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New York Freshwater Fishing Regulations Guide: 2015-16
NEW YORK Freshwater FISHING2015–16 OFFICIAL REGULATIONS GUIDE VOLUME 7, ISSUE NO. 1, APRIL 2015 Fishing for Muskie www.dec.ny.gov Most regulations are in effect April 1, 2015 through March 31, 2016 MESSAGE FROM THE GOVERNOR New York: A State of Angling Opportunity When it comes to freshwater fishing, no state in the nation can compare to New York. Our Great Lakes consistently deliver outstanding fishing for salmon and steelhead and it doesn’t stop there. In fact, New York is home to four of the Bassmaster’s top 50 bass lakes, drawing anglers from around the globe to come and experience great smallmouth and largemouth bass fishing. The crystal clear lakes and streams of the Adirondack and Catskill parks make New York home to the very best fly fishing east of the Rockies. Add abundant walleye, panfish, trout and trophy muskellunge and northern pike to the mix, and New York is clearly a state of angling opportunity. Fishing is a wonderful way to reconnect with the outdoors. Here in New York, we are working hard to make the sport more accessible and affordable to all. Over the past five years, we have invested more than $6 million, renovating existing boat launches and developing new ones across the state. This is in addition to the 50 new projects begun in 2014 that will make it easier for all outdoors enthusiasts to access the woods and waters of New York. Our 12 DEC fish hatcheries produce 900,000 pounds of fish each year to increase fish populations and expand and improve angling opportunities. -
Assessment of Public Comment on Draft Trout Stream Management Plan
Assessment of public comments on draft New York State Trout Stream Management Plan OCTOBER 27, 2020 Andrew M. Cuomo, Governor | Basil Seggos, Commissioner A draft of the Fisheries Management Plan for Inland Trout Streams in New York State (Plan) was released for public review on May 26, 2020 with the comment period extending through June 25, 2020. Public comment was solicited through a variety of avenues including: • a posting of the statewide public comment period in the Environmental Notice Bulletin (ENB), • a DEC news release distributed statewide, • an announcement distributed to all e-mail addresses provided by participants at the 2017 and 2019 public meetings on trout stream management described on page 11 of the Plan [353 recipients, 181 unique opens (58%)], and • an announcement distributed to all subscribers to the DEC Delivers Freshwater Fishing and Boating Group [138,122 recipients, 34,944 unique opens (26%)]. A total of 489 public comments were received through e-mail or letters (Appendix A, numbered 1-277 and 300-511). 471 of these comments conveyed specific concerns, recommendations or endorsements; the other 18 comments were general statements or pertained to issues outside the scope of the plan. General themes to recurring comments were identified (22 total themes), and responses to these are included below. These themes only embrace recommendations or comments of concern. Comments that represent favorable and supportive views are not included in this assessment. Duplicate comment source numbers associated with a numbered theme reflect comments on subtopics within the general theme. Theme #1 The statewide catch and release (artificial lures only) season proposed to run from October 16 through March 31 poses a risk to the sustainability of wild trout populations and the quality of the fisheries they support that is either wholly unacceptable or of great concern, particularly in some areas of the state; notably Delaware/Catskill waters. -
2014 Aquatic Invasive Species Surveys of New York City Water Supply Reservoirs Within the Catskill/Delaware and Croton Watersheds
