Sept 21, 2011 BCC/LLC Meeting Minutes

From: Tara Bono <tbono@citizenscampaign.org>
Date: September 30, 2011 11:09:18 AM EDT
To: undisclosed-recipients: ;
Subject: Brookhaven Community Coalition Meeting Minutes

Brookhaven Community Coalition – Landfill Liaison Committee Meeting (BCC/LLC)

Wednesday September 21, 2011

Commissioner Mike Verni commenced the meeting with a pledge of allegiance and then introductions. s

Marty Van Lith briefed all on the background and current undertakings of the BCC/LLC and history of the Landfill.

Adrienne Esposito explained why all are in attendance tonight; to address the landfill and compost issues in the Town. Two main goals of the BCC are to 1. Close the landfill early and 2. Rescind the compost variance to get it enclosed. She cited examples from across the country which are similar in size to LIC that are enclosed and successful.

At the request of Commissioner Verni, Adrienne read the letter to the Commissioner from Joe Williams, Suffolk County. The letter provided information on how and where emergency responders to the 2010 compost fire should get tested. SUNY Stony Brook Medical Center will be providing testing to emergency responders. The letter also stated that the County is currently developing a list of contaminated properties to share with fire districts so they may be prepared going into fires.

Adrienne announced the new campaign "If You Smell Something, Say Something" and passed out signs and magnets to community members with the phone number for the DEC odor complaint hotline.

Commissioner Verni introduced Town of Brookhaven Supervisor Mark Lesko, Brian Bendenbender and Matt Miner. Supervisor Lesko thanked firefighters and emergency responders and gave an update on Landfill and Compost. He mailed a letter to DEC Commissioner Martens asking him to consider BCC’s concerns. He stated that he urged Regional Director Peter Scully to be aggressive and to do a top to bottom review of the facility. He clarified that the Town’s responsibilities at the LIC are limited to height, width, spacing of piles as well as noise and odor. He said he was in the middle of the fire last year and may also get tested at SUNY Stony Brook medical center for exposure to radioactivity. He gave a list of the complaints and the Towns response to recent events at LIC. One event in August, Code Enforcement shut down operations after a noise complaint. Another noise complaint on September 14 was responded to, but no noise was occurring when workers arrived. On September 13, Fire Marshalls did an unexpected visit and found that the height and width were in compliance. The Supervisor said he met with the owner of the facility and requested that he install poles to determine the proper height of the piles and he seemed pretty open to it. As far as radioactivity, he said that they were in contact with the County and are waiting on the results. The County Health Department told Supervisor Lesko that based on preliminary findings, there are no health risks.

Adrienne asked him to clarify. Based on what? What are the levels? She asked if that meant that the test results found no radionuclides nor manganese. Supervisor responded that he didn’t know and the question would have to be asked at the County level – suggested that they and the DEC are present at future meetings to answer questions.

The supervisor also clarified some concerns regarding sludge at the landfill. He said the Town will not take in anymore sludge – it is no longer permitted, and it is a done deal.

Matthew Miner, Waste Management, Brookhaven responded to the complaints that the odors recently have been worse than usual. He said this is because they are beginning to do the capping of 15 acres of the landfill and to do this, there has been some cutting occurring. This process causes odors to escape. The cutting process is near completion and they don’t plan to do more in the foreseeable future. As far as the plastic bag issue, the Town has notified all C&D vendors that the products are unacceptable and they must change, or the Town will revoke their privileges. He also said that because the next section of cell 6 is being built in a different location, there will not be a big issue of odors because of the wind.

Supervisor also updated the BCC on the status of the Solar Panel RFP. They’ve hired TRC as the energy consultant and are looking at 10-15 sites including the landfill, Town Hall, car ports, etc. to install solar pv. RFP to go out in early October. He also wanted to let everyone know that he’s still working on getting a ‘one-stop-shop’ phone number for the Town, County, and DEC. He is looking into other options on how to increase Town revenue, to plan for the landfill closure. He said they welcome discussion on funding options. One possibility is reconstruction of Town government so they are not so dependent on the landfill for income. One option would be for BCC to get it on the ballot and let the people decide. Right now, about 40-45% of the Town’s revenue comes from the landfill.

The meeting was opened up for questions.

