The Sewage Pollution Right to Know Act ("SPRTK"), which took effect on May 1, 2013, requires owners and operators of publicly owned treatment works ("POTWs") and publicly owned sewer systems ("POSSs") to report untreated and partially treated sewage discharges to DEC and health authorities immediately, but in no case later than two hours from discovery of the discharge. Partially treated sewage discharged directly from a POTW that is in compliance with a DEC approved plan or permit does not need to be reported. The rule also requires owners and operators of POTWs and POSSs to continue reporting for each day after the initial report is made until the discharge terminates. The rule defines a "POSS" as a municipally-owned system that discharges to a POTW owned by another municipality. A POSS is not required to obtain a SPDES permit.
DEC and NYSDOH will use sewage reports to evaluate and respond to incidents based on the severity of the potential environmental and public health impact. Reporting of sewage discharges may be used to assist DEC in making decisions on the closing of shellfish lands pursuant to 6 NYCRR section 41.4 and prohibiting shellfish activities pursuant to 6 NYCRR sections 42.17 and 47.4. DEC will also use sewage reports to direct wastewater utilities to take short term corrective action and to determine wastewater utility liability. DEC may take formal or informal enforcement action against wastewater utilities, including assessment of penalties and the institution of permanent corrective measures.
Reported sewage discharge information may also be used by NYSDOH and local health departments to assess the potential impact on public water supplies pursuant to 10 NYCRR Subpart 5-1 and to take corrective measures, if needed. NYSDOH and local health departments may use this information to provide guidance and assistance to private water supplies when contamination events occur and to make decisions on the regulation of bathing beaches pursuant to Public Health Law section 225 and 10 NYCRR Subpart 6-2.
The proposed rule would require owners and operators of POTWs and POSSs to notify the municipality where the discharge occurred and adjoining municipalities of untreated and partially treated sewage discharges within four hours of discovery. The rule would also obligate these entities to notify the general public of any such discharges to surface water within the same four hour time frame as these discharges may present a threat to public health.
Caltha LLP provides expert consulting services to public and private sector clients nationwide to address water quality standards, wastewater permitting and assessing potential impacts of chemicals in the aquatic environment. Caltha LLP Aquatic Toxicology / WQ Standards Services Website
Showing posts with label New York. Show all posts
Showing posts with label New York. Show all posts
Monday, October 2, 2017
Wednesday, May 15, 2013
Update To Great Lakes Restoration Initiative Action Plan 2015-2019
The Great Lakes Interagency Task Force has scheduled meetings for the public to provide input to a planned update of the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative Action Plan.
The updated Action Plan would direct Great Lakes restoration for fiscal years 2015-2019. The public may comment directly to the federal agencies and to the Great Lakes Advisory Board (GLAB), a panel of experts established to provide recommendations to the federal agencies.
Comments may be given at any of the following scheduled meetings:
•May 21-22 - Great Lakes Advisory Board Inaugural Meeting & Public Comment to GLAB
•May 23 - Webinar
•May 28 - Buffalo, New York.
•May 30 - Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
•June 3 - Webinar
•June 5 - Cleveland, Ohio.
In February 2010, the Task Force released the GLRI Action Plan for FY2010-2014. The Action Plan identified goals, objectives, measurable ecological targets, and specific actions to help rehabilitate the Great Lakes. The Action Plan targets investments to reduce toxic contamination, rehabilitate fish and wildlife habitat, improve nearshore health, reduce nutrients and other land-based pollution, prevent invasive species, and promote accountability, education, and collaboration.
Caltha LLP provides expert consulting services to public and private sector clients nationwide to address water quality standards, wastewater permitting and assessing potential impacts of chemicals in the aquatic environment.
Caltha LLP Aquatic Toxicology / WQ Standards Services Website
Comments may be given at any of the following scheduled meetings:
•May 21-22 - Great Lakes Advisory Board Inaugural Meeting & Public Comment to GLAB
•May 23 - Webinar
•May 28 - Buffalo, New York.
