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Catskill’s Holcim plant up for renewal

December 9, 2011 in Catskill by Tom Roe | No comments

Here is the public notice from The Daily Mail about Holcim’s permit renewal for the cement plant in Catskill, including a public comment period that ends Jan. 6, 2012:

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Notice of Complete Application Date: 12/05/2011 Applicant: HOLCIM (US) INC., 201 JONES RD, WALTHAM, MA 02451 Facility: HOLCIM (US) INC. – CATSKILL PLANT, 6446 US RTE 9W, ALSEN, NY 12414 Application ID: 4-1926-00021/00040 Permit(s) Applied for: 1-Article 19 Air Title V Facility Project is located in CATSKILL in GREENE COUNTY Project Description: The Department has proposed a renewal of the Title V Permit for the Holcim (US), Inc, Facility located at 6446 US Route 9W, Catskill, NY, owned by Holcim (US), Inc., of Waltham, MA. The facility manufactures Portland Cement using a wet process kiln with an electrostatic precipitator to control particulate emissions. This renewal will update the Title V permit to incorporate the new Federal NESHAP rule (40 CFR 63, Subpart LLL) and will also require the facility to install selective non-catalytic reduction to reduce emissions of nitrogen oxides in order to satisfy the requirements of 6 NYCRR Part 220 for NOx Reasonably Achievable Control Technology and 6 NYCRR Part 249 for Best Available Retrofit Technology (BART). As required under Part 249, each BART determination will also be submitted to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) for approval as a revision to the New York State Implementation Plan. In accordance with 6NYCRR Parts 621.7(b)(9) and 201-6.4(c), the Administrator of the USEPA has the authority to bar issuance of any Title V Facility Permit if it is determined not to be in compliance with applicable requirements of the Clean Air Act or 6NYCRR Part 201. Persons wishing to inspect the subject Title V files, including the application with all relevant supporting materials, the draft permit, and all other materials available to the DEC (the “permitting authority”) that are relevant to this permitting decision should contact the DEC representative listed below. The Draft Permit and Permit Review Report may be viewed and printed from the Department web site at: http://www.dec.ny.gov/chemical/32249.html. DEC will evaluate the application and the comments received on it to determine whether to hold a public hearing. Comments and requests for a public hearing should be in writing and addressed to the Department representative listed below. A copy of the Department’s permit hearing procedures is available upon request or on the Department web site at: http://www.dec.ny.gov/permits/6234.html. Availability of Application Documents: Filed application documents, and Department draft permits where applicable, are available for inspection during normal business hours at the address of the contact person. To ensure timely service at the time of inspection, it is recommended that an appointment be made with the contact person. Availability of Application Documents: Filed application documents, and Department draft permits where applicable, are available for inspection during normal business hours at the address of the contact person. To ensure timely service at the time of inspection, it is recommended that an appointment be made with the contact person. State Environmental Quality Review (SEQR) Determination: Project is not subject to SEQR because it is a Type II action. SEQR Lead Agency: None Designated. State Historic Preservation Act (SHPA) Determination. The proposed activity is not subject to review in accordance with SHPA. The permit type is exempt or the activity is being reviewed in accordance with Federal Historic preservation regulations. DEC Commissioner Policy 29, Environmental Justice and Permitting (CP-29) It has been determined that the proposed action is not subject to CP-29. Availability For Public Comment: Comments on this project must be submitted in writing to the Contact Person no later than 01/06/2012 or 30 days after the publication date of this notice, whichever is later. Contact Person: MICHAEL T HIGGINS, NYSDEC, 1130 NORTH WESTCOTT RD, SCHENECTADY, NY 12306. (518) 357-2069

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Thursday headlines and audio

October 6, 2011 in Albany, Catskill, Hudson, Hunter, Tannersville by Tom Roe | No comments

House to vote on delaying cement plant mercury rule
The Post-Star reports that the U.S. House of Representatives is expected to vote Thursday on legislation that would delay the implementation of a new federal Environmental Protection Agency regulation meant to reduce mercury emissions from cement plants. “We’re not striking them. But let’s delay them for 15 months and give the EPA time to repropose and finalize them. And also direct the EPA to make sure that these rules comply with the President’s executive order on regulations,” said Stephanie Valle, a spokeswoman for U.S. Rep. Chris Gibson, R-Kinderhook. The Holcim Cement plant in Catskill is in Gibson’s district. H.R. 2681, the Cement Sector Regulatory Relief Act of 2011, would, according to the Post-Star:
• Give the EPA at least 15 months to re-propose and finalize revised rules for cement manufacturing facilities;
• Extend compliance deadlines from three to at least five years to allow facilities time to comply with standards and install new equipment.
In February, Gibson voted for an amendment the House passed to suspend EPA funding for implementation and enforcement of the rule, but the Senate voted the amendment down. This time the House is voting on delaying implementation, but not suspending funding. Read the full story in the Post-Star.
Free Speech Radio News, which airs on WGXC at 6:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, aired a report on this issue on its newscast Wed., Oct. 5. Click here to listen to Free Speech Radio News report from Matt Lazlo. PLAY CLIP

Medicaid spending $173 million less in August
Governor Andrew Cuomo is touting his “Medicaid Redesign Team,” as its measures enacted in the state budget in April resulted in savings in August of $173 million, or 2.5 percent lower. Monthly, New York State spends $6.8 billion on the program. “Governor Cuomo’s initiative to reform Medicaid represents an unprecedented effort to bring the public into the process of improving health care, controlling health care costs, and reforming health care in New York State,” said Health Commissioner Nirav R. Shah, M.D., M.P.H in a press release. “With the hard work and dedication of the legislature, the industry, and the public, New York is becoming a model for the nation in improving health outcomes while controlling growth.”

GEIS and the ten-day waiting period
Carole Osterink reports in The Gossips of Rivertown that Common Council President Don Moore issued this statement to members of the Council and the press, though not WGXC, at 4:58 this afternoon:

“Regarding the ten day period called for by SEQRA, the City is required to wait ten days after the filing of a completed GEIS before agreeing on a Findings Statement, the summary of findings from the GEIS. The City filed its notice of completion of the GEIS with the involved agencies on October 4. The ten day period will end at the close of business Friday, October 14. During that ten day period, concerned parties may file comments with the City. The City does not have an obligation to reply to the comments as was the case during the official public comment period in early 2010.”

