Reservoir is now a health issue…

Last week, the NYC Health Department issued a press release that stated Two New Yorkers have been infected with the West Nile Virus. You can read it here:

Two New Yorkers Test Positive for West Nile

What does this have to do with the Reservoir you ask?

Simple, for the last several months the DEP has kept the reservoir empty on both sides of the wall. The north side is empty and pretty much dry, however the south side is empty but with large standing pools of water that have now turned green and mossy.

So why is this a health issue? Again, simple, standing water attracts mosquitoes and with them come disease. The Health Departments own statement says:

“Take Simple Steps to Avoid Mosquitoes

* Eliminate any standing water from your property, and dispose of containers that can collect water.
Make sure roof gutters are clean and draining properly. Standing water is a violation of the health code. ”

So is DEP getting a violation? This is a serious situation that needs immediate addressing. Millions of mosquitoes could be breeding as I am typing this, do you want to be the next infected person?

I am asking everyone to call 311 and report the standing water in the south side of the reservoir. Please ask for a complaint number and if you can send it to us via our Contact us.

Philip McDonnell
FIPNA

Posted by karen | Leave a Comment

Friends of Jerome Park Reservoir say:

Blasting at Jerome Park Reservoir?

NO WAY!

Thursday, June 19, 2008 beginning at 7 pm at Vladeck Hall,

(74 Van Cortlandt Park South at HIllman Avenue)

Our precious reservoir, as well as our peace and quiet, is in jeopardy!

In documents explaining the construction of the water filtration plant in the Mosholu Golf Course, the City’s Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) indicated that there would also be significant construction necessary at the Jerome Park Reservoir on Goulden Avenue right in front of the Bronx High School of Science. Unfortunately, in 2004 that project was approved by the City Council anyway.

But now that the work at the reservoir is about to commence, the DEP has come up with a dangerous new wrinkle. Rather than dig their holes using a “mechanical” method, DEP documents indicate that on Thursday night they are prepared to tell our community that they will be conducting BLASTING to dig the hole instead!

Aside from the noise and dust this will cause, this will mean they will be sending 45-90 trucks through our community each week in order to remove the 9,000 cubic yards of residual dirt. Please note that these trucks will not be necessary if they stick to their already-approved drilling method.

Needless to say the disruption to our community, the affect on all the schools along education row, in particular to the Bronx High School of Science, as well as the traffic congestion this will mean for our entire region is not acceptable. The timing of this proposal raises questions. Also, to conduct this sort of change to their original Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) without significant review or even issuing another study is not permitted.

Please join your neighbors at the Croton Facilities Monitoring Committee meeting that is to take place this Thursday, June 19, 2008 beginning at 7 pm at Vladeck Hall, (74 Van Cortlandt Park South at HIllman Avenue) to let the DEP know that we are united and strong against this nightmare. This meeting will include other items, such as local job opportunities, and public access to the reservoir. Please come.

For more information visit: www.waterblogged.org under the Friends of Jerome Park Reservoir category, or email: JeromePark@aol.com

Posted by karen | 1 Comment

NYC DEP WATER BOARD HEARING ON 14.5% RATE INCREASE

The New York City Water Board will hold Hearings to hear from the public. It is anticipated that there will be a change from currently effective water rates and wastewater charges for services provided by the System, to be effective commencing July 1, 2008.

1. Metered and unmetered water rates will increase by an amount not to exceed 14.5%.
2. Wastewater charges will remain at 159% of water charges.

All members of the public who wish to testify at a hearing should contact Kevin Kunkle, New York City Water Board, 59-17 Junction Boulevard, 8th Floor, Flushing, NY 11373, telephone (718) 595-3601, email: kkunkle@dep.nyc.gov, not later than May 2, 2008. Oral testimony will be limited to five (5) minutes duration. A copy of any prepared or written statement may be submitted to the Water Board at the above address by the close of business May 2, 2008.

• Bronx, Monday, May 5 at 6:00 PM: Manhattan College, De La Salle Hall, Room 209, 4513 Manhattan College Parkway, Bronx, NY 10471
• Queens, Tuesday, May 6 at 11:00 AM: Dept. of Environmental Protection, Training Room, 6th Floor, 59-17 Junction Boulevard, Flushing, NY 11373
• Staten Island, Tuesday, May 6 at 6:00 PM: College of Staten Island, Center for the Arts, Recital Hall, 2800 Victory Boulevard, Staten Island, NY 10314
• Manhattan, Wednesday, May 7 at 5:30 PM: St. John’s University - Manhattan, Room 123, 101 Murray Street, New York, NY 10314
• Brooklyn, Thursday, May 8 at 6:00 PM: Brooklyn College, Student Center, Alumni Lounge, (opposite Whitehead Hall), East 27th Street and Campus Rd., Brooklyn, NY 11210

Plan to attend and/or comment. We will have some points to mention in a few days. Perhaps some of our interested water bloggers can add some as well. For more information about the Water Board go to:

http://www.nyc.gov/html/nycwaterboard/html/home/home.shtml

Posted by karen | 3 Comments