Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout1988_03_24 Conservation Advisory Commission Minutes R � c t b IV/ fprteb Town of Mamaroneck 9► 5 Conservation Advisory Commission °) * i f I,9�� ,Ar-a Code 914 740 West Boston Post Road 4t Mamaroneck, N. Y. 10543 ' yi1t MINUTES A regular meeting of the Conservation Advisory Commission (CAC) was held on Thursday, March 24, 1988, at the Town Center, 740 West Boston Post Road, Mamaroneck, N. Y. The meeting commenced at 8:10 P.M. Members Present: Robert Komitor, Chairman Charles Bernstein Elinor Fredston Steven Goldstein Mary Anne Johnson, Emeritus Jane Moss Irma Volk Others Present: Stephen Altieri, Town Administrator Robert Hohberg, Water Monitoring Consultant P. Thomas Leddy Beautification Director Elisabeth Lehman, Friends of the Reservoir Ortwin Meyer, Friends of the Reservoir Claudia Ng, Environmental Coordinator Sylvia Scheuer, 875 Fenimore Road, Larchinont Frederick A. Lewis, Recording Secretary Administrative Matters Minutes - The minutes for the meeting of February 25, 1988, were approved with the elimination of the last sentence on Page 6. Next Meeting - The next meeting was scheduled for Thursday, April 21, 1988. Joint Commissions Meeting - Mr. Komitor advised that Robert Schoenberger, Chairman of the Coastal Zone Management Commission, had communicated with him concerning the possibility of holding a joint meeting between the two Commissions and Mr. Komitor had agreed to provide him with possible dates, separate from regular meeting dates, for the meeting. Mr. Komitor thereupon requested suggested dates from the members and Ms. Fredston suggested that a meeting be held on Saturday morning and as soon as possible. After a brief discussion, suggested dates provided were April 9, April 23, and April 28. Environment Leatherstocking Trail - Revised Letter - Copies of the letter of appeal which had been revised by Mr. Goldstein were distributed for review. It was CAC Minutes - 3/24/88 questioned whether a second page was necessary inasmuch as Mr. Goldstein had incorporated on the front page a number of the concerns which were to be outlined on the second page. It was decided to retain the second page and to list all of the conservation areas on this page as well as including a map to show the areas. The circulation and mailing of the letter was discussed. Mr. Hohberg requested a supply for distribution while out sampling with his students. Other suggestions were to do a separate mailing to residents of the entire town, include in other newsletter mailings, such as L.I.F.E Center's or Town and villages newsletters, and publication in local newspapers such as Soundview News and Gannett Westchester Newspapers. Ms. Johnson suggested that the Police Department may be helpful. Mr. Altieri stated that the Police do have a mailing list for the unincorporated Town area. He also informed the Commission that the next Town newsletter mailing would be sometime in June and since presort mailing is used, senior citizens are recruited to assist in the presorting. Also, there is the new resident mailing packet which goes out periodically. The Commission was in favor of the newsletter mailing and Mr. Altieri suggested that Ms. Ng discuss the matter with Paulette Gabbriellini, Assistant to the Administrator. Premium Conservation Area - Ms. Johnson advised that she had not called Mr. Leddy as promised due to a heavy schedule of commitments. Therefore, no headway was made in improving the area and restoring the signs. The Bird Walk (led by Dave Kuntsler of the New York Parks Department at Pelham Bay) did not go into the area as planned since they had twenty-five people, the tide was high, and it would have been very wet. Ms. Johnson further stated that the walk was excellent, they had a good showing and people came from Mamaroneck and Mount Vernon. The walk was published in the L.I.F.E. publication and she attributes its success to the publicizing. Ms. Johnson pointed up the areas covered on the walk and advised that plans are being made for a walk in May and also in October during Coast month. She further advised that the Premium-Pine Brook Preservation Association (PPPA) , the sponsoring organization, is in the process of being incorporated and is hopeful of holding an open meeting in late April or early May. Water Courses and Water Bodies Gardens Lake Dredging Project - Mr. Altieri reported that the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) sent a somewhat vague letter classifying the dredge spoil as industrial waste. The Town is requesting clarification of this inasmuch as it does not coincide with laboratory testing done on the spoils. The Town's consulting firm, Malcolm Pirnie, Inc. , will also be communicating with DEC concerning this matter. Though at this point, the classification is questionable, it is not toxic or hazardous, just labelled industrial waste. However, as industrial waste, it can include hydrocarbons. Since reference was made in DEC's letter to the presence of hydrocarbons, the