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

This Week's Updates:

• Pharmaceutical Take-Back Open Enrollment
• WQIP FAQs
• Multi-Sector General Permit
• Harmful Algal Bloom Notifications

Open Enrollment for DEC’s Pharmaceutical Take-Back Pilot Program

DEC is relaunching its Pharmaceutical Take-Back Program that promotes the proper disposal of unwanted medication. Enrollment in DEC's pilot take-back program is now open to all New York State health care entities, such as:

• retail chain and independent pharmacies,
• hospitals and medical clinics with on-site pharmacies, and
• authorized collectors of pharmaceuticals servicing long-term care facilities (LTCFs).

The program will cover the costs of consumer drug collection boxes and disposal for two years. Applications will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis, but every effort will be made to maximize program participation.
 
For more information about the program and to apply online, visit DEC’s Pilot Pharmaceutical Take-back Program webpage. To learn more about drugs in New York’s Waters and how you can help keep them out, visit DEC’s Drugs in New York’s Waters webpage.  

Water Quality Improvement Project (WQIP) Frequently Asked Questions Updated

The frequently asked questions (FAQ) webpage for the WQIP grant program has been updated. As a reminder, applications are due July 28, 2017 at 4:00 PM.

Revised Draft Multi-Sector General Permit Renewal Public Comment Period

The revised draft renewal of the SPDES Multi-Sector General Permit (MSGP) for Stormwater Discharges Associated with Industrial Activity (GP-0-17-004) and fact sheet are available for public review. A previous version of the renewal was noticed on March 29, 2017. Written comments are due by close of business on August 4, 2017. For more information and how to comment view the July 5 Environmental Notice Bulletin.

Harmful Algal Bloom Notifications

New waterbodies with harmful algal blooms have been added today, July 7, to DEC’s Harmful Algal Blooms Notifications webpage.

This week, 12 waterbodies were added to the notification list. There are currently 29 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!