‘Not trying to scare anybody’ about water scenarios

MILLBROOK — The Water Committee of Millbrook made a formal presentation to the Village Board at its regular meeting on Tuesday, March 22. Stan Morse, village trustee, began the presentation, but all eyes were on the large map of aquifers next to him. The Water Committee has been studying the potential of backup aquifers to supplement the current single source in Mabbettsville. Morse explained that the concern was an outgrowth of the emergency preparedness plan the village recently created which recognized the importance and fragility of the village water supply and the potential for sudden disruption.Scott Osborne of VRI explained how the village would handle an event of contaminated or insufficient water. The only solution would be trucking in water, he said, which would require 33 tankers a day at a daily cost of around $9,000. Assuring the audience that he “was not trying to scare anyone,” Morse outlined the possible threats to the water supply: regional disaster, earthquake, storms and hurricanes, power outages, influx of people as a result of disaster elsewhere, contamination, drought and fires. Mayor Laura Hurley reminded the audience that the current aquifer that supplies the village has an abundant supply of water. Adding a second aquifer would mean a larger system to monitor the water and might promote expansion of the village.“What is an aquifer?” Morse described it as a pail filled with gravel and water where the water can be sucked out with a straw. The committee identified nine potential additional aquifers in the town of Washington. The group then estimated the potential cost of installing a pumping station and pipes at each of the nine sites. The most expensive location appeared to be the Wappinger Creek aquifer, which might cost more than $4 million to bring online. Only a hydro-geologist would be able to determine the actual quantity of water, the quality and the recharge rate. Committee member Howard Schuman said the estimated cost would be $5,000 to $10,000 for such a study. It is up to the board to determine the next steps. Morse explained the options as a range of activities from simply putting the current committee work on the shelf to building a complete secondary system. The committee itself has not formed a recommendation about how to proceed, and Hurley suggested sitting down with them to hold a discussion about the options. Moving on ...In other matters, the Millbrook Fire Department was granted the use of the Thorne Building grounds and band shell for its annual carnival Wednesday, July 6, through Saturday, July 9. So far 12 companies have accepted invitations to march in the parade on Saturday night, July 9. Hurley attended the annual Rescue Squad dinner, where Joan Van Tassell was honored for 46 years of volunteer service. The mayor is urging Village Board members to consider the current village policy toward village properties that do not have sewer service. Currently they have their septic tanks pumped out by the village every five years. Jim Crisp’s Home Show will be permitted to return to the Thorne Building lawn again this summer for a fee of $250. Girls Scouts were given permission to set up a table on the sidewalk to sell cookies. “It’s nice to be asked,” said Hurley of the planned event. The village agreed to support the VFW as it applies for a block grant to provide handicapped access to the second floor of its building, which it leases from the village. In response to a request to post “Watch Out for Baby Killdeer” signs on private property on Elm Drive in May and June, there was no opposition.“I’m good with the bird sign,” said Trustee Joe Spagnola.