LOCA commissioned a comprehensive management plan for Lake Oscawana and it was adopted by the Town of Putnam Valley and District.  Progress has been made towards implementation of a number of the steps recommended in the Plan, including adoption of the septic pump law and a ban on the use of phosphate fertilizers.  Click here for a link to the Plan posted on the Town’s website. Lake Oscawana Management Plan (Final)August 2008.

A streaming video of LOCA's 2008 annual meeting at which the Lake Oscawana Management Plan was presented and discussed can be found at the Environmental Programs tab on the Town website.
http://www.putnamvalley.com/environmentalprograms.htm

Some LOCA members recently raised some questions about a April 12, 2011 letter from the Town of Putnam Valley concerning the pumping of septic systems, that is now mandatory under a new local law.  There are two points that may have confused some residents that are important to clarify.  Our President, Steve Axinn, spoke to the Town Supervisor, who advised as follows:
 
1.  If you have had your septic system pumped within the last three years, you can send proof of this (a receipt indicating that the septic tank was pumped will do) to the Code Enforcement Officer, Town of Putnam Valley, 265 Oscawana Lake Road, Putnam Valley, NY 10579 and, unless you hear from him to the contrary, you will not have to pump it again until three years from the date on which it was last pumped.
 
2.  There is a reference in the letter to the fact that the septic system must be "pumped, cleaned and inspected".  The law requires only that the contractor/inspector's report indicate that there are no "observed functional irregularities and/or deficiencies in the system and his/her recommendations, if any, for additional maintenance and/or remediation".  You are not required to do any invasive testing or have septic fields excavated, etc., in order to be in compliance with the law unless, of course, your septic system is mal-functioning.

Contact the Code Enforcement Office at Town Hall, if you have further questions. 

This link will take you to the new law--http://www.putnamvalley.com/Septic%20Tank%20Pumpout%20Law.pdf

Below please find prices from Eastern States Septic Co.  and Fred A. Cook, Jr. Inc. for pumping septic tanks of LOCA members only.

If you have been reading our newsletters and attending our meetings, you are aware of the many LOCA activities that are ongoing: lake advocacy, social events, and discounts at local merchants. Support for these activities is a good reason to join and support LOCA. 

• being a voting member gives one a voice in all of LOCAs important decisions
• being a member gives one access to the LOCA website FORUM page for coupons, discounts, photo contests, and other forum topics 

To join LOCA please download our membership form  and mail with your check for $35 to:

LOCA
P.O. Box 386
Putnam Valley NY 10579