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DEC Region 7 advised homeowners responsible for Snake Creek; town told to obtain written authorization for emergency work
Summary
A DEC Region 7 employee told the Town Board that homeowners bear responsibility for Snake Creek on private lakefront property and that the town should avoid unilateral intervention without hard-copy DEC authorization; the board has not yet received formal Region 7 guidance and will continue outreach.
During its June 24 special meeting, the Town Board of Richland recorded guidance from a DEC Region 7 employee that homeowners are responsible for maintenance and remediation of Snake Creek where it runs through private lakefront property. The minutes say the DEC staff cautioned the town to avoid involvement without written authorization to limit municipal liability.
Town members recalled prior emergency situations in which the town cleared blockages only after receiving a formal letter from DEC authorizing the work. The board noted it has attempted to contact DEC Region 7 for clarifying guidance on responsibilities and emergency authorization procedures but had not received a response as of the meeting.
Board direction included continuing attempts to reach Region 7 and documenting all outreach efforts; staff were asked to request formal, hard-copy guidance on when the town may act in emergencies versus when homeowners must act. The minutes do not record a change in town policy; members deferred any policy revision until formal guidance is received and until staff can present options.
