HORTONVILLE -— At their latest meeting on Wednesday, February 14, the Delaware Town Board heard an update from Project Engineer of Delaware Engineering, Bill Brown, on the Hamlet of Callicoon water well project. 

Brown said that two wells have been drilled to meet the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) requirement of having a primary and backup water supply for the system. He  said that two production wells have been drilled at 180 feet.

“The wells can pump 200 gallons of water per minute,” Brown said. 

According to Brown, Frey Well Drilling was awarded the bid for the work, which is being coordinated by Sterling Environmental Engineering, the hydrogeologist contracted by the Town of Delaware. 

“Drilling and development of the wells has been completed over the last month,” he said. 

Brown said that the 72-hour pump test will be conducted this week on one of the wells and on the second well next week. He also said that water samples are to be taken at the end of each test and submitted to a lab to confirm the water quality meets NYSDOH standards. 

“Once tests are completed, Sterling will prepare a summary and submit to NYSDOH for approval to use as a water supply for the hamlet,” Brown said.

Brown said that there are a number of permits needed for the project, which includes one for the railroad. In order to drill wells along Upper and Lower Main Street in Callicoon, Brown said they will have to get a permit from the operators of the railroad, which he said would cost $2,500. 

He also said that they will require supervision from the railroad operators while on site. They will also be in constant contact with the entities and businesses in the hamlet on latest project updates.

“We will keep everyone apprised of [what is going on],” he said. “We will also work with [Callicoon] Fire Department for fire hydrants closest to our construction.”

Other business

Building Inspector and Code Enforcement Officer Kris Scullion reported that there are 47 short-term rentals in the Town of Delaware, which one-third have been renewed and paid. 

Town Clerk Tess McBeath noted to the board that she will be attending the NYS Town Clerk’s Conference in April.