Town also wants further information; if it is coming from the thruway, the Town will ask the New York Thruway Authority to take steps to handle drainage off of the thruway. In regard to a Freshwater Wetlands and Watercourses Permit, DEC waived its right to do this review, stating that the project site was not large enough. The Town thereupon applied to the Town Planning Board and the Planning Board referred it to CZMC for review. The Town Board also made -2- CAC Minutes - 3/24/88 ® referral to CZMC since they are the lead agency and it is a mandatory Type I Action. Disposal of the spoils is being considered at one of three locations. The Town has written to the County concerning the use of Croton Point Landfill and the County informed them that they were under a Federal order to conduct the capping of the landfill under very specific procedures. The County therefore was uncertain whether they could accept the spoils. There is some confusion since DEC in their letter suggested Croton Point. Also, it is an unlined landfill and DEC has indicated that the Town should use a lined landfill for industrial waste. Mr. Altieri continued that the Town is also investigating two other sites in the County which are designated as construction and debris landfills and representatives from both sites have indicated that they are approved for accepting such material. The Town hopes to complete the SEQR process by April 13 and hopes to start the project by late April or early May. It will be completed seven months later. Mr. Altieri advised that an issue arose at the CZMC meeting concerning the lowering of the reservoir to aid in the drying of the lake. The question of how much to lower the reservoir came up. Mr. Altieri indicated that it would be preferred to lower the reservoir for the duration of the entire project. However, the Town is planning to go before the Village of Larchmont to see if they would go along with two thirty day periods, one at the beginning of the project before the first excavation and another lowering for the drying of the remaining layer before the second scraping. Mr. Altieri reminded the Commission that the original proposal had been to do a wet dredge in about thirty days. This would have made a bigger mess but would have required less time. This method met with opposition because of the need to deposit it nearby; in particular, at Hommocks Field. The Town had two other alternatives and decided to go with drying the material on the lake bed, make two scrapings, and haul the material out of town. Mr. Altieri stated that there is no control of the flows of the east branch of the Sheldrake River while the west branch can be controlled somewhat through the reservoir. Malcolm Pirnie's proposal would be to construct a major channel that would run from the bridge at Lakeside Drive down to the brook at North Brook Road. There would also be constructed a series of channels leading into the major channel to expedite drainage of the lake. If they could limit the flow of the west branch, it would reduce the water entering the lake and expedite the drying process. Restoration of the area will follow. Mr. Altieri further advised that consideration is also being given to a County project taking place during the summer in which the County will be installing a 15 inch sewer along Brookside Drive which will reduce flow in the Sheldrake River. Upon completion of his report, a number of questions and concerns were expressed by Commission members covering the question on whether the east branch of the Sheldrake River can be diverted, the increased drainage outflow, problems with the upper lake, and the condition of the area during the seven month period and its affect on area residents. Mr. Goldstein questioned whether the dredging could not go deeper than the planned four feet and Mr. Altieri advised that the main channel will be from six to eight feet deep. There is concern about the safety of children. In addition, below four feet is hard clay which would make dredging more difficult. Expressions of concern were also raised about wildlife and vegetation. Ms. Lehman of the Friends of the Reservoir noted that the proposed initial lowering of the reservoir coincided with bass spawning and -3- CAC Minutes - 3/24/88 waterfowl nesting periods and expressed concern about swans being mired in mud. Questions were also raised about the lowering of the Reservoir in the area of the fence protecting the swans and Mr. Leddy indicated that it was lowered previously to six feet when repairs were necessary. Mr. Altieri advised that he would look into the possibility of extending the fence to protect the swans. It was questioned how much the upper lake would be lowered and Mr. Altieri advised that Malcolm-Pirnie is working out the figures on this now. Mr. Ortwin Meyer also expressed concern about the lowering of the reservoir. He submitted a written alternative to cleaning up Gardens Lake, which would also reduce it in size. His proposal involves piling up the