Monday, Sept. 26 Moore and the Common Council passed the GEIS without first allowing the public to speak at a special meeting at the Hudson Central Fire Station. Click here to listen to the entire meeting recorded by Dan Udell. PLAY CLIP

Seward in Catskill
New York State Senator James Seward (R/C/I–Oneonta) will attend the Greene County Department for the Aging Volunteer Recognition Luncheon at 12:30 p.m. Thursday, October 6 at the First Baptist Church in Catskill. The ceremony is to honor folks in the Retired & Senior Volunteer Program. First Baptist Church is at 20 West Main St. in Catskill.

Mountain Top Arboretum photo contest winners
The Mountain Top Arboretum announced the winners of its photo contest Wed., Oct. 5. Dustin Draffen took first place, Nicholas Spychalsky took second, and Zachary Tripsas won third place.

From left to right in photo provided by Mountain Top Arboretum, Principal of the Hunter-Tannersville Middle/High School Simon Williams, winners Dustin Draffen and Zachary Tripsas, and Executive Director of the Mountain Top Arboretum Joan Kutcher.

THURSDAY AUDIO
Click on titles or PLAY CLIP to listen to mp3 audio clips.

• Wall Street Song
Performed by Chris Neumann. PLAY CLIP

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Monday headlines and audio

May 9, 2011 in Ashland, Athens, Cairo, Catskill, Chatham, Coeymans, Coxsackie, Durham, Germantown, Hudson, Hunter, Jewett, New Lebanon, Ravena, Selkirk, Tannersville, Windham by Tom Roe | No comments

Holcim pays $423K in fines
Doron Tyler Antrim in The Daily Mail reports that the Holcim cement plant’s $423,000 bill for 311 citations there since 2008 have been paid, according to records from the Mine Safety and Health Administration. The international cement company is contesting $2,800 in fines, over that period, but has paid the rest. Antrim’s story details the many infractions at the Catskill plant over the past three years. “Safety is our number one priority at Holcim,” Bernard Terver, the company’s president and chief executive, is quoted in the story in announcing last year the completion of the first company-wide safety month. “We continually emphasize the importance of safe behavior and strive to develop a mindset and culture focused on safety.” Two months ago, Holcim announced the plant closes June 13, “although the terminal will remain open for remaining customers,” Antrim writes. Read the complete story in The Daily Mail.

Bike shop on Main Street opens
Doron Tyler Antrim profiles Catskill Cycles in The Daily Mail. The bicycle shop opened at at 347 Main St. this past weekend. Bryan Hunter, a former park ranger with the National Park Service, opened the sales and repair shop with mountain and road bikes, hybrids and folding bikes. Hunter is also considering a rental program, according to the story. Catskill Cycles is open Wednesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Read the whole story in The Daily Mail.

Furlong’s latest closure in East Durham
Furlong’s bar in East Durham announced on its Facebook page this week that it is closing. “We would like to Thank All Our Friends & Patrons who have supported us for the last 24 yrs at Furlong’s Pub and Motel in E. Durham, NY. Due to family health issues, we regret to inform you that we will not be re-opening Furlong’s,” the announcement said. “We will be listing Furlongs for sale. Thank you all for the fond memories, fun, music, & laughter. Those memories we will always treasure. All the Best! Sincerely,Tom & Yvonne Furlong.” The bar hosted some performances during Irish Arts Week in East Durham each year. Recently, the Irish American Heritage Museum left East Durham for Albany.

Old Chatham Post Office faces possible closure
Paul Crossman in the Register-Star reports how some closures can affect a town’s personality. Residents in Chatham, he reports are worried because the postal officials are considering closing the Old Chatham post office. Locals are worried that Old Chatham, if it loses its address and zip code in the future, might lose its identity. “There is a good chance it could close, but there is an equal chance it could not,” Post Office Operations Manager Eric Tiemann told a crowd of nearly 50 people at Chatham Town Hall last Tuesday evening. Crossman says the United States Postal Service is considering closing the Old Chatham office because they are, “currently without a postmaster and that any post office without one — and any post office with their lease running out — was part of the study. He explained that the USPS had ordered a hiring and promoting freeze for just this reason, so that they could begin deciding which post offices should be closed,” Crossman writes. Read his whole story in the Register-Star.

2011-12 proposed school budgets
WNYT NewsChannel 13 lists many of the 2011-2012 regional school budgets, which will be voted on May 17.
Some local examples:
Cairo-Durham Central School District: $27.2 million, 3.45% tax levy increase, no field trips, no new technology purchases, but sports and academics remain untouched
Catskill Central School District: $37.2 million, 1.14% tax levy increase
Chatham Central School District: $27.1 million, 1.98% tax levy increase, two bus runs eliminated
Coxsackie-Athens Central School District: $25 million, 2.92% tax levy increase
Germantown Central School District: $13.9 million, 2% tax rate increase
Hudson City School District: $41.2 million, 9.8% tax levy increase
Hunter-Tannersville Central School District: $13.2 million, 1.49% tax levy increase
Ichabod Crane Central School: $33.8 million, 3.98% tax levy increase
New Lebanon Central School District: $12.4 million, 0% tax levy increase
Ravena-Coeymans-Selkirk Central School District: $42.5 million, 3.39% tax levy increase, uses $500,000 from reserves
Taconic Hills Central School District: $33 million, 2.78% tax levy increase
Windham-Ashland-Jewett Central School: $10.6 million, 1.73% tax levy increase, uses $250,000 from fund balance.
Compare all the budgets at WNYT.

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Tuesday headlines PM

March 29, 2011 in Albany, Catskills, Columbia County, Greene County, Greenport, Hudson, Philmont by Paul Smart | No comments

As layoffs mount, job training funds dry up; may be eliminated
Mike McCagg of CCscoop writes about the ways in which funding to help the region’s unemployed, or soon-to-be unemployed, is quickly running dry. His interviews with officials with at the state’s Workforce Investment Act (WIA) Office at Columbia-Greene Community College added that prospects for new funding next year are looking even bleaker. With Holcim Cement in Catskill mothballed and many teachers now expecting layoffs, Workforce Investment Executive Director M.A. Wiltse says that job training funding for the year is nearly depleted. “There are so many people that are unemployed these days that it becomes more and more difficult to provide the assistance they need,” she said. The funds she administers are used to pay tuition for programs that re-train workers for new careers.

