THOMPSON — A proposed 1.5 million-square-foot warehouse near the Neversink River has taken a step forward. On December 10, the Town of Thompson Planning Board formally adopted the final scoping document, paving the way for the next phase of environmental review under the State Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQRA).

The project, proposed by Kroeger USA, LLC, would span over 390 acres along Heiden Road near Exit 107 off Route 17. With no operator yet identified, the massive facility would include truck access roads, on-site utilities, parking areas, and re-subdivision of lots.

At the December 10 meeting, Thompson planner Helen Budrock confirmed that numerous additions had been made to the draft scope based on extensive written public comments and internal review. 

The final document, expanded from 11 to 16 pages, outlines the required analyses for the forthcoming Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS).

Public concern over the project’s proximity to the Neversink River—a Class B protected trout stream—was a focal point. Community group Fallsburg’s Future and other environmental groups previously called the project a threat to the river’s water quality and ecosystem. 

However, town officials clarified that while the developer owns land extending to the riverbank, the actual warehouse will be constructed on the opposite side of Heiden Road, away from the waterway.

Another point of contention addressed was wastewater treatment. A representative for the project stated that no package wastewater treatment plant is proposed, contrary to recent public speculation. Instead, a conventional on-site wastewater system is planned, with design specifics to be detailed in the environmental analysis.

With the scoping document now finalized, the applicant’s engineers will begin developing the DEIS, a process expected to take several months due to the scope and complexity of the analyses required.

The public will have another opportunity to comment once the DEIS is submitted and reviewed.

“We’re committed to addressing community concerns transparently and accurately,” said Kristen O’Donnell, Principal Planner for Lanc & Tully Engineering and Surveying, the project’s engineering consultant during the meeting.