sediment all around the sides of the lake and regrading the new banks. Mr. Altieri advised that Mr. Meyer's idea had already been given some consideration, but there were doubts to its feasibility. The spoil would become dust with no stability. Furthermore, reducing the size of the lake could conflict with the Village of Mamaroneck's Army Corps of Engineers flood control project. Mr. Hohberg mentioned that he had contacted a chemical company who could solidify the spoil material with chemicals. Mr. Altieri replied that they did look into it but it would involve too much material. Larchmont Reservoir Projects - Ms. Ng advised that Jim Johnson is requesting the Commission's attention on such reservoir projects as cleaning up the area, making repairs, etc. , while the water is lowered. It was suggested that the members give thought to such projects and submit them at the next meeting. Ms. Ng will submit ideas being proposed by Mr. Johnson. Mr. Komitor questioned whether the automatic valve could be put in at this time and Mr. Leddy said that they would do it if it is ready. Solid Waste Disposal Local Recycling - Ms. Ng reported that she, Mr. Leddy, Fred Kellogg visited A. & R. Lobosco, Inc. , recycling center, which is in Flushing. A verbal contract was agreed upon in which they would pay the Town $30.00 per ton for newspaper, $5.00 per ton for mixed and $20.00 per ton for corrugated. The Town would have to start separating the corrugated from the mixed, therefore an additional truck would have to be obtained. Mr. Altieri advised that Ms. Ng and Mr. Leddy will be checking into equipment for the recycling program. The thought is to take the newest trailer and use it for newspaper collection while smaller trucks can handle mixed paper. A written contract has been worked out and after acceptance by the Joint Sanitation Commission it will be presented to Lobosco. Mr. Leddy felt that it was a good operation. The need for reeducating residents in the separation process was brought up. Mr. Altieri briefly went over the present recycling procedure indicating that they are no longer accepting metal at the yard, but will continue to pick it up at curbside. Thus far the number of calls for curbside pickup of metals have not increased leading to speculation that people from out of town have been dumping at the yard. Ms. Johnson brought up the problem of glass recycling and Mr. Altieri advised that in order to make any money off of glass recycling, it must be crushed and placed in barrels. A crushing machine is an expensive proposition, plus would require personnel to man it. There is also a problem involving the insurance carrier with the recycling truck travelling the same route as garbage vehicles and -4- CAC Minutes - 3/24/88 residents dumping glass into the bins. The suggestion was made that perhaps the County could assist the Town in this endeavor and at this point it was mentioned that Ms. Ng and Mr. Altieri will attend a meeting with the County Executive next Wednesday on the proposed County Recycling Plan. It was thought that glass recycling could be mentioned at the meeting. Composting - Mr. Altieri brought to light a legislation proposal submitted to the State by Westchester County which would allow the composting of leaves on previously dedicated park lands. He further stated that inasmuch as the Peekskill plant will not accept leaves in bulk, the question remains as to where all of the communities will compost their leaves in the future. Mr. Altieri further indicated that the County had been approached twice previously about composting in Saxon Woods Park. The pending close of Taylor Lane has left the Town with the problem of what they are going to do with all of their leaves and that it is presently the biggest problem. Ms. Fredston stated that she is against endorsing the use of county park land for composting purposes. A discussion ensued on this and the purpose of the meeting with the County Executive. The discussion concluded with no action taken other than to await the County's actions. Communications to Commission Letter from FCWC - Ms. Ng apologized for the delay in relaying the letter and advised that the letter requested comments concerning rap sessions, etc. Mr. Komitor will complete the form. Ms. Johnson advised of the appointment of a new FCWC director, Diana Blair. New or Other Business Beautification Day - Ms. Johnson informed CAC that Beautification Day will be Saturday, April 16. However, elementary school students will work on Friday while scouts and neighborhood groups will work on Saturday. It is generally scheduled for low tide time in order that clean up can be done in marsh areas. Griffen (Winston) Property - Mr. Komitor referred to a letter concerning a field trip to lobby for the preservation of the area near the Scarsdale- Town border and he felt that members should consider going on the field trip. Several members advised that they were planning on going on the trip and comments were expressed concerning the area and disposition