DEC's Office of Environmental Justice- 2018: A Year in Review

Strengthening DEC’s Relationships with New York’s Indigenous Communities

DEC meets with the governments of indigenous peoples to discuss issues of mutual concern, such as the quality of air and water resources, and impacts to cultural resources such as historic and archaeological sites. DEC conducts this outreach in accordance with Commissioner Policy 42 (CP-42): Contact, Cooperation, and Consultation with Indian Nations. DEC hosted its 4th Annual Meeting with the Indian Nations on November 14 and 15, at White Eagle Conference Center in Hamilton, New York. This meeting provided an opportunity for DEC and the nations to meet and learn from each other. Read the full article (PDF).

Investing in Communities

In 2018, DEC's Office of Environmental Justice (OEJ) further expanded its grants program to include Urban Environmental Education Centers, a funding opportunity that will support community-based organizations’ efforts to create new environmental education centers to provide education on environmental justice, urban environments, and sustainability.

OEJ awarded $2.6 million in Community Impact Grants to 28 community-based organizations, and $2 million for four Urban Environmental Education Centers in 2018.

Go to our website to learn more about our grants and recipients. 

Project Updates

Operation ECO Quality: Canarsie

In 2018, Operation ECO-Quality focused on facilities in the Canarsie, Brooklyn community. Eco-Quality Staff assessed 40 facilities:

• 21 dry-cleaners
• 11 auto-repair and three auto-body shops
• Four auto salvage facilities
• One concrete plant

Facilities with instances of non-compliance received a minimum 30-day period to correct noted deficiencies and regulatory assistance to achieve that end. Two dry cleaning facilities chose to shut down based on the deficiencies DEC discovered. Both facilities have reopened under new ownership and are now in compliance. In some instances, additional time was needed to achieve compliance. Read the full article (PDF).

South End Air Monitoring Program

As of August 2018, DEC’s South End Air Monitoring Program collected a full year’s worth of data for the studied pollutants at the three fixed monitoring stations. DEC’s Division of Air Resources is currently analyzing the data to complete a final report and prepare for public presentations in the community.

Next steps include working with partners to identify and implement strategies to reduce traffic impacts on air quality issues identified by the study.

To learn more about this and other DEC air quality studies, visit our website. 

Action Items

Tonawanda Coke Closure

In October of 2018, DEC oversaw the safe shutdown of operations at the Tonawanda Coke facility in Western New York. The shutdown occurred in response to violations of permit and regulatory limits at the facility. Most notably, opacity (the amount of light that can pass through a substance) from the coke ovens exceeded permitted limits continuously for five months, which indicated an excessive level of particulate matter being released into the air. Despite repeated assurances from the company, it was unable to correct the violations, and ultimately declared bankruptcy. DEC air quality monitors near the plant showed a significant decrease in the amount of benzene since following the facility’s shutdown. Read the full article (PDF).

Looking Forward

Environmental Justice and Just Transition Working Group

The Environmental Justice & Just Transition Working Group was established by Governor Cuomo in 2017 to provide independent advice and recommendations to the state on matters relating to environmental justice and the transition of the state’s economy from fossil-fuel dependency, including the integration of environmental justice principles into state programs, policies, regulations, legislative proposals, and activities. Members of the Working Group include environmental justice and labor representatives. OEJ helps to facilitate and engage with the Working Group along with the Governor’s office and other state agencies.

The Working Group is currently drafting recommendations for a statewide environmental justice policy, a climate justice roadmap, and an environmental justice mapping tool.