BETHEL — A resolution of the Bethel Town Board to establish a Critical Environmental Area (CEA) designation for the White Lake/Mountain Lake Watersheds within delineated borders defined by consultant engineering firm Community Planning and Environmental Associates was approved Monday, December 16, at the Bethel Town Board meeting.

As previously reported in the Democrat, the CEA designation will serve to protect and maintain water quality, the environment, and the local quality of life, as voiced by residents, homeowners, members of the Lake Association of White Lake, the Smallwood Civic Association and several developers. The approved boundary “recognizes the hydrological connection between White Lake, White Lake Brook, and the flow of water into Mountain Lake.”

A SEQR (State Environment Quality Review) analysis was conducted by the Town Board and a negative declaration was issued. The Short Environmental Assessment Form will be implemented to evaluate impacts of subdivisions, site plans, special use permits, variances, and other matters subject to SEQR which are under consideration within the boundaries of the CEA.

The conservation principles to be considered include protection of shoreline and forested vegetation, maintenance of shoreline buffers to filter pollutants and protect wildlife habitats, reduction of nutrients and other pollutants from stormwater discharge and impervious surface runoff, and encouragement of homeowners and citizen groups to promote lake management plans for the prevention and control of nuisance aquatic vegetation.

The CEA will be a consideration for all future municipal discretionary actions subject to SEQR that are proposed within the CEA boundary. The report and map that CP & EA produced can be found on the town’s website: www.townofbethelny.us. The map will be sent to the NYSDEC and the Sullivan County Planning Department and the designation will take effect thirty days after filing.

The public’s opinion

Members of the Bethel community voiced support and raised issues. Lois Berkowitz, of the Bethel Roundtable (a group which is “concerned with the safety and quality of life in the town”), said, “We advocate for development that is sustainable.” She also thanked the town for “working on a vital project”. A resident of Smallwood thanked the Lake Association, the consulting firm, and the Town Board for its “willingness to hire professional people…to make this possible.” 

Joyce Caracci of Smallwood said, “This designation will ensure this area is protected.” She voiced concern that Lybolt Brook, which intersects Ballard Road and runs into the Forest Reserve in Smallwood, is not included within the CEA boundary. 

John Caracci, President of the SWCA, thanked the town for its efforts and its recognition of “the importance of establishing a CEA”. 

Steve Marton said, “It is monumental for the town” and thanked Supervisor Dan Sturm for the collaborative efforts of the various parties involved in the process and the town’s willingness to engage a consultant in bringing the designation into fruition. “It’s a first for the county.”

Ray Neuenhoff asked if the CEA boundary could be adjusted or updated on an annual basis. The reply, provided by Kim Sparber of the Lake Association, was, “There can be new CEA designations, other ones, but this one cannot be amended.”

Supervisor Dan Sturm said that the establishment of a CEA is “one key to our future tourism and economic initiatives” and “It is in line with the town’s commitment towards protecting (our) water and the environment for future generations.” He thanked the Lake Association of White Lake, the Smallwood Civic Association and anyone else who helped in the designation process.