MakingWaves - News From the Division of Water

In This Issue:

• DEC Harmful Algal Blooms Research Guide Available
• Water Well Contractor Program Registration
• Annual Water Withdrawal Reporting
• New Conservation Easement To Protect Ithaca's Water Supply
• Report on Restoration and Protection of New York's Great Lakes

DEC Harmful Algal Blooms Research Guide Available

DEC announces the release of the DEC Harmful Algal Blooms Research Guide (PDF), which highlights topics to advance the study, management, and mitigation of harmful algal blooms (HABs) in New York. Four research focus areas--Prevention and Mitigation, Causes of HABs, Monitoring and Modeling, and Engagement--are intended to prioritize DEC research efforts and to lay the foundation for HABs research coordination.

Under Governor Andrew M. Cuomo’s leadership, New York prioritized actions to address HABs. In 2018, the multiagency HABs Initiative was launched by DEC, Department of Health, and Department of Agriculture and Markets. The initiative included regional HABs summits that led to the development of waterbody-specific HABs Action Plans and targeted mitigation studies. Based on input from experts who participated in the summits, the Division of Water produced the DEC HABs Research Guide. DEC encourages innovation and exploration of novel approaches that will advance the scientific knowledge of HABs.

Water Well Contractor Program Registration

The DEC Water Well Contractor Program is currently accepting applications for the Certificate of Registration for the period April 1, 2021 through March 31, 2022. Registration is required by March 31 each year for all water well contractors who drill or repair water wells in New York State. The on-site contractor must be certified for the work they are conducting (well drilling and/or pump installation). A Preliminary Notice must be filed prior to drilling a well, and a Water Well Completion Report must be filed upon completion of water well drilling. For additional information, contact Water Well Program staff at 877-472-2619 or NYSWaterWells@dec.ny.gov.

Annual Water Withdrawal Reporting

The DEC Water Withdrawal Reporting Program is currently receiving water withdrawal reporting data for 2020. Reporting is required by March 31 each year for non-agricultural facilities that have a withdrawal capacity of 100,000 gallons or more per day and agricultural facilities that registered or reported their existing withdrawals to the Department prior to February 15, 2012. For additional information, contact Water Withdrawal Reporting staff at 518-402-8182 or AWQRSDEC@dec.ny.gov.

New Conservation Easement To Protect Ithaca's Water Supply

DEC and Finger Lakes Land Trust (FLLT) have announced that a perpetual conservation easement has been established on a priority parcel in the Six Mile Creek watershed in the town of Dryden, Tompkins County. The 13.5 acre Boris Conservation Easement includes a seven-acre environmental protection zone that will preserve the riparian buffer and 1,100 feet of frontage on Six Mile Creek. 

The easement will help protect public water supplies in the city of Ithaca and was funded in part through the State's Water Quality Improvement Project (WQIP) Program. WQIP supports projects to improve water quality, reduce the potential for harmful algal blooms (HABs), and protect drinking water across the state.

Report on Restoration and Protection of New York's Great Lakes

DEC Commissioner Basil Seggos has released the 2018-2020 progress report (PDF) on the restoration and protection of New York's Great Lakes resources. Prepared every two years, the report highlights partnerships and achievements completed during the prior two years, including improving resilience to coastal and tributary flooding impacts, protecting source waters, and accelerating restoration initiatives in communities that have been historically and disproportionately impacted by environmental pollution, called Environmental Justice communities.

In the coming year, DEC's Great Lakes Program will update the Great Lakes Action Agenda for the next 10 years. DEC encourages interested individuals and organizations to get involved at the local and regional level and to share your ideas and goals for the lands and waters of our Great Lakes basin. To learn more and sign up for email updates, visit DEC's website, or email us at greatlakes@dec.ny.gov.