Weekly Sewage Discharge Report Summary & Updates to CSO Wet Weather Advisory Map and Webpage

Weekly Sewage Discharge Report Summary

For the week of 5/20 to 5/26, 36 Sewage Discharge Reports were submitted by 13 individual facilities with a total reported volume of at least 167,020 gallons.

Sewage discharge reports recevied by DEC are posted to the Sewage Discharge Reports web page daily. The report can be downloaded as an Excel spreadsheet.

Updates to CSO Wet Weather Advisory Map and Webpage

Dec recently updated the CSO Wet Weather Advisory Google map layer and associated Wet Weather Advisory webpage. The map still shows basic facility information, and now shows the following new information:

• Which of three methods the system owner uses to detect overflows at the outfall (model, monitor, observation)
• Time frame of overflow information
• Number of overflows that occurred within the given time frame

The models used by wastewater treatment facilities are predictive mathematical calculations that are based on watershed and rainfall information. Wastewater treatment facilities that use monitoring have equipment installed at the outfall that collects real-time water flow information that the facility can download and analyze. Facilities with observation listed as the detection method are usually smaller communities; at these facilities staff visually checks the outfall to determine if the CSO has discharged.

The number of overflows reported on the map can come from several sources. Permitted wastewater treatment facilities are required to submit an annual report to DEC. The annual report includes the frequency of CSO overflows within the calendar year. Number of overflows reported by facilities with monitoring and observation detection methods is typically derived from the CSO annual report information. Overflow information for facilities with models are usually based on an average year. A few facilities provide real-time information about CSO overflows; links to the facility's website are provided where available.

For more info and to view the updated Wet Weather Advisory map visit our website: http://www.dec.ny.gov/chemical/88736.html#detection

Combined Sewer Overflow (CSO) Wet Weather Advisory

DEC has a Google Map of the CSO locations in New York and a CSO Wet Weather Advisory web page. The purpose of the map and advisory is to help New Yorkers and their families make informed decisions before recreating on a waterbody.

CSO outfalls may discharge rainwater mixed with untreated sewage during or following rainfall or snowmelt events and may contain bacteria that can cause illness. DEC advises the public to avoid contact or recreation (swimming, boating, and fishing) in a waterbody with a CSO outfall during or after a rainfall or snowmelt event.