Lawmakers, Activists Respond to State's Examination of Desalination Plant

New York State's recent decision to take a closer look at United Water's proposal for a Rockland County desalination plant has spurred a chorus of voices.

Local leaders and activists have sounded off on the move, which will have New York officials examining the need for installing costly infrastructure on the Haverstraw shoreline. The plant, with a price tag that would top 100 million, would turn Hudson River water into drinking water.

Officials with United Water told Patch they do not believe state finding will clash with the water company's proposal.

"We don't anticipate any significant change in need," said Deb Rizzi, a spokeswoman with United Water. 

Rizzi said the state has reaffirmed United Water's finding several times over the past years—and also noted further delays to the project cost United Water customer money.

Environmental groups—who were quick to assail the project years ago—have lauded the state for taking a closer look at the proposed project.

"This is a major victory for the people and environment of Rockland County," said Scenic Hudson Senior Vice President Steve Rosenberg said. Scenic Hudson is a local environmental group. 

"The PSC deserves strong praise for understanding that this large industrial plant could have big consequences for an ecologically sensitive and heavily populated area," he added. "This proposal merits a serious vetting with broader public input."

Local lawmakers have been swift to weigh in since the state unveiled its plan to examine the plant.

"An honest and transparent review is what is needed so that ordinary residents will have a chance to make their voices heard," said Senator David Carlucci (D-New City).   

"Since the proposed plan began, new information that would impact the county's water supply has been discovered, not to mention that there has never been a comprehensive study done on the cost effectiveness and alternatives to this plan," Carlucci added.

Assemblyman Kenneth Zebrowski was pithier than Carlucci, but echoed his sentiment.

"Do we need the water?" he asked. 

"I thank the PSC for agreeing to re-examine this question and hope it will give Rocklanders a clear answer," he added. "Whether or not our county even needs the water should obviously be answered prior to the DEC examining the other issues and concerns with this project."  

Officials with United Water did not immediately respond to calls for comment; this story will be updated accordingly.