HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-CAC-1986CONSERVATION ADVISORY COUNCIL
January 15, 1986
PRESENT:
Commissioners (6) - Baker, Capranica, Kurlander, Anthony, Semmler,
Miller
Liaisons (2) - Peterson, Albanese
The Meeting was called to order by Chairman Baker in the Common Council
Chambers.
COAL TAR AT IAWWTP
Larry Fabroni, the City's representative on the sewage treatment project
(IAWWTP) reported on the coal tar problem found at the site.
Construction on the new sewage treatment plant began in June 1984.
In July, at a depth ranging from 8 to 11 feet, layers of coal tar
were found and the DEC notified. Tests were run a week later which
eventually showed it to be a volatile organic substance believed to
be coal tar. Preliminary borings before construction had apparently
missed the coal tar deposits, although NYSEG (former owners of the
property) were not surprised when the City called about the coal tar,
having had investigated the property in 1982 for the presence of coal
tar.
Dan Collins, the area's general manager for NYSEG, presented more
information on coal tar on the sewage treatment plant site.
In 1981, as part of the Superfund, the EPA notifed NYSEG that coal
tar was a potential hazardous waste and in 1982, NYSEG began state
wide investigations into its location on their properties.
The coal tar was originally dumped on the property as a waste product
of the coal gasification process. This gas was used in lighting and
made in the City from 1852 to 1933. There are 3 sites now being investigated
by the E.C. Jordan Company of Maine: 1) Old Port Harbor, a transport
site; 2) the old NYSEG headquarters on Court Street and 3) the IAWWTP
site off Route 13 and 3rd Street. Test wells are being dug at all
3 sites and in the next month or two, ground water and coal tar from
the three sites will be analayzed. The tests "should show if there
are PCB's ".
According to Mr. Collins, the danger of coal tar is its flammability.
He did not know if coal tar is on the Center for Disease Control's
list of toxic substances and did not know of NYSEG's plans for its
eventual removal.
FALL CREEK BANK STABILIZATION
Tom West of the City's Engineering Department presented plans for
the stabilization of Fall Creek in Stewart Park from the boathouse
to the pedestrian bridge spanning it upstream. The following resolution
was unanimously adopted:
CONSERVATION ADVISORY COUNCIL
February 19, 1986
PRESENT:
Commissioners (6) Anthony, Baker, Kurlander, Miller, Semmler, Trotter
Liaisons (1) - Peterson
The meeting was called to order by Chairman Miller in the Conference
Room. The minutes of the last two meetings were approved after a number
of typos had been identified and corrected.
Carolyn Peterson reported that she had received a letter from DEC
informing us that we could have access to a copy of the proposed regulation
changes and a "generic EIS ". She will ask for these and also subscribe
to the weekly Environmental Nature Bulletins at the cost of twenty four
cents a week.
Chairman Miller announced that the Environmental Management Council
wishes to work with CAC on "city salt policy." It was suggested that
the BPW should be notified of this.
Chairman Miller also gave a "wilcox Press Update" that included a
brief history of the problem from 1982 to 1986. She voiced her frustration
with the slow pace of any decisions or actions. She had checked with
Norm Boyce of the DEC about the portable tester that we had been promised
in September 1985. He will look into the schedule and let her know next
week. She suggested the possibility of having a Public Meeting. It
was suggested that the item be on our March agenda.
There was a long discussion on the Fall Creek Bank Stabilization Project
and the irregularities that may have occurred in getting the project
in motion. It seems that the project has been stopped waiting a federal
permit and that only work above the high water line is now being done.
Carolyn agreed to make a "flow chart" tracing how the decisions were
made, and in particular, the order of the decisions.
Chairman Miller reported that she had spoken to DEC on the subject
of the Coal Tar deposits - she has requested a copy of NYSEG's report
to DEC. DEC will scan for 129 different "ingredients" in the coal tar.
Carolyn also reported that she had a letter from Mr. Fabroni and that
he had toured the site with the former employee of NYSEG (Shypos) and
there was no suspicion of PCBs. She mentioned that there will be "Four -
season testing" and the results will come at the end of the series of
tests. NYSEG promised to send us a copy of the report.
