Yesterday's Public Hearing on the Proposed Stream Flow Standard's and Regulations was both informative and productive. The number opposed to the legislation as currently constructed far outnumber those for it. I am proud to say that our association and industry was well represented on this very important matter. Thank you to all that attended to the meeting. A special thank you to: Peter Gorman, Mike Wallace, Kevin Collins, Ed Goodhouse, Steve Curry, Ken Ainsworth, Scott Ramsay, and John Motycka for participating in the process through verbal testimony. Also, I would like to recognize Joe Parrillo and Ron Drapeau of the Connecticut State Golf Association for their attendance and participation. Their continued attention and support on this issue will be crucial as the legislative process continues. I believe the take-home message yesterday is that this proposal is in dire need of modification, and we must all hope that DEP heard that message as clearly as those in the audience did. The public comment period will remain open until February 4th. Written testimony should be submitted to:     
 
    Mr Paul E Stacey
    Department of Environmental Protection
    Bureau of Water Protection & Land Reuse
    Planning & Standards Division
    79 Elm Street
    Hartford, CT 06106-5127 
 
Let's not get complacent!!!! Now is the time to continue hammering home our concerns with this proposed Regulation. Every single piece of written testimony must be read, considered, and responded to prior to the creation of a final draft regulation, and it's eventual submittal, vetting process, and vote. This is an open comment period for those that reside in the state, not just us... get your General Managers, Professionals, and golfers to submit as well!  I have attached a copy of my verbal testimony for your review, and to be used as a template for the creation of written testimony. Scott Ramsay, Michael Dugan, and myself are more than happy to assist you in scripting your testimony, or simply to give it a final review prior to sending. Following is a list of "talking points" for consideration in your testimony.   

• Classify First!
• Too expensive.
• Not now, in this economy. Golf is struggling.
• Wrong way and the wrong time!
• Did not bring in stake holders to help craft these regulations.
• How is the DEP going to manage this?
• This proposal has gone far beyond the original mandate the DEP received from the legislature.
• Per capita usage has been dropping over the last 10 years, anyway.
• There is a better way through improved technology and BMP’s.
• Why are we going to use arid state regulations in the northeast?
• Deal with the at risk streams first.
• Why blanket the entire state with prohibitive regulations when less than 1% of the streams are at risk.
• Once the diversions are more tightly regulated then the permits will be under further scrutiny at renewal.
• Purchased water will be much more expensive 

 
As always, should have any questions, or need assistance in completing your testimony, feel free to contact myself, Scott Ramsay, or 
CAGCS Lobbyist, Michael Dugan (860) 833-2198
 
Thank you!!
John Garcia, President
CAGCS
 

John N. Garcia
Golf Course Superintendent
The Patterson Club
office 203-259-7390
cell 203-996-6267
JGarcia@thepattersonclub.com