The state DEC is being directed to issue an emergency declaration to assist communities in 18 counties, including several in the Finger Lakes and Southern Tier, with rebuilding critical infrastructure following the severe storms and flash flooding on August 9th and 10th. This directive from Governor Kathy Hochul allows the DEC to fast-track permit reviews for essential work, including repairing infrastructure and structures over waterways, restoring waterway channel capacity, and carrying out other activities necessary to ensure 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 Emergency 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.
“After Hurricane Debby upended the lives of countless New Yorkers, I’ve directed DEC to issue an emergency declaration to expedite recovery efforts so that families and businesses can rebuild,” Governor Hochul said. “My administration is working around the clock to provide resources and assistance to communities in need, and we will continue to make every effort to ensure a full recovery.”
General Permits help communities rebuild by avoiding the process of seeking individual permits. 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 advance these efforts, 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 allows pumping out flood waters from residential structures without a permit. If possible, property owners are advised 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.
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