacts on the
Rivendale Info page
The Update: John Fuller, Rivendale’s engineer,
responded to 16 questions, but he still minimizes the need for a full EIS. There are mandatory applications that require review by the state, county, and Deerpark still to be submitted before permits and go-aheads are issued. There is no mention of Rivendale being in accordance with the town’s Comprehensive Plan regarding Deerpark’s rural character. We find the tone of Fuller’s letter dismissive of many of the key requirements needed for project compliance.