Groups plan camping in the Capitol
James Odato reports in the Times Union’s Capitol Confidential that 15 buses are on their way to Albany. They are carrying 1,000 activists from across New York to protest the newly-negotiated budget and its cuts… and overnight in the capitol. “As many as 300 lodgers may try to set a record for sitting in at the historic building,” Odato writes. “Organizers are trying to work out a way to remain in the building without getting arrested. They argue that lobbyists get to hang out around the clock while lawmakers are deliberating important bills such as the budget, and normal folk should also have the right to do so.” Talks with State Police have been ongoing.

Proposal made for site study at DSS
John Mason reports in the Register-Star that Columbia County supervisors and officials are mulling a new proposal for an environmental site assessment of the current Department of Social Services building at 25 Railroad Avenue in Hudson. The cost of the study would be $46,000. Two years ago, county officials decided the space was too small for their needs, and also pegged various environmental problems within it. Subsequent proposals to move DSS to the Ockawamick school building in Philmont and, more recently, the old Wal Mart structure in Greenport, both fell through because of budget concerns.

Wilber Bank to lay off a quarter of employees after merger
Lyssa Harris of The Watershed Post has a story about how a bank merger in the Catskills is having reverberations throughout several counties. Oneonta-based Wilber National Bank, newly merged with Community Bank System of Syracuse, has announced 63 layoffs. Most will be in the greater Oneonta region, as well as in Boiceville, Fleischmanns, and Cobleskill.

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Thursday headlines

March 24, 2011 in Albany, Ashland, Capital District, Catskill, Catskills, Columbia County, Greene County, Greenport, Hudson, Hudson Valley, Jewett, Upstate New York, Windham by Paul Smart | No comments

Holcim advisory panel goes on the shelf
Doron Tyler Antrim of the Daily Mail reports that with the recent announcement that Holcim Cement will close its plant in Catskill come June, the future of its Community Advisory Committee — a regular gathering of local leaders and other interested parties sponsored by the company and used by plant management to report on the goings-on at the facility — is in question. The meetings have led to greater awareness of key issues, committee members say, and even yielded dividends for local residents — namely the donation in 2009 of a 10-acre plant-owned parcel on Embought Road to the Catskill Soccer Club for use as fields. But given last week’s announcement, Holcim and the communications firm that facilitates the monthly meetings say no future gatherings are planned at this time.

Officials not so hot on PILOT for new hotel
Andrew Amelinckx of the Register-Star reports from the public hearing held March 23 by the Columbia County Industrial Development Agency on a possible 20-year tax break requested by the developers of a proposed hotel, entertainment and retail complex in Greenport. The meeting saw lots of support for the possibility of a hotel coming to the area, but not so much for a two-decade long tax credit. Greenport Crossroads, Amelinckx writes, is a three-stage development at the old V & O Press site on Route 66 in Greenport that will include an 81-room Comfort Suites hotel with an indoor pool and fitness center; an entertainment facility with an 18-lane bowling alley, a sports bar and grill, laser tag, a rope course, a rock climbing wall, an arcade and a party room, among other features; and a retail space. The first phase of construction would be for the retail area that would include a proposed six-pump, 12-car Mobil service station, a drive-thru A&W restaurant and a liquor store. The corporation is asking for a 20-year Payment in Lieu of Taxes, or PILOT, from the IDA that would release them from paying mortgage recording taxes; deed transfer taxes on any real-estate transfers; exemption on sales tax related to the acquisition, construction, renovation and installation of the project facility; and real property taxation.

Texas-based order puts priest from this area on leave amid alleged sexual affairs, drugs
The Times Union’s Robert Gavin has a story about how the Rev. John Corapi, a Hudson native who became a major figure on religious television, has been placed on administrative leave amid allegations of affairs with women and drug use. His Texas-based order, the Society of Our Lady of the Most Holy Trinity, announced the action March 18. Corapi, 63, went from Green Beret to millionaire in Las Vegas. He had a mansion in Malibu, a Ferrari and a yacht — then lost it all with drug abuse that left him homeless in Los Angeles. In 1991, at the age of 44, Corapi was ordained by Pope John Paul II. “His story has been one of redemption — until now,” Gavin writes.

Cuomo doubts property tax cap will be in budget
Adam Sechko of the Albany Business Journal writes that Gov. Andrew Cuomo said on March 23 that he doesn’t think the final state budget will include a plan to limit the growth of New York’s notoriously high property taxes. Cuomo also said in a prerecorded address, available elsewhere on this news blog, that he has no problem forcing legislators to choose between approving his budget plan or shutting down the government—if a deal can’t be reached before April 1, the start of the state’s next fiscal year. Top legislative leaders have replied that a government shutdown won’t be necessary.

MOD comes to Front Street
Jamie Larson of the Register-Star reports on a Catskill restaurant reopening in Hudson this week on the corner of Front and Union streets. “Transplanting and expanding their smaller MOD Cafe from Catskill to Hudson, chefs and partners Mary DiStefano and Dana Wegener (The MO and the D respectively) are now serving dinner as well as lunch and weekend brunch at their totally remodeled restaurant,” Larson writes. “A selection of wines and beers are coming soon as well to their recently installed bar.”

WAJ sets special meeting to discuss proposed Pre-K
Michael Ryan of the Windham Journal reports that the question of whether or not there should be a pre-kindergarten program instituted at Windham-Ashland-Jewett Central will very likely be left up to district taxpayers. School administrators are holding a special meeting on Monday, March 28, to continue discussing the 2011-12 budget. Will an aging population approve of education for the very young? Stay tuned…

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Wednesday headlines

March 16, 2011 in Albany, Cairo, Capital District, Catskill, Catskills, Chatham, Greene County, Greenport, Hudson, Ravena by Paul Smart | No comments

Two more chains lock in plaza store slots
Chris Simonds of The Columbia Paper reports that Greenport Commons, where the Wal Mart and Lowes are, along with the new Kohls that opened last week, will be seeing two new stores: a PetSmart next to the TJ Maxx store and a Five Below youth-targeted retailer just behind the Applebee’s restaurant.

