It was a sad day for one city resident, when she woke up Tuesday morning and discovered that her 2005 Audi 4-door sedan had been stolen. Her day got worse when Police told her that they'd found her car... charred beyond recognition against a utility pole off of Middle Grove Road.

The crash, which destroyed the stolen vehicle, also knocked out power for about 80 National Grid customers.

So now, it's been about 36 hours since the car was reported missing, and police still have no idea who stole it.

The Sheriff's office said that the City police are investigating the theft. The city police at first said that the Sheriff's department are investigating the crash, and are now saying that there's no point in investigating, as the fire destroyed any evidence.

It seems that police from two departments are playing hot potato with this case, and no one wants to get stuck when the music stops.

Meanwhile, there are some dumb teenagers at large right now, thinking they're the luckiest joy riders who ever lived... and they might just be right. Either that, or someone is playing a high-risk game of insurance fraud. I suppose we'll just have to keep pestering the police -- from both departments -- for more answers on whole stole the Audi.

In other news, don't forget to attend Mayor Johnson's sate of the city address, this Sunday at noon in the City Center. I'll be there attempting to make my first web video.

Finally, I wanted to publicly thank everyone who took the time to write me with advice after yesterday's post. In all honesty, I expected to get flamed in the comments. I really do appreciate that there are so many people in this city who are willing to offer me what they know, so that I can better serve the community. Thanks again. Have a great weekend, I'll see you Sunday.

Members of the blogging community here in Saratoga Springs have been anything but shy about reminding me that I'm a new journalist. Today mayor Johnson reminded me. In a story I wrote yesterday, I incorrectly said that if the city did not answer a motion for leave of appeal a case brought against it by the Saratoga Lake Association and others, it would constitute a ruling in favor of the city. Why did I say something so grossly inaccurate?

Well, after nearly two weeks of calling Mayor Johnson, Joe Scala, Tony Izzo, Doug Ward and Bill Hurst, and receiving no calls back, it was finally time that I had to write something, especially when the city announced that it would hold a special session this morning to move on water. In all that time, the only person with a working knowledge of the case that I'd been able to speak with was Wilma Koss, president of the Saratoga Lake Association, one of the complainants in the case.

What I wrote in Tuesday's paper was my understanding of the proceeding, based on what Koss told me. Not that I'm blaming her. She, like me, is not a lawyer, and may not have fully understood the procedure, or may not have been equipped to fully explain it to me. Or I might have misunderstood or misinterpreted. After all, it's my job to get things right in print, not hers.

I did finally, at the 11th hour, get hold of Bill Hurst, counsel for the SLA, who answered all the questions I asked him. But in the haste of trying to get the story out, I didn't think to verify what I already took to be fact, that failure to answer the motion would constitute a ruling against the city.

In fact, the court will decide whether or not to hear the case regardless of whether the city files this motion, which they have now decided to do.

Well, with help from Mayor Johnson and Commissioner Kim, I've been able to correct the record today, but I really do strive to get my stories right the first time around, and learning of a mistake, particularly a significant one like this, in the middle of a city council meeting sucks. A lot.

But I find myself feeling very frustrated. How can I, a new journalist with little knowledge of how the courts work, get something like that right if the people to whom I'm supposed to asking questions won't return my calls?

So this is a plea to our elected officials and the paid professionals who work with them. Please call me back, if only so that I can better serve readers in Saratoga County.

In other news, Mayor Johnson will give the annual state of the city address this Sunday at noon, in the City Center. I'm told that there will be refreshments. Mark your calendars.

In other other news, I met two citizens this morning who told me that they only way they knew about this morning's meeting was through reading this blog. I must be doing something right.

My head is spinning to fast to write too much about the city tonight, except to remind everyone that there is a special City Council meeting at 8:30 a.m. tomorrow morning, at which the city will likely make a decision on its lake water litigation.

In other news, Sen. Clinton is currently up, with 52% to in the Florida primary. Obama is trailing her with 29%, and Edwards holds tight to 16% Incredibly, Dennis Kucinich achieved 1%... he should have stayed in the race!

On the Republican side, McCain and Romney are in a much closer race, each with a little over 30%. Giuliani plan to wait until Florida appears to have failed, as he currently has only 17%, just a hair more than the winner of the Iowa caucus, Mike Huckabee, who's got 13%.

