Background:
rainwater empties into riverOne of the best ways to preserve the quality of drinking water in New York State is to safeguard watershed lands. Legislation should be adopted that facilitates municipalities’ ability to purchase such land. Efforts to address non-point sources of pollution such as stormwater are also critical. Municipalities are in need of funding to bring their stormwater controls into compliance with new EPA Clean Water Act Regulations on stormwater management.Solution:
- NYS DEC should assert jurisdiction over stormwater permitting, including enforcement, and expand regulations to cover stormwater retrofits for existing developments.
- Explore the creation of a new dedicated source of funding for Storm Water Management Programs, such as supplemental fees for general construction permits.
What you can do: