MakingWaves - News From the Division of Water

In This Issue:

• Draft State Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (SPDES) Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations (CAFO) General Permit 
• Sustain our Great Lakes 2022 Funding Opportunity
• Public Comment Period Extended for NYS Draft 2020-2022 Clean Water Act § 303(d) List of Impaired Waters
• Financing Announced for Clean Water Systems and Local Drinking Water Infrastructure Projects
• Annual Black River Initiative Newsletter Available

Draft State Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (SPDES) Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations (CAFO) General Permit 

DEC has prepared a draft permit and factsheet to renew the SPDES General Permit GP-0-16-001 for Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations (CAFOs). The draft Environmental Conservation Law (ECL) SPDES General Permit for CAFOs (GP-0-22-001) is available on DEC's CAFO webpage. The proposed permit includes additional climate change considerations, updated references to Cornell University’s most recent nutrient and manure application guidelines, and enhanced oversight conditions. For more information, including how to comment, view the January 19th Environmental Notice Bulletin. The comment deadline is Friday, February 18, 2022.

Sustain our Great Lakes 2022 Funding Opportunity

The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation is soliciting applications for funding to restore and enhance habitat in the Great Lakes basin. Find the Request for Proposals on NFWF's website.  Pre-proposals are due February 28, 2022. 

Funding categories for 2022 include:

• Restore and Enhance Stream and Riparian Habitat
• Restore and Enhance Coastal Habitats
• Expand Green Stormwater Infrastructure in Great Lakes Communities
• Maintain and Enhance Benefits of Habitat Restoration through Invasive Species Control
• Accelerate Implementation of Conservation Practices and Regenerative Agriculture on Working Lands

To learn more about this funding opportunity, register for NFWF's webinar to be held on January 25, 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. or view a recording of the webinar after January 25. 

Public Comment Period Extended for NYS Draft 2020-2022 Clean Water Act § 303(d) List of Impaired Waters

DEC has extended the public comment period by 15 days for the Draft 2020-2022 Clean Water Act (CWA) Section 303(d) List of Impaired/Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) Waters. This list identifies waters that do not meet applicable water quality standards and do not support applicable best uses, thereby requiring a TMDL.

On December 29, 2021, DEC announced the availability of the 303(d) list with a public comment period of 30 days scheduled to end January 28, 2022.  The 15 day extension changes the comment due date to February 11, 2022.    

The Draft 2020-2022 303(d) List and the Consolidated Assessment and Listing Methodology are available on DEC's website. 

For more information, including where to send comments, view the January 19th Environmental Notice Bulletin. 

Financing Announced for Clean Water Systems and Local Drinking Water Infrastructure Projects

Governor Kathy Hochul has announced over $66 million to support vital water quality infrastructure projects across New York State. The grants and low-cost financings approved by the New York State Environmental Facilities Corporation’s Board of Directors support 16 municipalities and public authorities that are working to upgrade their drinking water and wastewater systems.

View the list of projects in the Governor's announcement.

Annual Black River Initiative Newsletter Available

DEC's Great Lakes Program, in partnership with the NYS Tug Hill Commission, has released the 2021 Black River Initiative newsletter. The newsletter highlights projects within the Black River Watershed that sustain land and water resources, contribute to the health and well-being of watershed communities, and promote a watershed approach to management that can be applied to other Great Lakes watersheds.