MakingWaves- HRE Action Agenda; HABs Late Bloomers; Developing Resilient Stormwater Systems

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation
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MakingWaves - News From the Division of Water

In This Issue:

  • 2021 - 2025 Hudson River Estuary Action Agenda
  • Autumn and Harmful Algal Blooms: “Late Bloomers”
  • Webinar: Developing Resilient Stormwater Systems with a Municipal Downspout Disconnect and Green Infrastructure

2021 - 2025 Hudson River Estuary Action Agenda

DEC has released the 2021-2025 Hudson River Estuary Action Agenda, a conservation and restoration blueprint that guides the work of the Estuary Program and its partners. The Action Agenda expresses a shared vision for the region, as defined by diverse groups of people who live and work along the Hudson River and in its valley. The Estuary Program develops the essential actions necessary to achieve that vision; implementation of the Action Agenda relies on partnerships. 

The 2021 - 2025 Action Agenda (PDF) is organized around the key benefits that result from a strong and vibrant estuary ecosystem and is grouped into three themes: a vital river ecosystem; a thriving and resilient watershed; and people living well with nature. 


Autumn and Harmful Algal Blooms: “Late Bloomers”

HABs on a Lake

People frequently see harmful algal blooms (HABs) in New York State lakes in late summer or early fall. Although fewer blooms appear as water and air temperatures decrease, HABs may still occur on waterbodies throughout the year. Many New Yorkers have enjoyed the unseasonably warm weather this month, and unfortunately, some species of harmful algal blooms (HABs) have too. These late bloomers have made DEC decide to continue its NYHABS reporting system beyond the usual October 31st season so that the public can continue to be informed about our State’s waterbodies.

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

Consider visiting a healthcare provider if you, your family, or your animals are experiencing symptoms related to blue-green harmful algal blooms. Symptoms include diarrhea, nausea, or vomiting; skin, eye, or throat irritation; and allergic reactions or breathing difficulties.


Webinar: Developing Resilient Stormwater Systems with a Municipal Downspout Disconnect and Green Infrastructure

Register for this free 90-minute webinar that will be held November 15 at 10 a.m. to learn about the regulatory, financing, and implementation of coupled municipal downspout disconnection/green infrastructure projects. These projects provide cost savings for wastewater utilities, decreased combined sewer overflow events, reduced demand on stressed and aging pipes, and reduced stormwater runoff in neighborhoods and local waterways.

The webinar is offered by the Syracuse University Environmental Finance Center (SU EFC), the New York State Water Resources Institute at Cornell University, New York Water Environment Association Stormwater Committee, and the New York State Floodplain and Stormwater Managers Association.  

The webinar has been approved for one credit from the Association of State Floodplain and Stormwater Managers.

For more information, visit the SU EFC website.