Events and Environmental News for Bronx, Kings, New York, Queens, and Richmond Counties (Region 2)

Join Us As We Go Virtual!

Join DEC and State Parks by taking an #AdventureAtHome. Over the next few weeks, DEC will be sharing ways for you to enjoy the outdoors close to home. Follow along on DEC’s website, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube on how to enjoy some of your favorite outdoor recreation activities while you #RecreateLocal and even how to pick up a new activity.

Environmental Conservation Police Officer Highlights

DEC Environmental Conservation Police Officers (ECOs) enforce the 71 Chapters of NY Environmental Conservation Law (ECL), protecting fish and wildlife and preserving environmental quality across New York.

On April 29, ECOs Alexander Shea and Brendan Dickson responded to a complaint about individuals keeping raccoon cubs in an apartment in Manhattan. When the ECOs arrived at the address, the officers spoke with a couple caring for the raccoons. The couple alleged the raccoons were dropped off at their doorstep. After educating the couple that raccoons are a rabies vector species and prone to several diseases, the officers issued a written warning to the pair for possessing the raccoons without a Rabies Vector Species Wildlife Rehabilitator License. The officers took the raccoons to a licensed rehabilitator where they are receiving proper care. The wildlife rehabilitator will release the cubs when they are healthy and mature.

If you witness an environmental crime or believe a violation of environmental law occurred, please call the DEC Division of Law Enforcement hotline at 1-844-DEC-ECOS (1-844-332-3267).

Public Comment Period

DEC releases an Environmental Notice Bulletin (ENB) every Wednesday. The ENB publishes notices required by environmental laws including notices of complete applications under the Uniform Procedures Act, notices under the NYS Environmental Quality Act (SEQR) regulations, notices of DEC hearings, and more. Below is a summary of relevant notices and comment periods for your region.

Queens: The New York City Department of Design & Construction has applied for permits to install new storm sewers and replace sanitary sewers and water mains within various city streets located in Far Rockaway, Queens. Portions of the proposed work will take place within, and in areas adjacent to DEC regulated tidal wetlands. The city will mitigate impacts to the tidal wetlands. The following is a list of permits the city applied for: Article 25 Tidal Wetlands, Article 15 Title 5 Excavation & Fill Navigable Waters, and Section 401 - Clean Water Act Water Quality Certification.
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Public comment deadline: May 28, 2020

Brooklyn: DEC invites the public to comment on a proposed remedy it is reviewing, in consultation with the New York State Department of Health, to address contamination related to the Ebenezer Plaza 2 site located at 68-78 New Lots Avenue, Brooklyn, Kings County.
The comment deadline is June 26, 2020. 
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