Pollution warning signs go up at park while officials order study

A water sample from a creek that runs through the Myron Urbanski Memorial Park on Craigville Road in Goshen had high numbers of fecal coliform, including E. coli, leading the town board to erect warning signs and order a study.

The Goshen town board unanimously agreed to place signs at the park that state "Danger. Polluted water. Unsafe for fishing, drinking or swimming."

E. coli is a subgroup of the fecal coliform group. They are always present in the digestive tracts of animals, including humans, according to the New York State Health Department. Most forms are harmless, but a few strains can cause illness or even death.

Town of Goshen Supervisor Doug Bloomfield said he didn’t want to alert the public until the issue was studied by a professional. But he did join the board in favor of posting signs.

“Based on the information that we received, the board authorized me to hire a professional scientist to check out the area,” said Bloomfield. “The scientist will take samples, analyze those samples, and make a conclusion about the area.”

The investigation will determine the source of the contamination. The possibilities listed include manure spread by farmers, wildlife defecation, or a leak at a sewer pump station, Bloomfield said.

The study will also sample feeder water sources from upstream, he said.

“This type of contamination happens from time to time,” said Bloomfield. “We once had 150 dairy farms in Goshen that spread manure. Now we have only two, but this happens.”

Bloomfield said the board wants to be scientific about the problem. If the study finds that the town caused the pollution, the town will correct it, he said. If not, the town will contact personnel from wherever the source is found be be.

Bill Canavan, senior project manager with HydroEnviromental Solutions in Somers, N.Y., will conduct the investigation.