Holcim to close Catskill plant
Doron Tyler Antrim of the Daily Mail carries the story about the decision to mothball the Holcim cement plant in Catskill with union comments from the local International Brotherhood of Boilermakers, whose chairman Dennis Smith said Holcim is going “above and beyond” for workers during the transition, including offering a good severance package and paying for resume writing and computer skills classes. Greene County Legislature Chairman Wayne Speenburgh said county officials have made a special effort to help the company stay here, but noted that the closing was “inevitable” given all it put into a new, energy-efficient facility on the Mississippi River in Ste. Genevieve, Mo. Sandy Mathes, executive director of the Greene County Industrial Development Agency, added that it would take a major reconstruction of the Catskill plant, similar to what Lafarge plans for its Ravena plant, for Holcim to remain in Greene County. The plant was built in the 1960s.

Hinchey, Schumer introduce legislation to protect drinking water from hydrofracking
Mid Hudson News Network has a story about how Congressman Maurice Hinchey (D-New York) and Senator Charles Schumer (D-New York) are among the cosponsors of legislation aimed at protecting drinking water from hydrofracking to mine natural gas. Hinchey was supported in the House proposal by Members Diana DeGette (D-CO), and Jared Polis (D-CO). Schumer was joined in the Senate by Senator Bob Casey (D-PA). New York lawmakers are concerned about drilling in the Marcellus Shale formation by pumping, under high pressure, chemicals to fracture the shale and release the natural gas.

Sinkhole closes roadway
The Daily Mail reports that County Route 41 in Cairo, aka Lakes Mills Rd. was closed this past Saturday, March 12, near the Cairo wastewater plant due to a sinkhole depression that had developed alongside a failing four foot culvert running beneath the roadway. Jim Young, site foreman with the Greene County Highway Department Site, said work will begin in earnest today, March 16, at 8 a.m. when the roadway is ripped up and a new four foot pipe installed, and should be completed by Friday evening, with final repaving taking place sometime in the future.

Town shuts north end of Merino for safety reasons
The Register-Star has noted that the north entrance of Mt. Merino Road at Route 9G has been closed temporarily by Greenport Highway Superintendent Mark Gaylord. A section of roadway has deteriorated as a result of reoccurring flooding and is deemed to be unsafe for vehicle traffic. Morris Associates, the town engineering firm, is determining the best way to ensure a safe roadway repair. Two sections of the roadway are being looked at in relation to repairs.

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Holcim to close its Catskill plant

March 15, 2011 in Catskill, Hudson by Paul Smart | No comments

Sampratt.com has this stunning image of the full Holcim property that it is "mothballing" south of Catskill. Pratt was a leading force, via Friends of Hudson, of the successful fight that kept St. Lawrence Cement from building a new plant in Hudson, and eventually resulted in the company's becoming Holcim.

Sam Pratt has a scoop: Holcim (formerly St. Lawrence Cement) is closing its Catskill plant is closing, according to a company press release. The company’s press release says it will “mothball” its Catskill facility effective June 13, 2011. “We deeply regret having to mothball this plant,” said Bernard Terver, president and chief executive officer of Holcim (US) in the release. “In 2010, we highlighted the challenges faced by this plant when we announced a temporary layoff. The mothballing of Catskill is a direct result of continuing economic challenges and market conditions in the region. We have looked at all available options and feel that this move is necessary in order to meet the company’s current and future business needs.” Approximately 100 hourly and salaried employees will be affected by this decision, 60 of them on furlough since before the 2010 holiday season started. Mothballing, the Holcim release continues, includes ending production operations and securing the plant in such a way that operating permits and equipment will be preserved for possible future operations. Holcim is also in the news these days due to its proposal to build a new roadway to its dock property in Hudson, as well as for challenging that city’s tax assessment of same property. More on this story as it develops in the coming days.

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Tuesday headlines PM

March 8, 2011 in Albany, Cairo, Capital District, Catskills, Columbia County, Copake, Craryville, Greene County, Hudson, Hudson Valley, Upstate New York by Paul Smart | No comments

Shelter to remain open
The Register-Star reports that Columbia County Board of Supervisor’s Chairman Roy Brown and Emergency Management Director William Black announced that the Red Cross Shelter at the Taconic Hills High School in Craryville will remain open through Wednesday, March 9 for anyone who has lost power and needs assistance. There will be sleeping areas and food available for anyone who needs these services… just don’t bring pets, officvials are asking. For further information call the American Red Cross at 518-458-8111. If someone is need of transportation to the shelter and have no other way to get there please call 518-828-1212.

Nine Curves health clubs to reimburse prepaid memberships in region
Mid Hudson News Network reports that Hudson Valley residents who prepaid memberships for Curves fitness clubs will be reimbursed under an agreement announced Tuesday by State Attorney General Eric Schneiderman. The agreement was reached with Curves International, the franchisor of the local clubs. Statewide, 60 such closed shuttered their doors that year, according to the attorney general’s office.

Historic site closures questioned
The Times Union reports that a bipartisan group of six state legislators, including Sen. James Seward, have said they are “deeply concerned” by the state Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation’s decision to close four historic sites around the state, a move they say is unprecedented. They are principally concerned about Herkimer Home State Historic Site in the Mohawk Valley, the Colonial abode of a Revolutionary War hero for whom Herkimer County is named. “It is troubling that your office has apparently interpreted that the Legislature’s conveyance of significant power to the commissioner to care for state park lands was also meant to enable him or her to act in a harmful way toward those same public assets,” the group wrote. “We believe that neither closing a site nor removing its collection objects is authorized in the language of the existing statute.”

Board debates fee for using Canna park
Cairo officials are debating charging a fee for use of Angelo Canna Town Park and Acra Community Center, a first for the town. Key in the discussion… how much revenue WOULD be brought in by such a move, and how would it effect those groups renting the facilities now.

$100,000 study would look at pollution, hydrology of South Bay
Jamie Larson of the Register-Star reports that the Army Corps of Engineers may soon be coming to Hudson to undertake a $100,000 fully funded environmental study of the South Bay wetlands. A resolution was moved forward for the city to become a “local non-federal sponsor” of a congressional bill authorizing the funding for the ACE study at the informal meeting of the Hudson Common Council Monday. If approved by Congress the study would not need matching funds from the city, as some grants do, and would not require the approval of the land’s owner, the Holcim Cement Company. Key to the study is a proposal by Holcim to put a road in across the wetlands to “divert” truck traffic.