2014 aquatic invasive species surveys of New York City water supply reservoirs within the Catskill/Delaware and Croton Watersheds Megan Wilckens1, Holly Waterfield2 and Willard N. Harman3 INTRODUCTION The New York City Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) oversees the management and protection of the New York City water supply reservoirs, which are split between two major watershed systems, referred to as East of Hudson Watersheds (Figure 1) and Catskill/Delaware Watershed (Figure 2). The DEP is concerned about the presence of aquatic invasive species (AIS) in reservoirs because they can threaten water quality and water supply operations (intake pipes and filtration systems), degrade the aquatic ecosystem found there as well as reduce recreational opportunities for the community. Across the United States, AIS cause around $120 billion per year in environmental damages and other losses (Pimentel et al. 2005). The SUNY Oneonta Biological Field Station was contracted by DEP to conduct AIS surveys on five reservoirs; the Ashokan, Rondout, West Branch, New Croton and Kensico reservoirs. Three of these reservoirs, as well as major tributary streams to all five reservoirs, were surveyed for AIS in 2014. This report details the survey results for the Ashokan, Rondout, and West Branch reservoirs, and Esopus Creek, Rondout Creek, West Branch Croton River, East Branch Croton River and Bear Gutter Creek. The intent of each survey was to determine the presence or absence of the twenty- three AIS on the NYC DEP’s AIS priority list (Table 1). This list was created by a subcommittee of the Invasive Species Working Group based on a water supply risk assessment. -
Freshwater Fishing: a Driver for Ecotourism
New York FRESHWATER April 2019 FISHINGDigest Fishing: A Sport For Everyone NY Fishing 101 page 10 A Female's Guide to Fishing page 30 A summary of 2019–2020 regulations and useful information for New York anglers www.dec.ny.gov Message from the Governor Freshwater Fishing: A Driver for Ecotourism New York State is committed to increasing and supporting a wide array of ecotourism initiatives, including freshwater fishing. Our approach is simple—we are strengthening our commitment to protect New York State’s vast natural resources while seeking compelling ways for people to enjoy the great outdoors in a socially and environmentally responsible manner. The result is sustainable economic activity based on a sincere appreciation of our state’s natural resources and the values they provide. We invite New Yorkers and visitors alike to enjoy our high-quality water resources. New York is blessed with fisheries resources across the state. Every day, we manage and protect these fisheries with an eye to the future. To date, New York has made substantial investments in our fishing access sites to ensure that boaters and anglers have safe and well-maintained parking areas, access points, and boat launch sites. In addition, we are currently investing an additional $3.2 million in waterway access in 2019, including: • New or renovated boat launch sites on Cayuga, Oneida, and Otisco lakes • Upgrades to existing launch sites on Cranberry Lake, Delaware River, Lake Placid, Lake Champlain, Lake Ontario, Chautauqua Lake and Fourth Lake. New York continues to improve and modernize our fish hatcheries. As Governor, I have committed $17 million to hatchery improvements. -
2014 Fishing Derby Tips
2014 Fishing Derby Tips Dear Derby Participant: Most participants believe they have to catch a large trophy fish to win one of the 173 cash prizes totaling $7,560.00 in this year’s fishing derby. This is not so, in 2013, 40 of the prizes totally $1235.00 were not awarded due to no entries. I have compiled the following list of fishing tips you can use to take advantage of this situation and improve your chances to win a prize in 2014. 1. The 20 reservoirs that comprise the New York City Reservoir System offer year round fishing opportunities within minutes of area residents. In addition, there are hundreds of local streams, lakes and ponds as well as the Hudson and Delaware Rivers, and Long Island Sound, which offer excellent fishing opportunities. The Southern New York Fishing Directory is an angler’s Bible for not only the young inexperienced angler but to the older veteran fishermen looking for new places to fish. Order a copy when you register for the 2014 Derby. 2. Historically March, September, October and November offer the best opportunity to win a prize. In March fishing activity is at it’s lowest due to the poor weather conditions, unsafe ice, and the boating season is just beginning on many of the NYC reservoirs. Take advantage of good weather breaks and fish for trout near the bridges and open water areas using live bait and casting spoons. Fish the warmer water inlets for pre spawn crappies and perch. Most trout and panfish caught in March will win prizes. -
