Project Description
The New York City Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Bureau of Environmental Planning and Analysis (BEPA) has reviewed the proposed project to conduct geotechnical investigations and stratigraphic borings at one location on CCI property on Danskammer Road in the Town of Newburgh, Orange County, New York. The purpose of these test wells is to determine the geological and engineering characteristics of the soil and rock for use in planning a route for a new drinking water supply tunnel along the Rondout-West Branch portion of the Delaware Aqueduct. The proposed boring is to be located near the entrance to the coal pile area adjacent to the Dynegy Danskammer Generating Station, Town of Newburgh, Ulster County, New York 12550. Prior to the start of any site preparation activities, erosion and sediment controls, primarily including silt fence, would be installed to prevent runoff from disturbed areas from transporting sediment to other parts of the site. No site grading and only minor brush clearing activities are proposed in association with site preparation for boring RB-16. Clean gravel would be deposited in localized areas within the work area surrounding the borehole to provide a stabilized surface for drilling equipment, storage tanks, generators, etc. The deposition of clean gravel within the work area surrounding the boring may result in minor disturbance (several inches or less) to the ground surface. If artesian water pressures are encountered as part of the proposed project, a small amount of groundwater may be discharged into an unnamed stream and Hudson River near the project site. Water would be collected in a sump at the head of the borehole, then pumped to sedimentation tanks for settling fines. The sump area would also be surrounded by sand bags to reduce the potential for water flow out of the area. Sedimentation tanks with a minimum capacity of 20,000 gallons, connected in series if required, will be provided within the work area. The water will be stored in the sedimentation tanks for turbidity analyses. If the collected water is clear, it will be released in a controlled manner to nearby water bodies. Any artesian water would be released in a controlled manner to the Hudson River located approximately 900 feet from the boring location. Artesian water that does not meet the turbidity requirements will be hauled to an approved disposal facility by a permitted NYSDEC Part 364 waste transporter. The drilling contractor will select an approved disposal facility, such as the facility utilized during the 2011-2012 deep test boring program. NYSDEC Division of Mineral Resources permits have been submitted, and a Town of Newburgh Clearing and Grading Permit application would be submitted, as well, should the Town assume regulatory jurisdiction over the temporary, minor disturbance. NYSDEC would be consulted regarding the need for a SPDES industrial discharge permit. Previous program borings encountered artesian pressures but did not require a SPDES permit due to the small, temporary nature of the discharge and the enactment of a proactive monitoring and management plan. No federal permits are required.
