The proposal for a floating solar panel project at the Camp Field drinking water reservoir in Peekskill poses a significant threat to our community's most vital resource: clean drinking water. The introduction of such a project could lead to potential contamination of the reservoir, putting the health and safety of thousands of residents at risk.

Floating solar panels (over 2,800 of them proposed to be installed), while a progressive step towards renewable energy, must be strategically placed in environments where they do not endanger essential water supplies. The Camp Field reservoir has provided safe drinking water for decades, serving as a cornerstone for both daily consumption and community activities. Any disruption to its purity could have dire consequences for public health. Some of the components of these panels are made with heavy metals and plastics that will slowly leach into our drinking water.  These are "forever" chemicals that accumulate in our bodies and cause irreversible harm.

Beyond health risks, the installation and ongoing maintenance of solar arrays on water bodies have been reported to disturb aquatic ecosystems, leading to potential imbalances that can disrupt local wildlife and ecology. This could irreversibly alter the nature of habitats that have existed in balance for many years.

Furthermore, there remains a lack of comprehensive studies on the long-term impacts of floating solar panels on water quality and the efficiency of panels when mounted on water as opposed to land. It is irresponsible to proceed with such a project without thoroughly understanding these risks.

The city is promoting this project as a cost-saving measure. The projected community benefit is approximately $110,000 per year. This converts to $1.70 per month for each of approximately 5,400 municipal water customers. The benefit for each resident is approximately 37 cents per month. THIS IS NOT WORTH RISKING CONTAMINATION OF OUR DRINKING WATER.

The Planning Commission notified some of the residents of an upcoming public hearing that will be held this coming Tuesday, 5/12, at 7:30 PM at the City Hall. This hearing will include a request for the FINAL SITE APPROVAL for this project. I was as surprised as many of you to hear that this is the final approval hearing. Apparently, this project has gone through several commission and board meetings without public notification until this week.  Please come to the meeting if you can to voice your concern.  If you can't make it in person, please send an email with your opposition to the project to cbennett@cityofpeekskillny.gov.

We urge the Peekskill Planning Board to say NO to this project and prioritize the well-being of residents and protect our cherished drinking water source. Rather than pursuing this project on the Camp Field reservoir, alternative sites for solar panel installations should be considered—ones that do not threaten our health or the environment.

By signing this petition, you are voicing your opposition to the floating solar panel project proposed for the Camp Field reservoir. Join us in safeguarding Peekskill's water and environment for future generations by signing this petition today.