State DEC asked to declare emergency to expedite repairs from recent storms

WATERTOWN, N.Y. (WWTI) – The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation has been asked to issue an emergency declaration to help communities in 18 counties to help speed up the rebuild from last weekend’s severe weather.

New York Governor Kathy Hochul asked the DEC to make the authorization. This would help speed up necessary permit reviews for work to repair infrastructure and structures on and over waterways, restore waterway channel capacity, and perform other activities necessary to restore public safety.

The declaration includes Allegany, Broome, Chemung, Chenango, Cortland, Delaware, Essex, Franklin, Jefferson, Lewis, Ontario, Oswego, Schoharie, Schuyler, Steuben, St. Lawrence, Tioga and Yates counties. The declaration will allow DEC to utilize the Statewide General Permit for stream activities in impacted areas, including emergency stream repair work in protected waterbodies following a natural disaster.

DEC is working tirelessly with partners at all levels of government to aide communities dealing with flood damage from remnants of Hurricane Debby. This emergency declaration will help expedite critical work necessary to bring communities and infrastructure back on-line and provide the support needed to recover and rebuild.

NYS Department of Environmental Conservation Interim Commissioner Sean Mahar

Parties must apply to DEC for coverage under the permit before beginning work in a stream, including but not limited to: stream restoration; backfilling; stabilization; or infrastructure repair that would create a disturbance to the stream. DEC considers such coverage on a case-by-case basis.

To speed up efforts, the DEC will conduct site visits, meet with property owners and local leaders, and offer technical guidance to review all emergency permit applications received. Visit the NYSPGP-1 webpage for a copy of NYSPGP-1, application instructions, and additional information.

DEC officials allow for pumping out flood waters from homes without a permit. Homeowners are asked to pump water to a grassy area so that solids can settle out before entering nearby waterbodies. In the event that any water encountered during the flood recovery is impacted by petroleum, chemicals, or other hazardous materials, property owners are advised to immediately contact DEC’s Spill hotline (1-800-457-7362) prior to addressing any flood waters.

For more information, go to https://www.dec.ny.gov/permits/96337.html .

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