I am counsel for the Delaware Riverkeeper on the FIMFO project and have met with many in the community concerning the project.  

My clients are gratified by the National Park Service [NPS] review and distressed that counsel for the applicant seems to believe his client’s best approach is to attack a federal agency committed to protecting our environmental treasures.  

This is not a case of federal imposition. As so many in the community have noted through their public comments at numerous meetings and public hearings, the FIMFO project will create environmental impacts which are simply incompatible with its surroundings and its essence is about profit maximization, whatever disrespect is caused to the river.  

The NPS conclusion makes clear that the project is inherently flawed and violates critical guidelines and regulations which govern review of such projects. And the issues NPS highlights go to the heart of the project, and cannot be easily rectified.  

I trust the Highland Planning Board will not be intimidated by threats of litigation as many stand behind rejection of the project for the well-reasoned bases NPS has presented.

Michael Sussman, Esq., is a civil rights lawyer in Goshen, NY.