Of course, it's still pretty early, and polls are still open, but tonight could be fairly definitive for the republican field. Doesn't seem like it's going to be as important for the democrats, who just continue to trade shots at each other.

OK... let's all stay tuned to our sets tonight to watch this race heat up. Have a great night!

NEWS FLASH:

The Saratoga Springs City Council will hold a "Special Session" at 8:30 a.m. Wednesday, at which it will decide the future of it's lawsuit against the Saratoga Lake Improvement District.

The current status of the suit is: Saratoga Springs: 1 (the 7-0 decision of the district appeals court in December). Saratoga Lake Improvement District: 1 (Justice Nolan's decision in the County court of appeals). We're now in the tie-breaker, winner takes all round.

If the city blinks in Wednesday meetings it's all over for the possibility of drawing water from Saratoga Lake. If the city decides to continue pursuing the lake as a viable option, we'll go to the court to see what it decides. Stay tuned, and look for my story with a few more details and lots of legalese in tomorrow's paper. (I can't link to it right now because it's not online yet, sorry.)

Enjoy the state of the union!

President Bush will deliver his final State of the Union address tonight, an event that some will watch with sadness and other with glee. We here at The Saratogian, regardless of our political views, will be tearing our hair out, as we struggle to meet an 11 p.m. deadline on a speech that might not end until 10:30 p.m.

So, let's start the coverage early. How are you going watch this historic speech? Gathering with friends in front of the TV to applaud with the members of congress and hang on his every word? Staying at home to watch with your family? Heading out to a sports bar that might deign to tune in to CNN for this annual event? Or are you sticking your head in the sand, preferring to let this day pass as any other? Whatever your plans, take a moment and let us know.

And what will the President talk about tonight? Do you think Bush will outline modest goals for his final months in office? Will he speak out on the field of presidential candidates? Will he suggest bold steps to re-invigorate our ailing economy? Will he shock us all and announce an immediate withdrawal from Iraq? Will he make a Giuliani-esqu pitch to extend his term on the grounds that America is at War?

Only time will tell, but whatever your views, take a moment to let us know.

Well, aren't I the fool. I came into work this morning without very much on my plate. I was going to write an advance story on Tuesday evening's council meeting, catch up on some emails, and work on a few things for the coming week.

But, when I opened my email I noticed that the city council meeting agenda, which is usually emailed to me the Friday before meetings, was missing. Hmm.... that's strange I thought. After all, it's been two weeks since the last meeting, there must be one this week.

I went over to our fax machine and rifled through the pile of faxes there. Nothing. So I surfed on over to www.saratoga-springs.org, to look for the agenda there. The calendar didn't list any meetings after last Wednesday's Planning Board Meeting. Strange.

So I walked across the street to City Hall, and looked on the bulletin board where meeting agendas are usually posted. There were agendas for upcoming Zoning Board of Appeals meetings and the Design Review Commission, but none for City Council. Well, by now my head was spinning with theories of conspiracies designed to keep the meeting agenda out of my hands.

I went back to the office and called Deputy Mayor Shauna Sutton, who patiently explained to me that City Council meetings happen on the first and third Tuesdays of every month, not every other Tuesday. This Tuesday, being the fifth Tuesday in January, would have no meeting. Well, aren't I the fool.

Just goes to show that when you get in the groove of attending either a City Council meeting or a Planning Board meeting every week, it's easy to loose site of that fine distinction. Woops... I guess I'll chalk this one off to experience.

Fortunately for me, state Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli announced today the finding of an audit of the Thruway Authority; findings that argue against proposed toll increases. That story kept me plenty busy all day.

Well, it didn't take long for me to discover that providing blog readers with a preview of things to come in the newspaper wasn't a good idea. Despite my promise to update readers on the status of the pending lawsuit between the city and the Saratoga Lake Association (SLA), I have not been able to get that story out this week.

In what turned out to be a very busy news week, I just didn't have enough time to work on the lake story.

But here's what I did learn. In a conversation earlier today with Wilma Koss, president of the SLA, she told me that SLA's lawyer had advised her that the city had asked to extend the "return date for the motion for leave to appeal” beyond the Feb. 11 deadline.

In essence, what this means is that the SLA has filed the case with the State court of appeals, but before the court will consider it, the city has to decide if it will fight the appeal. The city feels it needs more time to make this decision. Given that all three new members of the city council have not expressed support for the lake water plan, pursuing this case further could be a tough sell from Kim and Franck. But, the fact that the city hasn't yet made a decision to abandon the case means it may still be heard by the court.

