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Public meeting held on Lake Massapequa one-foot raise; consultants to survey private property for impacts
Summary
Board members heard an update on the project to raise Lake Massapequa one foot. Staff and DES held a public informational meeting in Auburn; consultants will survey private property to model impacts to structures and septic systems and identify mitigation needs.
Board members were briefed on the Lake Massapequa one-foot raise project during the April 24 meeting and told the board that a recent informational meeting in Auburn — attended by project staff and the Department of Environmental Services — drew public questions and discussion.
Staff said the consultant will seek permission to enter private property to perform elevation and topographic surveys. The preliminary study, based on mapping, identified about nine culverts and three structures that may be affected; staff said many cottages along the lake belong to a single property owner (staff referenced 20 cottages on one property). The surveys will measure fixture elevations such as septic tanks and house thresholds to model site-specific impacts and to develop mitigation measures where necessary.
Staff described the outreach in Auburn as helpful; DES personnel participated and provided context that the project is intended to increase storage capacity for the southern portion of the state and that additional study and mitigation planning are expected. Staff said the consultant’s fieldwork and modeling could take a few months and noted the project is federally funded.
Board members asked about next steps; staff replied that consultants will compile the survey data, create models showing potential inundation or septic impacts, and propose measures to mitigate identified impacts. Staff said they will return to the board as the survey results become available.