Rob Deshler asked about the DEC letter from the Supervisor. He told the Supervisor that he didn’t actually state his position in the letter – why? Supervisor Lesko responded that he wants to wait until the DEC tells him what to do, and that he does not "throw bombs." He will work with the DEC Commissioner and Regional Director and will not make decisions without all information. He also said that because the variance would only force them to cover a portion of the site, that doesn’t cover the whole problem.

Marty pointed out that many other elected officials have written support to implementing regulatations on compost. We need local Government support for DEC to go in and regulate, who can’t right now because their hands are tied. He told the Supervisor "we need your help."

Adrienne said that they were never made to comply to the consent order issued years ago and should have been. She explained that the BCC wasn’t "throwing bombs", it is a legitimate request and they never should have gotten a variance in the first place. She expressed strong disagreement that a community fighting back shouldn’t be mischaracterized in such a derogatory fashion. We DO need to tell the DEC what the community needs, not wait to be told how things work.

Supervisor Lesko said that is not what he does. The decision is under the jurisdiction in which it lies.

Mark pointed out that the issue of garbage in the roads that was discussed at the last LLC meeting has still not been addressed. Even today, if you drove around, the roads are full of litter and there are stronger odors – just getting worse.

Supervisor Lekso responded that he purpose of the LLC is to have a productive conversation, not throw around accusations. He said that no other Supervisor has done what he has done and he expects these meetings to be constructive.

Commissioner Verni pointed out that it was the Supervisor who asked for the meeting at the fire house with emergency responders present. Supervisor Lekso agreed this was true, but said he does not appreciate being on the receiving end of accusations. He said he wants to identify then solve the problems.

John O’Hara from the Brookhaven Industrial Group said that this administration did not bring these companies here, but they are dealing with them. The County is now trying to sell the old Grucci plant into several different plots, but there is a plume under that property. Potential buyers did groundwater testing and consequentially backed out of purchasing the land when they found levels of alpha and beta. He said that there are few industrial things in the area that may be the source of the problem. Adrienne corrected him and said that we do know the source of the radioactivity is the LI compost. We will be able to look closer at all levels when the data is released.

Resident Jim stressed the horrible odors living downwind from the landfill – can’t go outside, enjoy the BBQ or pool. Poor quality of life.

Art Governale asked if anyone knows of any health agencies that have done blood tests. Stated knowledge of "Aspergillus Niger" found in blood of those sickened by compost exposure. (This is a fungus known commonly as black mold.) Mr. Governale also asked if the people at the landfill thought to cover it every day and cited examples of daily cover in Mass. Matt Miner responded that they do use alternative daily cover – over 300,000 tons a year as an alternative to sand.

Jeffery Davis from the Middle Island Fire Department stated that he is happy to hear Suffolk County will be offering testing. He wouldn’t have known about the issues around the compost if he didn’t pick up the paper at all. He said the Town/County should have contacted them by now about it. He pointed out that you can’t test until you know what to test for. Suggested holding a meeting with other fire departments. Adrienne agreed that another meeting should be held when the data comes out.

Mike Brown asked if there is anything you can do with burning methane to help on rainy days when it is the worst? Matt Miner responded; yes, that is why we are capping the 15 acres – it helps with control. The more gas they pull out, the less in the community.

Supervisor Lesko wanted to stress the importance of recycling. He said we need to increase recycling rates to record highs and possibly go to single stream recycling.

Johan McConnel mentioned that the Town Composting Committee made recommendations but there was never a resolution to accept them. They have not gone anywhere, we should revisit those. Supervisor Lesko says there was a report from the Committee Chair; Councilwoman Kepert. He said they were accepted, but the issue got tied up in the Manorville Facility. This is an action item for the LLC.

Chris Roseyt address the July 2010 fire. He said black soot was everywhere around his house for months. He asked if testing was only available to the emergency responders, or if residents could get tested also. The Town/County will look into that. He also asked if it was possible to monitor and limit the inventory of the compost facility. Supervisor Lesko responded that mulch isn’t regulated by DEC. Adrienne pointed out that there are other models that are 100% enclosed. Supervisor Lesko asked for a list of facilities.

Claire Goad asked how many inches of Landfill cover were used every day. Matt Miner responded that ash and alternate daily cover are enough to cover the C&D. Don’t have daily numbers.

Don Seubert suggested that the Town should include mandatory enclosure to the Town Code. Supervisor will look into this.