NY lobbyists see record year in 2010
The Albany Business Journal reports that lobby groups spent about $211 million in 2010 to influence legislators on bills they were facing in the state. New York Public Interest Research Group says the biggest campaign—$12.9 million—was spent by soft-drink companies such as Coca-Cola and Pepsi to try to quash a soda tax.

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Legalizing the Hudson waterfront discussion

February 28, 2011 in Hudson by Paul Smart | No comments

Hudson's riverfront plans, currently under review, are the subject of a new legal brief "shot across the bow" by local environmentalists.

Jamie Larson of the Register-Star has a story up about the new legal brief filed with the New York State Department of State by the attorney for the environmentally-minded local citizens group Valley Alliance, outlining what the group believes to be the remaining major issues of concern in the city of Hudson’s long awaited Local Waterfront Revitalization Program. The Valley Alliance is focused on issues relating to the protection of the city’s south bay wetland and discontinuing or limiting the use of lands in that wetland by the Holcim cement company (formerly St. Lawrence Cement), which owns the deep water port and the O&G trucking company. The major point of contention is the potential use of the old “causeway” railroad bed that cuts directly through the bay for the trucking of aggregate to the port. “We want to see an LWRP pass as soon as possible,” Valley Alliance cofounder Sam Pratt is quoted in the story, “but that’s predicated on having a good LWRP.” “If the current draft of the LWRP is not revised,” Alliance attorney Warren Replansky states in the brief, “the City and State could be in violation of the State Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQRA). To avoid further delays in the passage of the plan, the Valley Alliance attorney recommends that “all references to the Causeway as a preferred alternative route be eliminated.” Pratt added that after the Alliance and the group Scenic Hudson met with officials at the New York State Office of Coastal Resources in January, they felt that the dialogue has been productive and their concerns are being heard. But they wanted to file the brief to “put some meat on the bones.” City and state officials have been going back and forth for months making changes to the LWRP, trying to find acceptable common ground on it can come back to the city’s common council for a vote, expected in the next few months.

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NY joins fight to maintain EPA regs on cement

February 15, 2011 in Albany County, Catskill, Columbia County, Greene County, Ravena, Upstate New York, Washington by Paul Smart | No comments

Mercury in Portland cement is the new political battleground, with New York joining five other states to fight House Republicans on their proposed rollback of EPA regs ruling the sissue.

Just as the collective angina has started over congressional Republicans’ efforts to block the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency from regulating emissions of toxic mercury from cement kilns, a topic of interest to our coverage region given the number of cement operations lining the Hudson in Greene and Albany counties, state Attorney General Eric Schneiderman has lined up to make New York one of five state attorneys general pushing back against the move. The Times Union reports that in a February 14 letter, the attorney generals from New York, Connecticut, Delaware, Maryland and Massachusetts urged Rep. Fred Upton, the Michigan Republican who chairs the House Energy and Commerce Committee, to withdraw efforts to undo the cement plant rules. The rules, issued by EPA in September, limit mercury and other emissions from Portland cement plants nationwide, of which New York has the Lafarge plant in Ravena, the Holcim plant in Catskill and the Lehigh Northeast plant in Glens Falls. Collectively, these three plants discharge roughly 170 pounds of mercury emissions into New York’s air each year — about 20 percent of all mercury emitted annually in the state. Mercury is a potent neurotoxin that can cause developmental problems, particularly in children and developing fetuses. Anticipating the new federal mercury rules, the state Department of Environmental Conservation last year imposed the first-ever mercury limits on the Lafarge plant as part of a renewal of its federal air pollution permit. The federal rules would impose even greater reductions. Lafarge is currently in the midst of a full review of plans to expand its operations in southern Albany county, against growing local opposition. In 2007, the same five states now suing over mercury standards successfully sued the EPA for failing to include mercury limits on cement plants in the first place.

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Hudson plan to buy Holcim docks dies quietly

January 27, 2011 in Hudson by Paul Smart | No comments

The Hudson City Common Council has received a letter from the former St. Lawrence Cement, now known as Holcim, that the cement company has no plans to sell its waterfront dock property any time soon, despite a resolution passed on the council’s part earlier this month to seek purchase of the property. Both the Register-Star and Gossips of Rivertown have reports on the matter arising at a Common Council legal committee Wednesday night, January 26, when Alderwoman Ellen Thurston, D-Hudson3, revealed the letter from Holcim’s corporate attorney to City Attorney Cheryl Roberts. At January’s informal meeting a few weeks ago, Alderwoman Sarah Sterling, D-Hudson1, introduced a resolution which would authorize Mayor Rick Scalera to negotiate with Holcim for the purchase of the company’s waterfront property, based largely on Holcim’s grieving of a $4.5 million tax assessment it had received on its deep water port at the city’s riverfront, with City Attorney John Connor calling the company’s belief that the dock is actually worth $1.5 million “bogus.”

Holcim’s attorney wrote that the port property is the “primary means by which aggregate is shipped from the quarry to its customers by O&G Industries, who is currently operating on the property.” It is for this reason, Smith wrote, that it is not likely Holcim would consider selling the port property and the quarry property separately. Separately, the Holcim attorney wrote that the company looked forward to “a continuing and productive dialogue” with the city concerning the draft Local Waterfront Revitalization Plan, which is currently in the hands of the Department of State for review and is expected to be passed in the not-so-distant future.

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Holcim waterfront battle: round 2

January 26, 2011 in Hudson by Paul Smart | 1 comment

Holcim's waterfront dock in Hudson, as seen in a commentary piece by Carole Osterink on her Gossips of Rivertown blog on January 26.

The legal back and force over the waterfront dock property owned by Holcim, formerly St. Lawrence cement, returned to the front page of the Register-Star this morning, January 26, with a story about how the attorney representing Holcim U.S. Inc. says the cement company is maintaining its stance that no income is generated from the parcel, even after claiming that a document serving as evidence of such was sent in error. Holcim is grieving the $4.5 million assessment it received on its deep water port dock for 2010/2011, which the company is claiming is actually worth $1.5 million. Pursuant to a court order issued by Justice Patrick J. McGrath, Holcim provided the city with an income and expense statement on Nov. 30, 2010 as part of the grievance process.

