Making Waves

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation sent this bulletin on 11/13/2015 05:12 PM EST
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation
DEC Delivers - Information to keep you connected and informed from the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation
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Reminder: Cutoff Date for Fertilizing Lawns is December 1

If you plan to fertilize your lawn this fall, remember that New York has a state law that restricts the use of lawn fertilizers. It is against the law to fertilize lawns between December 1 and April 1. Check local laws, too. Some municipalities have local laws about selling and using lawn fertilizers (i.e., Suffolk County prohibits the application of lawn fertilizers after November 1). 

 

To learn about other requirements of the Dishwasher Detergent and Nutrient Runoff Law, visit DEC’s webpage. The law does not apply to agricultural fertilizer or fertilizer for gardens.

Phosphorus Can Cause Serious Problems

Excess phosphorus in freshwater lakes and ponds can cause algae overgrowth, with serious impacts to the environment and public health. 

Great Lakes Action Agenda Workgroup Meetings to be held in December

DEC will host four workgroup meetings to advance key priorities for New York’s Great Lakes basin as identified in the state’s interim Great Lakes Action Agenda (GLAA):

  • Lake Erie Work Group -- December 2, 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. in Depew
  • SW Lake Ontario Work Group -- December 3, 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. in Rochester
  • NE Lake Ontario Work Group -- December 14, 10:30 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. in Watertown
  • SE Lake Ontario Work Group -- December 15, 10:30 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. in Geddes 

The focus of this round of meetings will be on defining ecosystem-based management project criteria, discussing sub basin priorities and further developing projects in support of GLAA goals. For more information about these workgroups and the meetings, go to the Great Lakes Action Agenda webpage.

Biological Assessment Available for Callicoon Creek

The Division of Water’s Stream Biomonitoring Unit has completed a report on biological sampling of Callicoon Creek conducted in 2014. The purpose of the survey was to provide current baseline water quality information for comparison with historical data collected in the watershed. The results of this survey are similar to historical data on Callicoon Creek. Biological assessment of eight sites on the stream and its branches indicated non- to slightly impacted macroinvertebrate communities. Overall water quality in Callicoon Creek is fully supporting of aquatic life.

 

The report is available on the Delaware River Watershed Reports webpage.