Mark Knowles said there has been exponential growth for 17 years, and asked how it can continue to grow. How high will it get? Which percent is recyclable? Why wasn’t the sludge tested? Supervisor Lesko said there was absolutely no health risk whatsoever, it was an odor issue. He said there were no haz-mat suits.

Resident Malcolm corrected the Supervisor on his statement that no Supervisor has done what he has done. Malcolm said "Jim Hyle sat where you sat." He said he used to fly over the dump every day and he noticed that everything to the south of it began dying. The leachate destroyed the community. He said there should be fines for people who don’t do what they are supposed to do. He said that more people showed up to the BCC meeting than did to the Town Board meeting the evening before – shows people care. He asked if the Supervisor was going to continue threatening business owners with jail time if they didn’t pay the new fees. The Supervisor said it is a new state mandated requirement – he must enforce it.

Ronnie asked if all the hurricane debris has been burned. Town responded not yet – there is a plan to chip and burn all by October 1. He asked if the landfill is needed for revenue, why isn’t the empire zone taxed? The Supervisor said the empire zone doesn’t exist anymore, but some companies still enjoy tax abatements to keep them here and to supply jobs. Many of them pay partial taxes.

Robert Dorsey addressed the noise issue. He said when we call, they come, but the problem is that at night, the gates are locked and workers can’t get in. Supervisor was not aware of this, will talk to code enforcement – they need to be able to get in.

Supervisor Lesko concluded that he sees this coalition as a positive entity. He relates to the emergency responders and there needs to be a clear protocol to provide service. He urges all in attendance to stay involved with the coalition, they can get you the info you need.

--

Tara Bono

Program Coordinator

Citizens Campaign for the Environment

225a Main Street, Farmingdale, NY 11735

(516) 390-7150

Long Island Advance article: DEC looks at mulch site regulation

From: Sharon - Brookhaven Community Coalition [mailto:sharon@BrookhavenCC.org]
Sent: Friday, September 30, 2011 12:04 PM
Subject: LI Advance article: DEC looks at mulch site regulation

	DEC looks at mulch site regulation Story By:  LINDA LEUZZI, Editor
	29 September 2011
	Department of Environmental Conservation Long Island Regional Director Peter Scully said the state agency was hoping to roll out proposed revisions to Part 360 regulations by the end of the year that would address sites like Beaver Industries in Yaphank, where a combustible fire erupted last week.   “It accepts land clearing debris and ships it into a mulch product,” Scully said of the facility at 275 Main Street. “It’s located on residentially-zoned property. The town took it to court to bring it in compliance. The current solid waste regulations specifically exempts those facilities with land clearing debris and it is possible [the regulation] could be amended.”    “[Beaver Industries] is just blatantly illegal,” said Supervisor Mark Lesko. “They’re not in compliance with town zoning. We sued them and urged the court to close the facility there. The judge denied a temporary restraining order but that doesn’t mean they denied the request to shut them down. He said ‘I’ll hear the lawsuit and make a decision.’ It’s a bad situation.”    When contacted, a representative from Beaver Industries commented there was no one who could talk about the fire and hung up.  