The Division of Water has posted new announcements on its webpage.

This Week's Updates:

• SPDES Compliance Annual Report
• Conserve Water Poster Contest
• Drought
• Projected Sea-level Rise Regulation

2015-2016 SPDES Compliance & Enforcement Annual Report

The Division of Water has released its SPDES Compliance and Enforcement Annual Report for 2015-2016 (for the period April 1, 2015 through March 31, 2016).

The report details DEC’s compliance and enforcement oversight of State Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (SPDES) permitted facilities and activities related to New York State’s Clean Water Act authorizations. It also provides a summary of sewage releases reported to DEC as required by the Sewage Pollution Right to Know Act.

How do I get a copy of the annual report?

PDFs of the 2015-2016 report, as well as seven previous annual reports, are available on the DEC SPDES Compliance & Enforcement webpage. Links to the reports are in the “Important Links” section of the right-hand column of that page.

Conserve and Protect Our Water Poster Contest

DEC and the New York Water Environment Association (NYWEA) are sponsoring a “Conserve and Protect Our Water” poster contest that is open to all middle school students (Grades 6-8). Fourteen winners have the honor of having their artwork in a calendar which will be distributed across New York State. The deadline for submitting posters is Friday, January 20, 2017. More information, including the poster contest announcement, is available on DEC’s Conserve and Protect Our Water Poster Contest webpage.

Drought Watch in Effect – Conserve Water

Despite recent rain and snow, all of New York State remains under a drought watch. For tips on how you can do your part to conserve water, visit DEC’s Saving Water Makes Good Sense webpage.

Comments Being Accepted on Revised Proposed 6 NYCRR Part 490, Projected Sea-level Rise

DEC is accepting comments on the revised proposed regulation, 6 NYCRR Part 490, Projected Sea-level Rise. The regulation was first proposed in late 2015, and on the basis of public comments received, DEC has revised the proposed regulation.  

Part 490 will establish projections of sea-level rise in three specified geographic regions over various time intervals, but will not impose any requirements on any entity. DEC was required by the Community Risk and Resiliency Act (CRRA) to adopt a regulation establishing science-based State sea-level rise projections.

Comments will be accepted through December 30, 2016. For more information and to provide comments, visit DEC’s Part 490 Proposed Regulations webpage.