of the property. Mr. Komitor asked that the matter be placed back on the agenda for next month in order that future discussion can be had after the field trip had taken place. Annual Report - Ms. Ng advised that she had completed the job and had taken it to the printer today. However, she stated that in the future the project must start earlier as it necessitated a great deal of involvement and overtime work on her part. Ms. Ng further advised that she ordered 300 copies, 200 less than last year, since she still has an overabundance of the last annual report. She also felt that the printer overcharged for the job because of the shortness of time. A brief discussion was held on the distribution of the report and Ms. Ng advised that she had an adequate listing. -S- CAC Minutes - 3/24/88 EMC Water Seminar - Ms. Volk reminded the Commission of the upcoming Seminar to be held on Saturday, April 30 in Yorktown and she read a draft of the day's schedule. Ms. Volk expressed the hope that someone would be able to attend inasmuch as she would be away at the time. Proposal for Commission Duties - Mr. Goldstein submitted his proposals to the Chairman. It will be placed on the next agenda for further discussion. Gardeners' Qualifications to Handle Pesticide and Fertilizers - Mr. Bernstein advised that he saw a sticker on a gardener's truck indicating that he was qualified to distribute fertilizers and pesticides. Mr. Bernstein questioned the qualifications and asked about restrictions. It was brought out that the gardeners with stickers on their trucks are probably qualified but there are many who are not and are being used. Ms. Johnson advised of a nursery organization which gardeners belonged. After a brief discussion on the matter, some suggestions mentioned for reducing the problem were legislation and education. Mr. Goldstein indicated that DEC has a list of approved applicators and Mr. Komitor suggested that Mr. Bernstein coordinate a list of approved gardeners with Ms. Ng. Leghold Traps - Mr. Komitor advised that he received a letter from Mayor Noto indicating that local authorities are not allowed to preempt state, but that it would okay to post signs. The commission appreciates the input from Mayor Noto. The Chairman will continue to keep abreast of this matter. Resident Complaint - Mrs. Sylvia Scheuer explained that her property originally backed on to woods that belonged to the Beringers which backed on 0 to woods of the Winged Foot Golf Club. There is a stream running through her property and through what is known as Fenbrook Estates. Ms. Scheuer advised that the area of concern is rocky, very marshy with skunk cabbage and in her opinion fulfills the requirements of wetlands. The Planning Board, nevertheless, granted Mr. Maloney approval to develop about thirty acres. The developer had cut down a number of mature trees, the area adjacent to her property is now in a swamp condition with a hole larger than a family pool. Weak efforts have been made to drain the area. There are also deep ditches and it is hazardous. Dirt was trucked in and it is sitting in unsightly 12 feet high piles around the pool with nothing being done. Ms. Scheuer felt that some enforcement is necessary. Discussions centered around the present state of condition and the cutting down of trees. Mr. Leddy indicated that approval to cut down the trees are inherent with subdivision approvals. Mr. Altieri went further and advised that the developer was required to prepare a tree survey at the time, which listed all the trees that would fall under the law. Trees were allowed to be cut down for the building of the house and some trees were cut for public improvement such as for the road. Mr. Altieri suggested to Ms. Scheuer that she contact the Building Inspector's office tomorrow morning since the builder may be getting ready to build and that may account for the fill. The developer cannot bring in fill without submitting plans to the Building Inspector and if there are any hazardous conditions, there are laws covering lot and property maintenance in which the Building Inspector can cite the developer. Further discussion centered on the Building Inspector's role with regard • to the issuance of summonses under the Tree Preservation Law and the limits of the Commission regarding Mrs. Scheuer's complaint other than to make recommendations to the Town. Meeting adjourned at 10:15 P.M. -6- C ii j, Town of Mamaroneck \`0 ;onservation Advisory Commission R /„c�0' . 740 West Boston Post Road AP. 'rO Mamaroneck, N. Y. 10543 X11, l ?? J o ‘3/44/44,;„copecoke 4 a8 ' k „e ✓ 4 1987 ANNUAL REPORT -,. Annual Report for 1987 to The Town Council Town of Mamaroneck, N.Y. and to the Commissioner of the Department of Environmental Conservation of the State of New York by the Conservation Advisory Commission Robert I. Komitor, Chairman The Conservation Advisory Commission is a tri-municipal body serving the Town and Village of Mamaroneck and the Village of Larchmont. This annual report concentrates on the activities occurring in the year 1987. More detailed background on the history and the functions of the CAC will be given as a separate brochure in 1988. , CHAIRMAN'S COMMENTS — HIGHLIGHTS OF 1986 1987 proved to be an active year Myrtle Boulevard. In addition, Comments on Legislation for environmental projects and the Commission continued to The Commission reviewed and decisionmaking in Mamaroneck. oversee and comment on outside commented on the revised litter The Commission considered and projects which could impact our law proposed by the Town of commented on a number of community, including Davids Mamaroneck., as well as the important environmental issues, Island in New Rochelle, Golden State's proposed legislation to and pursued once again its Horseshoe Shopping Center in promote resource recovery. In yearly water monitoring project Scarsdale and the development of addition, for the second year conducted by consultant Robert the Jay Property in Rye. the Commission wrote to various Hohberg. In addition, our legislators urging an increase recycling programs continued to Water Quality and Management in the State budget allocated serve as a viable alternative to CAC consultant Robert Hohberg for CACs and EMCs. The dumping and other environ- continued his study of Commission also wrote to each of mentally less attractive forms Mamaroneck waterways with a its member municipalities of waste disposal. detailed analysis of the Guion concerning proposed legislation Creek region. His findings, on regulating the use of leghold!, Projects which pinpointed possible traps. Gardens Lake Dredging sources of oil and sewage Project: The Commission was pollution, are enlightening and Outlook asked to review and comment on have been reported to the 1988 should prove to be the proposed project to dredge Village of Mamaroneck. another eventful year for Gardens Lake. A special hearing We were also honored and environmental activity in our was conducted by the CAC on this pleased to serve as co-host for community. The long-awaited issue with the meeting open for the County Environmental Gardens Lake dredging project is public comment. Management Council's yearly expected to get under way; Sheldrake River Flume: The seminar on Basin and Corridor federally funded flood control Town of Mamaroneck was faced Management, which focused this strategies in the Village of this year with having to make an year on Mamaroneck waterways. Mamaroneck will be investigated; immediate and difficult decision concerns about maintaining open on whether to approve initial Solid Waste space, particularly relating to investigations by the U.S. Army Maintaining and improving our Bonnie Briar Country Club, will Corps of Engineers for the recycling programs remained a be addressed; and plans for placement of a cement flume in priority for the Commission. We sprucing up and further certain portions of the continued our efforts for publicizing our conservation Sheldrake River to alleviate finding alternative sites for areas, including our many trails flooding. The CAC considered leaf composting should the and walking areas, will this hotly debated issue, current Taylors Lane site be hopefully be implemented. We recognizing the need for flood lost. To that end a contour map also anticipate more coordina- control, but noting the severe of the Rockridge Road area was tion with the CZMCs and Planning environmental disruptions that developed to determine the and Zoning Boards to promptly it would cause. feasibility of using this and efficiently oversee the Miscellaneous Development location as a compost site. environmental impact of Projects: The Commission Unfortunately, the site was development projects. rendered comments on a variety ultimately determined by Town Finally, given the continuing of other development projects engineers to be unfeasible. lack of available landfill space within the tri-municipal area Although we continued in the County, we expect to including a proposed commercial/ publicizing our recycling further concentrate our efforts residential complex on Mamaro- programs, it nonetheless appears on maintaining and expanding our neck Avenue in the Village of that our newspaper recycling recycling program. Mamaroneck (WHS Harbor, Inc.), figures have dropped from last My thanks to our dedicated the Westchester Religious year's. We hope and will strive and knowledgeable members, both Institute Athletie Field in the for improvement in 1988. active and emeritus, along with Village of Mamaroneck, expansion Finally, a survey of Claudia Ng, our Environmental of the Volvo Sales and Service alternative recycling markets Coordinator who has done a Center in the Village of Larch- was conducted in order to insure spectacular job this year, for mont (Mayer of Westchester), the the best contract for our their participation and Fenbrook Subdivision in the Town recyclable wastes and to serve contributions. of Mamaroneck, and the Coughlin as protection should current Office Building project at 178 markets fail. --Robert I. Komitor C.A.C. Chairman • � f WATER COURSES AND WATER BODIES Water Monitoring Committee Hearing chaired by EMC Seminar This year the CAC continued and Sen. Suzi Oppenheimer as to all On April 25, the CAC hosted a broadened its monitoring of the pertinent points of pollution very successful day-long condition of local waterways. contingent to the Long Island Environmental Management Council As in the past, Robert Sound uncovered during his seminar on drainage basin and Hohberg conducted extensive studies of both the Mamaroneck stream corridor management. pollution monitoring activities and Sheldrake Rivers along with Laura Tessier, District --this year in Guion Creek. the current Guion Creek project. Manager for the County Soil and This study both corroborated and --Robert Hohberg Water District, discussed basin substantially supplemented the management techniques, and pollution monitoring done on a Andrew Tung, a landscape more limited basis by the architect, described site Department of Health. Sources Gardens Lake Dredging Project development considerations and of sewage and oil pollution were Gardens Lake, a one and a half problems from a builder's point pinpointed. acre pond, was last dredged in of view. Robert Wasp, Assistant Results from Bob's study 1970. The water depth is now Commissioner of the County include the following: 1.8 feet; after dredging, the Health Department, discussed tl! *The pH readings indicate a lake will have an average water effect of concentrated slightly basic (mean 7.5) creek depth of 4 feet. The Commission commercial and industrial which emulsifies oil spills and unanimously agreed that dredging development on water basins. I picks up a high reading at the is needed to insure the lake's The lectures were followed by South Barry Avenue pump station critical function as a flood on-site tours of the Mamaroneck (high tide). Therefore, a high control mechanism and also and Sheldrake River basins to point of oil pollution is recommends the installation of illustrate the effects on these indicated at South Barry Ave. catch basins to minimize the rivers of open land (Larchmont *Turbidity analysis indicates need for future dredging Reservoir, Bonnie Briar Country that the waters between 33 projects. Club, the Duck Pond); highly meters upstream from South Barry While recognizing the need developed industrial areas Ave. and 198 meters upstream for dredging, the CAC focused (Washingtonville); and office from South Barry Ave. are its concern on the ultimate park development (Mamaroneck carrying the largest amounts of disposal site of the dredge Avenue). particles. The drop-offs beyond spoil, strongly recommending Approximately 40 people from these points show the areas of that alternatives other than the throughout the county attended unloading and therefore areas of Hommocks site be actively to learn firsthand how planning sand bar deposition. explored. If the Hommocks marsh and management decisions affect *Salinity readings indicate a site is chosen, safeguards and a stream corridor and water possible halocline at or about precautions to protect the basin. 231 meters upstream from South fragility of this critical Barry Ave. Coliform counts and environmental marsh area were --Irma Volk fecal counts clearly incriminate suggested such as adequate the large culvert at Continental containment material to prevent Manor as a serious point of the possibility of lateral bacterial pollution. displacement and adequate In conclusion, the study capping material. The • strongly recommends that the Commission alsoexpressed large culvert at Continental concern over the possibility of Manor be thoroughly investigated toxic and hazardous materials in for possible sewage the spoil and requested a contamination. complete chemical analysis prior "v The findings of this study, to confirming a disposal site. along with summaries of both the The latest plan, to date, is ' y. Mamaroneck and Sheldrake River to dry the spoils on site and to , studies were formerly presented truck it to a landfill. If a 411111k- ��i� to Mayor Noto and the Mamaroneck landfill cannot be located then "Sz `= 1 ; \ Village Board. the dredged material would be '` •` In addition to reporting buried in trenches along the 'f..