Data Contained in Draft Generic Environmental Impact Study Submitted to Town of Saugerties
SAUGERTIES, N.Y. (Sept. 4, 2024) – Comprehensive testing of two wells drawing from underground water sources, and pumping capabilities, show that Winston Farm, a transformative “live, work, play” proposal adjacent to the New York State Thruway’s Exit 20, will be self-sufficient regarding water for its development – an important solution regarding development of the property.
The wells yielded a combined 270 gallons per minute, the study showed. In addition, the water drawn from each source was self-contained, meaning that there was no evidence of water being pulled from neighboring water sources or wells. The water quality in both wells was deemed satisfactory and/or readily treatable. No contamination, including by PFAS compounds, was detected, the study said.
The analysis and testing were performed by LaBella Associates, a full-service engineering firm based in Rochester, N.Y. The data are key components of the Draft Generic Environmental Impact Statement submitted Aug. 15, 2024 by Winston Farm to the Town of Saugerties as the next step of the town’s municipal review of the proposal.
“These scientific, highly regulated water and pumping tests, conducted by independent professionals, provide a key solution for developing Winston Farm and for the community,” said spokesman Josh Sommers. “This is good news for Saugerties. In addition, Winston Farm is fully committed to take all steps to protect these and any other water sources during the development and operation of the proposed project.”
The wells’ capacities show that Winston Farm would not need to use water from Town or Village of Saugerties municipal water sources to meet daily requirements.
Two wells with 6-inch diameters were simultaneously tested – one on the Winston Farm property, and another, referred to as the Montano well, on an adjacent property. The Winston Farm well had a net groundwater withdrawal capacity of 220 gallons a minute. The Montano well’s withdrawal capacity was 50 gallons per minute. Both wells consistently refreshed their water capacity, providing what will be a continuous supply of water to Winston Farm.
The Winston Farm well drew water from the confined Bakoven Valley sand and gravel aquifer, and did not draw from, or influence, the Beaver Kill stream, the LaBella report said. There also was no evidence of water being drawn from any other surface waters, which were more than 800 feet away, according to the report. The well was tested from Feb. 6, 2023 to May 16, 2023, including a 31-day post-test recovery observation period.
The 146-feet-deep Montano bedrock well, in a different aquifer and watershed on a former quarry parcel, was tested from Feb. 6, 2023 to Feb. 17, 2023. It drew water from a carbonate bedrock aquifer, the Helderberg Group geologic formations, in the watershed of the Sawyer Kill. Monitoring of bedrock private wells near the Montano site identified no measurable groundwater level influences.
The tests were conducted at an appropriate time of year, LaBella said. The winter had been relatively dry and free of heavy snowfalls, so the pre-test period was not meaningfully affected by snow melt. The pumping-test protocols were approved in advance by the New York State Department of Environment Conservation, New York State Department of Health and the Town of Saugerties.
The 840-acre Winston Farm, at 119 Augusta Savage Road, is best known for hosting the Woodstock ’94 music festival. Winston Farm’s development would create substantial construction and permanent jobs, significant annual tax revenue, housing opportunities and smart development possibilities. Winston Farm is seeking a zoning change that would create the Winston Farm Planned Development District. Full buildout would be accomplished through construction phases over several years.
The Draft Generic Environmental Impact Statement includes the results of numerous required studies and reviews of the property’s environment, habitat, traffic, economic impact and more. All were conducted over the past year at Winston Farm’s expense to help determine Winston Farm’s development potential.
The DGEIS’ findings are designed to help shape a detailed rezoning proposal to create a Planned Development District for the Winston Farm property and provide data and analysis for the Town Board to consider that zoning request. Municipal review will include numerous opportunities for public comment. Community suggestions already have spurred modifications such as expanded property buffers and smaller lots for homes to enhance the setting of community.
Winston Farm is owned by long-time Saugerties residents and respected businessmen Tony Montano, John Mullen and Randy Richers. The property has long been deemed a desirable development opportunity due to its location, scale, topography and scenic views. These amenities led the Hudson Valley Economic Development Corp. to previously designate Winston Farm as the prime development location in the Hudson Valley. The Ulster County Regional Chamber of Commerce called Winston Farm “a visionary proposal that will powerfully energize Ulster County and the entire Hudson Valley.”
Learn more at WinstonFarm.com.
