TUXEDO, NY—The Genting Group's $1.5-billion proposed Sterling Forest Resort, which is now under consideration by the New York State Gaming Commission for a casino license, has drawn fire from environmentalists across the border in New Jersey for its potential impact on the Garden State's drinking water.
“This is our Yellowstone, this is our Yosemite, and we would not be putting a casino in the middle of those parks,” says Jeff Tittel, executive director of the New Jersey Sierra Club based in Trenton.
Environmentalists are concerned that sewage from the Sterling Forest Resort would enter the Ramapo River, which supplies drinking water to New Jersey, according to The Record. In addition to the Sierra Club, some state lawmakers are also stating their opposition to the Orange County, NY-based project.
“Putting this smack dab in the middle of a preservation zone could alter our water system for years to come,” says State Sen. Kevin O'Toole of Cedar Grove, NJ.
State Sen. Loretta Weinberg of Teaneck, offered similar sentiments concerning the Sterling Forest Resort plan. “If I could pick a worse spot, I'd be hard-pressed to do so,” she says. “It's environmentally sensitive. We spent all this time and money to preserve it. And it's land that protects our drinking water.”
A Genting news release concerning the resort's design stated that sewage would be discharged downstream of New York's Indian Kill reservoir “to avoid any possible contamination of the reservoir.” It also stated that it would build a $15-million water reclamation facility. New York, New Jersey and the federal government spent $100 million to preserve Sterling Forest more than 10 years ago. See story in The Record.
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