MakingWaves - News from the Division of Water

This Week's Updates:

• 604(b) Grant Awards Announced
• Look for the Zero
• New Clear Waters Columns
• Great Lakes Action Agenda Workgroup Meetings
• DEC Collects Long Island Pharmaceuticals

604(b) Grant Awards Announced

Nine organizations have been awarded Clean Water Act Section 604(b) funding for four-year water quality planning programs in New York State. The programs focus on: source water protection, nine element watershed management plans, MS4 General Permit assistance, and Chesapeake Bay Phase III Watershed Implementation Plan local engagement assistance. One organization has also received an award for statewide coordination of the 604(b) program.

The funding for the first year of the programs totals $715,563. The award amounts vary yearly depending on federal funding.

For a complete list of awardees and more information about the program, visit DEC's 604(b) Grants webpage.

More about 604(b)

The federal Clean Water Act provides funding to states for regional water quality management planning projects. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) awards 604(b) grants to states, which in turn make awards to regional planning and interstate organizations. 604(b) funds are to be used for water quality management planning activities, including tasks to determine the nature, extent and causes of point and nonpoint source water pollution problems, and to develop plans to resolve these problems.

Look for the Zero Reminder: Use Only Phosphorus-Free Lawn Fertilizer

New York's nutrient runoff law prohibits the use of phosphorus lawn fertilizers unless a new lawn is being established or a soil test shows that the lawn does not have enough phosphorus. Regardless of the location, excess phosphorus from lawns can wash off and pollute lakes and streams, harming fish and ruining boating and swimming.

More than 100 waterbodies in the state cannot be used or enjoyed as a result of too much phosphorus. For more information, visit DEC's Lawn Fertilizer webpage.

New Clear Waters Column Available

Three new columns about water-related issues written by DEC Deputy Commissioner for Water Resources James Tierney are now available on the Columns by DEC Staff Appearing in Clear Waters webpage. The topics include the Long Island Sound, harmful algal blooms and funding opportunities for clean water infrastructure. These columns were originally published in three 2018 issues of the New York Water Environment Association’s (NYWEA) quarterly Clear Waters magazine.

Great Lakes Action Agenda Workgroup Meetings

DEC will be hosting a series of meetings for Great Lakes stakeholders to discuss advancing projects and initiatives to achieve the goals of New York’s Great Lakes Action Agenda:

• SE Lake Ontario Workgroup - May 29, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. - Fair Haven Beach State Park (tentative)
• NE Lake Ontario Workgroup - May 30, 1 p.m. - 4 p.m. - Gouverneur Community Center
• Lake Erie Workgroup - June 5, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. - location TBD
• SW Lake Ontario Workgroup - June 6, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. - location TBD

All NYS Great Lakes stakeholders are invited to participate—including environmental organizations, academic institutions, state and federal agencies, local government, individuals and other diverse stakeholder groups (business, health, recreation, planning, etc.).

Please RSVP to greatlakes@dec.ny.gov at least one week in advance of the meeting you plan to attend.

DEC Collects Long Island Pharmaceuticals

DEC collected 320 pounds of pharmaceutical medications during its annual Long Island Pharmaceutical Take Back event. Twenty-seven facilities made up primarily of nursing, extended care, and rehabilitation centers, participated in the program, which collects and responsibly destroys unused or expired pharmaceuticals.
 
In addition to collection events, DEC encourages New Yorkers to use medication collection box locations throughout the state.