Canisteo Stands Pat

Canisteo is a small village in New York, population approximately 2,500, just north of the Pennsylvania state line and in the Chesapeake Bay watershed. As with all local governments, Canisteo is faced with having to come into compliance with the new "Bay Diet."  Canisteo has looked at it's options and decided that perhaps they should not rush into it, and see what unfolds before investing their money in it.

EPA mandates for Chesapeake Bay Watershed no threat to Canisteo in 2012

Though Canisteo could spend millions to keep ahead of impending EPA mandates, they won’t be forking over the cash to update their wastewater treatment plant this year.

Mayor Bill Tucker and Chief Operator Kevin Maine said the village is in compliance with EPA regulations for plants in the Chesapeake Bay watershed, but that new requirements could force the village to pay millions in updates several years from now.

Canisteo, along with Alfred and Hornell, are three of the most remote plants that fall in the watershed. Local officials have voiced concerns that the EPA is expected to install new, more stringent regulations for the emissions of nitrogen and phosphorus, despite evidence suggesting that local plants emissions don’t impact the bay.

Tucker said Canisteo might have to spend $3 million-$4 million to meet the future upgrades. For now, though, the village won’t have to spend the money.

$3-4 million dollars in upgrades for a town of 2,500 seems like a good chuck of change, but it's possible that over the time they can stall they will need such upgrades in any event.

Maine said a new phase of EPA requirements will be installed in 2013, but the new levels were established on the plant’s discharge amount rather than its capacity. While the plant will be within the new guidelines, it will hinder the village’s ability to add any businesses.

The next phase, estimated to be in coming approximately 2017, will install new limits that will be difficult to meet consistently, he said. Aluminum and iron salts will need to be used, but then the EPA could address those rising levels.

After municipalities like Painted Post and Corning volunteered to comply and are now facing steep costs, Canisteo’s plant should remain as it is, added Maine.

And you never know, after a few years of trying, it may be clear it's not working as advertised...