Final Sewage Pollution Right to Know Regulations Announced
The state has finalized and posted regulations needed to implement the Sewage Pollution Right to Know Act.
The Sewage Pollution Right to Know Act requires that untreated and partially treated sewage discharges are reported by publicly owned treatment works and publicly owned sewer systems within two hours of discovery to DEC and within four hours of discovery to the public and adjoining municipalities.
Regulation-related documents can be found on DEC’s Recently Adopted Regulations webpage. Visit DEC’s Sewage Pollution Right to Know webpage for instructions on how to sign up for public alerts.
Sewage Pollution Right to Know Grant Deadline Extended
The deadline for municipalities to submit applications for the Sewage Pollution Right to Know CSO Grant has been extended until August 26, 2016.
Through this grant program, $500,000 is available to assist communities with the detection, monitoring and reporting of Combined Sewer Overflows (CSOs) to enhance compliance with the Sewage Pollution Right to Know Act. Individual grants of up to $50,000 will be provided.
Visit DEC’s Sewage Pollution Right to Know CSO Grant webpage for more information.
Harmful Algal Bloom Notices
New information about lakes with harmful algal blooms has been posted today, June 17, on the DEC Harmful Algal Blooms Notifications webpage.
This week, 13 waterbodies in several locations in the state were added to the notification list.
Avoid and report suspected blooms
Because waterbodies may have harmful algal blooms that have not been reported to DEC, we recommend avoiding contact with floating mats, scum and discolored water.
If you suspect you have seen a harmful algal bloom, or you, your family, or pet has been in contact with a harmful algal bloom, please follow the instructions for reporting a bloom to DEC. If you see it, avoid it and report it!
