MakingWaves - News From the Division of Water

In This Issue:

• Draft Multi-Sector General Permit Renewal
• Dams and Culverts: Reconnecting Our Waterways
• Harmful Algal Bloom (HAB) Notifications
• Regional Wastewater System Emergency Response Plan Workshop

Draft Multi-Sector General Permit Renewal

DEC has announced that the draft renewal of the SPDES Multi-Sector General Permit (MSGP) for Stormwater Discharges Associated with Industrial Activity (GP-0-23-001) and related fact sheet are available for public review. 

This permit is intended to provide State Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (SPDES) permit coverage to facilities conducting industrial activities with stormwater discharges to surface waters. When final, this MSGP renewal will replace the current MSGP, GP-0-17-004, which expires February 28, 2023. 

Copies of the draft MSGP renewal and related fact sheet are available on DEC's website.  Comments are due by close of business September 30, 2022. View the August 31st  Environmental Notice Bulletin for details. 

Dams and Culverts: Reconnecting Our Waterways

The Climate Smart Communities Certification program includes an action that focuses on removing dams and correctly sizing bridges and culverts to maintain beneficial floodplain functions and restore natural stream conditions. This helps reduce flooding impacts and restore aquatic connectivity.

A new video, Dams & Culverts: Reconnecting Our Waterways, showcases the removal of two obsolete dams on tributaries to the Hudson River. The video also demonstrates how culverts are assessed for flood capacity and whether they are barriers to the movement of fish and other aquatic life. Watch the video on DEC’s YouTube channel.

The video was funded by the NYS Environmental Protection Fund and produced for DEC's Hudson River Estuary Program, in partnership with New England Interstate Water Pollution Control Commission. 

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. Instructions on how to use NYHABS are on DEC's HABs notification webpage.

Know it: HABs vary in appearance from scattered green dots in the water, to long, linear green streaks, pea soup, or spilled green paint, to blue-green or white coloration.

Avoid it: People, pets, and livestock should avoid contact with floating mats, scums, and discolored water.

Report it: Report a suspected HAB using the NYHABS online reporting form. Report health concerns related to HABs to the Department of Health at harmfulalgae@health.ny.gov, or contact your local health department.

Regional Wastewater System Emergency Response Plan Workshop

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and New England Interstate Water Pollution Control Commission (NEIWPCC) are sponsoring a free, virtual workshop to assist wastewater system operators with updating or developing an emergency response plan. During this interactive workshop, held over two sessions, you can learn about strategies, resources and procedures to prepare for, and respond to, an all-hazard incident.

The sessions will be held Tuesday, September 20 and Wednesday, September 21, 12:00 to 3:00 p.m. Register to attend. For more information, contact Jeff Fencil, EPA, at 202-564-0818 or fencil.jeffrey@epa.gov.