The first Boat Brigade Report found the follow questionable water pipes flowing water into the river on a dry day.
The Report was sent to the township responsible for this section of the river, and the pipes are being investigated.
On Saturday, June 6, a group of kayakers explored a section of the Wallkill River as part of a new citizen watershed protection effort. This report summarizes four observations of conditions that warrant further investigation or explanation.
It was an overcast day, Windy coming from the north. No rain the past few days, the temp ~ 65 degrees.
Oily Orange Seeps at Popp Memorial Park boat launch
(41˚ 36’ 04”N 74˚ 10’ 58”W)
In several areas, ruts have formed in the boat launch at Popp Memorial Park, and in these ruts, there is a fluffy grainy orange/rust colored substance that appears to be leaching from the ground. In parts of this ooze there is also an oily rainbow sheen. There was no odor. We ask that the town and the DEC investigate these to identify the source and character of the substances observed.
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Three dry weather pipe discharges:
We observed two pipes with steady flow. There had been no rain recorded in the three days prior to our observations. (The last rainfall recorded, in Montgomery, was 1.54 inches on June 1, and 0.73 inches on June 2.) To the best of our knowledge, based on available information, none of these outfalls is among those that has been mapped as part of the Town of Shawangunk’s obligations under the MS4 general permit, nor are any of the outfalls covered by a NYS SPDES permit. We request that these pipe discharges be investigated, the source of discharge identified, and the character of the discharge assessed to determine how or if they should be permitted or eliminated.
1. Pipe at Popp Memorial Park
(41˚ 46’ 5” N, 74˚ 10’ 59” W)
The first pipe is just north of the boat launch at Popp Memorial Park.
No odor or other evidence (trash, toilet paper) suggest what the origin of this pipe might be. It had a steady flow of what appeared to be clear water when it was observed at 9:33 a.m. Saturday, June 6.
2. Pipe at Wallkill Car Care Center property
41˚ 36’ 0” N, 74˚ 10’ 55” W
The second pipe is just south of Popp Memorial Park, at the property identified as Wallkill Car Care Center, between the Stewart’s shop on Route 208 and the Wallkill River.
No odor or other evidence (trash, toilet paper) suggest what the origin of this pipe might be. It had a steady flow of what appeared to be clear water when it was observed at 9:42 a.m. Saturday, June 6.
3. Pipe near Wallkill Body Shop and Glass
41˚ 35’ 59” N, 74˚ 10’ 57” W
The third pipe is just south of the second pipe, at either the Wallkill Body Shop and Glass property or the adjacent residential property.
No odor or other evidence (trash, toilet paper) suggest what the origin of this pipe might be. It had a steady flow of what appeared to be clear water when it was observed at 9:42am, Saturday June 6.
The Wallkill Boat Brigade in attendance:
Brenda Bowers
Arthur Cemelli
Dan Shapley
Patricia Henighan