This Week's Updates:

• Final Multi-Sector General Permit (MSGP) Renewal
• Tree Seedlings to Protect Water Quality
• Great Lakes Sediment and Nutrient Reduction Funding

 Final Multi-Sector General Permit Renewal

The renewal of the Final SPDES Multi-Sector General Permit (MSGP) for Stormwater Discharges Associated with Industrial Activity (GP-0-17-004), Fact Sheet and Responsiveness Summary are now available.

A draft version of the renewal was noticed on March 31, 2017 and July 12, 2017. GP-0-17-004 will replace GP-0-12-001 and becomes effective on March 1, 2018.

In order to have coverage under this permit, owners or operators covered under GP-0-12-001, and all new dischargers, must develop a Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) that meets the requirements of GP-0-17-004 and submit a new Notice of Intent (NOI). The Department recommends that the NOI be submitted electronically using the Department’s e-NOI available on the website. A paper NOI is also available. Owners or operators seeking to continue coverage have 90 days to submit the NOI.

Contact: Steven McCague, P.E., NYSDEC, Bureau of Water Permits, 625 Broadway - 4th Floor, Albany, NY 12233-3505, 518-402-8108, steven.mccague@dec.ny.gov

Tree Seedlings Available to Protect Water Quality

Among their many benefits, trees help protect our streams and lakes by stabilizing soil and using nutrients that would otherwise wash into waterways. Through May 9, DEC’s Saratoga Tree Nursery has a large variety of low-cost, native tree shrubs and seedlings for sale to the public. Available species include trees and shrubs ideal for streamside restoration and buffers, and a riparian species variety packet.

Schools across New York State are also eligible to receive free seedlings for spring planting through the DEC School Seedling Program. The program provides 50 tree seedlings or a mixed packet of 30 wildlife shrubs to any public or private school for planting on school grounds or other community spaces, and offers teachers a great resource to enhance environmental lessons.

Great Lakes Sediment and Nutrient Reduction Funding

The Great Lakes Commission has announced the request for proposals (RFP) for the 2018 Great Lakes Sediment and Nutrient Reduction Program grants. Grants provided under this year’s program will focus on reducing sediment and phosphorus runoff into the Great Lakes through either the installation of long-term structural practices or implementation of nutrient management/”4R” type programs. In New York State, the Genesee River is identified as a high priority watershed under this program. DEC Great Lakes staff encourage applicants to review TMDL and/or 9 element plans to identify projects within high priority locations in New York’s Great Lakes watershed. Applications are due by 6:00 PM on March 26, 2018.

View Division of Water updates from the last 30 days.