New York City's Water Story
New York City’s Water Story: From Mountain Top to Tap SCHOHARIE COUNTY Schoharie Reservoir 1,130 FEET Delaware Watershed Gilboa Catskill Watershed Stamford The water we use today is the same water that fell as C rain when dinosaurs roamed a D t Prattsville Siuslaw s DELAWARE COUNTY West Branch Delaware e k l i the earth. In its endless a l Windham l w a W r cycle, water is the only e a t W e GREENE COUNTY rs Schoharie Creek substance that naturally a h te e r d Grand Gorge sh exists as a solid, e d liquid or gas. Delhi Lenox Roxbury East Branch Delaware Hunter Tannersville Andes Walton HUNTER MOUNTAIN Water’s journey from 4,040 FEET mountain top to tap begins Margaretville Shandaken Tunnel when rain and snow fall on COLUMBIA COUNTY watersheds, the areas Massachusetts of land that catch, absorb, Downsville Phoenicia and carry water downhill to gently and swiftly Deposit Pepacton Woodstock flowing streams. Cannonsville Reservoir Reservoir 1,150 FEET 1,280 FEET Esopus Creek SLIDE MOUNTAIN Boiceville West Delaware Tunnel East Delaware Tunnel 4,180 FEET Streams provide life-cycle Neversink Frost Valley needs for fish and other RIver aquatic organisms. Oxygen is Ashokan Rondout trapped in the fresh water as Creek Reservoir Claryville Olivebridge 590 FEET Kingston it tumbles over rocks into deep pools. Overhanging tree branches keep water r C e A v cool as fresh water T i Grahamsville S K R DUTCHESS COUNTY continues its journey. IL L n Neversink A Neversink Reservoir Tunnel Q o s 1,440 FEET U s E d Liberty Rondout Reservoir d Water is naturally filtered D u u U 840 FEET U C C H H T by the soil and tree roots in T dense forests as it travels toward reservoirs. -
Brewster Wellfield, Putnam County
FINAL RESTORATION PLAN BREWSTER WELL FIELD SUPERFUND SITE BREWSTER, PUTNAM COUNTY, NEW YORK November 2008 Prepared by: United States Fish and Wildlife Service on behalf of the Department of the Interior and New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Contact: Anne Secord U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service 3817 Luker Road Cortland, NY 13045 [email protected] TABLE OF CONTENTS Page No. A. INTRODUCTION 1 B. BACKGROUND 1 C. NATURAL RESOURCES AND IMPACTS TO THOSE RESOURCES 3 D. NATURAL RESOURCE DAMAGE SETTLEMENT 4 E. PROPOSED RESTORATION 4 1. GOALS OF THE RESTORATION PROJECT(S) 4 2. SPECIFIC PROJECTS CONSIDERED 5 a. Bog Brook Unique Area Restoration 5 b. Bog Turtle Early Successional Wetland Habitat Restoration 7 3. EVALUATION AND COMPARISON OF FEASIBLE PROJECT ALTERNATIVES 8 4. PREFERRED PROJECT FOR IMPLEMENTATION 10 F. COMPLIANCE WITH THE NATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY ACT (NEPA) 11 G. RESPONSE TO PUBLIC COMMENTS RECEIVED 11 LITERATURE CITED 13 A. INTRODUCTION In August 1996, the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), on behalf of the United States Department of the Interior (DOI), and the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC), on behalf of the State of New York, collectively referred to as the “Trustees,” settled a natural resource damage claim with the Responsible Parties (RPs) for the Brewster Well Field Superfund Site (the Site) located in the Village of Brewster (Village), Town of Southeast, Putnam County, New York. The Trustees sought this settlement as compensation for injuries to natural resources due to release of environmental contaminants from the Site. We are required to use settlement funds to compensate for those injuries by restoring natural resources, supporting habitat, and/or services provided by the injured resources. -
New York City Department of Environmental Protection Bureau of Water Supply
