KINGSTON – Ulster County,
which tried to shut down Camp Rav Tov on Cherrytown Road in Kerhonkson
over several violations of the county sanitary code, has reached a consent
agreement to prevent continuation of an offense sewage odor that has permeated
the neighborhood.
The county did suspend the permit for the camp to operate requiring it
to cease operation and evacuate by 5 p.m. on Monday, August 13.
That effort was thwarted when the camp sought and won a temporary restraining
order from Kings County Supreme Court blocking the closure.
The Ulster County Attorney’s Office issued a statement on Tuesday
saying, “In an effort to protect the community, the environment
and the children at the camp, Ulster County Pressed for and secured a
consent agreement” that includes a number of terms.
• Camp Rav Tov Kerhonkson has agreed to pump and haul all sewage
from the camp on a daily basis until August 22, which is the last day
of camp;
• The camp must provide a daily certification from an independent
engineer that the pumping and hauling has been completed;
• The camp has agreed to place $40,000 in an escrow account to be
used for clean up in the event of any non-compliance by the camp; and
• The camp has agreed to install a new septic system, approved by
the Ulster County Commissioner of Health before seeking any future operating
permits from the County in 2019.
The Ulster County Health Department will continue to monitor Camp Rav
Tov Kerhonkson’s compliance with the consent agreement and stands
ready to pursue further action to ensure the public health if necessary.
