Loading...
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." �t d 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.