Advisory board hears update on creek rehabilitation; DEC permitting and Corps approvals remain outstanding

The advisory board discussed the status of a creek rehabilitation proposal that would include ditch cleaning and possible piping. Members said prior correspondence included a DEC "letter of no jurisdiction" issued about four years ago for ditch cleaning, but that the current scope (piping or structural changes) requires an updated jurisdictional review and permits.

A member summarized the permitting situation: ‘‘There’s new regulations on wetlands so that everything you just can't look at the map and say, okay. There's no wetlands there,’’ and said the DEC now requires coordinates or shapefiles and an updated jurisdictional decision. An advisory board member confirmed the town had submitted an initial request to DEC and that additional, more specific paperwork — including piping specifications — was pending.

Committee members urged staff to follow up with DEC staff (Lisa, referenced in discussion) to confirm whether the earlier letter remains valid for the proposed work or whether a new request is required. The board also discussed coordination with the Army Corps of Engineers and state DOT depending on the chosen rehabilitation approach.

Ending: The board agreed staff should request an updated DEC determination and clarify permit timelines so the committee and the town can plan the next steps for dredging/ piping work.