In February, the New York Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) released a Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) for public comment concerning a proposed expansion of an existing gravel mining operation adjacent to Watkins Glen State Park. A virtual and in person session were held on February 12^th and 13^th with written comments due by February 28, 2024.

The action took local officials and residents by surprise as they were unaware the DEIS was in the works. Obviously, the proposal has caused a lot of concern with local residents and officials.

Pure Waters had a representative at the virtual meeting. Board member and SNPR lead Ron Klinczar reviewed the DEIS document and drafted comments for the organization. These comments were submitted before the February 28^th deadline.  You can read the comments submitted by Ron Klinczar on behalf of Pure Waters HERE.

Pure Waters is primarily concerned with potential impacts on water quality. Most water quality issues would stem from storm water events, where water either overflows or mixes with ground water. Pure Waters provided a few suggestions (comments) that would mitigate these risks as well as ensure that the pace of operations does not increase over time.

Pure Waters, along with many others, asked for an extension to the public comment period to provide the public more time to understand the document and provide meaningful input. (The DEC has already announced an extension.)   

Pure Waters will continue to monitor the situation and provide input strongly encouraging DEC to ensure the operation has no adverse impact on water quality.