Legislator Kate Browning said the DEC could create regulation over land clearing debris and mulch sites, which she’s been pushing. “The state health commissioner and state health officials have balked at regulation,” she said. “Beaver Industries, I believe their piles were at 40 feet. You’re talking about air quality in residential communities. If you don’t regulate them, they’ll continue to do what they’re doing and local residents will wind up with health problems.” Browning contacted Fire Rescue Emergency Services Commissioner Joe Williams the day of the fire, who sent a representative to the site as well as Suffolk County Department of Health. “My chief fire marshal was there and I was told [the piles were] 40 feet in height,” Williams said. “I recommended and it’s a fact that it’s best to wear self-contained breathing apparatus, even in building fires, that’s a national standard.    Brookhaven Fire Department second assistant chief Tom Connors said his department was activated at 11:16 a.m. Thursday morning. “I was directing all the big tankers needed for water,” he said. “I saw a lot of smoke. It came under control about 1:30 p.m. Councilwoman Connie Kepert, who headed the town’s compost committee, said a number of recommendations were made and passed by the town board Oct. 2010. “We passed a sense regulation recommending the DEC amend mulch exemption and sent a copy to Scully as well as to Senator Lee Zeldin and Assemblyman Dean Murray,” she said. “Then we had numerous conversations about air quality standards. They are regional and not site specific.” Kepert said another sense resolution was passed. “If we have the DEC going to Long Island Compost, for example, and they do a sniff test and also measure the particulate matter, if it doesn’t affect the entire region, which is Long Island, then it’s bogus and they can’t regulate it. We also asked them to enforce preferred practices at all facilities within the town.”    The Yaphank fire erupted hours after the Brookhaven Community Coalition and community residents met with Lesko last Wednesday night at the Brookhaven Fire Department. Their topics included concern about the town supervisor not asking the DEC to rescind the Long Island Compost permit which would require them to enclose the facility.  “The actual oversight primarily lies with state DEC and Suffolk County Department of Health,” Lesko told the Advance. “That site has been regulated by those entities and they have to date not shut them down nor have they made them enclose. I don’t know specifically why the DEC and county Department of Health have made those decisions, the enclosure issue could be the size. But the Brookhaven Community Coalition gave me information about large enclosed facilities. If I’m going to take a definitive position I want it to be an informed one. With Long Island Compost, the enclosure would only address about 15 percent of the property. You have 85 percent of the rest with mulch piles. So, even if you went to enclosed processing, you are really not solving the major problem. I sent my letter to DEC to review the issue and had a personal phone call pursuant to my request and the coalition’s request. The DEC is not only looking at the variance but are conducting a top-to-bottom review of the way they regulate the facility so the coalition is getting more than they ask and that’s a good thing. There’s no doubt Long Island Compost negatively impacts the lives of residents within the vicinity so I have no problems urging the DEC, the county Department of Health and Long Island Compost to improve their quality of life standards.”     BCC Executive Board member Marty Van Lith, who attended the meeting, said Lesko took questions from the audience for well over an hour until after 9 p.m. “To give him credit, at least he’s meeting with us,” Van Lith said. “No previous supervisor has done that over the last 40 years.” Van Lith cited the Delaware County MSW Co-Composting facility in upstate Walton, New York, just one of several enclosed processing facilities in the country.    Citizens Campaign for the Environment Executive Director Adrienne Esposito who is steering the BCC’s issues, commented there was concern and anger regarding Lesko not committing yet to the BCC’s request to enclose Long Island Compost. “There was an honest dialogue about the compost facility and the landfill and we are moving ahead,” she said.

