Spillover of a water issue

Sunday, March 18, 2007
BY FRED J. AUN
For the Star-Ledger

Hawley, Pa., isn't exactly around the corner for most New Jersey residents. But members of a coalition concerned about the ecology of the Delaware River are hoping plenty of Garden Staters make the trip there March 27.

That's the day the Delaware River Basin Commission (DRBC) is conducting public hearings in Hawley on a proposal to update regulations controlling the amount of water released from upstate New York reservoirs into the Delaware.

"It's extremely important for people to show up there and show some support for the policy that's going to have the most impact on the fishery," said Larry Miri of the Delaware River Conservation Coalition. The group, representing seven environmental organizations, is urging the DRBC to adopt a reservoir release plan that will spill more water into the river than the plan the commission is considering.

The coalition presented its plan, which it calls CP2, at a DRBC Regulated Flow Advisory Committee (RFAC) meeting March 6. Miri and fellow coalition member Jim Serio are worried DRBC members will shy away from endorsing CP2 for fear of leaving reservoirs too low during drought conditions.

The Cannonsville Reservoir along the West Branch Delaware River, the Pepacton Reservoir on the East Branch Delaware River and the Neversink Reservoir on the Neversink River provide New York City with about half its drinking water. The commission's main goal is to ensure the faucets keep flowing in The Big Apple.

But keeping too much water behind the dams can destroy important spawning areas for trout and shad. The coalition insists the plan being considered by the DRBC is a bit too stingy with the water and its members say CP2, developed with the aid of hydrology experts, not only would ensure enough water is at the ready in the reservoirs, but would also be enough to support the important fishery.

"We put our plan on the table March 6 and we need them to take a serious look at our proposal," Miri said. "If they go with the other one on the table now (presented by the New York State Department of Environmental Resources), the upper river will suffer."

Serio said CP2 would "provide a more sustained and regular flow so the water in the river won't yo-yo up and down so much." He said this will not only benefit fish and anglers but also others who use the river for recreation, "especially recreational canoeists because there will be a more reliable water flow and supply."

Miri and Serio are worried New Jersey officials, particularly those with the state Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) seem to be taking a "hands off" approach. They're urging anglers, paddlers and others to write or otherwise contact state representatives, as well as the DRBC members, and urge them to support CP2.

Miri said a great deal of the recreational use of the river occurs in the sections between New Jersey and Pennsylvania. "Thousands of canoeists and tubers go there," he said. "What CP2 intends to do is provide a higher minimum of water going down the river. There will be more to float on."

Those interested in the issue can read tons of information about it by visiting the coalition's Web site at www.drarp.org. Templates for contacting officials can also be found there.

Then river lovers might plan a trip to Hawley on March 27. An informational meeting will take place at the Lake Wallenpaupack Environmental Learning Center at 1 p.m., followed by more formal public hearings at 2:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. Written comments will be accepted through April 6, 2007.

Back to Article Pages