WPCNR MR. & MRS. & MS. WHITE PLAINS VOICE. August 29, 2005: Dan Seidel, a WPCNR reader reacts to the WPCNR exclusive report confirming the mysterious pollution of Silver Lake causing the closing of Liberty Park. The reasons for the closing were not reported to the citizenry by either the City of White Plains or Westchester County for approximately a month, until the city confirmed the pollution to WPCNR Friday evening. Mr. Seidel comments:

John,

Dennis Power was looking into the problem last week and has been discussing it for about the last 2-3 weeks.
A few of us knew from about the first  week in August  that there was a problem. Apparently it is a County Park and County water body with a lease to White Plains. According to the Environmental Planning staff at the County it is a County Health Dept. jurisdictional item.

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I spoke with the Mayor's office last week and there was indications that there was a problem from the Harrison side and NOT White Plains. White Plains contacted the County and was waiting for some call backs. It was most probably caused by sewage and other nitrogen rich run off which causes spectacular algae blooms and eutrification of the lake, causing die offs of small organisms and hence the stench and high bacteria count (unless there is a real sewage leak which has not yet been pinpointed - from a "point source"). Recreation backed off on any comments other than to say the park was closed and call the Mayor's office for clarification (I became too "reporterish" for the rec person on the phone).

At any rate, this is a perfect vehicle for pressing ahead with Stormwater Management plans, as required by the Feds, State and County laws. Apparently our Admin cares nothing for tackling this looming problem. The Mayor's office and Planning Dept. have been notified time and time again about these and other environmental problems now raising their ugly heads, but ther have turned a blind eye. WHY??

WHEN WILL WHITE PLAINS ACT???? Let's go to the lease with the County and see who is shirking responsibilities!!!!

ANd further, why don;t our paid officials talk to the public? Where are the press releases and advisements? Where is the open communication and dialogue? Why are citizens, when they ask questions, treated like pariahs and adversaries? This smacks of the KGB and Stasi tactics - we live in a democracy and we should be treated like citizens and not enemies!!!!!!  SHAME AGAIN!!!!!!!!

Dan Seidel