 

LI Advance article: DEC looks at mulch site regulation

From: Sharon - Brookhaven Community Coalition [mailto:sharon@BrookhavenCC.org]
Sent: Friday, September 30, 2011 12:04 PM
Subject: LI Advance article: DEC looks at mulch site regulation

	DEC looks at mulch site regulation Story By:  LINDA LEUZZI, Editor
	29 September 2011
	Department of Environmental Conservation Long Island Regional Director Peter Scully said the state agency was hoping to roll out proposed revisions to Part 360 regulations by the end of the year that would address sites like Beaver Industries in Yaphank, where a combustible fire erupted last week. “It accepts land clearing debris and ships it into a mulch product,” Scully said of the facility at 275 Main Street. “It’s located on residentially-zoned property. The town took it to court to bring it in compliance. The current solid waste regulations specifically exempts those facilities with land clearing debris and it is possible [the regulation] could be amended.” “[Beaver Industries] is just blatantly illegal,” said Supervisor Mark Lesko. “They’re not in compliance with town zoning. We sued them and urged the court to close the facility there. The judge denied a temporary restraining order but that doesn’t mean they denied the request to shut them down. He said ‘I’ll hear the lawsuit and make a decision.’ It’s a bad situation.” When contacted, a representative from Beaver Industries commented there was no one who could talk about the fire and hung up.  Legislator Kate Browning said the DEC could create regulation over land clearing debris and mulch sites, which she’s been pushing. “The state health commissioner and state health officials have balked at regulation,” she said. “Beaver Industries, I believe their piles were at 40 feet. You’re talking about air quality in residential communities. If you don’t regulate them, they’ll continue to do what they’re doing and local residents will wind up with health problems.” Browning contacted Fire Rescue Emergency Services Commissioner Joe Williams the day of the fire, who sent a representative to the site as well as Suffolk County Department of Health. “My chief fire marshal was there and I was told [the piles were] 40 feet in height,” Williams said. “I recommended and it’s a fact that it’s best to wear self-contained breathing apparatus, even in building fires, that’s a national standard. Brookhaven Fire Department second assistant chief Tom Connors said his department was activated at 11:16 a.m. Thursday morning. “I was directing all the big tankers needed for water,” he said. “I saw a lot of smoke. It came under control about 1:30 p.m. Councilwoman Connie Kepert, who headed the town’s compost committee, said a number of recommendations were made and passed by the town board Oct. 2010. “We passed a sense regulation recommending the DEC amend mulch exemption and sent a copy to Scully as well as to Senator Lee Zeldin and Assemblyman Dean Murray,” she said. “Then we had numerous conversations about air quality standards. They are regional and not site specific.” Kepert said another sense resolution was passed. “If we have the DEC going to Long Island Compost, for example, and they do a sniff test and also measure the particulate matter, if it doesn’t affect the entire region, which is Long Island, then it’s bogus and they can’t regulate it. We also asked them to enforce preferred practices at all facilities within the town.” The Yaphank fire erupted hours after the Brookhaven Community Coalition and community residents met with Lesko last Wednesday night at the Brookhaven Fire Department. Their topics included concern about the town supervisor not asking the DEC to rescind the Long Island Compost permit which would require them to enclose the facility.  “The actual oversight primarily lies with state DEC and Suffolk County Department of Health,” Lesko told the Advance. “That site has been regulated by those entities and they have to date not shut them down nor have they made them enclose. I don’t know specifically why the DEC and county Department of Health have made those decisions, the enclosure issue could be the size. But the Brookhaven Community Coalition gave me information about large enclosed facilities. If I’m going to take a definitive position I want it to be an informed one. With Long Island Compost, the enclosure would only address about 15 percent of the property. You have 85 percent of the rest with mulch piles. So, even if you went to enclosed processing, you are really not solving the major problem. I sent my letter to DEC to review the issue and had a personal phone call pursuant to my request and the coalition’s request. The DEC is not only looking at the variance but are conducting a top-to-bottom review of the way they regulate the facility so the coalition is getting more than they ask and that’s a good thing. There’s no doubt Long Island Compost negatively impacts the lives of residents within the vicinity so I have no problems urging the DEC, the county Department of Health and Long Island Compost to improve their quality of life standards.”  BCC Executive Board member Marty Van Lith, who attended the meeting, said Lesko took questions from the audience for well over an hour until after 9 p.m. “To give him credit, at least he’s meeting with us,” Van Lith said. “No previous supervisor has done that over the last 40 years.” Van Lith cited the Delaware County MSW Co-Composting facility in upstate Walton, New York, just one of several enclosed processing facilities in the country. Citizens Campaign for the Environment Executive Director Adrienne Esposito who is steering the BCC’s issues, commented there was concern and anger regarding Lesko not committing yet to the BCC’s request to enclose Long Island Compost. “There was an honest dialogue about the compost facility and the landfill and we are moving ahead,” she said.

 

BROOKHAVEN COMMUNITY COALITION CALLS ON DEC TO ENCLOSE COMPOST/MULCH FACILITIES

PRESS RELEASE

For immediate release:
Sunday, September 25, 2011

For more information contact:   Adrienne Esposito, Executive Director

Citizens Campaign for the Environment 516 390-7150 (office) - 631-384-1378 (mobile)

 

BROOKHAVEN COMMUNITY COALITION CALLS ON DEC TO ENCLOSE COMPOST/MULCH FACILITIES

 

ANOTHER NEEDLESS FIRE STRIKES YAPHANK DUE TO UNREGUALATED AND OPEN AIR COMPOST/MULCH FACILITIES

 

Brookhaven, NY - Throughout the Town of Brookhaven, compost, mulching, and landfill issues have plagued communities with odor, dust, debris and noise without proper oversight, regulation and code enforcement. The mulch fire at Beaver Industries in Yaphank on September 22 is just one more incident that illustrates the need for these facilities to be regulated and enclosed to protect public health and safety. The 28 organizations of the Brookhaven Community Coalition (BCC) are continuing their call for immediate full enclosure of all Composting and Mulching operations – starting with Long Island’s largest; Long Island Compost/Great Gardens.

 

“The Yaphank Civic Association strongly supports BCC's efforts to rescind the exemption granted to LIC/Great Gardens. This huge facility was thrust upon a residential area and has consistently through the years been an unfair detriment to our community and seriously deteriorated our quality of life,” said Chad Trusnovec, President Yaphank Taxpayers and Civic Association and a BCC member.  

