VEOLIA PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD IS OVER
A decision is expected from the Public Service Commission this spring.
UNAFFORDABLE VEOLIA RATE INCREASE, TOXIC PFAS CHEMICALS
Thank you for sending in your written comments in March!
This Proposal is unaffordable for Rockland ratepayers and will lead to even more expensive drinking water and more environmentally harmful water options in coming years.
You can also click HERE for the letter of opposition from some members of the Rockland Water Coalition.
Comments can still be sent to [email protected] with Case # 23-W-0111 in the subject line.
We oppose the Joint Proposal for the following reasons:
Steep rate increase: 26.8% rate increase over four years. This major increase comes on top of rates that are already among the highest water rates in the state. The combined results of the rate increase plus future PFAS costs will push Rockland’s rates beyond the limits of affordability and should be rejected.
Company failure to relieve cost burden for PFAS chemical filtration from ratepayers
- The $66.5 million cost to filter out PFAS chemicals may fall entirely on ratepayers. Total costs are likely to exceed well over $150 million.
- Despite these extremely high costs, the company has resisted applying for public funding.
- As a result of the Rockland Water Coalition work in this case, Veolia has finally agreed to look into public funding. The Department of Public Service needs to hold them fully accountable for doing so. DPS should work actively with the company and the state to minimize the burden on ratepayers.
- Veolia has also failed to aggressively pursue lawsuits against chemical manufacturers. Other water utilities have secured billions of dollars from chemical companies to pay for chemical filtration.
Rockland ratepayers are still facing $19 million charges for the desalination project, which never even broke ground. Rockland ratepayers have already paid $30 million for this failed proposed desalination plant. Rockland ratepayers should not pay one penny more for this failed proposal, which never started construction, and was under Suez, not Veolia.The interest rates we pay for it will actually increase if the current plans move ahead.
High leak rate: Despite pouring tens of millions of ratepayers dollars into its infrastructure, Veolia’s Rockland leak rate remains very high at 22%. As ratepayers, we are paying for that “lost water”. The company must bring the leak rate down to generally accepted standards, at 15 to 18%.
Poor climate planning
- Long delayed timeline and no target goals to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Implementation will not even start until 2029.
- Failure to plan for the impacts of extreme weather on our water supply. Veolia should be planning now for drought, higher temperatures, intense precipitation, and extreme storms.
Very weak Conservation Plan leaves Rockland vulnerable to the need for yet another massively expensive supply project. One of the keys to avoiding yet another major new supply source is a vigorous conservation plan and watershed planning, coupled with strong public outreach. We call for an independent study and substantial improvements to the Conservation Plan.
Proposed merger with upstate systems means Rockland ratepayers will subsidize expensive upgrades for upstate communities. The current plan includes $3.3 million for PFAS removal from a well in Owego NY plus millions more for other Owego infrastructure. This is patently unfair to Veolia’s Rockland’s ratepayers. We already pay the highest water rates in the state. Enough is enough.
Trial Staff does not appear to have the technical expertise in water planning and conservation needed to make technical decisions on these issues. Trial Staff also does not review best practices in other communities around the country or consult with other agencies.
Trial Staff disregards input from stakeholder parties to the case, including expert comments.
You can still send in public comments. Let’s show the Public Service Commission that Rockland ratepayers are watching.
Comments should be sent to [email protected] with Case # 23-W-0111 in the subject line.
You do not need to be an expert to send in written comments! You only need to be concerned about high water rates and a company that is not doing its best to avoid burdening ratepayers with millions of dollars in costs for PFAS filtration systems or to avoid unsustainable increases in the future.
The Rockland Water Coalition continues to advocate for impactful, sustainable water policy, including:
- Affordable water rates
- Safe drinking water
- Sustainable watershed planning
- Vigorous conservation and efficiency programs – through the county and through the utility
- More proactive drought planning
- More effective reduction of leaks/accelerated maintenance of infrastructure
We oppose the current Joint Proposal because it would lead to unaffordable water rates, wasted time and money, with ineffective conservation measures, ineffective maintenance, and lack of preparation for the impacts of climate on our water supply.