•May 30 - Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
•June 3 - Webinar
•June 5 - Cleveland, Ohio.
In February 2010, the Task Force released the GLRI Action Plan for FY2010-2014. The Action Plan identified goals, objectives, measurable ecological targets, and specific actions to help rehabilitate the Great Lakes. The Action Plan targets investments to reduce toxic contamination, rehabilitate fish and wildlife habitat, improve nearshore health, reduce nutrients and other land-based pollution, prevent invasive species, and promote accountability, education, and collaboration.
Caltha LLP provides expert consulting services to public and private sector clients nationwide to address water quality standards, wastewater permitting and assessing potential impacts of chemicals in the aquatic environment.
Caltha LLP Aquatic Toxicology / WQ Standards Services Website
Thursday, January 17, 2013
Summary of 2011 EPCRA 313 TRI Releases To Great Lakes
Releases of EPCRA Section 313 reportable chemicals into surface waters in the Great Lakes Basin increased by 12 % from 2010 to 2011, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s annual Toxics Release Inventory report. Nationwide, releases due to surface water discharges decreased by 3 %.
Nitrates and pesticides from municipal wastewater treatment plants and agriculture account for most of the releases from surface water discharges to the Great Lakes Basin. Nitrates were also discharged by primary metals facilities, such as iron and steel mills and smelters, and food and beverage manufacturers.
For the summary, the Great Lakes Basin consists of Lakes Superior, Michigan, Huron, Erie and Ontario; a number of other smaller lakes and waterways; and the surrounding watershed. The watershed covers parts of Illinois, Indiana, Minnesota, Michigan, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin, and parts of Ontario in Canada. Despite increases from 2010 to 2011, overall Section 313 releases in the Great Lakes Basin have decreased about 40 % since 2003 and are currently at the second-lowest level in a decade. Surface water, air and land releases in the basin increased by 12, 1 and 4 % respectively, while underground injection decreased 5 % from 2010 to 2011.
Read summary of national EPCRA TRI releases for 2011.
Caltha LLP provides expert consulting services to public and private sector clients nationwide to address water quality standards, wastewater permitting and assessing potential impacts of chemicals in the aquatic environment.
Caltha LLP Aquatic Toxicology / WQ Standards Services Website
Nitrates and pesticides from municipal wastewater treatment plants and agriculture account for most of the releases from surface water discharges to the Great Lakes Basin. Nitrates were also discharged by primary metals facilities, such as iron and steel mills and smelters, and food and beverage manufacturers.
For the summary, the Great Lakes Basin consists of Lakes Superior, Michigan, Huron, Erie and Ontario; a number of other smaller lakes and waterways; and the surrounding watershed. The watershed covers parts of Illinois, Indiana, Minnesota, Michigan, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin, and parts of Ontario in Canada. Despite increases from 2010 to 2011, overall Section 313 releases in the Great Lakes Basin have decreased about 40 % since 2003 and are currently at the second-lowest level in a decade. Surface water, air and land releases in the basin increased by 12, 1 and 4 % respectively, while underground injection decreased 5 % from 2010 to 2011.
Read summary of national EPCRA TRI releases for 2011.
Caltha LLP provides expert consulting services to public and private sector clients nationwide to address water quality standards, wastewater permitting and assessing potential impacts of chemicals in the aquatic environment.
Caltha LLP Aquatic Toxicology / WQ Standards Services Website
Monday, December 10, 2012
Lake Erie No Discharge Zone Proposed By EPA
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is accepting public comment until January 6, 2013 on the agency's tentatively determination that there are adequate facilities around Lake Erie for boats to pump out their sewage, allowing the establishment of a “no discharge zone” for 593 square miles of the lake, its tributaries and bays, and 84 miles of shoreline that comprise the New York State portion of the lake. The no discharge zone, which was proposed by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, means that boats would be banned from discharging sewage into the water. Boaters would instead dispose of their sewage at specially-designed pump-out stations.
