Cleaning Up Solvents, a Map You'll Love - Air Mail! Newsletter

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation sent this bulletin on 02/14/2020 04:28 PM EST
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation
DEC Delivers - Information to keep you connected and informed from the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation
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This Month's Topics:
  • Public & Stakeholder Participation InformationAir Mail Stamp
  • Cleaning the Air by Cleaning up Solvent Emissions
  • DECinfo Locator’s Features
  • Bring Your Own Bag New York!
  • Join the Team
  • Helpful Links
  • Dates to Remember
  • AQI Alerts for Respiratory Health

Public & Stakeholder Participation Information:

Additional information and access to past announcements are on our Public & Stakeholder Participation Information page.

Air Mail! is the publication to announce public and stakeholder information about air quality topics. All NYS residents are environmental stakeholders – we welcome anyone to join the information sessions and other opportunities posted here.

Cleaning the Air by Cleaning up Solvent Emissions

Metal solvent bathWe all know that fumes from chemicals are dangerous to breathe. Products like gasoline, paints, and solvents give off fumes called Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), which are harmful to human health and the environment. DEC recently revised Part 226 “Solvent Cleaning Processes and Industrial Cleaning Solvents” to reduce VOC emissions from solvents used to clean metal and non-metal objects. The revised regulation reduced the VOC content in cleaning solutions used in cleaning processes and added requirements for industrial cleaning solvents. DEC has developed a Fact Sheet that provides information on the rule change, links to helpful online resources for finding safer and effective solvent alternatives, and contact information for further assistance.

At home, remember to take steps to keep your lungs safe when using consumer products that contain VOCs, like aerosol sprays, cleaners, paints, varnishes, paint thinner, and household solvents. Always read the product labels carefully, and follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Be sure to use them in well-ventilated areas and, most of all, opt for the low or no VOC options if they are available. DEC recently proposed revisions to Part 235, Consumer Products, to reduce VOC emissions in household products. With industry and individuals working together to reduce air pollution, NY will have clear skies and fresh air to enjoy now and into the future. 

Check out DECinfo Locator’s Features

DECinfo tools air

DECinfo Locator is the map you will love as soon as you try it out.  It’s easy to find, use and understand, and shows DEC's Division of Air Resources’ three types of permitted facilities at their street addresses.  Want to know what’s in your neighborhood? Go to DECinfo Locator. Need to view a permit or registration document? Go to DECinfo Locator.  You can also view air quality measurements at 60 monitoring sites from Montauk to Dunkirk.

We love our air program, but DECinfo Locator is not all about air facilities. You can find permits of all kinds, places to camp and hunt, watch wildlife, launch your boat, and fish for the big one. There are over 65 data layers of information for you to browse. We continuously improve the map by adding information and features to make your experience valuable.

Here’s a tip: When you select an information type to view (we call them data layers), such as “Air Title V Facility,” a blue text box may appear if you are not zoomed in enough. Just use the zoom in “+” sign, and the data points will appear.  You can also use a scroll wheel to zoom if your mouse or pointing device has one. Note: The blues boxes in the photo to the right show when you need to zoom In.

We encourage you to give DECinfo Locator a try.  If you wish to comment, suggest improvements, or have a question, click the Help link on the map and send us a note.

Don’t Forget to Bring Your Own Bag NY!

Cloth BagStarting March 1, 2020, a new plastic bag waste reduction law will take effect in New York State, so make sure to bring your reusable bags when shopping. You don’t need to wait until March 1st to take action! Bring your reusable bags to the store ahead of the ban to start a new routine. Remember, your reusable bag means conserving natural resources, creating less litter, and keeping NY beautiful for future generations. So, ditch the plastic bag habit and resolve to #BYOBagNY!

Questions on the upcoming plastic bag ban? E-mail plasticbags@dec.ny.gov.

 

Join the Team

Do you have a bachelor's degree or higher in engineering or engineering technology? New York State employs more than 2,000 engineers in various agencies across the state, including DEC. Learn more about career opportunities in engineering with NYS on the Civil Service's website.

