ARKVILLE — The Catskill Watershed Corporation (CWC) announced that on December 2, its Board of Directors has formally approved the Fourth Supplemental Side Agreement to the 1997 New York City Watershed Memorandum of Agreement (MOA), marking a significant milestone in the ongoing partnership to protect water quality while supporting the economic vitality of West-of-Hudson communities.
This new agreement was reached after extensive negotiations among CWC, the New York City Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), Delaware County, and the Coalition of Watershed Towns as it introduces important programmatic changes and new investments that strengthen the Watershed Protection and Partnership Programs originally established under the MOA.
“This Fourth Supplemental Side Agreement represents a significant development for the Watershed region, reinforcing the dual goals of source water protection and economic sustainability” said Jason Merwin, CWC Executive Director. “This agreement secures long-term funding for programs benefiting local communities, including over $70 million in new or continued funding, including for our popular Septic Remediation and Replacement Program. New programs include a $25 million Inflow and Infiltration Fund, and a $10 million Regulatory Upgrade Support Fund for municipal wastewater treatment facilities. Additionally, our new Workforce Development Initiative, valued at $7.5 million, is designed to provide residents with training and career opportunities, contributing to regional economic growth. CWC is excited for what the future holds with these new commitments. We remain committed to the effective implementation of these initiatives to support the continued resilience and prosperity of the Watershed.”
Key Elements of the Agreement
· New Funding for a CWC Inflow and Infiltration (I&I) Program
CWC will receive new funding to launch and administer an I&I Program aimed at reducing stormwater intrusion into municipal wastewater systems. The program will provide funding to address existing and future I&I issues that negatively impact our local wastewater plants. Program goals include reducing I&I, which improves capacity at plants for potential future expansion, reducing costs that will benefit district rate payers, and protecting against environmental violations which negatively impact water quality. The program will assess current mitigation strategies, identify opportunities for collaboration, and aim to leverage state and federal funding.
• Construction Funding for Septage Acceptance at Prattsville and Windham Wastewater Treatment Plants
$5 million will be provided to CWC for potential construction of septage acceptance capabilities at the Prattsville and Windham WWTPs, ultimately improving regional wastewater receiving capacity.
• Joint Effort to Reduce Costs for Septic and Stormwater Projects
CWC and DEP will collaborate on strategies to evaluate the current suite of programs and regulations in the WOH Watershed. The objective of this collaborative initiative is to evaluate the efficacy of existing processes and introduce strategies that reduce costs while improving performance. The ultimate aim is to lower project expenses for both homeowners and municipalities, thereby increasing affordability within these important watershed programs.
• Regulatory Upgrade Support at CWC
CWC will provide funding to help municipal wastewater treatment plant owners access critical resources - such as legal and engineering services, and additional grant funding opportunities - to improve compliance, expand capacity, and upgrade or replace facilities. This will help ensure municipalities can meet requirements without undue financial strain.
• Launch of the Collaborative Streamside Acquisition Program (CSAP)
An update to the former Streamside Acquisition Program, the CSAP Program is envisioned to allow riparian buffer protection through license agreements as well as permanent easements. The newly envisioned program provides municipalities the ability to weigh in on potential purchases and agreements. Additionally, landowners will have more flexible options for riparian buffers while maintaining vital protection for water quality.
• End to Fee Land Acquisition in Priority Areas 3 and 4
As part of the agreement, DEP has agreed to cease purchasing land within Priority Areas 3 and 4, responding directly to long-standing municipal and community concerns over land availability, tax base impacts, and balanced watershed management.
Background
Since the signing of the Watershed MOA in 1997, CWC has served as a central partner in administering programs that protect the New York City drinking water supply while supporting the economic and social character of West-of-Hudson communities. The Fourth Supplemental Side Agreement reaffirms this longstanding commitment under the MOA, which requires funding for the Watershed Protection and Partnership Programs and expands resources available for local implementation.
This agreement follows earlier CWC approvals of the reissued Water Supply Permit (2010), program enhancements under the Third Supplemental Side Agreement, and multiple resolutions authorizing discussions and negotiations to ensure the MOA continues to serve watershed residents.
The CWC Board of Directors has authorized Jason Merwin, CWC Executive Director, to execute the Fourth Supplemental Side Agreement on behalf of the Corporation, joining NYCDEP, the Coalition of Watershed Towns, and Delaware County in reaffirming and updating the MOA partnership.
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