Councilman Bill Reynolds, R-Ward IV, raised the issue of how the Freshwater Wetlands Act will affect the city to the council during Monday’s meeting. Pajama photo by Sara Holthouse

At least one City Council member says it’s time for the city to voice its opinion regarding new fresh water regulations set to take effect in January.

Since the beginning of this year, new wetland regulations proposed by the DEC as part of the Freshwater Wetlands Act have sparked protests from several cities, towns and those in power. The list of those discussing the issue now extends to the Jamestown City Council.

In 2022, Governor Kathy Hochul signed legislative revisions to the Freshwater Wetlands Act, which was originally signed into law in 1975 to regulate activities near larger wetlands, larger than 12.4 acres, and smaller wetlands considered to be of unusual local importance. The new law eliminates the use of old and inaccurate maps and states that all wetlands larger than 12.4 acres will be subject to Section 24 regulations and will be monitored by the state DEC.

Councilman Bill Reynolds, R-Ward 5, brought the issue before the council during Monday’s meeting, saying the freshwater wetlands law would affect the city.

“Yes, we will be affected as a town and despite how narrow it is, it affects the river and McCray Point,” Reynolds said. “I would like to make sure that this board is aware, as well as the administration, that we might want to take action as far as delaying the implementation of the state energy source there, the DEC .”

Reynolds noted that the DEC operates without control from any other state power or entity. He said the people of New York State need to put their hands down and call the DEC to find out what the people of the state want.

“I support some action, and maybe we can discuss it later,” Reynolds said. “But it’s important for the city, the lower basin and the entire lake that there is fresh water everywhere. They’re just taking the high road trying to pass something that won’t be suitable for our area.

Other areas of concern in Chautauqua County regarding the Freshwater Wetlands Act that will be affected include Chautauqua Lake, Lake Findley and other Class A lakes.