The last item of business was a discussion of the City Road Salt Policy.
We found out that BPW has made a form to keep a record of salt and cinders
and various mixtures. It is much the same as the one we suggested, but
is filled out by the supervisor, and is a bit more detailed. It had
been our understanding that the form had a hostile reception when it
was proposed.
Page 2 - CAC
The concensus was that the project needs some good PR - perhaps driver
training, etc. In any case it needs to not be "badmouthed" by the fire
and police departments. A number of members felt that there should be
more plowing, and that might mean more equipment. Members would like
to identify other communities who have tried "no- salt" policies.
The meeting adjourned at 9:15.
SUMMARY OF SEQRA CHANGES
Most changes are being made to clarify the process as developed in 1978.
* denotes change beyond clarification.
I. Definitions - appear to improve upon and clarify current definitions.
2. General rules - again, clarification
* 3. Significant adverse effect - further defined. Instead of an EIS
being prepared for a significant environmental effect (positive or
negative), it would read significant adverse effect.
4. Clarifying lead agency steps for determining significance - identify
all levels of concern, throughly analyse them, prepare negative deter-
mination with reasoned elaboration.
* 5. Conditional negative declarations - unlisted actions only - conditions
imposed by lead agency creates no significant adverse effect. However,
if significant issues are raised or the applicant desires, a draft
EIS will be completed.
6. Scoping - Current regulations recommend scoping (a method of identifying
appropriate issues for study for an EIS) indirectly. A method of
formal procedure for scoping is now proposed in order that issues
be laid on the table early in the process.
* 7. DEIS would now include a 30 day time limit for lead agency to determine
its adequacy.
8. Unlisted actions - Delcaration of non - signficance must be documented
as sufficiently as for a Type 1 action.
9. Unlisted actions, if negative, should be noted publicly by notice.
*10. SEQR findings, after the FEIS, must be a written record and filed
for public inspection.
*11. Determiniation of significance - add concerns over open space, agri-
cultural or recreational resources, and the number of people affected.
12. Zoning actions are more clearly defined.
*13. State Historic Places and nationally identified landmarks would be
listed on Type I lists if a project is within or contiguous to such
a site.
14. Rules are clarified when more than one agency is involved. If one
agency makes a determination of Type I, then all agencies consider
it Type I.
15. Designation of CEA is Type II.
*16. DEIS shall include an element that describes the need, benefits,
and socio- economic considerations of a project.
*17. The requirement that a DEIS should make recommendations would be
deleted.
18. FULL EAF - Part I must be done by the project sponsor, including
a line to certify that the information is true. Part II and III
are to be done by the lead agency. A new section is added for
plannig and zoning issues. Additional questions added.
page 2 - Summary of SEQRA Changes
*19. A "visual" EAF is added as a tool for esthetic decisions - OPTIONAL
TOOL.
20. Short EAF is more detailed for better decision - making and more
full environmental review.
21. EIS should discuss alternatives for a project. New regulations
give more guidance on this.
CONSERVATION ADVISORY COUNCIL
March 19, 1986
PRESENT:
Commissioners (6) - Anthony, Baker, Capranica, Hamill, Miller, and Semmler
Liaisons (2) - Albanese, Peterson
Chairman Miller called the meeting to order in the Council Chamber,
since there were so many from the public present. She made an announcement
about the possibility of a locomotive and caboose being donated to the city
and being placed in Stewart Park; reference was made to the fact that the
Planning Department was worried that these railroad cars might "dominate"
the park.
The first item of business was a report and discussion on Wilcox
Press. Chairman Miller reported that Norm Boyce of the DEC has told her
that the testing will be done during May and will be done at various locations
in the neighborhood. He reported to her that a DEC representative had been
in town February 28, 1986 at approximately 6:30 in the evening. His reaction
was that "all he had heard about Wilcox was true."
There was then considerable discussion from the floor, sometimes
led by Councilperson Cummings. It was noted that Wilcox often responds
to public outcry and that following these complaints the odors and noises
are diminished. There was a discussion of the "new" Noise Ordinance and
reference to how and when it can be enforced. The question of the proximity
to the watershed was raised.