Only time will tell.

In yesterday's news, there was a fire on Grand Avenue. Although I wasn't at work when it happened, and as such, not involved with the coverage, I did work on a follow-up story for tomorrow's paper. In reporting that story I spoke with Helena Frost, the building's owner, who lives in Manhattan. Although clearly upset by hers, and her tenents loss of property, she took the time to remark on the wonders of technology.

"It was amazing that my family across the country was able to see a video of my building burning, and call me to express their sympathy," she said.

Of course, I would have preferred her family to see a video on a happier subject, but still, it was nice to hear that our website (slow as it is) was put to good use yesterday, and that it enabled a family to come together in the face of a terrible loss.

Have a nice weekend, I'll see you Sunday.

In the wake of yesterday's unveiling of the state budget by Gov. Eliot Sptizer my in-box (both the internet one on my computerized desktop and the physical one for paper on my actual desktop) have been overflowing with press releases from various politicians, mostly Republicans, voicing their unhappiness with the proposed budget. Of course, I followed the story of the potential loss of VLT revenue for the city for tomorrow's print edition, but I now still find myself faced with a rather large collection of press releases full of interesting statements that I didn't included in my story for tomorrow.

So, in the interest of keeping the public informed about what their representatives are up to these days, I present to you here a collection of these press releases. As always, please let me know what you think. (These are presented to you in the order in which they landed in my inbox, and completed unedited except for formatting.)

NUMBER 1:
McDONALD: GOVERNOR’S COMMISSION ON PROPERTY TAX DESTINED FOR FAILURE
Assemblyman Disappointed With Appointments To Commission

Assemblyman Roy McDonald (R,I,C – Saratoga) today announced that he is extremely disappointed with the makeup of the Governor’s new commission responsible for coming up with a solution to the state's ever-mounting property tax problem.

“The most obvious problem with this commission is that all of the appointments have one thing in common,” said McDonald. “They are all extremely wealthy individuals who have no problem paying their property taxes.”

The commission members include: Nassau County Executive Tom Suozzi; Former Republican Onondaga County Executive Nicholas Pirro; Former Democratic Buffalo-area Assemblyman Paul Tokasz (now a lobbyist working with Pat Lynch); Former state Secretary of State/former Sen. Basil Paterson (father of LG David Paterson); Merryl Tisch, a member of the state Board of Regents; Shirley Strum Kenny, SUNY Stony Brook president; Michael Solomon, director of Merrill Lynch & Co.

“It simply defies logic to establish a group of people who have little or no practical experience in dealing with local property taxes,” added McDonald. “Especially, when there are a number of local officials from across the states that have been dealing with this issue for a number of years. Take Saratoga County, for example, the lowest taxed county in the state since 1986, yet nobody has approached the Saratoga County Board of Supervisors for advice or input.”

Prior to being Assemblyman, McDonald served as the Town and County Supervisor from the Town of Wilton where his policies led to the total elimination of local town property taxes (both general and highway funds) for more than twenty-three straight years.

“The second largest problem with this commission is that half of the individuals are from the New York City metropolitan area,” concluded McDonald. “Astronomical property taxes are predominantly an upstate issue; however there is not an adequate amount of representation from the upstate or rural communities. Let’s be honest and call it for what it is. New York City’s assessment policies are suspect at best, so while they continue to give away the store with rent control and corruption, we upstaters continue to pay higher taxes.

“The bottom line is that real working middle class taxpayers are not represented by this list. Although I am certain these individuals are well meaning and good people, this group is simply too elitist, too out of touch with ordinary people and quite simply lacks the experience necessary to make any significant impact on this problem.”



NUMBER 2:

JOHNSON BLASTS GOVERNOR FOR TAKING AWAY VLT MONEY
*Vows to work with Bruno, Legislature to get revenue back*

Scott Johnson, Mayor of Saratoga Springs, today criticized Governor Spitzer for his plan to cut the VLT revenue for Saratoga Springs over the next few years, eventually reducing the payout to nothing by 2010.  Johnson had predicted this over the past few months, even bringing up the issue during his campaign and stating that the City can no longer rely heavily on the VLT funding.  However, Johnson knows that Saratoga Springs deserves it and will fight for it.

