Stopping Chicken Sh*t Wallkill River Polluters
June 27, 2015
Riverkeeper Team
UPDATE Aug 7, 2015: DEC investigated a second reported incident as described below, and concluded that the scum on the Wallkill was not chicken excrement but algae, and the feathers from a congregation of geese upstream. Learn why this represents a systemic and still serious indication of pollution: Scum on the Wallkill: Not Chicken Excrement, but Still Pollution.
During the second citizen "boat brigade" patrol of the Wallkill River Saturday morning, what appeared to be chicken excrement and feathers were observed covering a large portion of the river in the vicinity of New Paltz, roughly between the Sojourner Truth Park at the DEC/village boat launch and the Route 299 bridge.
Chicken excrement and feathers were visible on the Wallkill in the vicinity of New Paltz. (Photo courtesy Craig Chapman)
The pollution was reported to Department of Environmental Conservation police via the DEC's 24-hour hotline, 1-844-DEC-ECOS (1-844-332-3267). Riverkeeper followed up that call with a report to the DEC that included photos and other information about the pollution event.
Craig Chapman, who owns New Paltz Kayaking Tours, led Saturday's boat brigade and worked with Riverkeeper to make the report to DEC about the observations made. He has seen similar episodes of the same type of pollution over many years at this time of year.
The apparent pollution was also observed by individuals who partner with Riverkeeper to take water samples from the Wallkill River and Rondout Creek monthly at 43 locations.
This is the second "boat brigade," a project of the Wallkill River Watershed Alliance, a newly formed citizen group focused on protecting and restoring the Wallkill River, one of the largest tributaries of the Hudson River. The purpose of these brigades is for people to get to know the river, and identify and solve any problems that are identified. The first boat brigade, which also identified concerns, was organized by Brenda Bowers and Arthur Cemelli in area of the Town of Shawangunk. Riverkeeper is supporting the boat brigades by sharing information and knowledge from years of Hudson River boat patrols and from responding to pollution watchdog reports from citizens.
The formation of the Wallkill River Watershed Alliance, and the results of these boat brigades, are further evidence that people are no longer going to stand for the abuse of this river. The results of both brigades also highlight the good and bad both -- beautiful stretches of the Wallkill that are wonderful to paddle are the norm, but problems can be identified and fixed to improve water quality and habitat.
The Wallkill River near the Ulster County Fairgrounds, on the same morning the chicken excrement was observed. No evidence of pollution was visible in this beautiful stretch. (Photo courtesy Craig Chapman)
Those interested in joining the effort to protect the Wallkill are invited to the second meeting of the Wallkill River Watershed Alliance on Wednesday, July 15, 2015 at 7 p.m. at New Paltz Village Hall. Find information about the Alliance at https://www.facebook.com/wallkillriver.
The third Boat Brigade is scheduled for July 25 at 9 a.m., departing from the boat launch in Springtown Road in Rosendale.
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