-_....1:1-:1 �� , these findings to the Department edge of the Hommocks playing of Health, Bob Hohberg also field. • testified at the State Senate --Elinor Fredston ,p - y , A FENBROOK SUBDIVISION CONSIDERATIONS FERTILIZER & PESTICIDE CONTROL CONSERVATION AREAS, CEMETERIES, AND SUMMER The Fenbrook Subdivision, a In the summer of 1987, Town of CONSERVATION WORK/STUDY PROGRAM 30-acre, 32-unit, single-family Mamaroneck beaches, including development off Fenimore Road in Harbor Island, were closed Highway personnel continued to the Town of Mamaroneck, several times. Thousands of respond to various maintenance continued to be scrutinized by fish died and benthic needs throughout the year. the CAC. In particular, the CAC life--lobsters, clams, and Several planks on catwalks and had concerns relating to bottom fish suffered. The bridges along the Leather- protection of Freshwater suspected causes were a stocking Trail were replaced and Wetlands and Water Courses and combination of sewage pollution, piles of debris and yard waste to flood, erosion and siltation a rise in water temperature, inconsiderately dumped along the controls. and, as a contributing factor, trails were removed. the overuse of fertilizers and During the summer, four high CAC recommended: pesticides on lawns and school students--James Amlicke, 1) Preservation or shrubbery. Overuse of Kirsten Treumen, Matthew Burke, restoration of a greenbelt or fertilizers, which eventually and Jean-Paul Plumez-- buffer strip along the water wash into Long Island Sound, participated in the Summer 9. course that transects the lead to eutrophication (lack of Conservation Apprenticeship Fenbrook Subdivision and feeds oxygen), a primary cause of Work/Study Program. With their into the East Branch of the death for fish and other forms help, a new trail was added at Sheldrake River. of sea life. The toxic effects the Larchmont Reservoir/James G. 2) Retaining native wetland of pesticides are well known. Johnson, Jr. Conservancy. It vegetation. Any ordinance regulating the extended the trail and the top 3) Discouraging lawns running amount of chemicals used is, for of the dam to Dennis Drive in to stream edge in order to all practical purposes, New Rochelle, providing a lovely protect stream from fertilizer unenforceable. The CAC has, walk along the northeastern and pesticide pollution. therefore, brought to the front of the Lake. Approximately 4) Urging enforcement of the attention of the Orienta Point a dozen Arbor vitae and a dozen restriction of no construction Association, which includes home white pine were planted along within twenty feet of the top of owners, schools, golf and yacht the first part of this new the stream bank including fill clubs, the necessity of route. In addition, these (described as a structural monitoring their gardeners so students assisted in trail addition--see Flood Damage that the absolute minimum of maintenance and catwalk and Prevention Law). chemicals will be used this bridge repair at both the 5) Review of individual site spring. The CAC plans to notify Reservoir and the Sheldrake plan for areas within 100 feet other neighborhood associations River Trails. of the stream (Freshwater of the urgent necessity to Wetlands and Water Courses Law). minimize the use of fertilizers --Tom Leddy & and pesticides. Claudia Ng We supplied a partial list of --Charles Bernstein natural wetland plants and supported the Planning Board in the implementation of Flood Damage Prevention and Freshwater RECYCLING Wetlands and Water Courses laws. With the incentive of State reimbursement for recycling equipment, the --Mary Anne Johnson Conservation Department undertook a comprehensive analysis of our recycling program. New markets for our recyclable goods were explored and will be finalized in the early part of the coming year. Reasons for inefficiency at the depot were investigated and is currently undergoing correction. Although 1987 did not reap effective changes from this study, 1988 will see the fruits of this effort to improve our recycling in quantity, economics, and quality. --Claudia Ng Savings on © Hauling Tons Sale and/or Less Net Collected Revenue Dumping* Cost Savings Metals 208.175 999 4,320 2,082 3,237 Glass 59.6 730 1,237 3,692 -1,725 Leaves 3,400* -0- 70,550 6,391 64,159 Newspaper 544.135 16,324 11,291 22,182 5,433 4,211.91 $18,053 $87,398 $34,347 $71,104 *Estimate 4 CONSERVATION ADVISORY COMMISSION MEMBERS Term Name Resident Expires Main Functional Occupation of 12/31 Assignment/Interest Robert Komitor M 1989 Chairman, Environmental Laws . Attorney ' Gloria Allen L 1987 Recycling Nurse Susan Amlicke T Emeritus Recycling & Litter F.I.R.S.T.' County Refuse Disposal Advisory Board Charles Bernstein M 1989 Waterfront Meteorologist Suzanne Carpenter L 1988 Preservation & Conservation Professor, Financial Planner Elinor Fredston L 1989 Wetlands & Watercourses Environmentalist, Consultant ! Robert Funicello M 1987 Land Use, Environmental Laws Attorney Steven Goldstein T 1988 Planning Attorney, Planner Mary Anne Johnson L Emeritus L.I.F.E. Center Environmental Educator James Santos T 1988 Planning & Zoning Engineer Irma Volk T 1988 Environmental Education Environmental Educator, & Open Space EMC Member II 1 T-Town Unincorporated Area; L-Village of Larchmont; M-Village of Mamaroneck *Family Information and Referral Service Team CAC Liaisons and Consultants Robert Hohberg - Water Monitoring Consultant i P. Thomas Leddy - Beautification Director Claudia Ng - Environmental Coordinator Caroline Silverstone - Town Council Liaison Geoffrey Young - Larchmont Village Trustee Liaison CONSERVATION ADVISORY COMMISSION . BUDGET 1987 Personal Services $31,262.60 I .