Meeting With DEC About The Landfill
By Doug La Rocque
Town Supervisor Rob Jaeger told the Town Board last Thursday, July 12, that he and Petersburgh Councilman Dennis Smith recently met with NYS Department of Environmental officials. The meeting was to discuss the best course for remediation of the PFOA leaching from the former combined town’s landfill site in Petersburgh. Also present was attorney Kevin Young, who represents both towns’ interests in the matter.
According to Supervisor Jaeger, the towns suggested a method to stop water runoff on ground above the landfill, diverting it away from the PFOA contaminated site, and preventing leachate from flowing into a nearby creek that in turn empties into the Little Hoosic River. DEC is looking at many different approaches, as it decides whether to declare the landfill a “superfund” site. Such a designation would hold the two towns responsible for the cleanup, and would likely greatly increase the cost of the cleanup. All parties are hoping to avoid this.
The towns meanwhile, have been searching insurance records to see if any potential cleanup might be covered under a previous policy, while attorney Young looks into ways to hold Covanta at least partially responsible. Covanta bought the company, Energy Answers, which contracted to close and cap the dump in 1991. Mr. Young alleges there is evidence that Energy Answers allowed waste containing PFOA to be dumped there as part of that process. This waste purportedly came from Taconic Plastics’ operation, and the towns are negotiating with that company as well.
Noise Accusations Bly Hollow resident Joe Rogers was back before the board, demanding something be done about a neighboring residence that uses a generator for electrical power. He asserted that Building and Codes Enforcement Officer Allen Yerton threatened and cursed at him, an accusation that Mr. Yerton vehemently denied. He again explained that Berlin does not have a noise ordinance, he has visited the area and not heard excessive noise, and that no other residents of the area have complained to him.
Stewart’s Shop Mr. Yerton also noted that construction of the new Stewart’s shop was proceeding at a brisk pace. There were some concerns about the company tapping into a 10 inch water line that belongs to the Water District, and more about parking, particularly along property on Elm Street and the bridge, something that is not allowed. First glance shows the site remediation efforts on the former town garage site by Stewarts will come to approximately $70,000. $50,000 from the sale of the lot went into escrow, and should there have been any left, it would have reverted back to the town. That will not be the case now, but Supervisor Jaeger says “I still feel we are ahead, we got $50,000 clear for the sale of the land and the property is no longer on our hands.”
Working on the Water Tower Grant The Town needs to complete an income survey for patrons of Water District # 2 in the village, as part of the grant application for funding to construct a water tower to replace the current reservoir, the water in which has been declared unpotable by the NYS Department of Health. The kicker is that the firm completing the application, Cedarwood Engineering, needs it back in two weeks, an issue the Board is going to work on.
Other Business Dog Control Officer Doug Goodermote entertained as usual with what can be called his “Dog Tails.” He reported on problems on Airport Road, Dingman Road and a dog picked up by Grafton DCO Vicky Burdick that was turned over to him. While always relating the required seriousness of the matter, Doug does so in a manner that shows even the best standup comics have nothing on him.
Following some recent undesirable activity around the Berlin transfer station, the Board voted to spend $300 each on two security camera systems, one for the landfill and one for some buildings at the municipal complex.
Highway Superintendent Jim Winn said they are working toward the Department of Environmental Conservation permit necessary to replace the Mattison Hollow Bridge. They are also talking with neighbors for permission to build a temporary road around the bridge during construction.
Planning Board Chair Pam Gerstel said they are beginning their review of the town’s 1988 Land Use Regulations, with an eye toward updating, changing some out of date fee structures and better demarcation of zoning lines. When finished, the recommendations go to a public hearing, before they can be acted on by the Town Board.
Town Clerk Anne Maxon reported State, County and Local revenue of $5,341.50 for the month of June, with another $1,006.46 in non-local revenues.