Bonacic & Seward: Petition Launched To Oppose Fad Available At Www.fadisbad.org

State Senators John J. Bonacic (R/I/C - Mount Hope) and James L. Seward (R/C/I - Oneonta) announced today that a web site has been created, www.FADisBAD.org, for watershed citizens to go on record opposing the federal government’s ten year Filtration Avoidance Determination (FAD). The issuance of the FAD as proposed by the federal government this year, would allow New York City to forego building a water filtration plant for a period of at least ten years. Traditionally, New York City had to ask for a FAD every five years.

"The federal government’s proposed ten-year FAD gives New York City license to abuse and overregulate watershed communities for ten years with impunity," stated Senator Bonacic. "The City Department of Environmental Protection has not worked with area residents to make septic systems affordable, refuses to address flooding, and has limited recreational use of its lands."

Senator Bonacic continued, "www.FADisBAD.org is a web site and on-line petition that will allow residents to have a voice on this issue that will be directed to federal authorities responsible for making this bad policy proposal. Our community members have legitimate concerns that often fall on deaf ears within New York City’s DEP."

Senator Seward stated, "We want to energize the grassroots of the watershed area and encourage citizens to speak up against a ten year FAD and all that it could mean for the area. The petition is an important opportunity for people to get involved in determining the future of the watershed communities. I encourage everyone to sign on now."

‘This is an important mechanism for people adversly impacted by New York City regulations imposed on communities within the watershed. It is my hope that many visit the web site and sign on to the petition. The more voices are heard, the better off we will be," concluded Senator Bonacic.