This action is part of a joint EPA/New York State strategy to eliminate the discharge of sewage from boats into the state’s waterways. The proposed no discharge zone for the New York State portion of Lake Erie includes the waters of the lake from the Pennsylvania-New York State boundary, as well as the Upper Niagara River and numerous other tributaries, harbors and embayments of the Lake, including Barcelona Harbor, Dunkirk Harbor and the Buffalo Outer Harbor.
Caltha LLP provides expert consulting services to public and private sector clients nationwide to address water quality standards, wastewater permitting and assessing potential impacts of chemicals in the aquatic environment.
Caltha LLP Aquatic Toxicology / WQ Standards Services Website
This action is part of a joint EPA/New York State strategy to eliminate the discharge of sewage from boats into the state’s waterways. The proposed no discharge zone for the New York State portion of Lake Erie includes the waters of the lake from the Pennsylvania-New York State boundary, as well as the Upper Niagara River and numerous other tributaries, harbors and embayments of the Lake, including Barcelona Harbor, Dunkirk Harbor and the Buffalo Outer Harbor.
Caltha LLP provides expert consulting services to public and private sector clients nationwide to address water quality standards, wastewater permitting and assessing potential impacts of chemicals in the aquatic environment.
Caltha LLP Aquatic Toxicology / WQ Standards Services Website
Sunday, September 9, 2012
US and Canada Amend Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and Canada’s Minister of the Environment have signed the newly amended Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement. The agreement, first signed in 1972 and last amended in 1987, is binational effort to protect the world’s largest surface freshwater system and the health of the surrounding communities.
The revised agreement will facilitate United States and Canadian action on threats to Great Lakes water quality and includes measures to anticipate and prevent ecological harm. New provisions address aquatic invasive species, habitat degradation and the effects of climate change, and support continued work on existing threats to human health and the environment in the Great Lakes Basin such as harmful algae, toxic chemicals, and discharges from vessels.
The overall purpose of the Agreement is “to restore and maintain the chemical, physical and biological integrity of the waters” of the Great Lakes and the portion of the St. Lawrence River that includes the Canada-United States border. Both governments sought extensive input from stakeholders before and throughout the negotiations to amend the Agreement. Additionally, the amended Agreement expands opportunities for public participation on Great Lakes issues.
Caltha LLP provides expert consulting services to public and private sector clients nationwide to address water quality standards, wastewater permitting and assessing potential impacts of chemicals in the aquatic environment.
Caltha LLP Aquatic Toxicology / WQ Standards Services Website
The revised agreement will facilitate United States and Canadian action on threats to Great Lakes water quality and includes measures to anticipate and prevent ecological harm. New provisions address aquatic invasive species, habitat degradation and the effects of climate change, and support continued work on existing threats to human health and the environment in the Great Lakes Basin such as harmful algae, toxic chemicals, and discharges from vessels.
The overall purpose of the Agreement is “to restore and maintain the chemical, physical and biological integrity of the waters” of the Great Lakes and the portion of the St. Lawrence River that includes the Canada-United States border. Both governments sought extensive input from stakeholders before and throughout the negotiations to amend the Agreement. Additionally, the amended Agreement expands opportunities for public participation on Great Lakes issues.
Caltha LLP provides expert consulting services to public and private sector clients nationwide to address water quality standards, wastewater permitting and assessing potential impacts of chemicals in the aquatic environment.
Caltha LLP Aquatic Toxicology / WQ Standards Services Website
Tuesday, June 5, 2012
Advisory Board For Great Lakes Restoration Initiative
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has announced the creation of an advisory board to support federal agencies with the implementation of the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative and the updated Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement. The new board will provide advice and recommendations to EPA Administrator as federal Interagency Task Force chair.
