The Department of Environmental Protection has been distributing rain barrels to community homeowners in partnership with local elected officials. Water collected in these 60-gallon barrels can be used for gardening and other outdoor purposes and thereby reduce personal water bills. The Gilboa Dam rehabilitation project received a major award from the American Council of Engineering Companies of New York. The DEP announces that it will begin applying natural herbicides along roads in upstate watersheds.
New York City will end rental payments from the New York City Water Board, for an estimated 7 percent in savings for each customer on water and sewer bills through fiscal year 2017. In addition, a one-time $183 credit is being distributed to about 664,000 customers. Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner Emily Lloyd and Brooklyn Borough President Eric L. Adams announce the launch of the Adopt-A-Catch Basin pilot program, which will involve local communities in helping to keep storm drains clear of debris.
The Always Creating Excellence (ACE) program recognizes New York City Department of Environmental Protection staff members that have exhibited outstanding effort, and have gone above and beyond the call of duty to serve the people of New York City.
In April, the Department of Environmental Protection's Bureau of Wastewater Treatment (BWT) held its 29th annual Operations Challenge at the Jamaica Wastewater Treatment Plant. With the onset of spring Green Infrastructure maintenance crews from the Bureau of Water and Sewer Operations (BWSO) are adding new plantings to New York City bioswales. The first WebEX-enabled brown bag session was performed by the Bureau of Organizational Development and Human Resources (OD&HR) in collaboration with the Office of Information Technology (OIT).
The Department of Environmental Protection's Fiscal Year (FY) 2017 Executive Budget was presented on May 9. This budget also outlines the Four-Year Capital Plan, which includes major projects such as the ongoing construction of City Tunnel 3 and reconstruction of the mechanical elements of the lower Catskill Aqueduct, as well as ongoing investments in wastewater treatment, sewers, and drinking water supply. The DEP will host an educational walk in Westchester County on May 15 to celebrate American Wetlands Month.
A workshop will be held on May 25th at Civic Hall in Manhattan on the Department of Environmental Protection's Grant Program, which offers the chance for private property owners to obtain funding for green infrastructure improvements on their properties. The DEP and New York State Department of Environmental Conservation led students on an annual eel count at the Richmond Creek Bluebelt in Staten Island. DEP Police are performing boater safety workshops on watershed reservoirs.
The 30th annual Water Resources Art and Poetry Contest, held at the Tribeca Performing Arts Center, hosted a record-breaking 1,800 participants from schools in New York City and Watershed communities. New York City bans the use of hands-free phones for all operators of city vehicles apart from emergency personnel. The Gilboa Dam rehabilitation project has earned its third major award, for engineering excellence from the American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC).
Students at Highland Middle School in Ulster County received a demonstration by the DEP Police Aviation Unit, including a helicopter landing and question-and-answer session. Pam Elardo, P.E., has been appointed Deputy Commissioner of the Bureau of Wastewater Treatment (BWT). Several BWT employees competed in the New Jersey Water Environmental Association (NJWEA) Spring Fling Operations Challenge 2016. The Department of Environmental Protection is hosting blood drives at several locations to help offset supply shortages at the New York Blood Center.
Several thousand curbside gardens are being installed across the city as part of the Department of Environmental Protection's Green Infrastructure Plan, in cooperation with the Department of Design and Construction, the Economic Development Corporation and the Parks Department. Odor control upgrades have been completed on the Bowery Bay Wastewater Treatment Plant. Two Family Fishing Day evnts will be held at the Ashokan and Cannonsville Reservoirs, on June 12 and June 18th respectively.