New York City Department of Environmental Protection Bureau of Water Supply Waterfowl Management Program July 31, 2012 Prepared in accordance with the Final 2007 (Waterfowl Management Program-Section 4.1) of the United States Environmental Protection Filtration Avoidance Determination A Waterfowl Management Program was developed to evaluate and mitigate pollutant impacts (fecal coliform bacteria) from migratory and resident waterbirds (waterfowl, gulls and cormorants). The purpose of the study reported here, for the period April 1, 2011 to March 31, 2012, is to evaluate further the trends observed in bird numbers and their effect on fecal coliform bacteria levels as a consequence of DEP’s Waterfowl Management Program. Prepared by: Christopher A. Nadareski, Section Chief, Wildlife Studies NYC Department of Environmental Protection Bureau of Water Supply Division of Watershed Water Quality Operations TABLE OF CONTENTS List of Figures 3-6 List of Tables 7 Acknowledgments 8 Introduction 9-10 Methods 11-17 Results and Discussion 18-47 Conclusions 48-49 References 50-51 Appendix A (reservoir maps with bird zones and water sampling locations) 52-62 2 LIST OF FIGURES Page Number Figure 1. Kensico Reservoir waterbird totals. 18 Figure 2. Kensico Reservoir Surface Water Treatment Rule compliance (fecal coliforms 100mL-1 at DEL18 and CATLEFF). 19 Figure 3. Kensico Reservoir fecal coliforms 100mL-1 at DEL18 vs. total waterbirds (4/1/2010 to 3/31/2011). 21 Figure 4. Kensico Reservoir fecal coliforms 100mL-1 at DEL18 vs. total waterbirds (4/1/2011 to 3/31/2012). 22 Figure 5. Kensico Reservoir fecal coliforms 100mL-1 at CATLEFF vs. total waterbirds (4/1/2010 to 3/31/2011). -
Nonpoint Source Implementation of Phase II Phosphorous TMDLS In
Interim Report Nonpoint Source Implementation Of The Phase II Phosphorus TMDLs In The New York City Watershed March 2002 Prepared in accordance with the New York City Watershed Memorandum of Agreement (January 1997). New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Division of Water P R E F A C E This report represents the next step in the implementation process for phosphorus load reductions in the New York City (NYC) Watershed. It has been prepared in accordance with the NYC Watershed Memorandum of Agreement (MOA, January 1997) and focuses on nonpoint source (NPS) implementation efforts that can contribute to the attainment of Phase II Phosphorus Total Maximum Daily Loads (TMDLs). The report provides a snapshot of the current status of implementation programs, projects and activities and next steps toward a final implementation plan. It has been released as “Interim” since it does not include all of the specific implementation components outlined in the MOA and expanded upon in the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA’s) October 16, 2000 implementation strategy letter. The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) remains committed to the development of a final implementation plan. The Phase II Phosphorus TMDLs identified eight NYC reservoirs as water quality limited and needing nonpoint (NPS) reductions. These reservoirs are in the Croton portion of the City’s watershed and are located east of the Hudson River . Thus, the timing of the final implementation plan will depend on the findings and completion of Croton Planning in Putnam and Westchester Counties, as well as the implementation of Phase II Stormwater Regulations and continued monitoring in the Croton Watershed. -
Croton Watershed Catskill Watershed Delaware Watershed
New York City’s Water Story: From Mountain Top to Tap SCHOHARIE COUNTY Schoharie Reservoir 1,130 FEET Delaware Watershed Gilboa Catskill Watershed Stamford The water we use today is the same water that fell as C rain when dinosaurs roamed a D t Prattsville Siuslaw s DELAWARE COUNTY West Branch Delaware e k l i the earth. In its endless a l Windham l w a W r cycle, water is the only e a t W e GREENE COUNTY rs Schoharie Creek substance that naturally a h te e r d Grand Gorge sh exists as a solid, e d liquid or gas. Delhi Lenox Roxbury East Branch Delaware Hunter Tannersville Andes Walton HUNTER MOUNTAIN Water’s journey from 4,040 FEET mountain top to tap begins Margaretville Shandaken Tunnel when rain and snow fall on COLUMBIA COUNTY watersheds, the areas Massachusetts of land that catch, absorb, Downsville Phoenicia and carry water downhill to gently and swiftly Deposit Pepacton Woodstock flowing streams. Cannonsville Reservoir Reservoir 