DEC has given Chairman Miller some log forms to be used to record
complaints. The public was advised to call the city engineer - or Councilperson
Peterson - "at any hour" - they will go to the scene and make a judgment
as to whether there is a violation of city ordinances.
It was suggested that there be a special meeting of the City Attorney,
the City Engineer, the Chief of Police, the Fire Chief and Councilpeople
Cummings and Peterson, as well as the Mayor. Councilperson Cummings requested
a copy of Wilcox's license and wishes to know how specific it is. Previous
statements had suggested illegal expansion. The Press was described as
an "irresponsible corporate citizen."
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CONSERVATION ADVISORY COUNCIL
March 19, 1986
PRESENT:
Commissioners (6) - Anthony, Baker, Capranica, Hamill, Miller, and Semmler
Liaisons (2) - Albanese, Peterson
Chairman Miller called the meeting to order in the Council Chamber,
since there were so many from the public present. She made an announcement
about the possibility of a locomotive and caboose being donated to the city
and being placed in Stewart Park; reference was made to the fact that the
Planning Department was worried that these railroad cars might "dominate"
the park.
The first item of business was a report and discussion on Wilcox
Press. Chairman Miller reported that Norm Boyce of the DEC has told her
that the testing will be done during May and will be done at various locations
in the neighborhood. He reported to her that a DEC representative had been
in town February 28, 1986 at approximately 6:30 in the evening. His reaction
was that "all he had heard about Wilcox was true."
There was then considerable discussion from the floor, sometimes
led by Councilperson Cummings. It was noted that Wilcox often responds
to public outcry and that following these complaints the odors and noises
are diminished. There was a discussion of the "new" Noise Ordinance and
reference to how and when it can be enforced. The question of the proximity
to the watershed was raised.
DEC has given Chairman Miller some log forms to be used to record
complaints. The public was advised to call the city engineer - or Councilperson
Peterson - "at any hour" - they will go to the scene and make a judgment
as to whether there is a violation of city ordinances.
It was suggested that there be a special meeting of the City Attorney,
the City Engineer, the Chief of Police, the Fire Chief and Councilpeople
Cummings and Peterson, as well as the Mayor. Councilperson Cummings requested
a copy of Wilcox's license and wishes to know how specific it is. Previous
statements had suggested illegal expansion. The Press was described as
an "irresponsible corporate citizen."
CAC Minutes - 3/19/86 - page 2
The next discussion was on the "Treetops" proposal (construction
of 12 two - family houses on Spencer Road). The meeting was immediately thrown
open to the public. There was an active discussion of the problems already
existing on the Spencer Road and worries about new flooding and drainage
matters. Mark Albanese advised residents to contact the City Engineer about
existing problems. The question of the "feeling" of the Spencer Road community
was brought up by one of the residents. The consensus of the discussion
seemed to be that they strongly request further information and a full environmental
impact study, with a notation that drainage be a major criterion.
The Council then went over the completed EAF, item by item.
Following is a summary of the specific answers questioned.
Page 1, A. Item two: should be wooded /open added
Page 2, A. Item 11: Isn't cliff unusual landform?
Page 2, A. Item 13: Residents enjoy "open space." Should be
The Council unanimously voted to recommend that a full Environmental
Impact Study be required. This recommendation is to go to the Planning
Board.
The meeting adjourned at 10:10.
* There are limits of .5 acres on clearing and permanent removal of top
soil in the recently- revised form.
yes.
Page
2,
B. Item g:
Number of
trips is probably too low.
Page
3,
B. Item two:
How about
material added?
Page
3,
B, Item 4:
Neighbors
think otherwise.
Page
7,
Item 6:
Answer should be yes - could "be negotiated"
Page
8,
Item 10:
Neighbors
feel strongly answer should be "yes"
Page
8,
Item 12:
Answer should be yes
Page
8,
Item 13:
Neighbors
feel driveway especially important.
* See
below;
The Council unanimously voted to recommend that a full Environmental
Impact Study be required. This recommendation is to go to the Planning
Board.
The meeting adjourned at 10:10.
* There are limits of .5 acres on clearing and permanent removal of top
soil in the recently- revised form.