"Governor Spitzer's assertion that Saratoga Springs does not deserve its rightful share of the VLT funding is simply wrong," said Johnson.  "It is pretty clear to me that he is playing political games with his foes, specifically, Senator Bruno.  However, he is really playing games with the residents of Saratoga Springs.  For years, the Senator has been an asset to our community and it was his hard work last year that restored the funding when Spitzer previously tried to take it away.  With concerted effort this year, I'm optimistic we'll maintain our entitlement."

Thankfully, Spitzer's budget is merely a starting point and the State Legislature will have a chance to weigh in.   Johnson pledged not to stop until Saratoga Springs received its share of VLT funding.  He is prepared to meet with officials from the Governor's office, as well as members of the State Legislature, until he is successful.

"Saratoga Springs is lucky to be represented by three of the best Legislators in the state; Senator Bruno, Senator Farley and Assemblyman Tedsico," added Johnson.  "However, it is also my job to advocate for our City and I look forward to working with them.  We all have the same goal of getting Saratoga Springs what it needs."

Johnson felt that Spitzer has underestimated costs that are incurred by having VLTs in Saratoga Springs.  He cited infrastructure issues and increased public safety concerns as the main reasons the funding was necessary to the City's operations. He also maintains the City's share of $3.7 Million is reasonable, given the Racino has grossed over $135 Million in 2007 and expects to exceed $150 Million in 2008, all resulting in payments to New York State of over $82 Million in 2007 and $91 Million
projected in 2008.  An additional 10% of the gross revenue is paid to the State Lottery.  Johnson concluded that Saratoga Springs should not lose its rightful revenue due to the inability and inefficiency of New York State to balance its budget.

NUMBER 3:
McDONALD NAMED TO JOINT LOCAL GOVERNMENT CONFERENCE COMMITTEE
Assemblyman To Attend Public Hearings On Budget

Assemblyman Roy McDonald (R,I,C – Saratoga) today announced that he was named to the Local Government Officials/General Government Joint Conference Committee.

The Senate Finance and Assembly Ways and Means Committees announced the Joint Legislative Hearing Schedule on the 2008-2009 Executive Budget submitted to the Legislature by Governor Eliot Spitzer.

The schedule will begin on January 28, 2008, with the Local Government Officials/General Government Hearing, at which local government officials and representatives of local governments are invited to provide testimony on the proposed budget.

“It is certainly a privilege to be asked to participate in this cooperative process with my Assembly and Senate colleagues,” said McDonald. “I am very pleased to receive an assignment which I believe I am well suited for.”

Prior to the Assembly, McDonald had a distinguished record for 23 years as the elected Town and County Supervisor from the Town of Wilton. He also served as Chairman of the Saratoga County Board of Supervisors.

McDonald will also continue to sit on the Assembly Committees on Labor, Racing & Wagering, and Veteran’s Affairs, as well as Ways & Means. Along with his standing committee assignments, the Assemblyman remains an active member of the Assembly Minority Task Force on Agriculture, Tourism and Outdoor Recreation.

“I am proud to serve on each of these committees and feel that each subject area is important to my constituents in Rensselaer, Saratoga and Washington Counties,” added McDonald. “I have had the opportunity to review the Executive Budget proposed by the Governor and look forward to raising a few questions regarding some of the shortcomings I have found.”

END

OK, I guess three isn't as many as it seemed when I walked into the office at 3 p.m. today, and there was a big announcement about an indictment in a 5-year-old murder across the street, and McDonald called in such a rage that you would think I was responsible for threatening VLT revenue, all while I was trying to keep my phone line clear in anticipation of a call from Congresswoman Gillibrand, which never came. Anyhow, it has been a busy day. I hope you enjoy these press releases in lieu of anything new or creative from me. Apologies... have a great evening!

There was a suggestion in a comment earlier today that we host the Sutherland Report on our website. Well, our new website does not have the ability to host PDF files, but there, for your reading pleasure, is the text of the report. Keep in mind that the text was copied from a PDF of an old document, and some formatting was lost. I did everything I could to go through and make sure all the words are correct, but there are probably still errors. Let me apologize in advance. Stay tuned for a place that can host the DPF files, which would included images in the original report. Thanks again to Kyle York, who supplied the PDFs.

