MakingWaves - News From the Division of Water

In this Issue:

• Reminder: DEA National Drug Take-Back Day
• Public Comment Period Open for Stream Activities General Permit
• Harmful Algal Bloom (HAB) Notifications

Reminder: DEA National Drug Take-Back Day

The federal Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) will conduct a nationwide drug collection on Saturday, October 24, 2020, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Collections will be held at many locations around the state and are the best way to dispose of unused and unwanted pharmaceuticals to protect our environment. For more information and locations, visit DEA’s National Drug Take-Back webpage. 

In addition, DEA allows retail pharmacies and other entities to become authorized collectors, so there are medication drop box locations that are open year-round. Visit DEC's Drugs in New York's Waters webpage for more information about keeping drugs out of our waters.

Public Comment Period Open for Proposed Stream Activities General Permit 

DEC proposes to issue a statewide general permit for various activities in state-regulated streams, navigable waters, and wetlands. The Stream Activities General Permit (GP-0-20-002) is proposed to be issued for a five-year term in response to the ongoing need for affected property owners to stabilize stream banks, repair culverts, and bridges, repair utility lines, and undertake other routine projects within regulated NYS waters. The draft General Permit containing the full description of proposed authorized activities, terms, and conditions is available for review on DEC's General Permit webpage. Comments must be submitted by November 9, 2020. For more information about the permit and where to send comments, view the October 21 Environmental Notice Bulletin.  

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.