The statement reflected that there was no income generated from the parcel, which Connor called “bogus,” since the property is leased to O&G Industries for the shipping of aggregate material, as well as Cargill Inc., which unloads and stores salt at the dock (a settlement the city recently reached with Cargill, however, has ordered that all salt storage at the dock must cease within a year and a half).

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City of Hudson negotiates salt halt with Cargill

January 13, 2011 in Hudson by Paul Smart | No comments

In what some are already seeing as a possible environmental victory, the city of Hudson has reached a settlement with Cargill Inc. to end the transportation and storage of salt at the city’s waterfront along the Hudson River. A Register Star story on January 13 notes that the settlement dictates that Cargill will permanently cease the transportation of salt to the port for storage, as well as completely remove all salt currently being stored at the property.

City Attorney Cheryl Roberts said that under the settlement Cargill will be required to remove all salt stored outside by May of this year, and the company will be given until May 2012 to remove the salt being housed inside the 25,000-square-foot building which sits at the deep water port owned by Holcim cement company. The reasoning for this, explained Roberts and Moore, was to lessen the impact of the amount of truck traffic that will be required to remove all the salt from the property.

Separately, Moore and other council members passed a resolution January 10 pushing Hudson to purchase Holcim’s waterfront property, which took Hudson Mayor Rick Scalera by surprise, according to Gossips of Rivertown and other sources.

“I’m delighted to know that one of the principal objectives for the waterfront will be achieved within a year and a half,” said Common Council President Don Moore. “I think that, where sometimes it appears that progress is less than likely, this is one clear example that progress can be achieved — and is.” Read the rest of this entry »

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Sterling proposes Hudson buy Holcim dock

January 11, 2011 in Hudson by Tom Roe | No comments

Carole Osterink in The Gossips of Rivertown reports on Monday night’s informal Common Council meeting in Hudson where First Ward Alderman Sarah Sterling proposed a resolution “to Authorize the Mayor to Negotiate with Holcim Cement Company for the Purchase of Their Property in the City of Hudson.” The resolution to purchase the the deep water port dock for “it’s actual worth [of] $1.5 million not the current assessed value of $4.5 million,” must now pass through the Legal Committee, chaired by Third Ward Alderman Ellen Thurston (who reads a list of local events on Thursdays on WGXC). That committee is tentatively scheduled to meet 6 p.m. Jan. 26 at City Hall. Read ahead to see the entire resolution quoted from The Gossips of Rivertown. Read the rest of this entry »

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Whoopsiedoodle! Holcim says it made a boo boo

January 6, 2011 in Catskill, Columbia County, Greene County, Hudson by Paul Smart | No comments

The Register-Star is reporting this morning that the attorney representing Holcim cement company in its current tax grievance regarding a waterfront property it owns in Hudson has said the heavily-publicized letter he sent to City Attorney Jack Connor claiming that no income is generated from the parcel was sent in error, and documentation reflecting the correct income and expenses associated with the dock is currently being pursued. Holcim, according to reporter Lindsay Suchow, is grieving a $4.5 million assessment it received on its deep water port dock for 2010/2011, which the company is claiming is actually worth $1.5 million. Pursuant to a court order issued by Justice Patrick J. McGrath, Holcim provided the city with an income and expense statement on Nov. 30, 2010 as part of the grievance process, which Connor then publicly claimed was “bogus.” Holcim, the company that took over the former St. Lawrence Cement several years ago, has also been in the news of late for having furloughed a majority of its Catskill plant workforce for the recent holidays and beyond. The company was also named one of the state’s top air polluters by the federal Environmental Protection Agency. For the full story, click here.

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Holcim’s tax grievance basis termed ‘bogus’

December 29, 2010 in Catskill, Columbia County, Greene County, Greenport, Hudson by Paul Smart | No comments

The Holcim cement company, formerly St. Lawrence Cement, has filed a grievance challenging the assessment it has received on its waterfront property in Hudson, and according to the Register Star, City Attorney John Connor has sent a letter of objection to Holcim’s attorney claiming the company’s income and expense statement regarding the parcel is inaccurate and “patently false.”

Connor said Holcim is grieving the $4.5 million assessment it received on its deep water port dock for 2010/2011, which the company is claiming is actually worth $1.5 million. Pursuant to a court order issued by Justice Patrick J. McGrath, Holcim provided the city with an income and expense statement on Nov. 30 as part of the grievance process.

The income and expense statement, sent to Connor by Holcim attorney Bruce J. Stavitsky of Clifton, New Jersey, indicates that no income is being generated from the parcel — “Which I think is bogus,” said Connor, since the city is aware that the property is being leased to O & G Industries for the shipping of aggregate material, not to mention Cargill Inc., which unloads and stores salt at the location.

As St. Lawrence Cement, the company proposed a 2.2 million ton, $300 million coal-fired cement plant near the banks of the Hudson River in Hudson and Greenport in the late 1990s, a fight they later gave up in 2005 after much local, regional and eventually statewide opposition. The company was “acquired” by Holcim in early 2008 and aside from some major layoffs at its Catskill plant for the current holidays, and its being listed as one of the state’s top polluters by the federal Environmental Protection Agency in recent weeks, has managed to stay out of the local news in recent years. For the full story, read the Register-Star.