 

Fire fighters arrived to a serious fire of burning organic material last week at the Beaver Industries mulch facility. Emergency responders spent hours fighting a fire on a mulch pile that was much taller than the allowable limit of 25 feet. This scene was all too reminiscent of the massive fire at Long Island Compost in July, 2010 where 26 fire companies responded to flames shooting up 60 feet in the air, fueled by compost, mulch and other unregulated yard debris.

 

“It is critical that the first responders racing into these fires know what they are walking into, and if there are any risks to their health. It is my job to make sure that these people are prepared and taking the proper preventative measures, but we rely on our government and agencies to ensure that these places are following set codes and regulations, and are operating in a safe manner. If these facilities were enclosed and properly taken care of, it is likely these fires would have been avoided.” said Mike Verni, Commissioner of Brookhaven Fire Department and a BBC member.

 

The BCC has requested the Commissioner of the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation take swift action to enclose the LI Compost/Great Gardens.  An enclosed structure would not only eliminate the odors and dust that plague Brookhaven communities but it also allows for temperature and humidity to be controlled thereby reducing the risk of fires.

“The LI Compos/Great Gardens was given a variance by the NYS DEC that allows them to operate in open air. The BCC has called for the immediate revoking of this exemption, as it should have never been permitted in the first place,” said Adrienne Esposito, Executive Director of Citizens Campaign for the Environment and a BCC member. “The DEC should put the public interest ahead of corporate interest and require the LI Compost facility to be enclosed.  The public has suffered for 11 years, enough is enough.”

 

“There is nobody taking responsibility for these facilities. They are given free rein to operate in an unsafe manner. These facilities are negatively affecting the quality of life of neighbors and threatening the public health of emergency responders. I have lived in this community my entire life.  The Long Island Compost is having negative impacts on our communities. It is time for Brookhaven Town and the DEC to come up with a constructive plan to help us protect our neighborhoods,” said Mark Magnani a member of the Brookhaven Community Coalition. 

Across the country, compost and mulching operations operate successfully and safely in state-of-the-art enclosed and filtered facilities. In Delaware County, NY the IPS Composting system operates in a stainless steel structure and processes 42,000 tons of organic waste per year. In Los Angeles County, a 453,900 square foot building houses processes necessary to produce 250,000 tons of compost a year.

 

The Fire Place History Club celebrates the amazing story of the Brookhaven hamlet area's people and environment, including the founding of the Environmental Defense Fund, our nation's largest environmental organization. It is painful to see that the story's present chapter is dominated by the pollution coming from the Town landfill and Long Island Compost. New York State and Brookhaven Town need to do the right historic thing now and take steps to protect our community and others affected by these facilities. As a first step, the state should require the enclosure of LIC,” said Marty Van Lith, chair, Fire Place History Club and a BCC member.

 

“The residents of the South Yaphank Community have suffered for the past eleven years with the odor, dust and noise from the Long Island Compost facility.  It is now time for the DEC and the Town of Brookhaven to protect the health and safety of our community.  The civic and the community are in support of the effort of the BCC in requesting that the facility be enclosed.  The time has come that government agencies need to act,” said Johan McConnell, President of South Yaphank Civic Association and a BCC member.

"The Brookhaven Village Association is dedicated to preserving the quality of life we had until the Landfill and LI Compost became a burden and a blight on our community. We respectfully but strongly urge ALL of our elected officials to do the right thing and simply enforce the laws that are already in place. It's not rocket science, it's common sense!" said Kathleen Schiebel, a BCC member. 

 

Brookhaven Community Coalition

Affiliated Brookhaven Civic Organizations; Atlantic Point Apartments; Bellport Teachers Assistants & Associates; Bellport Teachers Association; Bellport Chamber of Commerce, Brookhaven Fire Department; Brookhaven Fire District; Brookhaven Free Library; Brookhaven Industrial Group; Brookhaven Village Association; Citizens Campaign for the Environment; Fire Place History Club; Friends of Wertheim National Wildlife Refuge; Greater Bellport Coalition; The Longwood Alliance; Manor Park Civic Association; Medford Taxpayers & Civic Association, Overton Preserve Coalition; Post Morrow Foundation, Inc.; South Country Ambulance Company; South Country Board of Education; South Country C.S.E.A.; South Country Community Conference; South Yaphank Civic Association; Sungate Homeowners Association; Yaphank Fire Department; Yaphank Taxpayers & Civic Association, Inc.                   

