HomeMy WebLinkAboutJ - 08 Cortland County Soil & Water ReviewCortland County Soil and Water Conservation District
100 Grange Place, Room 202, Cortland, NY 13045
Phone: (607) 756-5991 • Far: (607) 756-0029
w .cotlandswcd.org
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June 21, 2023
Bruce Weber, Planning and Zoning Officer
Town of Cortlandville
3577 Terrace Road
Cortland, NY 13045
Re: Geiger/Jeep Dodge Rebuild, 3878 West Road
Dear Mr. Weber:
We have reviewed project documents for the proposed Cortland Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram
proposed sales/service redevelopment at 3878 West Road. SWPPP and additional technical
materials were prepared by QPK Design, LLP. The project consists of a 4.58-acre site, of which
most is proposed to be disturbed. In addition to the 1.74 acres of existing impervious surface,
0.33 acres of impervious will be added. Our assessment included review of the SWPPP,
environmental assessment and permit application materials and project design drawings,
consultation with the project designers, a site visit on May 19, 2023 and examination of soil
survey, wetland, FEMA and topographic data for the site.
Redevelopment of this site is of significant concern because it is approximately 1800 feet
upgradient of the City of Cortland public water supply wells (PSW) and is located over the
Cortland Homer Preble Sole Source Aquifer. It is located in Cortlandville Wellhead Protection
Zone la for the City of Cortland PWS wells. Erosion and sediment control and contaminant
management must ensure that there is no discharge of any contaminant to Otter Creek or this
sole -source aquifer.
Site Specific Comments:
Hotst)ot — A hotspot will exist in and adjacent to the back (eastern portion) of the building,
associated with car repair and servicing. A stormwater hotspot is defined by NYSDEC as:
"a land use or, activity that generates higher concentrations of hydrocarbons, trace
metals or toxicants than are found in typical stormwater runoff, based on
monitoring studies. If a site is designated as a hotspot, it has important
implications for how stormwater is managed. First and foremost, stormwater
runoff from hotspots cannot be allowed to infiltrate untreated into groundwater,
where it may contaminate water supplies. Second, a greater level of stormwater
treatment for hydrocarbons, trace metals or toxicants of concern is needed at
hotspot sites to prevent pollutant washoff after construction."
In general, NYSDEC design guidance states that hotspots should not be infiltrated unless fully
treated with another practice. Because this site presents design challenges associated with
elevation/grade limitations that preclude use of some treatment options, infiltration was chosen
by the designer as the treatment approach to meet water quantity requirements. However, the
proposed design includes full water quality treatment with an approved proprietary practice, of a
greater stormwater volume than is required by regulation.
Soil Disturbance Activities — The boundary extent of area disturbed and paved should be
respected during construction. Proposed disturbance and nature of the final ground surface
controls water quantity modeling and therefore design of post -construction stormwater
management facilities. Increased area disturbed or paved during construction may necessitate
additional stormwater volume modeling and management of increased stormwater volume.
Based on our review, we believe the SWPPP and associated materials meet the intent of the
Town's stormwater ordinance.
The fire that destroyed the previous building at this site also resulted in release of contaminants
that reached an onsite dry well and shallow groundwater. Although evidence suggests that these
contaminants have not reached the City of Cortland's public water supply wells just
downgradient, and remediation is almost complete, the risk to the City and Town of
Cortlandville drinking water supplies from this kind of facility as well as other hotspots in the
event of a fire or other unexpected catastrophe is real. We recommend that the City and Town
review their emergency response and communication protocols to ensure that future emergency
response, and interaction of that response with onsite stormwater facilities, fully considers
potential effects on the aquifer and drinking water supply wells.
Where appropriate, we recommend replanting disturbed and landscaped areas with native plant
species that are not cultivars rather than lawn grass or non-native species, to provide ecological
benefits. We appreciate that the project proponents are willing to modify their planting list to
focus on New York native non-cultivar plants. Native New York woody and perennial plant
species provide value for songbirds and pollinators and native tree species will help to mitigate
climate change.
Please call me at 345-4624 if you have any questions.
Sincerely,
Kathleen E. McGrath
Water Quality Specialist
Cc: Amanda Barber, Joe Cavender, QPK