This Month's Topics:

• Public & Stakeholder Participation Information
• Protecting our Air and Pollinators
• Suspect an Environmental Violation?
• Taking the Bus to Enjoy Some Clean Air Fun
• Helpful Links
• Dates to Remember
• AQI Alerts for Respiratory Health

Public & Stakeholder Participation Information:

• Proposed Part 203, Oil and Natural Gas Sector - Two public comment hearings will be held on July 20, 2021, at 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. via electronic webinar. Written statements must be submitted by 5 p.m. July 26, 2021.
• Various NYS projects in the Environmental Notice Bulletin (ENB).

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.

Protecting our Air and Pollinators

NYS is home to many pollinators, including bees, flies, wasps, beetles, butterflies, moths, and hummingbirds. These animals are critical to our environment and agricultural economy, providing approximately $344 million worth of pollination services each year. NYS is committed to promoting the health and recovery of pollinators through the New York State Pollinator Protection Plan (PDF) and 2020 Pollinator Protection Plan Update (PDF).

Many plants rely on pollinating insects to reproduce and provide food for humans and animals. A study by Penn State found that bees may have a more challenging time locating plants when ground-level ozone levels are moderate to high. Ozone breaks down the scent molecules released by flowers that attract pollinators like bees. For example, the researchers found that one scent molecule they tested lasts nearly 40 hours in an ozone-free environment. However, it lasts only an hour in an ozone concentration of 120 parts per billion.

The Penn State study also ran computer simulations to see how air pollution could impact bee foraging (finding food). They found that even just 60 parts per billion of ozone (a concentration the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency considers moderate) was enough to slow the bees’ ability to detect flowers.

We can thank our pollinators for the continued existence of a huge variety of plants in NYS. Please do your part during National Pollinator Week (and every day) to decrease ozone-causing air pollution and protect our pollinators.

Photo Caption: A yellow bumble bee visiting a flower. Yellow bumble bees are listed as Critically Imperiled (S1) in NYS by the New York Natural Heritage Program.

Photo Credit: Miles Todaro, taken in Bridgehamton, NY.

Suspect an Environmental Violation?

When it comes to neighborhood safety, you can be a big help to the environment and DEC by reporting when you see something or someone illegally polluting the air. If you notice a suspected violation, there are several ways to let us know about it:

• During normal business hours, Monday through Friday, contact the Regional Air Pollution Control Engineer responsible for the area.
• Call 1-844-DEC-ECOS (1-844-332-3267). They are open 24/7.
• Use our online form.
• Contact an Environmental Conservation Officer responsible for the area.

To help ensure a swift response to your complaint or tip, make sure to provide detailed information about what, where, and when you observed the air pollution event. You may request to file the complaint anonymously.

Please use your best judgment when submitting a complaint and do your best to avoid risky situations altogether. Always observe from a safe distance if you think harmful gases or materials may be involved, and never trespass. Don’t be afraid to report potential violations, even if you think someone else already has. Tips from the public help DEC make sure we can all enjoy a clean environment and healthy air.

Photo Caption: ECOs enforce the state’s environmental conservation laws. They can ticket members of the public as well as issue violations to businesses and industry for violating environmental conservation laws.

Taking the Bus to Enjoy Some Clean Air Fun

Help keep our air clean this summer by utilizing public transportation to run errands and take trips. If you are in the Capital Region of NY, then you can take the free Nature Bus (PDF). It serves Albany city communities in Albany County this summer. Jump on board in the morning and spend your day exploring trees of the world at Pine Hollow Arboretum, walking the trails in the woods at Mohawk Hudson Land Conservancy preserves, or visiting Five Rivers for outdoor education opportunities. You can also take the bus to Thacher Park for a spectacular view from the top of the Helderberg Escarpment! Nature Bus is brought to you by Mohawk Hudson Land Conservancy, in partnership with CDTA. Take some time to enjoy the outdoors and the fresh air we all share.

Helpful Links:

• DECinfo Locator – An interactive map that lets you access DEC documents and public data about the environmental quality of specific sites in NYS as well as outdoor recreation information.
• DEC Delivers – Stay in-the-know by subscribing to the environmental topics that interest you. DEC Delivers 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 DEC staff by subscribing to our YouTube channel. Watch video clips of DEC public protection in action, learn about the Hudson River, or watch the latest episode of "On the Front Lines," DEC's video series.

Dates to Remember:

• Second Tuesday of the Month: Sustainability Lunchtime Learning Webinars – A monthly series covering numerous topics of interest, such as choosing a green cleanser, climate-friendly air conditioning, and water conservation. Pre-registration is required.
• Summer 2021: Great American Camp Out – Join in on the fun by taking the pledge to camp - in a park, a backyard, or even your living room - and be a part of the summer-long celebration. No matter where you camp, you can find fun ways to connect with nature and learn about wildlife.
• June 21 to 27: National Pollinator Week – Take steps to provide habitat and food for pollinators this summer by reducing mowing and pesticide use, and planting trees and flowering plants. All these things help to keep our air clean, too.
• July 1: DEC’s Birthday – This year we are celebrating 51 years of environmental protection. We have had many successes along the way, but there are still environmental challenges to overcome.
• July 4: Independence Day – Learn Before You Burn and take caution when starting any backyard or camping fire.
• August 9: Smokey Bear’s Birthday – Smokey says, “Only you can prevent wildfires.” Do your part by building safe fires with only local, dry firewood. This will keep our air clean and our yards wildfire free.
• August 17: National Thrift Store Day – Making new products has a high environmental and personal cost. Shop at thrift stores for used products to save money and the environment. Remember to stay safe by wearing a mask when needed.

Stay Informed about Your Air Quality

NYS' 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:

• Check the daily ozone and particulate matter pollution forecast.
• Find an Air Quality Monitor near you.
• Sign up to receive Air Quality Alerts for NYS via email.

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