FINAL REPORT
A Water Quality and Watershed
Study of Loughberry Lake
JAMES W. SUTHERTAND
JAY A. BIOOMFIETD
MICHAET R. RAFFERTY
NYS Department of Environmental Conservation
Division of Water
May 1986 - June 1987
Final study by DEC Lake Services Section
June 1988

The watershed is being subjected to development and the effect on Lake quality is not known.
An accurate evaluation of the phytoplankton community was not possible due to the short-term nature ofthe study. As a result, there are limitations attached to predicting the status of the Lake
based upon the phytoplankton. Caution must be exercised in the interoretation of data from a
short-term project designed to assess quality of the Lake. As stated previously, a very poor set of data exists concerning the Loughberry Lake system. Analysis is further complicated by the poorly understood role that ground water plays in the calculations. Our "best guess" is that at the current rate of development, the Lake will, in the next ten years, exhibit problems with algae
and oxygen depletion that will make it unsuitable as a sole source of potable water.

ASSUMPTIONS, OBSERVATIONS, WARNINGS
The groundwater quality will continue to decline as development continues in the watershed.
With more development and more runoff, additional nutrients will promote blooms of algae. The loading of fecal bacteria, toxic metals and other contaminants to the Lake will increase and
degrade water quality as development continues in the watershed.

If the data from Lake George are used to extrapolate impaits in the Loughbeny Lake system, an increase in land development to 40% would result in a more than doubling of the
phosphorous loading. Based upon shallow-water productivity, (deep waters) may
show oxygen depletion during periods of intense plankton growth. Our "best guess" is at that the current rate of development, the Lake will, in the next ten years, exhibit problems with algae
and oiygen depletion that will make it unsuitable as a sole source of potable water. Two situations are likely to occur if a hiqh rate of urbanization continues in the watershed. First, it is likelv that a spill of toxic or hazardous material will occur causinq the immediate closure of the Lake for potable use. Second. the rate of urbanization miqht result in the load of plant nutrients, sediment, trace metals, fecal bacteria and pesticides to the watershed and the Lake. Since both of the above scenarios are distinct possibilities. we believe the City of Saratoqa Sprinqs
should review previous supply studies and pursue one or more recommendations.

* Increase production of Geyser Crest field
* Build Reservoirs
* Draw from Great Sacandaga Lake
* Hudson above Corlnth (above industrial & municipal discharge)
* Saratoga Lake
* Replace on-site wastewater systems, hook into Mechanicville

FINAL REPORT
A Water Quality and Watershed
Study of Loughberry Lake
JAMES W. SUTHERLAND
JAY A. BLOOMFIELD
MICHAEL R. RAFFERTY
NYS Department of Environmental Conservation
Division of Water
May 1986 - June 1987
Final study by DEC Lake Services Section
June 1988

1.3 Project Findings and Conclusions
Development is the primary activity that affects water quality. Evidence gathered during this study indicates that the Lake is, at present, a moderately productive body of water. As a result of (City) usage, phosphorus is not retained in the Lake, limiting algal growth. Increased impervious areas through development will mean more runoff and elevated levels of phosphorous will enter the Lake during peak flows. These pulse additions of nutrients will promote blooms of algae. The loading of fecal bacteria, toxic metals and other contaminants to the Lake will increase and degrade water quality as development continues in the watershed.

1.4 General Recommendations
The major focus of these three recommendations is continued use of the Lake as a water supply.
Long Term Management Alternatives
o Increase Geyser Crest capacity
o Construct new reservoirs
o Examine other surface/groundwater sources
o Eliminate on-site waste systems from watershed
o Short Term Management Alternatives
o Revise city's water supply regulations
o Acquire watershed lands

All towns establish uniform building/zoning laws
City should issue 6-month construction moratorium
City should create fund for Lake studies
City should develop emergency response plan for Lake
City should consider less use of copper sulfate
City should not alter bottom sediments
City should evaluate new development for water use
Alternatives to use as a Reservoir
The area could be developed as a park


2.0 General Background
In summary, then, the city of Saratoga Springs has severat concerns related to the Lake and its use. First, there is litfle, or no, information concerning the water quatity of the reservoir, Second, the watershed is being subjected to development and the effect on Lake quatity is
not known.

2.0 Characteristics of the Study Area. Most of the developable land in the waterhed is located in the Town of Wilton. lt is estimated that between 1000 and 2000 lots will be subdivided within the watershed. . . . Information compiled from Wilton since 1970 suggests a growth rate which translates to an additional 1129 units during the period 19gO_1990. One section of Route g, about 2600 feet in length, has gutters that convey stormwater to Lewis Pond which then drains into the Lake. There are approximately ZS0 septic systems within the watershed. Only the area within Saratoga Springs, 1.5 percent of the total watershed area, is served by a wastewater collection system.