As a permanent, full-time employee of the DEC, you would enjoy many benefits, including:  generous leave time; excellent health, dental and vision insurance plans; pension plan; deferred compensation program; and, flex spending account. You may also qualify for: military leave; paid jury duty leave; child rearing leave and part-time or reduced work schedule.

Helpful Links:

  • DECinfo Locator – An interactive map that lets you access DEC documents and public data about the environmental quality of specific sites in New York State, as well as outdoor recreation information.
  • DEC Delivers – Stay in-the-know by subscribing to the environmental topics that interest you. DECDelivers will send you information, updates, and e-newsletters on the topics of your choosing. As an Air Mail! subscriber, you may be interested in subscribing to the Air Quality Alert topic so you know when air quality levels are a concern in your area.
  • AQI Forecasts – Check the daily ozone and particulate matter pollution forecast for your area of NYS.
  • NYSDEC YouTube – Keep up with what’s going on with staff at DEC by subscribing to our YouTube channel. Watch video clips of the latest DEC campground improvements, learn about the Hudson River, or watch the latest episode of “On the Front Lines,” DEC’s monthly video series.
  • DEC Career Opportunities – DEC offers numerous opportunities for qualified individuals looking to work in environmental fields and support the protection of the environment. Join our team by taking advantage of available career opportunities in natural resource management and environmental protection.  

Dates to Remember:

  • February: Black History Month – We honor and celebrate the accomplishments of African Americans throughout history. Through his advocacy actions, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. allowed future environmental justice policies to grow and spread across the nation. DEC serves New York State residents by addressing environmental justice concerns in communities of color and low-income communities throughout NYS to ensure healthy air for all, regardless of race, color, national origin, or income. Check DEC's website this month for special Black History Month tributes.
  • February 14: Valentine’s Day – Air pollution can literally be a heartbreaker as it increases the risk of developing heart conditions and makes existing heart problems worse.
  • February 17: Presidents' Day – Presidents Richard Nixon (Clean Air Act 1970), Jimmy Carter (CAA Amendments 1977), George HW Bush (CAA Amendments 1990), and others have signed environmental legislation or promulgated rules that continue to protect our air and environment today.
  • March 1: Plastic bag ban takes effect – The new bag waste reduction law will take effect across NYS. Do your part by bringing your reusable bag when you shop. #BYOBagNY
  • March 1: Trees for Tribs application deadline – This program offers free native trees and shrubs for planting along the tributary streams in the Hudson River Estuary watershed. Trees and shrubs clean our air of pollutants, store carbon, and make oxygen for us to breathe.
  • Second Tuesday of the Month: Sustainability Lunchtime Learning Webinars – A monthly series covering numerous topics of interest like choosing green cleanser, climate friendly air conditioning, and water conservation. Preregistration is required.
  • March 16 to May 14: Annual spring burn ban – Temporarily outlaws residential brush and yard debris burning statewide.
  • Now through May 15: DEC's annual Saratoga Tree Nursery native tree and shrub seedling sale – Dozens of native tree and shrub species will be available for purchase at low cost. Browse this year's selection on our website. Place your order by phone for the most up-to-date species availability information.
  • Now through June: Register today for DEC Summer Camp - It may be cold outside, but now is the time to register your child for some summer fun at one of our four DEC Camps. Submit applications through the online registration portal for your preferred summer camp week. Register early as some weeks fill up quickly!

Stay Informed about Your Air Quality

New York State's ozone season runs from April through September. DEC publishes ground-level ozone forecasts during ozone season and particulate matter pollution forecasts year-round using a scale called the Air Quality Index (AQI). DEC sends out an air quality alert when there is a high AQI value, which indicates polluted air. Individuals with pre-existing respiratory or cardiovascular conditions and people who exercise outdoors should take caution during an air quality alert. Find out if an Air Quality Alert is in effect by calling the toll-free Ozone Hotline: 1-800-535-1345.

The AQI can be accessed in three ways:

We would like to know what you think. Please send your Air Mail! questions or comments to us at DAR.web@dec.ny.gov.