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

This Week's Updates:

• Drone Program
• Harmful Algal Bloom Notifications
• CAFO Funding

DEC’s Drones Assist Division of Water Programs

DEC Commissioner Basil Seggos announced that the agency has deployed a fleet of drones across the state to enhance the state’s environmental management, conservation and emergency response efforts. Two of the first drone missions assisted the Division of Water’s coastal programs.

On Long Island, drone collected images and video of a completed U.S. Army Corps of Engineer coastal storm damage risk reduction project along Fire Island were used to assist in reconnaissance and preparation for the winter storm season.

DEC drones also mapped a two-mile stretch of eroded coastline on Lake Ontario, allowing engineers to assess the damage and confirm that property along the dune system was safe from catastrophic failure, and saving weeks of on-the-ground surveys.

For more information, view DEC’s September 25 press release, and check out DEC’s Drone Program Takes Off video.

Harmful Algal Bloom Notifications

New waterbodies with harmful algal blooms (HABs) have been added today, September 29, to DEC’s Harmful Algal Blooms Notifications webpage.

This week, 15 waterbodies were added to the notification list. There are currently 68 waterbodies with blooms on the list.

Avoid and Report Suspected Blooms

Because waterbodies may have HABs 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 HAB, or you, your family, or pet has been in contact with a HAB, please follow the instructions for reporting a bloom to DEC. If you see it, avoid it and report it!

Funding Available to Support Water Quality Projects on Farms

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo announced that $50 million in grant funding is available, over three consecutive application rounds, to help New York livestock farms implement water quality protection projects. The application period for the first $20 million is currently open and closes November 20, 2017.

County Soil and Water Conservation Districts can apply for the Concentrated Animal Feeding Operation (CAFO) Waste Storage and Transfer System Program on behalf of eligible farmers. The maximum award amount per proposal is $385,000, which includes funding for engineering and construction expenses. Grants will help CAFO-permitted farms offset the cost of water quality protection projects, such as manure storage construction, site preparation and associated best management practices.