3.2 Sampling- Results and Discussion
A- Physical Gharacteristics
The Lake has an extensive shallow area, a condition that provides the potential for high biotogical productivity. The bottom is within 1O feet of the surface over about 60 percent of the Lake surface. Based upon shallow-water productivity, this region may show
oxygen depletion during periods of intense plankton growth.

D- Biota
An accurate evaluation of the phytoplankton community was not possible due to the short-term nature of the study. The species associations observed during this period are not necessarily ihe same ones that would characterize the community over a longer period- of time. As a result, there are certain limitations attached to predicting the status of the Lake baeed upon the phytoplankton. There are other limitations of this study that need to be addressed. For example, it is not possible to assess the relative contribution of aloae in the upper (3-6 feet) and the lower (6-15 feet) layers towards the overall productivity of the lake. Caution must be exercised in the interpretation of data from a short-term project designed to assess quality of the Lake. Another factor confounding the data interpretation is that the City's Water Treatment Plant adds copper sulfate to the Lake during the growing season.

E- Bottom Sediments
Sediments from the Lake are similar to sediments from bodies of water located in rural areas. Results for the sediment are presented in Table 3-11 along with results from Saratoga Lake, Lake George, and the Connonsville Reservoir, a NyC drinking water supply. The relitively high
levels of copper detected in Loughberry Lake are undoubtedly related to the copper sulfate treatments over the years to control algae ihat impart taste and odor problems to drinking water.


Primary Pollutants.
Elevated levels of lead, nickel, zinc, mercury, chromium and arsenic were measured. Since there are no acceptabl standards for heavy metals, the results were compared to sediment samples collected in other studies: Saratoga Lake, Lake Erie, Buffalo River. Based upon the comparisons with sediments from other sources, rt can be said that the sediment sample collected from Loughberry Lake was moderately polluted, or contaminated, with certain heavy metals. Research has indicated that lake sediments can release contaminants to lake water under certain conditions. As more water is drawn from the Lake during high demand for drinking water, contamtnants could be exchanged from the sediments to the water. Likewise, when demand for water is low, contaminants probably are lost to the sediments due to sinking.

It should be noted, however, that although the potential for retease of contaminants from the sediments is real, there is no indication that any dangerous levels of contaminants have actually occurred in the Lake. Furthermore, the water treatment process could be expected to remove most of the contamination if it occurred, Therfore, the degree of contamination of the sediments may have littte consequence under the present circumstances of its purpose and use.


The quality of the water in Loughberry Lake will decline since the Lake is fed by this groundwater.

Unfortunately, although good information is available concerning reservoir capacity, the same can not be said for inflow to the Lake during drought periods. Any estimate of safe yield is only as good as the data available. Long term would require 30, or more, years on record. Although we have long term usage data, there is very litfle information related to stream inflow or Lake level.

In February 1964, the Lake level was reported to be 7.5 feet below the spillway at 765 feet (August Saratogian). buring Juty and August of '1964, the average daily rate of water withdrawal exceeded 3.6 MGD. Likewise, during the same months in 19g1, the average daily withdrawal
-exceeded 4 7 MGD. In 1986, the average daily rate oF withdiawal exceeded 3.9 MGD during peak months. As stated previously, a very poor set of data exists concerning the Loughberry Lake system. Analysis is further complicated by this poorly understood role that ground water plays in the calculations. We have estimated the safe yield numbirto be about 2.5 MGD.
This number, however, is not absolute. The actual number may be higher or lower.

lf the data from Lake George are used to extrapolate impacts in the loughberry Lake system, an increase in land development to 40% would result in a more than doubling of the phosphorous loading. A majority of total nitrogen enters the Lake from direct groundwater inputs. Of the nitrogen that enters the Lake annually., 66.7% is either retained in the Lakes bottom sediments or lost to the atmosphere as nitrogen and ammonia gas, These levels are more than adequate to sustain large populations of phytoplankton, and that nitrogen controls would be inappropriate.
In any case, stringent controls on land development in the watershed are necessary to prevent further degradation of water quality. Although the exact relationship between development and
quality cannot be determinedue to the unique hydrology, our "best guess" is at that the current rate of development, the Lake will, in the next ten years, exhibit problems with algae and oxygen depletion that will make it unsuitable as a sole source of potable water.

