Proposed Car Wash in Saugerties Environmentally Responsible Advancement

(originally written June 17, 2022)

Ulster Strong, a local non-profit group dedicated to the education and advocacy of sustainable, resilient development projects, supports the advanced-technology and environmentally-friendly car wash proposed at 2891 Rt. 32N in Saugerties. Although the location of proposed car wash is on the border of the aquifer overlay district (and within the business district), for several reasons this project should be permitted to proceed.

The proposed project is not ‘merely’ a car wash, but an important environmentally responsible advancement in a notoriously dirty process - car washing. Offering the community a centrally-located, environmentally responsible solution to clean cars should be supported. The convenience of the location to locals and visitors, by Thruway Exit 20 and the intersection of routes 32 and 212, will encourage use of this clean car wash technology, vs. ‘do it yourself solutions’ in residents’ driveways and backyards, or using other less environmentally-friendly car wash options. It ‘sips water’, as compared to traditional car wash options, with its closed-loop design and revolutionary filtration process. And with its built-in redundant safeguards, outlined in the application, there will never be an issue with potential spills, safeguarding the important aquifer. All waste captured in the filtration systems will be regularly, and responsibly disposed, vs. homestyle car washing or traditional car washes that pollute groundwater, creeks and river.

The proposed technology for this car wash is currently mandated in other NYS counties due to its revolutionary advancements in environmental care. The creation of such a car wash solution in Saugerties would set a new standard for Ulster. And being right off the Thruway in a high-visibility location, it will set an excellent precedent in NYS.