 

BROOKHAVENCOMMUNITYCOALITION.ORG

 

Press Release: LEGACY VILLAGE PARCEL PRESERVED

From: Sharon - Brookhaven Community Coalition 

Sent: Monday, September 19, 2011 2:47 PM
Subject: Press Release: LEGACY VILLAGE PARCEL PRESERVED

September 19, 2011

LEGACY VILLAGE PARCEL PRESERVED

Legislator Browning Adds 23 Acres of Controversial County Land to Southaven Park

(Pictured Left to Right: John and Johan McConnell, South Yaphank Civic Assoc., Martin Van Lith, Post Morrow Foundation, Robert and Audrey Kessler, Yaphank Historical Society, Tom Williams, Post Morrow Foundation, Sharon Wiesmann, resident, Chard Trusnovec, Yaphank Taxpayers & Civic Assoc., and Legislator Kate Browning.)

Yaphank, NY – In 2010 County Executive Steve Levy proposed the development of 253 acres of county land in Yaphank, also known as “Legacy Village”. The land is located in the Carmans River watershed and surrounds the historic community of Yaphank. A piece of the county holdings, known as Parcel A, was originally proposed to have two 5,000 seat arenas constructed on it. Legislator Kate Browning (WF-Shirley) whose district includes Yaphank, led the fight to stop Legacy Village, and last Thursday she secured the unanimous support of her colleagues at Suffolk County’s legislative meeting to transfer 23 acres to the Department of Parks and Recreation. This portion of the county owned land is now forever preserved. What was once slated to be two massive arenas along the shore of the Carmans River is now an extension of Southaven Park.

            The Legacy Village proposal was immediately met with opposition from residents and environmentalists when County Executive Levy finally unveiled the plan after years of meeting with developers behind closed doors. Soon after Legacy Village was released the Town of Brookhaven began work on the Carmans River Protection Plan. The town plan made it clear that areas surrounding the river should not be developed and any waste water credits should be directed away from the river. The economy also continued to weaken and support for Legacy Village quickly dwindled. The Suffolk County Legislature eventually approved legislation that prevented the county from moving forward with “Legacy Village”.

            “Legacy Village was an unsustainable plan from the start, and was in direct conflict with the Town of Brookhaven’s efforts to preserve the Carmans River,” stated Legislator Browning. “Killing the County Executive’s project was only the first piece of the puzzle.”

            However, the legislature still voted to surplus some of the property in Yaphank to the highest bidder, which Legislator Browning opposed, so she immediately introduced I.R. 1267-11 to preserve the most sensitive land in order to prevent any sale of this important buffer. The 23 acres is all wooded and falls within the 0-5 years contributing area of the Carmans River., and also contains the old Almshouse cemetery. The county is still trying to sell other county land in the area.

            “This land should never have been proposed for development,” stated Legislator Browning. “It is directly adjacent to the Carmans River and would have had a negative impact on the environment. I am grateful that my colleagues saw the importance of preserving this parcel.”

            “The Yaphank Historical Society wishes to thank Kate Browning for preserving another small piece of our beautiful town,” stated Historical Society President Robert Kessler.

            “A special thanks to Legislator Kate Browning for all her dedication to the environment,” stated South Yaphank Civic Association President Johan McConnell. “The protection of this parcel is another example of her listening to the residents and responding to the issues that matter.”

            “The Yaphank Community is extremely grateful for Legislator Browning's efforts,” stated Chad Trusnovec, President of the Yaphank and Taxpayers Civic Association. “Because of this, another piece of environmentally sensitive land will forever remain protected.”

            “This preservation broadens the protection efforts underway to safeguard the Carmans River Watershed and our ground water,” stated Sharon Wiesmann, a Yaphank resident who owns property adjacent to the Carmans Rivers’ Upper Lake. “The preservation of this property is a remarkable illustration of the ability of all involved to protect this precious environment in our area. We applaud and thank Legislator Browning for recognizing the importance and for making this land preservation come to fruition.”

            The bill is still awaiting the signature of County Executive Levy.

