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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE TO: Members of the Press DATE: May 9, 2009 RE: Conserving the Ramapo Mountains and the Ramapo River Watershed Regarding Tuxedo Reserve connecting to the western Ramapo Advanced Waste Water Treatment Plant (AWWTP): We believe the conservation value of the site for the Related Companies’ proposed development, Tuxedo Reserve, is so great that its highest and best use would be to remain wilderness. The site drains into the Ramapo River Aquifer, an EPA-designated sole source aquifer serving millions of people in New York and New Jersey—an aquifer which is already seriously challenged. Construction would create new sources of pollution in this currently pristine area. Deforestation and soil removal would give surface water access to cracks in the bedrock, allowing pollutants to flow directly into the ground water. Increased impervious surfaces would speed surface water run off, adding to flooding - already a serious issue downstream in Suffern and Wayne. Proximity to open space is an issue. The site is surrounded by Harriman State Park, Sterling Forest State Park (a $78 million investment), the Wanaque Wildlife Management Area, Passaic County Park Tranquility Ridge, Ringwood State Park, Ramapo Mountain State Forest, and Ramapo Valley County Reservation. The development would build houses on land that is dedicated parkland in Sterling Forest State Park. In terms of biodiversity, the site is in the heart of the US Geological Survey quadrant with highest value for reptiles and amphibians in New York State, supporting unfragmented Chestnut Oak forest. Studies of surrounding land indicate habitat for timber rattlesnakes, designated threatened in New York State. The National Audubon Society recognizes Harriman State Park, Sterling Forest State Park and the private lands in between to constitute an Important Bird Area. Due to the conservation value of the site, we recommend that this land be incorporated into Sterling Forest State Park. If indeed the applicant does succeed in gaining all the permits needed for the development, we recommend that Orange County and the Town of Tuxedo require the applicant to build an advanced wastewater treatment plant in Tuxedo that will provide recharge to the aquifer upstream, a preferable scenario above and beyond either piping it downstream to Rockland County Sewer District Number 1's western Ramapo treatment plant for treatment and discharge, or piping wastewater downstream for treatment and then pumping it back upstream for discharge. that that Rockland County Sewer District Number 1 should maintain their restriction limiting service to Rockland County. Rockland County and the Sewer District should decline the Related Companies’ request for access to the new Advanced Waste Water Treatment Plant in Hillburn for Tuxedo Reserve. Such a connection would betray the public interest. Prepared by Patsy Wooters
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