CONSERVATION ADVISORY COUNCIL
City of Ithaca
Ithaca, New York 14850
March 24, 1986
Planning and Development Board
City of Ithaca
108 East Green Street
Ithaca, New York 14850
Attn: Susan Blumenthal, Chair
Dear Board Members:
The Conservation Advisory Council at its March 19th meeting discussed
at length the "Treetops" Subdivision being proposed for Spencer Road, City
of Ithaca. There was considerable input from residents living in the vicinity
of the proposed project.
It was the unanimous view of Council members that several issues
in the Environmental Assessment Form (EAF) needed further clarification
either through the submission of a complete Environmental Impact Statement
(EIS) or through negotiation. These issues include:
Page 1,A, Item 2
Page 2,A, Item 13
Page 2,B, Item g
Page 7, Item 6
Present land use: should add
Other: Wooded /open
There are open areas enjoyed
by residents in the vicinity
Number of trips generated has
probably been under - estimated
Answer should be yes. Project
will alter drainage flow patterns
of surface water
Page 7, Item 9 The Council wishes to note that
in the revised EAF Answer to 469
would be "yes," based on the removal
of .5 acre of mature forest and
other vegetation.
Page 8, Item 10 Council members felt there would
be a major impact on views, vistas,
and general character of the
neighborhood
Page 8, Item 12 Answer should be yes. Will affect
quality and quantity of future
and existing open spaces.
Page 8, Item 13 Council felt there would be an
impact on existing transportation
patterns.
,
Page 2 - Planning and Development Board
Of the issues raised by residents in the neighborhood the greatest
concern seems to be with the removal of ground water from the proposed new
complex. There are existing drainage problems in this area which currently
need to be addressed by the city.
It should be noted that there was no one at the meeting to speak
for the developers. However, the Council unanimously felt the need for more
information and that a full Environmental Assessment Form should be requested.
Sincerely yours,
AM: AA
CC: CAC Members
Ashley Miller
Chair
CONSERVATION ADVISORY COUNCIL
City of Ithaca
Ithaca, New York 14850
June 18, 1986
Present:
Commissioners (6) - Anthony, Baker, Capranica, Hamill, Miller, Semmler
(Also Ruth Ann Colman)
Liaisons (2) - Albanese, Peterson
The meeting was called to order by Chairman Miller in the
Conference Room. The minutes of the April meeting were distributed and
approved; there was no May meeting.
Mrs. Capranica introduced Ruth Ann Colman, who will be joining
the CAC. Carolyn Peterson requested an update on the coal tar situation
from NYSEG for the next meeting.
There was a general discussion of the Recycling Study Proposal.
Carolyn reported that the proposal had been left in limbo at a recent special
council meeting, the vote being 4 -to -4 with six votes required for passage.
Mark reported unofficially from BPW and mentioned a visit from officials of
the village of Hamburg; this village has a successful (and mandatory) recycling
program.
The meeting turned to the topic of disposal of household toxics.
Chairman Miller has been in touch with the EMC, particularly with Barbara
Ekstrom, who will keep her apprised of progress on scheduling of a county -wide
disposal day. One of the big considerations is liability insurance for the
haulers. Mark Albanese indicated that BPW is just beginning to address this
problem; they will first be concerned with identification, training, and storage.
Questions were raised about a new trailer park in Caroline and
how its huge septic system will affect the city water supply. A clipping
from the Ithaca Journal reporting sixty new slips being added to the Treman
Marina was discussed; CAC also discussed Cornell's Beebe Lake project. Concern
was expressed that news of these developments had to come from the press.
One further announcement was made by Chairman Miller; Bob Kurlander
will be moving from the city to Cayuga Heights and therefore will no longer
be a member of CAC.
Chairman Miller reported that she had made up and distributed
over sixty "odor logs" to South Hill residents and other known Wilcox Press
complainants. To date, only three have been returned in spite of passage
of more than six weeks. She will call key people to have update on return
of these logs, which are considered necessary to the complaint. She also
reported that the State's high -tech "sniffer" is not effective and cannot
be used here.
Page 2- June 18 minutes - CAC
Mark Albanese reported on BPW's plans to have a fifth zone for
snow removal and that the Board has requested new plowing equipment. He
recommended that CAC make its recommendations on use of salt in the near future.