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Local air polluters Lafarge and Holcim among state’s worst, EPA finds

December 21, 2010 in Albany County, Catskill, Columbia County, Greene County, Hudson Valley, Ravena, Upstate New York by Paul Smart | No comments

Cement makers Holcim and Lafarge are among the state’s top polluters, according to a recently released report from the Environmental Protection Agency reported on in today’s Daily Mail. The report, which details the amount of toxic chemicals released to land, air and water in 2009 by industrial facilities across the United States, shows Holcim’s Catskill plant and Lafarge’s plant in Ravena are among those most responsible for pollution in New York. And all this despite recent public relations campaigns to the contrary by both companies, and Lafarge’s being currently in the midst of a major effort to rebuild its Albany County plant. The report says Lafarge released about 445,500 pounds of chemicals, including hydrochloric acid, ammonia and lead and mercury compounds, ranking it ninth in the state for on-site releases. Last year’s pollution total at Lafarge represents a nearly 70 percent increase over 2008, the report shows, although the amount of lead and mercury compounds emitted is lower. Lafarge spokespeople attributed the drastic increase to additional testing done by plant officials. The report says Holcim released 189,000 pounds of chemicals, including hydrochloric and sulfuric acid, as well as lead and mercury compounds, ranking it 14th in the state for on-site releases. But unlike Lafarge, Holcim emissions were lower last year than in 2008 — by more than 120,000 pounds. The EPA report, known as the Toxics Release Inventory, is a yearly analysis of pollution data and has been made public since 1988. “This report informs the public and policymakers about the types of pollution in our communities and where they come from,” said Judith Enck, EPA regional administrator for New York, in a statement. “It is an invaluable tool that we all can use to better understand pollution problems and to take action to protect health and their environment. The data is a reminder that we need to work toward preventing pollution at the source.”

Read the rest of this entry »

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No Happy Holidays at Holcim?

November 19, 2010 in Catskill, Columbia County, Greene County by Paul Smart | No comments


Doron Tyler Antrim of The Daily Mail reported earlier this week that
Cement producer Holcim, formerly known as St. Lawrence Cement, is “temporarily” cutting 70 hourly positions at its Catskill plant effective until January, according to a Tuesday, Nov. 16 announcement from Plant Manager Deon van den Berg. The layoffs will affect 65 workers — nearly two-thirds of the Catskill plant’s current workforce — and five others on short-term disability or workers compensation. The recent layoffs were the second such action taken by Holcim in as many years. In May 2009, 35 workers were temporarily laid off. Two months earlier 26 positions were eliminated.

“The reason for this temporary layoff include slow market conditions, the normal seasonal slowdown in construction and escalating costs,” van den Berg said in an e-mail to members of the Holcim Community Advisory Committee, a regular gathering of local leaders and plant officials. Dennis Smith, an equipment operator and chairman of the local International Brotherhood of Boilermakers union, said in an e-mail that the layoffs are effective until Jan. 3, “but could be longer.” Earlier this year, Smith said layoffs and combining of responsibilities have contributed to worsened safety at the facility — a charge that plant management has denied.

An analysis of federal records compiled by the Mine Safety and Health Administration, however, show the Catskill plant has been hit with more than 300 safety violations since Holcim took over in 2008 — 97 of which were deemed serious enough to cause injury or illness. Fines levied with the violations totaled more than $493,000.
Read the rest of this entry »

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Wednesday November 17 2010 headlines

November 17, 2010 in Ancram, Austerlitz, Canaan, Catskill, Chatham, Claverack, Clermont, Columbia County, Copake, Craryville, Gallatin, Germantown, Ghent, Greenport, Greenville, Hillsdale, Hudson, Kinderhook, Livingston, New Lebanon, Stockport, Stuyvesant, Taghkanic by Tom Roe | No comments

Marc Molinaro

Marc Molinaro at Space360 in Hudson April 21, 2010.

Molinaro named to Cuomo’s transition team
Governor-elect Andrew Cuomo today announced that Assemblyman Marc Molinaro (R,C,I-Red Hook), who represents Columbia County, was named to a transition team to recruit, review, and recommend candidates for key positions in the next administration, according to Molinaro’s staff. Molinaro will serve on the State and Local Government Reform Committee of the transition team. “The magnitude of the challenges confronting our state may be immense, but so are the opportunities before us to implement meaningful, long-lasting policies to improve the quality of life and quality of government in New York,” Molinaro said in a statement. “I am honored to serve with so many distinguished individuals committed to improving New York.”

Cement plant announces more layoffs
Doron Tyler Antrim in The Daily Mail reports Catskill cement producer Holcim will “temporarily” cut 70 hourly positions effective in January. “In May 2009, 35 workers were temporarily laid off. Two months earlier 26 positions were eliminated,” Antrim reported.

Loaf opens Saturday
The Lick ice cream parlor on Warren St. closes each winter, and now the space is being used and the Lick logo changed just slightly into Loaf, a bakery. The 253 Warren St. location opens this Saturday, Nov. 20 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., and is taking orders for Thanksgiving pies at loafhudson@gmail.com.

Healthcare Consortium receives FCH grant
The Healthcare Consortium was awarded a $20,000 transportation grant from the Foundation for Community Health in Sharon, CT to provide transportation for residents of Ancram and Copake to and from health-related appointments in 2011.

Meetings tonight
In Kinderhook, John Mason in the Register-Star reports that Kinderhook residents are invited to an upstairs in Village Hall “Public Information Meeting” on the reconstruction of Hudson Street and Albany Avenue at 7 p.m. tonight. “The proposed reconstruction will extend on Hudson Street for about 600 feet from Sylvester Street to the traffic light at Route 9 and on Albany Avenue for about 1,600 feet from Route 9 to Sunset Avenue,” Mason reports.

In Craryville, the Taconic Hills school board says it will vote on a replacement for John Mastropolo, who resigned in September, at a meeting tonight at Taconic Hills High School in the board room. The board has been holding all proceedings around the seat, which is usually elected by voters, in secret, held in executive session. The board is choosing between Christine Perry, Sally Williamson, and Joan Spencer. This meeting is also at 7 p.m., and note the meeting’s agenda says the board will first vote on the replacement seat, and then the public gets a chance to comment, not before for a seat the public usually chooses at the polls. In a story about this issue, Mason in the Register-Star writes, “According to Robert Freeman of the state Committee on Open Government, the only court decision dealing with how school boards may select new members found that such decisions should be made in open, not closed, session.”

Voting to raise your taxes and fees
Doron Tyler Antrim reports in The Daily Mail that the entire Greenville town board voted to raise building permit fees $6000. The board is made up of Supervisor Paul Macko, Diane Fallon, Ken Stern, Richard Bear, and Louis Kraker.

Birthdays
Nov. 17 is the birthday of Martin Scorsese, John Boehner, and Kimya Dawson.

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Audio of Susan Falzon on the environmental record of local cement plants

August 8, 2010 in Catskill, Ravena by Tom Roe | No comments

Susan Falzon speaking at Beattie-Powers Place 080810.

