MakingWaves - News From the Division of Water

In This Issue:

• Upcoming DEA National Drug Take Back Day 
• Additional Projects Added to Draft 2021 CWSRF Intended Use Plan
• Harmful Algal Bloom (HAB) Notifications

Upcoming DEA National Drug Take Back Day

The federal Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) will conduct a nationwide drug collection on Saturday, October 24, 2020 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Collections will be held at many locations around the state and are the best way to dispose of unused and unwanted pharmaceuticals to protect our environment. For more information and locations, visit DEA’s National Drug Take Back webpage. 

In addition, DEA allows retail pharmacies and other entities to become authorized collectors, so there are medication drop box locations that are open year-round. Visit DEC's Drugs in New York's Waters webpage for more information about keeping drugs out of our waters.

Additional Projects Added to Draft 2021 CWSRF Intended Use Plan

The New York State Environmental Facilities Corporation (EFC) and DEC are seeking comments from the public regarding projects added to the Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF) Draft 2021 Intended Use Plan, which was announced last month. The list of new CWSRF projects is available on EFC's website. Comments must be submitted by October 23. For information about how to submit comments, view the October 7th Environmental Notice Bulletin. 

Harmful Algal Bloom (HAB) Notifications

Visit NYHABS, DEC’s harmful algal bloom notification map, to view locations of freshwater HABs in New York State that were reported in the past two weeks. Click on a dot for more information, including the date it was reported, the waterbody name, and pictures. Click on the arrow at the bottom of the screen to view a list of reported HABs.

Know it. Avoid it. Report it.

If you see a HAB, please use the reporting form to submit a report to NYHABS.  

Because waterbodies may have HABs that have not been reported to DEC, we recommend avoiding contact with floating mats, scums, and discolored water.

If you, your family, or pet have been in contact with a HAB, please rinse with clean water and report any symptoms to your local health department.

Weather and Harmful Algal Blooms

Among other environmental factors, weather seems to have an impact on the occurrence of HABs. Hot, sunny weather appears to create conditions that encourage HAB growth. Wet weather can also lead to an increase in blooms, as rain washes nutrients (phosphorus and nitrogen) into waterbodies. Although fewer blooms occur as water and air temperatures decrease, HABs may still occur on waterbodies throughout the year.