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Board reviews DEC response on Swan Bay culvert; hydrologic study, E. coli sampling discussed
Summary
Town consultant Rob told the board the DEC’s response expressed concern that replacing the culvert may not improve water quality and recommended a hydrologic study; Rob also reported sporadic high E. coli hits in water sampling and described limits on dye testing and permitting complications.
Rob summarized a written response from the DEC that he characterized as a denial-type letter, saying DEC was not confident that reinstalling the culvert would improve water quality and that it recommended a thorough hydrologic study before permitting work near a downstream wetland. He said the DEC also raised concerns about clearing a ditch on adjacent private property and noted caveats tied to state-funded land-protection conditions.
Rob reported multiple water samples taken earlier in the season that produced “very high hits of E. Coli, not everywhere, but kind of sporadic hit.” He said the sampling did not conclusively tie contamination to failed septic systems, and that homeowners were reluctant to permit dye testing for fear of enforcement. Board members debated whether to withdraw the current DEC application, pursue the hydrologic study, or coordinate a meeting with DEC to review alternatives; several members cautioned against further taxpayer spending if the state would not permit the culvert as proposed.
Rob said DEC offered to meet to discuss alternatives and that the town could either proceed with the study or pull the application after discussing options. The board agreed to contact DEC to request a meeting and to weigh next steps after that exchange.
