No one was hurt following an explosion at a North Rockland power plant yesterday morning. Published reports say the fire at the Bowline Point Thermal Power Plant in Haverstraw around 10:30 yesterday was caused by an electrical arc that sparked a breaker to burst into flames. Officials from the DEC told the Journal News that a spill response team went to the plant, though the incident reportedly did not impact the nearby Hudson River.
Breaking News
Rockland Declares Modified Stage II Water Emergency, Mandatory Restrictions Go Into Effect Today
Dry conditions here in Rockland have led the health department to declare a Modified Stage II Water Emergency taking effect today, including mandatory restrictions on water use. Rockland County Executive Ed Day says unprecedented flow levels in the Ramapo River are limiting the use of Veolia’s Ramapo Valley Well Field, a significant source of water for Rockland residents…
The water saving measures, which primarily impact outdoor water usage, apply to all residents and businesses, regardless of whether the water is from a public supplier or private well. They include restrictions on watering lawns, gardens and landscapes. Restaurants won’t serve water unless it is asked for, and water may not be used to wash any paved surfaces including streets, sidewalks, driveways, tennis courts, garages, parking areas and patios, unless in case of an emergency. Find more details on specific restrictions below.
Mandatory Water Use Restrictions in Rockland County include:
Lawns
Lawns may be watered twice a week only on specified days. Properties with odd numbered addresses may water lawns during specific hours only on Mondays and Thursdays. Properties with even numbered addresses may water lawns during specific hours on Tuesdays and Fridays. Watering hours are between 2 a.m. and 6 a.m. for automatic, in-ground irrigation systems. For manual sprinklers or hose fed irrigation the hours are between 5 p.m. and 9 p.m. (NOTE: this schedule supersedes the schedule stated in the Rockland County Sanitary Code section 5.4.2.2)
Gardens & Landscape
Flower gardens, vegetable gardens and landscaped areas (trees, shrubs, potted plants or other outdoor plants) can be watered during specified hours every other day of the month according to property address. Properties with odd numbered addresses may water on odd days of the month (1, 3, 5, 7, 9, etc.) and properties with even numbered addresses may water on even days of the month (2, 4, 6, 8, etc.). Watering hours are between 2 a.m. and 6 a.m., for automatic, in-ground irrigation systems. For manual sprinklers or hose fed irrigation the hours are between 5 p.m. and 9 p.m.
Other Restrictions:
- Nursery facilities and golf courses may exercise a water conservation plan, that is compliant with Article V of the Rockland County Sanitary Code, in lieu of the specified watering restrictions. The conservation plan must reduce average monthly usage by 10%. In addition, all water use at golf courses shall occur between the hours of 9 p.m. and 6 a.m. except for hand-watering of greens.
- Water may not be used to wash any paved surfaces (public or private) such as streets, sidewalks, driveways, tennis courts, garages, parking areas and patios, except as required for an emergency.
- Water will not be served in restaurants unless the patron requests it.
- The use of flow-through (non-recycled) fountains, artificial waterfalls and reflecting pools is not allowed.
- Water cannot be used for flushing sewers or hydrants except for emergencies.
- All water leaks must be repaired within 48 hours.
- No bulk water supply from any source within the county may be exported outside the county.
Continue to use water efficiently indoors with low-flow shower heads and toilets (look for the Water Sense label if purchasing new fixtures), fix any leaks, sweep rather than wash paved surfaces, run only full loads in washing machines and dish washers, don’t use toilets to dispose of tissues, and consider switching to high-efficiency appliances when it’s time for replacement.
Residents can notify the Health Department if you see water leaks or see water being used outside the allowable schedule at the following complaint form:
https://rocklandgov.com/departments/health/environmental-health/complaint-form/
Ramapo Valley Ambulance Corps Booted from Town’s 911 System, Faist and Spring Hill to Cover RVAC Territory
The Ramapo Valley Ambulance Corps will no longer be dispatched from the Town of Ramapo’s 911 system due to poor response times and no corrective plan from the corps’ leadership to fix the situation. That’s according to the town’s supervisor, who said the move was made yesterday. An “unofficial” Facebook page suggested that the corps had been shut down. But Ramapo supervisor Michael Specht says that’s not the case…
Created in 1947, R-VAC covers a 34.5 square mile area that includes the Thruway, Kakiat State Park, and several Ramapo communities, a population of more than 40,000 people. We reached out to the Ramapo Valley Ambulance Corps but have not heard back.
Early Voting Underway in NY for August 23rd Primary
Early voting is underway in Rockland and around the state of New York in the second of two primaries this summer. Rockland Democrats and Republicans will decide who the candidates are for the new 17th Congressional District and State Senate candidates. Ramapo supervisor Michael Specht says early voting began on Saturday but so far turnout there in Ramapo has been light…
Rockland Assemblyman Mike Lawler, who is running for Congress this year, predicts turnout will be even lower than it was for the June primary…
There are five sites in Rockland where you can vote early, including town halls in Clarkstown, Orangetown, Ramapo and Haverstraw. You can also vote at the Rho building in Stony Point. Early voting hours are noon to 8pm on Tuesday and Thursday, 9am to 5pm on Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday. In-person Primary Election Day is August 23rd. For more information click here.
Three Haverstraw Men Charged with Spring Valley Teen’s Murder
Three Haverstraw men have been indicted by a Rockland County Grand Jury of multiple felonies in connection with the murder of a Spring Valley teen last month. Spring Valley Police Chief Richard Oleszczuk says 23 year-old Anthony Mitchell, 22 year-old Ahmad Williams, and 20 year-old Brian Thomas, all of Haverstraw, were charged with the shooting death of Ramapo High school senior Trey Cineus…
The incident took place in the early morning hours of July 8th in the parking lot of the Meadow Lane apartments at 150 West Eckerson Road. Cineus was taken to Good Samaritan Hospital where he was declared dead. All three men have been sent to the Rockland County Jail. They are due back in court on Wednesday.