PSC Hears Hours Of Comments On Rockland’s Water Supply

Members of the New York Public Service Commission (PSC) and administrative law judge listened to more than three hours of public statements on Rockland County’s water supply. The first of two public hearings was held Tuesday at Clarkstown South High School in West Nyack and attracted a vocal crowd of close to 1,000.  The recurring theme of many speakers was Rockland has time before a new water supply source is needed. 

As the meeting began, Clarkstown Councilwoman Shirley Lasker commented on the turnout. 

“I think it’s fabulous,” she said. “People are frustrated. They’re angry. They feel used.” 

The lengthy session began with a presentation by United Water on its proposed Hudson River Water Treatment Plant, which was followed by some audience questions and rerouting water from New Jersey and the aquifers in the county. When the public comment portion began after 7 p.m., more than 100 people had signed up to speak. A PSC spokeswoman reminded participants that the purpose of the meeting was about the need for water in Rockland.

County Legislative Chairwoman Harriet Cornell was the first elected official to speak and voiced opposition against the Hudson River Water Treatment Plant, as did the majority of speakers. She said studies show the county has a sufficient supply of water for the next 10 years and that the 7.5 million gallon daily increase mandated by the PSC can be met through a combination of conservation, water management and infrastructure repair. She said the county is not in a crisis situation and reducing the amount of water sent from Lake DeForest to New Jersey will make a significant difference.

“A huge amount is sent to New Jersey, way beyond what was contemplated in the original agreement,” said Cornell. “There is no reason why more of that water should not be for Rockland County. We do need a more equitable use of Lake DeForest.” 

Assemblyman Kenneth Zebrowski said a lot has changed since the PSC issued its mandate in 2006. He said the economic impact of the cost of the $100 million plus proposed plant has not been addressed and climate change has not been considered.

“We can meet seasonal needs with low impact, cost effective solutions,” said Assemblywoman Ellen Jaffee, who added, “Conservation is essential.” 

Lasker said projections for increased population have not materialized pointing out Clarkstown’s overall growth was 211 additional residents in 10 years and school enrollment is dropping. She said the demand for water has fallen in the county and Clarkstown is forming a committee to further reduce use by the town and residents by 10 percent. 

PSC Commissioners Diane Burman and Greg Sayre and Administrative Law Judge Kevin Casutto and United Water’s General Manager Michael Pointing, Project Manager Sameet Master and attorney John Dillon along with outside counsel Robert Alessi listened to the comments.

Several hydrologists and water experts retained by the Rockland Water Coalition urged the PSC to review new information about the county’s aquifers ability to recharge, impact of higher rates on water usage and amount of water over the border.

After more than a dozen speakers, Rockland Economic Development Corporation CEO Michael DiTullo was the first to support the project. 

“It will provide quality water, will cost the least to operate,” he said. 

DiTullo said the county’s economy is growing and needs a reliable water supply.

Al Samuels, president and CEO of the Rockland Business Association, said the project is necessary for economic development. He said the some new businesses have heavy water usage such as the Bloomberg Data Center, which will utilize 250,000 gallons daily.

Other elected officials and candidates speaking against the project included State Senator David Carlucci, Legislator and county executive candidate Ed Day, Ramapo Town Supervisor Christopher St. Lawrence, Village of Pomona Trustee Rite Louie, and Assemblyman James Skoufis and county executive candidate David Fried.

Hector May said an in-depth study and plan for the future are necessary and the PSC, elected officials and United Water should work together. 

“What we need is a concentrated effort to do what is best for Rockland County,” said May.

The second Public Hearing takes place tonight at 6 p.m. at Haverstraw Elementary School in Haverstraw.