There was some brief discussion of Route 96 and the Study Proposal
by Tom Niederkorn which may be jointly sponsored by the city, town, and county.
Carolyn Peterson also informed the CAC that requests for budget for next year
have to be submitted and should be discussed at the next meeting. The meeting
adjourned at 9:45.
CONSERVATION ADVISORY COUNCIL
City of Ithaca
Ithaca, New York 14850
July 16, 1986
Present:
Commissioners (4) - Anthony, Baker, Hamill, Miller
(Also John McCheyne)
Liaison (1) - Peterson
The meeting was called to order by Chairman Miller in the Conference
Room. The minutes of the last meeting were approved.
It was announced that there would be some minor additions to the
agenda and then the discussion turned to the question of the marina expansion.
Commissioner Hamill reported in detail his conversations with Andy Mazzela
of the New York State Parks Commission. He reported a heavy increased demand;
they now have 399 slips and have a waiting list of 50. It was mentioned that
many people do not wish to be on such a long list, so the numbers are much
higher than 50. The whole project is waiting on the NYS legislature and a
decision will not be made until April 1987. The cost of the project will
be $750K and will add 60 slips and a 7th pier. The parks people plan to work
with the EMC if funds become available.
Chairman Miller announced that the EMC is planning on a budget
request for a county -wide cleanup of household toxic wastes for next year.
That request goes to the County board.
Chairman Miller announced that she had called Dan Collins of NYSEG
and he has promised her a report on the coal tar at IAWWTP the "middle of
next month."
Carolyn Peterson reported that the recycling study was not approved
by Common Council, but that a "small" study, i.e., $1200, was approved.
Chairman Miller read a letter from Pete Nevelle to John Anderson
regarding the Landon Road trailer park (off Route 79). Commissioner Baker
noted that it is clearly in violation of the NYS watershed regulations. There
followed a discussion of classification of streams etc. John McCheyne, who
will be nominated as a member of CAC, made several comments in this regard.
It was reported that the Route 96 hearings and decision have
been postponed another six months. CAC will wait for the decision of the
state and the public hearings before making a recommendation to Common Council.
There followed some discussion of the Stewart Park project and
reference to the request of the Chamber of Commerce to enlarge their building
there on the out side of the RR tracks by the new Youth Bureau building. The
Trowbridge studies are yet to be heard from.
Page 2 - CAC Minutes, July 16, 1986
Carolyn Peterson announced that there is no action to be taken
concerning the Beebe Lake construction unless "downstream" problems emerge
after construction is started. The project has the approval of the Army Corps
of Engineers.
The budget for next year was discussed and Carolyn was instructed
to make a request for $385.00 (the same amount as this year, but with a slightly
different distribution).
It was decided that because of various absences there will be
no meeting in August. The meeting was adjourned at 9:30.
CONSERVATION ADVISORY COUNCIL
City of Ithaca
Ithaca, New York 14850
October 22, 1986
Present:
Commissioners (6) Anthony, Baker, Hamill, McShane,
Miller, Semmler
Liaisons (1) Albanese
The meeting was called to order by Chairman Miller in the Conference
Room. The minutes of the last meeting were approved.
Chairman Miller made a number of announcements concerning the
Route 96 meeting on October 23, and the Wilcox Press problem, particularly
a report of a cloud, a stench, and a DEC vehicle present at the Press one
afternoon. She also reported that the question of a "No Smoking" ban for
city meetings was brought up at the last Common Council Meeting. She reported
on the EMC meeting and some information concerning hazardous waste sites.
She mentioned that she had discussed the NYSEG -coal tar matter with Barbara
Ekstrom and reported that Ekstrom feels that the consulting engineers on
this project are well qualified and that NYSEG is being very responsible.
Then Chairman Miller asked Steve Baker to comment on the Environmental
Conference that he attended in Cortland. He reported that he attended
two work shops and that in general he thought it was a worthwhile meeting.
He felt that the aim of the meeting was to elicit local feedback describing
concerns and identifying what DEC programs are desirable. This may have
been in conjunction with promotion of the Environmental Bond Act.
