Update: Gas Drilling in the NYC Watershed

On December 15, 2008, Riverkeeper submitted comments on the proposed scope of the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for industrial gas drilling of the Marcellus Shale, located in part within the NYC Watershed. Riverkeeper believes hydraulic fracturing, the planned technique for extracting the gas, has the potential to adversely impact surface and groundwater supplies in the New York City Watershed - the source of unfiltered drinking water for 9 million New Yorkers. In our comments, we have asked for the scope of the environmental review to be expanded to fully assess potential impacts to thewatershed.

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Fish Kills Recognized as Indian Point Impact on Hudson

On January 9, 2009, Riverkeeper and Scenic Hudson filed a motion to intervene in a case brought by Entergy (owner of the Indian Point nuclear power plant) in Albany County Supreme Court challenging the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) determination that Indian Point’s cooling water intake system causes adverse environmental impacts on Hudson River fish. The DEC determination is crucial to getting a closed cycle cooling system installed at Indian Point, which would reduce water usage and fish kills by 95 percent or more. Riverkeeper and Scenic Hudson moved to dismiss Entergy’s lawsuit on the grounds that the claims are premature, and, with respect to the merits, that “adverse environmental impact” has been established using data submitted by Entergy. The Attorney General of the State of New York, representing DEC, also moved to dismiss Entergy’s filing based on similar procedural and substantial arguments. The Court will hear the case on February 27, 2009.

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Riverkeeper Attorney Appointed to DEC Advisory Council

We are pleased to announce that Riverkeeper attorney Rebecca Troutman has been appointed by Commissioner Grannis of the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) to serve on an Advisory Council which will make recommendations to the DEC on regulations governing petroleum bulk storage.  The Advisory Council, which was newly created under State law, will be meeting in Albany for the first time this January, and then at various times over the next two to three years.  It’s mission is to assist with the drafting of regulations that serve to prevent ground and surface water contamination from petroleum products.

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Riverkeeper Staff Selected as Environmental Leaders

Riverkeeper attorneys Craig Michaels and Deborah Brancato have been accepted for the New York City Environmental Law Leadership Institute (NYCELLI). NYCELLI is an annual training seminar for a select group of new environmental attorneys from private, government and non-profit practice who are committed to leadership in the field and improving the City’s environment.  The institute will explore the laws, history and policy considerations behind the City’s environmental challenges, and connect participants with the City’s environmental law practitioners, agencies and organizations, to encourage innovative solutions and cross-sector collaboration. NYCELLI is sponsored by The Environmental Law Committee of the New York City Bar Association (NYSBA), the Environmental Law Section of the NYSBA and the Environmental Law Institute. Kudos, Craig and Deborah!