1,150 FEET 1,280 FEET Esopus Creek SLIDE MOUNTAIN Boiceville West Delaware Tunnel East Delaware Tunnel 4,180 FEET Streams provide life-cycle Neversink Frost Valley needs for fish and other RIver aquatic organisms. Oxygen is Ashokan Rondout trapped in the fresh water as Creek Reservoir Claryville Olivebridge 590 FEET Kingston it tumbles over rocks into deep pools. Overhanging tree branches keep water r C e A v cool as fresh water T i Grahamsville S K R DUTCHESS COUNTY continues its journey. IL L n Neversink A Neversink Reservoir Tunnel Q o s 1,440 FEET U s E d Liberty Rondout Reservoir d Water is naturally filtered D u u U 840 FEET U C C H H T by the soil and tree roots in T dense forests as it travels toward reservoirs. -
Evaluating Management Scenarios in the Croton Watershed
Evaluating Management Scenarios in the Croton Watershed K Moffett, A Atamian, C How, L Wordsman, K Kane Abstract The Croton Watershed is the oldest portion of New York City’s drinking water supply system and is undergoing continued development. To achieve water quality goals, a GIS-based risk assessment methodology was developed to help the New York City Department of Environmental Protection (NYCDEP) optimize watershed management efforts and focus limited resources on critical areas to achieve maximum water quality benefits. The methodology was implemented using GIS raster processing and compiled in a Decision Support Tool (DST) to assist the NYCDEP in evaluating different management alternatives. With this tool, NYCDEP can systematically prioritize its watershed monitoring, protection, and restoration efforts, provide local stakeholders with technical information for their own watershed programs, and track development and mitigation projects in the watershed. Introduction The New York City water supply system provides approximately 1.3 billion gallons of high quality drinking water to almost nine million New Yorkers every day — eight million city residents and a million residents of Westchester, Putnam, Orange and Ulster Counties — plus the millions of tourists and commuters who visit the City throughout the year. The source of this superior water supply is a network of 19 reservoirs in a 1,969 square-mile watershed that extends 125 miles north and west of New York City. Figure 1 New York City Water Supply System The Croton System is the oldest of New York City’s three surface water systems. It supplies approximately 10 percent of New York City’s fresh water from 10 reservoirs and three controlled lakes in Putnam and Westchester Counties. -
Wetlands in the Watersheds of the New York City Water Supply System Wetland Types
tl Acknowledgments his booklet is the product of the work photointerpreters, Todd Nuerminger and Jim T of many individuals. Although it has its Bohn. Glenn Smith provided quality control origins with the U .S. Fish and Wildli fe . of the i merpret~ d aerial photographs and Service's National Wetlands Inventory (NWJ), assisted in collecting field data on wetland this booklet would not have been produced commUnities. Among dle many other ptlrsons without the support and cooperation fl'o!n the comributing to cllis efliart were Don Woodard New York City Depanment of EnviFonmen Linda Shaffer, and Becky Sranley of the Mr. Geoffrey Knapp, New York Service's NWI Center at St. Petersburg, used Florida. in this report. The draft report was reviewed by many We also thank Helen Forgione, Geoffrey people including U .S. Fish and Wildlife Knapp, and Paul J. Fusco for contributed Serv·ice personnel-Doll W00da·rd, Bill photographs. Photo credits are shown for their Wilen. Mark Clough, Dianna -" -...,:r-- photos. Other photos were taken by the plus NYCbhP Preface his repon is based on a wetlands invenrory of three watershed? Where are wetlands most abundant' What T watersheds of New York City's water supply sys types are most common' The inven tory results are tem. This area supplies New York City's 19 upstate presented in a series of large-scale (I :24,000) maps reservoirs. The nearly 2,000-square mile area is divided (identifying the location, type, and shape of werlands inro three reservoir systems. West of the Hudson River, larger than 1-3 acres in size) and this booklet.