Water quality can be compromised in several ways. Some
of them fall to individual homeowners, some to the town, and
some to other
levels of government. This plan addresses those within the individual's
and town's purview.
See other pages for storm water, aquifer
overlay district, feasibility
of additional water districts, impact on planning
Oversight of wastewater disposal is the responsibility of the
Ulster County Health Department and the New York State Department
of Environmental
Conservation. Provided that current New York State standards
are incorporated into the design, there is no restriction on additional
wells as new development proceeds or on wastewater disposal
associated
with that development.
In the West Hurley area, residents on small lots
with individual wells and on-site sewage disposal must protect
against cross contamination. We understand there have been some
water quality issues in the past.
While the committee has recommended the Town explore
the feasibility of a West
Hurley Water District, we encourage
homeowners to scrupulously maintain their wells and septic systems.
It is the individual homeowner’s
responsibility and best interest to test and treat his well
water regularly. While homeowners may develop
immunity
to the pollution in their wells, failure to test and treat
can threaten
the health of others. (Think Montezuma’s Revenge)
The
US EPA publishes a booklet, Drinking
Water From Household Wells, that outlines
best practices for homeowners.
Most
contamination problems can be treated chemically. That's
not the case with oil that leaks from underground
tanks and some toxic spills.
The state controls commercial
underground tanks, but they don't address residential
tanks. We have recommended prohibiting new
residential underground tanks, surveying to determine
the number that exist in sensitive aquifer areas
(once established), and implementing a public education
campaign to encourage removal. See
underground tanks.
Other toxic spills may occur secondary to traffic accidents
or may be discovered at old industrial sites. These spills
are monitored by DEP and the EPA. The Town should periodically
review these databases to ensure that proper steps to
mitigate any problems are underway.
There are no significant toxic spill issues presently.
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