MakingWaves

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation sent this bulletin on 02/19/2016 04:51 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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MakingWaves

Webinar on NYS Environmental Excellence Awards Offered

DEC invites you to attend a webinar about New York’s Environmental Excellence Awards program.  Participants will learn about the benefits of being a New York State Environmental Excellence Award winner, get tips for submitting a competitive application, and hear from previous award winners (Golub Corporation/Price Chopper and the National Hockey League) about the importance of receiving statewide recognition. 

The webinar will be held Wednesday, February 24 from 10:00  to 11:30 a.m.  Registration is required and is available online.  Further information about the webinar or the New York State Environmental Excellence Award program is available by contacting the DEC’s Division of Environmental Permits.

Public Comment Period on EPA Revisions to Stormwater Permit

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing changes to the regulations governing small municipal separate storm sewer system (MS4) permits to respond to a remand from the United States Court of Appeals.   EPA's proposal would revise the small MS4 regulations to ensure that the permitting authority (NYSDEC) determines the adequacy of Best Management Practices (BMPs) and other requirements as well as providing public notice and the opportunity to request a public hearing on the requirements for each MS4.  EPA is soliciting comments on three approaches under consideration.   Comments may be submitted to EPA until March 21, 2016. 

Regardless of the option selected, the final rule will require NYSDEC to make the final determination as to whether the requirements to which the MS4 operator is subject meets the statutory requirements to reduce discharges to the  Maximum Extent Practicable (MEP), to protect water quality and to satisfy the appropriate water quality requirements of the Clean Water Act.

EPA Webinar on Financing Opportunities for Green Infrastructure Projects

EPA will be hosting a webinar on public and private financing opportunities to implement green infrastructure projects to manage stormwater.  The webinar will be held from 2:00 to 3:00 pm EST on Wednesday, February 24. 

Speakers will include Josh Kurtz of The Nature Conservancy and Holly Galovotti of EPA’s Office of Wastewater Management.  The webinar is part of EPA’s Safe and Sustainable Water Resources research program.