Warren County Soil & Water posts MS4 draft annual report, seeks public comment; accepts small event grants

Nick Roblin, representing the Warren County Soil and Water Conservation District, told the committee that the district posted a draft annual report and updates to the stormwater management program for the county’s Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System permit (MS4) and opened both documents for public comment.

The draft annual report covers year one (2024) of the new MS4 permit; the stormwater management program plan updates apply to permit years 2025 and 2026. Roblin said the MS4 permit is a federally required program administered in New York by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency rules as implemented through the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation. He said copies are available on the Soil and Water district website and will be posted on the county website; he also left a paper copy with Mr. Hajos and provided contact information for questions.

The district’s announcements matter because MS4 permit terms require municipalities to document stormwater controls and seek public input; local plans can affect where and how stormwater projects, outreach, and contractor work proceed.

Committee members then took routine funding actions tied to Soil and Water outreach and programming. The board approved a budget amendment to accept $2,500 in occupancy-tax support for “hobby and special interest” series programs (motion and second on the record). The committee also authorized applying for and, if awarded, accepting a $4,000 award from a community conservation program administered through the Soil and Water Conservation District; members said that grant has supported past spring events and fish-hatchery programming.

Roblin and staff also reviewed upcoming public events managed or supported by the district. The annual Maple Festival is scheduled for Saturday, March 8, with demonstrations on tapping and a tour of the sugarhouse. The district will host a spring “Spring Zing” event on Saturday, May 10, 9:30 a.m.–2 p.m., featuring partner agencies, demonstrations and free admission; the district plans to supply a simple lunch. Roblin noted the Maple Train will run on the Saratoga & North Creek line to Hadley event locations and asked the committee to help distribute posters to local municipalities.

Roblin said the volunteer group Friends of Off Yonder (name as spoken) intends to donate funds to extend a seasonal part‑time summer position so the district can keep an intern or seasonal naturalist on through the summer. Committee members said they expect the donation to be brought back for formal acceptance at a future meeting.

The committee did not debate or change the technical terms of the MS4 permit at this meeting; members focused on public-notice logistics, event planning, and routine funding and outreach items.