Susan Falzon, Secretary-Treasurer of Friends of Hudson, spoke at Beattie-Powers Place in Catskill today about “Industry in Our Midst,” mostly the Ravena Lafarge cement plant and the Catskill Holcim cement plant. Click here to see information about this event. Click here to listen to an mp3 recording or paste the following url into your computer’s media player:

http://archive.free103point9.org/2010/08/SusanFalzon_BeattiePowers_WGXC_080810.mp3

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Holcim cited for 300 safety violations since 2008

August 4, 2010 in Catskill, Columbia County, Greene County by Tom Roe | No comments

Doron Tyler Antrim wrote a very detailed story in this morning’s The Daily Mail:

Government records show that Holcim has been cited for more than 300 safety violations carrying fines totaling $455,000 since it became the Smith’s Landing plant operator in 2008. The records, compiled by the Mine Safety and Health Administration, which regulates U.S. metal, nonmetal and coal mines, show over the last two years the plant has racked up 310 violations, 97 of which the government says could lead to serious injury or illness. During Holcim’s first year as operator, 155 violations were found carrying fines totaling almost $264,000. In 2009, 65 violations were cited with penalties of almost $165,000. So far this year, the plant has been hit with 90 violations costing $26,000. Fines have yet to be assessed for 28 of the 90, however….Furthermore, according to the records, Holcim has been able to reduce its fines from $455,000 to $384,000. To date, the company has paid only $250,500. It’s challenging the remainder of the fines, $133,500 — a legal procedure under current U.S. regulations. Most of the violations carry small fines between $100 and $1,000. But others carry larger penalties from $2,000 to more than $25,000…. Holcim officials have defended the plant’s safety record, saying it’s the top priority. “I think what you’re seeing is not an accurate reflection of the plant,” said Tony Madrazo, Holcim’s human resources manager, during an interview on Monday. “I don’t think we have a poor safety record.” Madrazo admitted, however, the plant is not perfect. “(The inspectors) will find stuff,” he said. Officials also contend many of the violations are resolved while a MSHA inspector is still on site. However, the records show most of the violations are repeatedly cited throughout the past two years. Read the entire story in The Daily Mail.

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Bay bridges

June 9, 2010 in Hudson by Tom Roe | No comments

Carole Osterink was at last night’s informal Common Council meeting in Hudson and reports that Holcim attorney Donald Stever and O&G’s Kenneth Faroni sent a letter in response to one from CC president Donald Moore, and anyone following the current waterfront discussion in Hudson will find it and the comments on Osterink’s Gossips of Rivertown blog fascinating. Osterink also says that, “Mayor Scalera reported that CSX had agreed to repair the Ferry Street bridge in time for the Flag Day parade. They will replace the rotted planking ‘to get through the weekend’ and put plywood on the footbridge. CSX also said they would ‘try to put it in some capital plan.’” NY Senator Chuck Schumer will attend the Flag Day parade, and Osterink says Scalera will show him the bridge then, and ask for help.

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Catskill gives Wal-Mart tax break

May 6, 2010 in Catskill, Greenport by Tom Roe | No comments

This Greenport Wal-Mart is empty since the new larger store opened down the street last year.


Town, Wal-Mart settle dispute
–The Daily Mail, 05.05.10

Wal-Mart in Catskill gets break on tax bill
–The Daily Freeman, 05.06.10

Catskill is reducing the property tax assessment on the local Wal-Mart $1.67 million, reducing their total to $13.5 million, covering the years 2010 through 2012, effectively granting the giant corporation from Arkansas a large tax break. The Daily Mail first says Catskill is giving Wal-Mart the tax break, “avoiding a costly legal battle.” Then Supervisor Peter Markou reveals a bit more: “We’ve already spent $75,000 in assessment cases,” Markou told The Daily Mail, or said during the meeting. “That’s more than I’ve budgeted for.” Then Colin DeVries, The Daily Mail scribe writes, “The town’s 2010 budget included $40,000 for assessment litigation.” William J. Kemble in The Daily Freeman writes, “the reduction, approved at a Town Board meeting Tuesday, is a step toward settling a grievance by the retail giant. Officials said the settlement, which still requires a judge’s approval, was recommended to avoid further court expenses.” Then he quotes Markou — looks like he said it in the meeting — “This town has already spent $75,000 (since 2008) in assessment cases,” said town Supervisor Peter Markou. “That’s a lot of money. That’s way beyond the budgeted (amount) that I had in there.” Kemble’s story is a day late, but no dollars short. He spent the day following the money:

Town Assessor Nancy McCoy said Wednesday that Wal-Mart paid $530,00 in town, county and school taxes in 2009, and this year is expected to save about $62,000 with the reduced assessment. McCoy said the town has spent $10,100 since January to appraise and defend assessments against five major business. “It’s all ‘big boxes,’” Markou said. “They are all going to challenge their assessments. It’s a good year to do it. The economy is in the crapper.” Besides Wal-Mart, the following companies are also seeking assessment reductions:

• Holcim Cement Co., on U.S. Route 9W, from $10,135,700 to $1,650,00. The case was filed in 2008.

• Home Depot, on state Route 23B, from $8,995,100 to $4,060,000. The case was filed in 2009.

• Lowe’s, on state Route 23A, from $7,099,000 to $3,480,000. The case was filed in 2008.

• Rite Aid, on Route 23A, from $1.8 million to $500,000. The case was filed in 2009.

“You have to pick and choose your battles,” McCoy said. “You do the analysis to see if the assessment is supportable and then weigh the cost of supporting assessment versus the possibility of losing it; what it costs versus what you could save by not going to court and settling.”

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Congressman: Catskill's Holcim concrete mine among 48 most dangerous

April 15, 2010 in Catskill, Greene County by Tom Roe | No comments

In the wake of the mine disaster last week in West Virginia, yesterday U.S. Rep. George Miller (D-CA), chair of the House Education and Labor Committee, released a list of 48 mines identified by federal mine safety officials in August 2009 for increased scrutiny, but were not targeted due to unresolved appeals filed by mine operators. The list includes Greene County‘s Holcim (US) Inc mine, and notes the owner contests 29.95 percent of violations against the mine. Holcim has 126 employees. Firedoglake has a table here.

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