Ulster County Executive Jen Metzger has sent a letter to officials at the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) calling for a withdrawal of the proposed revisions to the Ashokan Reservoir Interim Release Protocol (IRP). The IRP manages how the New York City Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) discharges water from the Ashokan Reservoir into the lower Esopus Creek which can impact water quality for communities throughout Ulster County and the surrounding region.

In the letter, Metzger asserts that the revisions “represent a significant change in management strategy for the Lower Esopus,” and urges DEC and DEP to “expedite completion of the SEQR process and develop better data to enable a well-informed multi-objective management strategy for releases to the Lower Esopus.” She also makes recommendations to improve communication with the Ashokan Release Working Group of stakeholders and elected officials and identifies particular concerns with the plan to delegate decision-making authority over water releases to Ulster County instead of experts at DEC and DEP.

Metzger wrote, “As County Executive, I have a responsibility to the people and communities that I represent. This responsibility includes protecting our natural and scenic environment, which is critical to our economy, health, and quality of life. Healthy ecosystems also mitigate climate change and help improve our resilience to its impacts, including flooding.”

Ulster County is an active participant in the Ashokan Release Working Group and continues to take a leadership role in advocating for access to clean, safe, and healthy water sources for drinking and recreation throughout the region. Additionally, the County is leading the development of a Stream Management Plan for the Lower Esopus which will complete a stream assessment, management plan, and implementation plan. The Lower Esopus Creek travels 33 miles through seven Ulster County municipalities. It begins at the south end of the Ashokan Reservoir and joins the Hudson River in the Village of Saugerties.