Storm Water Management
Submitted by Councilwoman Mary Frances Sabo
With warmer weather approaching and melting the snow and ice, I’d like to introduce you to North Greenbush’s Stormwater Management Program Plan (SWMP), overseen by Eric Westfall, the town engineer. The term “stormwater” refers to water that originates from precipitation, including snow and ice melt. Stormwater becomes a problem when it runs off roofs and driveways and picks up fertilizer, oil, pesticides and pet waste, pushing these pollutants into rivers and streams. If not properly managed, stormwater can flood and damage homes and basements and result in soil erosion. The town’s SWMP has 6 program elements designed to reduce the discharge of pollutants through best management practices, including public education and outreach, public involvement and participation, illicit discharge detection and elimination, construction site runoff control, post construction stormwater management and pollution prevention for municipal operations. Eric has devoted an entire section of the town’s website to North Greenbush’s stormwater efforts. Anyone who wishes to report a stormwater issue or concern is encouraged to email Eric at ewestfall@northgreenbush.org. He has also created, with input from helpful town residents, a monthly “stormwater minute” featuring best practices that residents can take to address stormwater concerns. A virtual public presentation on the SWMP is planned for the near future. I would encourage everyone to visit the town’s website to learn about North Greenbush’s stormwater efforts.
The town’s Climate Smart Committee will be meeting with Cornell Cooperative Extension staff in the near future to discuss the grant funded effort to get the town certified as a Climate Smart Community. Residents will be pleased to learn that the recent switch to LED lighting in municipal buildings, spearheaded by the town comptroller, earned the town points towards this effort.
Although the pandemic has made it difficult to get out in the community as much as I would like, I was able to enjoy some delicious fish fry at the American Legion this month. The Legion will sponsor these takeout dinners every Friday until early April.