MakingWaves - News From the Division of Water

In This Issue:

• Reminder: Public Hearing on Draft CWSRF and DWSRF IUPs
• Updated DEC Long Island Nitrogen Action Plan (LINAP) Webpages
• Harmful Algal Bloom (HAB) Notifications

Reminder: Public Hearing on Clean Water and Drinking Water State Revolving Funds Draft Intended Use Plans for Federal Fiscal Year 2021

On September 2 at 2:00 p.m. the Environmental Facilities Corporation (EFC) and the Department of Health (DOH) will hold a virtual joint public hearing to accept comments on the Draft Federal Fiscal Year 2021 Intended Use Plans (IUPs) for the Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF) and the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF). The CWSRF and DWSRF programs are available to municipalities and certain non-municipal entities in New York State to finance water quality and drinking water related projects.

The Draft IUPs include lists of projects that could receive financing between October 1, 2020 and September 30, 2021, the next IUP financing period. Eligible entities interested in financing one or more projects not listed in the Draft CWSRF IUP or Draft DWSRF IUP should submit the appropriate IUP project listing information as soon as possible but no later than September 21. Written comments on the Draft IUPs must be submitted by 5:00 p.m. September 21. 

The draft CWSRF and DWSRF IUPs include revisions to incentivize water infrastructure improvements in Environmental Justice communities. EFC has also released amended SRF Hardship Policies for public comment that will enable more communities to access zero-interest financing for water infrastructure improvement projects. 

For more information, including how to comment and register for the public hearing, view the August 5th Environmental Notice Bulletin

Updated DEC LINAP Webpages

DEC recently updated the webpages devoted to the Long Island Nitrogen Action Plan (LINAP)  to better reflect the work being done by local partners to reduce the amount of nitrogen entering groundwater and surface waters, including Long Island Sound. LINAP is a collaboration between DEC, the Long Island Regional Planning Council, and Suffolk and Nassau counties, with input from multiple partners and stakeholders. The webpage updates highlight ongoing efforts from the various partners and provide links for ease of access to additional information.

To stay informed about activities in support of LINAP, sign up for DEC's monthly e-newsletter.If you have questions about LINAP, contact DEC. 

Harmful Algal Bloom (HAB) Notifications

Visit NYHABS, DEC’s harmful algal bloom notification map, to view locations of freshwater HABs in New York State that were reported in the past two weeks. Click on a dot for more information, including the date it was reported, the waterbody name, and pictures. Click on the arrow at the bottom of the screen to view a list of reported HABs.

Know it. Avoid it. Report it.

If you see a HAB, please use the reporting form to submit a report to NYHABS.  

Because waterbodies may have HABs that have not been reported to DEC, we recommend avoiding contact with floating mats, scums, and discolored water.

If you, your family, or pet have been in contact with a HAB, please rinse with clean water and report any symptoms to your local health department.