Last week, the Public Service Commission pushed back two days of public hearings regarding United Water's proposed desalination plant project to Oct. 1 and 2.



The change was made after public officials pointed out the conflicts with the original dates, Sept. 9 and 10. Officials also asked that the PSC reconsider its choice of sites, specifically making an issue out of limited access and parking at Haverstraw Elementary School.



The commission kept the sites and times as previously scheduled, with the first day of hearings Oct. 1, 2013 at Clarkstown South High School in West Nyack and the second day Oct. 2. at Haverstraw Elementary at 15 Grant Street in Haverstraw.



Each day, there will be an informational forum at 6 p.m, followed by the public hearing at 7 p.m. The informational forum will allow for informal discussion with PSC staff and representatives from United Water. United Water's report filed Aug. 19 an other related documents can be found on the Department of Public Service website at www.dps.ny.gov.



Those interested in speaking will be asked to complete a request for time when they arrive. Prior appointments are not necessary. The public hearings will last a minimum of one hour, but will continue until all wishing to speak have had their opportunity or until other arrangements are made.



Comments can also be submitted online through the Department of Public Service Website using the case number 13-W-0303, by calling the PSC opinion line at 1-800-335-2120 or by mail to Hon. Kathleen H. Burgess, Secretary, Public Service Commission, 3 Empire State Plaza, Albany, NY 12223-1350. Comments submitted by these routes should be submitted by Oct. 18, 2013.



This hearing does not related to United Water's pending requests for a surcharge and a separate rate increase. To read more about those, see this report on Patch.