To form the board, EPA will consider candidates from a broad range of interests including environmental groups, businesses, agricultural groups, funders/foundations, environmental justice groups, youth groups, academia and state, local and tribal representatives as needed. Nominees will be solicited through a Federal Register notice. EPA anticipates that board will be established during summer 2012.
The Interagency Task Force is made up of 16 federal agencies and departments. In 2010 they developed an action plan to implement initiatives in five areas:
Caltha LLP provides expert consulting services to public and private sector clients nationwide to address water quality standards, wastewater permitting and assessing potential impacts of chemicals in the aquatic environment.
Caltha LLP Aquatic Toxicology / WQ Standards Services Website
To form the board, EPA will consider candidates from a broad range of interests including environmental groups, businesses, agricultural groups, funders/foundations, environmental justice groups, youth groups, academia and state, local and tribal representatives as needed. Nominees will be solicited through a Federal Register notice. EPA anticipates that board will be established during summer 2012.
The Interagency Task Force is made up of 16 federal agencies and departments. In 2010 they developed an action plan to implement initiatives in five areas:
- Cleaning up toxics and toxic hot spot Areas of Concern.
- Combating invasive species.
- Promoting near-shore health by protecting watersheds from polluted runoff.
- Restoring wetlands and other habitats.
- Raising public awareness, tracking progress, and working with partners.
Caltha LLP provides expert consulting services to public and private sector clients nationwide to address water quality standards, wastewater permitting and assessing potential impacts of chemicals in the aquatic environment.
Caltha LLP Aquatic Toxicology / WQ Standards Services Website
Friday, September 24, 2010
Draft Chesapeake Bay Total Maximum Daily Load, TMDL
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has released a draft Chesapeake Bay Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL), designed to restore the Chesapeake Bay and its network of streams, creeks and rivers. The draft TMDL sets limits on the amount of nitrogen, phosphorus and sediment pollution discharged into the Bay and each of its tributaries by different types of pollution sources. It is designed to meet water quality standards that reflect a scientific assessment of the pollution reductions necessary to restore the health of the Bay ecosystem. The draft TMDL calls for 25% reductions in nitrogen and phosphorus and at least a 16% reduction in sediment. These reductions would be achieved by a combination of federal and state actions. The TMDL is designed to ensure that all pollution control measures to fully restore the Bay and its tidal rivers are in place by 2025, with 60% of the actions completed by 2017. The final TMDL will be established December 31.
On July 1, 2010, EPA set draft Bay-wide limits for nitrogen and phosphorus at 187.4 million and 12.5 million pounds per year, respectively, and on Aug. 13 set a range of allowable sediment pollution levels at between 6.1 and 6.7 billion pounds per year. These Bay-wide pollution limits were further divided by jurisdiction and major river basin based on modeling tools, monitoring data, peer-reviewed science, and close interaction with state partners.
The release of the draft TMDL begins a 45-day public comment period that will include 18 public meetings in all six watershed states (Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Delaware, New York and West Virginia) and the District of Columbia.
On July 1, 2010, EPA set draft Bay-wide limits for nitrogen and phosphorus at 187.4 million and 12.5 million pounds per year, respectively, and on Aug. 13 set a range of allowable sediment pollution levels at between 6.1 and 6.7 billion pounds per year. These Bay-wide pollution limits were further divided by jurisdiction and major river basin based on modeling tools, monitoring data, peer-reviewed science, and close interaction with state partners.
The release of the draft TMDL begins a 45-day public comment period that will include 18 public meetings in all six watershed states (Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Delaware, New York and West Virginia) and the District of Columbia.
Caltha LLP provides expert consulting services to public and private sector clients nationwide to address water quality standards, wastewater permitting and assessing potential impacts of chemicals in the aquatic environment.