Mark Albanese joined the group and distributed copies of the BPW
Budget Statement 1987. Discussion centered on the snow removal problem
and the "salt " - "no- salt " - "low- salt" policies. Mark feels that the bottom
line is the resolution of the lack of equipment problem. One new plow
and spreader are in the 1987 budget. He indicated that the city would
still need new equipment. Members of the Council also felt that there
is a great need for public education concerning winter driving.
There was some discussion of the Shade Tree Commission and its
role. Mark reported on the costs of waste water treatment, particularly
to bulk users for whom there will be over 100% increase in costs. He maintains
that in spite of the costs, this sewage treatment plant is a giant step
forward for our environment, and particularly for our lake.
It was noted that the Stewart Park controversy was ongoing and
that there was a concurrent meeting going on discussing the rescinding
of the master plan. CAC did not discuss the matter further.
The meeting was adjourned at 9:30.
r
r
CONSERVATION ADVISORY COUNCIL
January 15, 1986
PRESENT:
Commissioners (6) - Baker, Capranica, Kurlander, Anthony, Semmler,
Miller
Liaisons (2) - Peterson, Albanese
The Meeting was called to order by Chairman Baker in the Common Council
Chambers.
COAL TAR AT IAWWTP
Larry Fabroni, the City's representative on the sewage treatment project
(IAWWTP) reported on the coal tar problem found at the site.
Construction on the new sewage treatment plant began in June 1984.
In July, at a depth ranging from 8 to 11 feet, layers of coal tar
were found and the DEC notified. Tests were run a week later which
eventually showed it to be a volatile organic substance believed to
be coal tar. Preliminary borings before construction had apparently
missed the coal tar deposits, although NYSEG (former owners of the
property) were not surprised when the City called about the coal tar,
having had investigated the property in 1982 for the presence of coal
tar.
Dan Collins, the area's general manager for NYSEG, presented more
information on coal tar on the sewage treatment plant site.
In 1981, as part of the Superfund, the EPA notifed NYSEG that coal
tar was a potential hazardous waste and in 1982, NYSEG began state
wide investigations into its location on their properties.
The coal tar was originally dumped on the property as a waste product
of the coal gasification process. This gas was used in lighting and
made in the City from 1852 to 1933. There are 3 sites now being investigated
by the E.C. Jordan Company of Maine: 1) Old Port Harbor, a transport
site; 2) the old NYSEG headquarters on Court Street and 3) the IAWWTP
site off Route 13 and 3rd Street. Test wells are being dug at all
3 sites and in the next month or two, ground water and coal tar from
the three sites will be analayzed. The tests "should show if there
are PCB's ".
According to Mr. Collins, the danger of coal tar is its flammability.
He did not know if coal tar is on the Center for Disease Control's
list of toxic substances and did not know of NYSEG's plans for its
eventual removal.
FALL CREEK BANK STABILIZATION
Tom West of the City's Engineering Department presented plans for
the stabilization of Fall Creek in Stewart Park from the boathouse
to the pedestrian bridge spanning it upstream. The following resolution
was unanimously adopted:
-2-
January 15, 1986
"The CAC approves the concept of the Fall Creek Bank Stabilization
Project and finds no significant environmental impact from the boat
house to the first bridge and reserves its approval for the second
section between the two bridges pending a presentation from the project
manager on construction tactics for that section."
CAC VOTING MEMBERSHIP FOR NON -CITY RESIDENTS
Chairman Baker spoke with Rich Stumbar, City Attorney, about Patricia
Caprianca being a voting member of the CAC. It seems that the CAC
charter would have to be rewritten to enable a non - resident of the
City to vote.
WILCOX PRESS
Chairman Baker presented a letter from Rob Shapiro enclosing the notes
from a meeting with Tom Parziale of Wilcox Press.
He also read a letter from Henry Winslow, Commissioner of DEC, stating
continuity of efforts to properly assess fumes from Wilcox Press.
SHADE TREE COMMISSION
Comm. Caprianca called the list of interested people put forth by
Mary Adelman and found all still interested. She also had three
additional names to add.
ELECTION OF OFFICERS:
Chairman: Ashley Miller
Vice Chairman: John Semmler
Secretary: Toni Anthony
NEXT MEETING:
The next meeting of the CAC will be FEBRUARY 19, 1986.