We should state that there is no evidence that loughberry Lake is in any immediate danger. There is no evidence of contamination of the Lake's water with toxic metals. However, there is sufficient evidence that continued urbanization ofthe watershed may, in the future, cause a deterioration in the water quality and its use may become undependable.

It appears that the combined safe yield of Loughberry Lake and the Bog Meadow Brook diversion is about 3,1 MGD. Since the City often uses 4-5 MGD of water during the summer, it is clear that the system is stressed during dry periods of the year. During another drought period, it is possible that there might be a shortage of water, unless additional water sources are sought.

Two situations are likely to occur if a high rate of urbanization continues in the watershed, First, it is likely that a spill of toxic of hazardous material will occur causing the immediate closure of the Lake for potable use. Second, the rate of urbanization might result in the load of plant nutrients, sediment, trace metals, fecal bacteria and pesticides to the watershed and the Lake.
Since both ofthe above scenarios are distinct possibilities, we believe the City of Saratoga Springs should review previous water supply studies and pursue one or more recommendations.

Increase Geyser Crest
Build Reservoirs
Draw from Great Sacandaga Lake
Hudson above Corinth {above industrial & municipal discharge)
Saratoga Lake
Replace on-site wastewater systems, hook into Mechanicville

For the past week or so we've been reading the story of Manny Choy, a local resident who volunteered his time to lead the city's Comprehensive Plan review committee. Choy was also a member of the "investment team" that managed investment for the city of Springfield, Mass.

In a move made by Merrill Lynch, one of the city's investment advisers, the city invested $13.9 million in a Collateralized Debt Obligation, and has suffered a catastrophic 90% loss on that investment. Ouch. Merrill Lynch said that the city made the decision, the city says that Merrill made the decision without approval. Springfield and the Massachusetts Secretary of State are looking into it.

Here in Saratoga Springs, readers will likely remember that Choy was appointed to be the chairperson of the Comprehensive Plan review committee, during the Keehn administration.

Now, I still consider myself a relative neophyte to much of what went on in Saratoga Springs previous to my taking this post in November, and so I'm not fully up on the Comprehensive Plan. I have not yet had the chance to form an opinion on it one way or another, but what I do know is what I was told today by a few members of the committee: that Choy was an effective leader who got the committee's task done, in the face of a fractured city Democratic party. Whether you agree with the committees findings or not, whether you disapprove of Choy's appointment or not, it seems impossible not to respect that kind of leadership.

One of my fellow Saratoga Springs bloggers, with whom I often find myself in agreement, slammed Choy last week, saying "If a parallel can be drawn between land use planning and investment planning we can safely say Manny provides the bridge... for it seems needless risk is at the heart of everything he does."

Well, Ben, that doesn't seem entirely fair. The Comprehensive plan "concept" that Choy lobbied for may very well be reckless, I don't feel qualified to make that judgment, but to call his investment strategy reckless is, I feel, a bit of a reach.

Many municipalities invest money, and many, said local bankruptcy attorney Ron Kim, invested in sub-prime mortgages, "because those investment vehicles were rated very highly, because they're mortgages."

I won't even pretend to have a grip on the endlessly complex sub-prime mortgage crisis, but I think it's safe to say that the crash in that sector took pretty much everyone by surprise. Remember, people like Choy, who are employed by financial institutions and likely have tremendous wealth in stock options, are feeling the declining values too -- albeit much less so than anyone holding a mortgage.

And here's another reason not to jump on Choy's back. The Boston Globe reported over the weekend that there are suspicious ties between one of Choy's investment team mates, Carl J. Kipper, also under subpoena, and Stephen Lisauskas, executive director of the Springfield Control Board. According to the Globe's report the two had known each other for years.

The report also cites Springfield City Council President as saying that he was concerned about their relationship. "Why would they be channeling business to Albany N.Y.?" he asked.

Well, it seems to me that if there was any wrong-doing, it likely came as a result of this questionable relationship, and not as a result of Manny's participation in Springfield's investments.

So, on a day on which we pause to honor Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., let's remember what he said about acceptance, and remember that just because we disagree with some one doesn't make them a bad person, and doesn't mean everything they have ever done, was done for bad-hearted and misguided reasons.

