Save the Pine Bush Comments on Proposed Hotel
written by Lynne Jackson
Water Resources
On Page 17 of the DEIS, the Applicant states that the Pine Bush aquifer is not a potential source of municipal water. This is not correct. The Pine Bush is on top of a principle aquifer. A principal aquifer is one that has enough volume and flow to be used as a municipal water supply. The Pine Bush Formation (as the aquifer under the Pine Bush is called) was designated a principal aquifer by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation in 1986 in accordance with regulations written to comply with the Clean Water Act.
The applicant should be required to analyze the impact of this proposed Residence Inn on the principal aquifer. The final proposal would put asphalt and buildings on a substantial section of the property and the applicant should analyze how this will affect groundwater absorption and the aquifer. Also the applicant should analyze how oil, salt and other pollutants from the parking lot and building roof will pollute the aquifer. The Applicant should also correct the fact that the Pine Bush is on top of a principal aquifer.
Air Pollution
The applicant should look at the cumulative impact of adding more cars to the road, and this impact on air pollution. Albany County has had an increase in ozone exceedances days. More cars mean more ozone and air pollution.
Want to Get Involved?
Email Lynne Jackson at lynnejackson@mac.com