BUFFALO - State Senator Antoine M. Thompson (D- Parts of Erie & Niagara Counties), Chair of the Senate’s Environmental Conservation Committee, announced the public hearing schedule to solicit input and obtain feedback from the public on water quality in New York State.

“Through these hearings we seek to improve the way we protect our fresh water resources and New Yorkers’ health.  We are looking for input on all issues impacting water quality, including sewage treatment, drinking water quality, wastewater infrastructure funding, storm water infrastructure, availability of adequate supplies of fresh water, pharmaceuticals in the water supply, and beach closings.” stated Thompson

There are three hearings scheduled throughout New York State. They are:

• Buffalo -Tuesday, September 29, 2009 from 11am-3pm at the Erie County Historical Society, located at 25 Nottingham Court Buffalo, New York 
• New York City - Wednesday, September 30, 2009 from 11am-3pm at 163 West 125th Street New York, New York 
• Albany - Thursday, October 1, 2009 from 11am-3pm in the Empire State Plaza Meeting Rm. 5 (Concourse) Albany, NY

The hearings are open to the public to both attend and participate. Depending on the number of people wishing to testify, some may be asked to provide written testimony, rather than oral testimony. Those wishing to testify are asked to contact Mr. Rashied McDuffie, Director of the Senate Environmental Conservation Committee at (518) 455-3368 or rashied_mcduffie@yahoo.com.