The "Sutherland Report," officially known as "A Water Quality and Watershed Study of Loughberry Lake," was published in June 1988. The report is often cited by those who hope to see Saratoga Springs draw water from Saratoga Lake. It is justifiably used to that end, as Dr. Sutherland, and his two co-authors conclude that:

"Two situations are likely to occur if a high rate of urbanization continue in the watershed. First, it is likely that a spill of toxic or hazardous material will occur causing the immediate closure of the Lake for potable use. Second, the rate of urbanization might result in the load of plant nutrients, sediment, trace metals, fecal bacteria and pesticides to the watershed and the Lake.
Since both of the above scenarios are distinct possibilities, we believe the City of Saratoga Springs should review previous water supply studies and pursue one of more recommendation."

The report then names Saratoga Lake as one of several alternatives available to the city.

But, what you don't often hear is the exact language used in the report. Now, I'm no scientist, a fact that will soon be obvious, but even I can recognize the hesitant tone in the report. It's as if Sutherland is sure of his conclusions, but not sure of the methodology used to achieve them.

First and foremost of his concerns is the data used concerning water flowing into the lake. "Any estimate of safe yield is only as good as the data available. Long term would require 30, or more, years of record," he says. The Sutherland report is based on data collected over 13 months.

The report also points out that there is little or no data concerning the quality of water in the reservoir, and also, that the effect of development around Loughberry Lake is not known.

So, while, Dr. Sutherland is confident in saying that a spill of dangerous chemicals into the lake is likely to occur, and that an increase in the amount of paved ground could create more polluted runoff, the one thing that screams throughout the report is the need for more study.

Now, don't get me wrong here. I believe it would be foolish at this juncture for the city not to complete the application for their permit to draw water from the lake, and to accept that permit. I'm not saying we should take water from the lake now or ever, but, if further study reveals that Loughburry Lake is indeed in crisis, or if there is a real, unforeseen, disaster a generation from now, we're going to be awfully sorry if we don't have alternatives.

The wells in Geyser Crest and the County Water line are also both viable alternatives, but why, after all the money already spent on work to secure that permit, would we turn our backs on a lake water permit now?

Just as it was good engineering for the county to plan to leave "Ts" in the neighborhood of the city, in case we choose to connect to the system later, taking the permit would be little more than common sense.

Thanks to Kyle York for the background for today's post.

In the paper this week look for an update on the litigation between the city and the Saratoga Lake Association, which is headed to the New York Court of Appeals.

Greetings everyone! As many of you doubtless already know, I am the Saratogian's City Desk writer. I come to Saratoga Springs by way of Brooklyn and Skidmore College. I've been working here at The Saratogian since November, and now, after much gentle prodding from my editors, I am almost ready to begin maintaining a blog to supplement our daily coverage of Saratoga Springs.

The single most important thing in writing a blog is blogging on a regular basis. So let this be my pledge to you, my readers: I will blog regularly on the days that I work, Sunday through Thursday. If I have nothing to say, I will at the very least supply you with links to pertinent stories.

This post is a tease for things to come, my first regular post will be published this Sunday, Jan. 20.

Here are some caveats:

1) I am a reporter for a daily newspaper first, and a blogger second. While I will never publish libel or unconfirmed rumors on this blog, I do not plan on putting the same amount of time into my posts here that I do my reports for the newspaper. You'll have to forgive me if the reporting here is a bit, um, thin. At times, trenchant observations may replace insightful interviews.

2) In my life away from The Saratogian I am an essayist and creative writer. I often find the strictures of the journalistic style overly constraining, so this blog will be a place where I give myself license to play a little bit with form. That doesn't mean that you'll find poems about snow removal here, but it does mean you might find one-word paragraphs. Again, forgive me.

3) On comments: I hope that this blog will be a place where members of the community can come together to discuss the many issues facing the city. That said, I will read all comments before posting them. I will not post comments constituting libel or fighting words. Also, this is not a place for bashing The Saratogian. You can do that here and here. Please do tell me if I get something wrong on this blog or in a story. But I don't care if you think our website is too slow, or if we towed your illegally parked car, or if you have a bone to pick with Barbara Lombardo. I don't care and I wont publish comments speaking to those or similar issues.

4) More on comments: My name is attached to everything I write. Your name should be attached to what you write. I will publish anonymous comments, but only because I want people to comment on my blog, and I know that you can't throw a rock in Saratoga without hitting a coward who won't stand behind their own words. However, if you choose to leave anonymous comments, know that I'm frowning at you.

Enjoy, and I look forward to seeing you Sunday!