Better Late Than Never - Hurricane Irene Views

Some Views of Brookhaven Hamlet Following Irene, 27-28 August, 2011 Hurricane Irene, by the time it made landfall on Long Island, had been downgraded to a tropical storm—that is, less than a category 1 hurricane.  Rarely did wind gusts exceed 50-60 mph in our area.  While there was some coastal flooding, in Brookhaven it did not much exceed that of other major coastal storms we have experienced in recent times.  The major effect was the widespread loss of electrical power, although many sections of the hamlet did not lose their power.  For those who did lose power, it was out for around 3½ days, less than for Hurricane Gloria.  The eye of storm was in New Jersey to the west of us.  Unlike other areas affected by the storm, rainfall was not a major factor. Town and County emergency management authorities issued "mandatory" evacuation orders for most of Brookhaven hamlet—"all that area south of South Country road."  Even given what was known of the storm at the time these decisions had to be made, most residents felt this order was greatly excessive.  Except for those with health or physical disabilities, or convenient alternate residences, most seemed to have stayed.   I was particularly disturbed by one press conference, where county and town authorities were calling for these evacuations to see the mandatory posed  "staff" in the background apparently telling jokes to each other—this while senior citizens were trying to decide what to do.  It's not as if we who live on the coast were making recklessly uninformed decisions.  The time to education the public is not a few panicked hours before a perceived disaster, but rather through regular communication of emergency protocols based on rational planning models.  See, for example, the Flood and Surge maps this site.  By 11 am Sunday, the storms winds had greatly subsided and folks emerged from their homes to see the results.  This was near the time of high tide in our area, and this combined with the residual winds was still pushing water onshore.  It appeared as if the water in the Carmans river and Beaver Dam creek was 5, perhaps 6, feet above normal.  These estimates are confirmed by where observed water levels reached when compared with the land elevations recorded on the Suffolk County land use information maps. Click image for enlarged view.

Beaver Dam road at Beaver Dam creek., looking east.

249 Beaver Dam road

249 Beaver Dam road, looking west toward Beaver Dam creek (you may be able to faintly see the Champlain cottage on the banks of the creek)

Fire Place Ln. looking west toward Beaver Dam Creek & the Fire Place (Gould's) marina

River Lane River Lane runs parallel to Beaver Dam Creek

18 River Lane

Brookhaven resident Marty Van Lith works at righting tree in his backyard.

East end, Beaver Dam road, looking east toward the Carman's river and Squassux Landing The elevation at this point, according to the Suffolk County land use map, is five feet. Water was still rising, perhaps to another eight inches.

365 Beaver Dam road.

Tree limb at 12 Locust road pulls down electrical wires. Power was out for 3½ days.

These houses, on Ocean Place, are the only home which face directly on the Great South Bay, This picture, taken Monday, shows sand washed onto the street in front of the houses. The day before, this area was completely flooded.

FW: CCE Event Alert: Meeting on Landfill/Compost with Brookhaven Supervisor

From: CCE Member Communication [mailto:members@citizenscampaign.org]
Sent: Friday, September 16, 2011 11:35 AM
To: CCE Members and Friends
Subject: CCE Event Alert: Meeting on Landfill/Compost with Brookhaven Supervisor

View this message as a webpage.

CITIZENS CAMPAIGN FOR THE ENVIRONMENT EVENT ALERT Save the Date! Meeting on Landfill/Compost with Brookhaven Supervisor Brookhaven Community Coalition and Supervisor Lesko to discuss landfill and LI Compost issues Brookhaven Community Coalition will be holding a meeting with Supervisor Lesko and the "Landfill Liaison Committee" to address concerns about the landfill and Long Island Compost facility. All emergency responders, BCC members, and residents are encouraged to attend. Topics to be discussed include: Plan for closing the landfill Pending results of tests on radiation found at/near the Long Island Compost facility Rescinding the DEC variance to enclose Long Island Compost Increased odors throughout the community from the landfill and Long Island Compost When: Wednesday, September 21, 2011, 7:30pm Where: Brookhaven Fire District, 2486 Montauk Highway, Brookhaven, NY If you plan to attend, RSVP to: Fire Commissioner Mike Verni: shady21@optonline.net; or Tara Bono: tbono@citizenscampaign.org Thank you for joining us. We hope to see you there! Sincerely, YOUR FRIENDS AT CCE Citizens Campaign for the Environment 225A Main Street Farmingdale, NY 11735 Phone: 516-390-7150 | Fax: 516-390-7160 6 Regional Offices in New York and Connecticut CONNECT WITH US: Subscribe | Unsubscribe | Privacy Policy | CCE Homepage | Contact Us | Donate