Caltha LLP Aquatic Toxicology / WQ Standards Services Website
Thursday, September 23, 2010
New York Great Lakes Restoration Grants
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has announced grants totaling $20 million in New York State under the Great Lakes Restoration initiative. The grant recipients include tribes, state and local agencies, non-profit organizations, and colleges and universities. Among the project funded in New York are:
• Be Green in the Great Lakes. This project will encourage homeowners and land care providers to adopt organic land care practices that reduce water use and avoid the use of synthetic pesticides and fertilizers. New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) will initiate an education and outreach program that will disseminate brochures and web content, hold training sessions, and introduce NYSDEC's "Be Green Organic Yards NY" program. Grant recipient is the NYSDEC. Grant amount is $315,223.
• Buffalo River Area of Concern Habitat Restoration – Riverbend. This project will result in the design, implementation, and monitoring of a restoration project at the Riverbend site on the Buffalo River. This is a former industrial site and these efforts will help restore the area's natural habitat. The work will include 2,800 feet of river bank enhancement, plus 6.3 acres of floodplain habitat restoration. Tasks include river bank regrading to reduce soil erosion, planting native trees and shrubs, and removal of invasive plant species. Two years of vegetation surveys and monitoring will then occur. Grant recipient is the Buffalo Niagara Riverkeeper. Grant amount is $657,245.
• St. Lawrence River Area of Concern and St. Lawrence River Sturgeon Restoration. The first project will focus on four beneficial use impairments (restrictions on fish and wildlife consumption, degradation of fish and wildlife populations, bird/animal deformities or reproductive problems, and loss of fish and wildlife habitat) in the St. Lawrence River, near Massena, NY. The project will monitor furbearers, turtles and birds, and conduct tissue analysis of wildlife to assist decision-makers considering restrictions on wildlife consumption. Grant amount is $1,229,415. The second project will advance efforts to restore Lake Sturgeon in the St. Lawrence River by investigating suitable spawning habitat, water quality, and causes of reproductive failure. Project amount is $723,107. Grant recipient is the St. Regis Mohawk Tribe.
• Be Green in the Great Lakes. This project will encourage homeowners and land care providers to adopt organic land care practices that reduce water use and avoid the use of synthetic pesticides and fertilizers. New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) will initiate an education and outreach program that will disseminate brochures and web content, hold training sessions, and introduce NYSDEC's "Be Green Organic Yards NY" program. Grant recipient is the NYSDEC. Grant amount is $315,223.
• Buffalo River Area of Concern Habitat Restoration – Riverbend. This project will result in the design, implementation, and monitoring of a restoration project at the Riverbend site on the Buffalo River. This is a former industrial site and these efforts will help restore the area's natural habitat. The work will include 2,800 feet of river bank enhancement, plus 6.3 acres of floodplain habitat restoration. Tasks include river bank regrading to reduce soil erosion, planting native trees and shrubs, and removal of invasive plant species. Two years of vegetation surveys and monitoring will then occur. Grant recipient is the Buffalo Niagara Riverkeeper. Grant amount is $657,245.
• St. Lawrence River Area of Concern and St. Lawrence River Sturgeon Restoration. The first project will focus on four beneficial use impairments (restrictions on fish and wildlife consumption, degradation of fish and wildlife populations, bird/animal deformities or reproductive problems, and loss of fish and wildlife habitat) in the St. Lawrence River, near Massena, NY. The project will monitor furbearers, turtles and birds, and conduct tissue analysis of wildlife to assist decision-makers considering restrictions on wildlife consumption. Grant amount is $1,229,415. The second project will advance efforts to restore Lake Sturgeon in the St. Lawrence River by investigating suitable spawning habitat, water quality, and causes of reproductive failure. Project amount is $723,107. Grant recipient is the St. Regis Mohawk Tribe.
Caltha LLP provides expert environmental consulting services to public and private sector clients nationwide to address water quality standards, wastewater permitting and assessing potential impacts of chemicals in the aquatic environment.
Caltha LLP Aquatic Toxicology / WQ Standards Services Website
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