Philipstown Seeks Volunteers for Phase II Storm Water Program

08/08/05

1. What is Storm Water Runoff?

Storm Water Runoff is water from rain or melting snow that does not soak into the ground, but runs off impervious surfaces, such as roofs, driveways and parking lots, into drainage ditches and/or catch basins that transport the runoff into nearby waterways.

2. How are we affected by Polluted Storm Water Runoff?

Polluted runoff, containing oil and grease from leaking automobiles, sediment from construction activities, and the careless application of pesticides, herbicides and fertilizers affects habitats of fish and plant life. Nutrients such as phosphorus and nitrogen promote the overgrowth of algae, and deplete oxygen in the waterway. Bacteria from animal wastes and failing sewerage systems make lakes and beaches unsafe for swimming and the propagation of edible shellfish. Excessive runoff promotes flooding and the destruction of property.

3. Storm Water Committees

The he town is in the process of establishing a Stormwater Steering Committee and a Stormwater Citizen Advisory Panel

The Stormwater Steering Committee will be comprised of supervisory personnel from town departments, as well as elected and appointed officials from Philipstown, Cold Spring and Nelsonville. The primary function of this group will be to closely monitor the stormwater management program adopted by the town and to ensure that the program complies with the intent of NYSDEC permit for stormwater discharges from the town.

The Stormwater Citizen Advisory Panel will consist of citizens from Philipstown, Cold Spring, Nelsonville, North Highlands, Continental Village, Garrison and other locales within the town. The panel will be primarily responsible for providing stormwater information through meetings and workshops and for receiving feedback from the community on the progress of the program. In addition the panel will also be in charge of organizing local volunteer monitor groups, responsible for identifying potential sources of pollution along the Hudson River, town streams and other water courses and drainage channels in the town.

4. How Can You Help?

On July 20, 2005, the Town posted a notice in the Putnam County News and Recorder, soliciting the support of the Community on the Stormwater Steering Committee and the Stormwater Citizen Advisory Panel. To date the Town has only received one (1) response for each of these Committees. You can help by serving on one of these committees.