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

This Week's Updates:

• WQIP & EPG Reminder
• Medication Drop Box Locations Map
• Harmful Algal Bloom Notifications
• WI/PWL Updates

Reminder: Application Deadline for Two Water Quality Grant Programs

Applications are being accepted until July 28, 2017 at 4:00 PM for the Water Quality Improvement Project (WQIP) grant program and the Wastewater Infrastructure Engineering Planning Grants program (EPG). These grant programs are included in the NYS Regional Economic Development Councils Consolidated Funding Application (CFA) (PDF, 4 MB). The WQIP program has $88 million available and the EPG has up to $3 million available.

Medication Drop Box Locations Map Updated

DEC has updated its comprehensive map of Medication Drop Box Locations and made it easier for people to find the closest one. The map shows the locations of pharmacies and law enforcement agencies throughout New York State that offer residents a safe place to dispose of unwanted or expired medications.

Do not flush or pour down the drain unwanted household medications. Using the collection containers at these “Drop Box” sites protects our waters and the aquatic life that depends on them. DEC will regularly update the map with new locations.

Pharmacies and law enforcement agencies interested in adding a medication drop box collection site to the map should contact DEC at Rx.Takeback@dec.ny.gov.

Harmful Algal Bloom Notifications

New waterbodies with harmful algal blooms have been added today, June 23, to DEC’s Harmful Algal Blooms Notifications webpage.

This week, 7 waterbodies were added to the notification list. There are currently 25 waterbodies with blooms on the list.

Avoid and Report Suspected Blooms

Because waterbodies may have harmful algal blooms that have not been reported to DEC, we recommend avoiding contact with floating mats, scum and discolored water.

If you suspect you have seen a harmful algal bloom, or you, your family, or pet has been in contact with a harmful algal bloom, please follow the instructions for reporting a bloom to DEC. If you see it, avoid it and report it!

WI/PWL Water Quality Assessment Updates

Most recently, WI/PWL Fact Sheets for the following watersheds/waterbodies have been revised/updated:

• Waters of the Deer River Watershed (PDF 869 KB), Saint Lawrence River Basin
• Waters of the East Branch of the St. Regis (PDF 572 KB), Saint Lawrence River Basin
• Waters of the West Branch of the St. Regis (PDF 777 KB), Saint Lawrence River Basin

Current WI/PWL assessments updates are focused on waters in the Delaware River and Saint Lawrence River Basins. These updates are underway and expected to be released in the upcoming months. 

Comments on these (or other) assessments are welcome via email.