Committee reiterates need for hydrologic study and coordinated LWRP review for Woods Creek

Committee members returned to the Woods Creek channelization topic and emphasized that previous remarks were conceptual only. Speakers noted that at the last meeting the committee agreed the "concept" was understood but insufficient for a formal LWRP consistency determination.

Participants said that before any channel-clearing or channelization work begins, the town should require a comprehensive hydrologic/hydraulic study, explicit project work methods, and environmental review with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and the Army Corps as appropriate. One member recalled prior guidance: you cannot proceed with ad hoc mechanical clearing of channels without a coordinated plan and regulatory clearance; DEC staff and Corps staff had previously instructed the town to avoid unpermitted disturbance unless a compliant plan is in place.

Committee members recommended the planning/engineering departments clarify who will take point on coordination (engineering department vs conservation board liaison) and requested that staff bring a specific RFP or scope-of-work to the group. Members also flagged that a broader hydrologic study covering multiple creeks (rather than piecemeal work on one creek) would better support funding, planning, and environmental compliance.

Next steps: the committee asked that Paul (previous point person) or the planning liaison contact engineering to establish who will coordinate, that a hydrologic study scope be prepared, and that the town not proceed with physical channel work until environmental review and approved methods are in place.