- Consultants ` \l"'/ `` !'General Environment 3,750.01 i .Z; Water Monitoring 3,500.00 Water Monitoring Supplies 2,506.13 eV' -�,..r.';. fit;. Equipment ^ � Maintenance, Operational and Rental 11,620.70 / +4 Tools, Lumber, and Hardware 214.91 i, Telephone 859.26 /..- '''_v;- • Office Supplies 227.02 1� prg � Plants, Trees, and Mosquito Control 1,880.29 Operating Supplies 73.98 C. Publications 79.00 Annual Report 635.00 L.I.F.E. 3,700.00 Photo Supplies 20.16 $60,329.06 •* AFFILIATED ASSOCIATIONS 1 Environmental Education The Larchmont Reservoir the Reservoir. and L.I.F.E. Center The year 1987 was a year of A beginning was made on the L.I.F.E. Center helped organize considerable accomplishment at repair and improvement of the a variety of events and programs the Reservoir Conservancy. The 1929 Filter Plant, which ceased in 1987. following is a list of some of operation in 1975. Further work I' In the schools, L.I.F.E. the highlights. is planned in 1988. Center held a Natural Science Work was completed on the Just at the year-end Book Fair, gave guided nature refurbishment and enlargement of contracts were signed among the tours for 30 classes, and the Potting Shed, and it was Friends, the Town of Mamaroneck organized a recycling Poster dedicated as a Visitor's Center and the designer and builder of Contest among all four and L.I.F.E. Field Station in the valve automation project, elementary schools. In Central February. Since then the intended to make more effective School, a pilot lunch-time Potting Shed has served to the management of the water nature club was a big success provide a focal point for a level in Sheldrake Lake (the and may be repeated and expanded variety of Resrvoir activities, upper Reservoir) for flood in 1988. some of which have been made control purposes. Other programs for children possible, in good weather and The Reservoir Conservancy held in 1987 were an bad, by its availability. continues to be an excellent after-school Ranger Rick program A substantial beginning was example of the benefits to be for kindergarteners and first made on the projected wildflower derived by the community from graders involving 19 children, garden behind the Potting Shed, inter-municipal cooperation two summer toddler programs held in accordance with plans aided by the efforts of at the Larchmont Reservoir and developed cooperatively by the voluntary organizations. To the Flint Park, and scholarships to Friends of the Reservoir, the Larchmont Reservoir Committee, environmental education camps, Larchmont Garden Club, and the CAC and the Town which were extended to eight L.I.F.E., and with the Girl Conservation Department - students this summer. Scouts effecting the first tree congratulations and many thanks. Activities for adults and the and shrub plantings in community in general included: commemoration of their 75th --James G. Johnson, Jr. 1) 33 "Wednesday Walks," anniversary. A vegetable garden which involved over 30 was planted by the Westchester volunteers and interested Men's Garden Club which produced Premium River-Pine Brook approximately 275 residents; a substantial supply of fresh Preservation Asoociation 2) annual Beautification Day; vegetables for the group of The second annual Premium River 3) a Library Exhibit in religious institutions providing Celebration was held on Sunday March; meals for the homeless. afternoon, October25, 1987, at 4) a 2-day Environmental Thanks to the Town Lorenzen Park, Larchmont. Education Workshop at Manor Conservation Department, aided Representatives of the Beach and Sheldrake River by a particularly hardworking Conservation Advisory Trails; and interested summer work crew Commission, the L.I.F.E. Center, 5) Project Riverwatch--a of young people, the Reservoir and the Premium River-Pine Brook continuous water quality property was put in fine shape, Preservation Association monitoring program conducted at with new trails added, an osprey (sponsoring organization) Larchmont Reservoir. nesting platform set up and much highlighted the importance of The L.I.F.E. Center also progress made on the variety of the marsh and river system to helped co-sponsor several other other projects under way. residents, wildlife, and Long community events with other A program was conducted of Island Sound ecology. local organizations, such as the testing regularly the quality of Presentations were supplemented Reservoir Weekend Walks with the the Reservoir water, as part of by handouts, charts, and maps. Friends of the Reservoir, and Project Riverwatch under the Members of the community enjoyed provided information to leadership of Professor Barbara opportunities to walk in the countless residents during the Dexter of the Environmental marsh with naturalists, to Emelin Street Fair. Sciences Department at SUNY- observe the river by boat and Purchase, and some sophisticated canoe, and to' make nature crafts --Alice Bloom equipment for this purpose was and plantings with seeds. purchased with joint financing by Riverwatch and the Friends of --Suzanne Carpenter . .- . . _. _ . _._. . A