Work has begun on a $34 million project to dredge portions of Flushing Bay, to be followed by enhancements to existing wetlands. Potentially hazardous trees are being removed along a stretch of Route 28 in Shokan in order to protect utility lines and public safety, as well as promote natural growth of the next generation of forests. An additional 2,640 acres of New York City property in Delaware, Greene, and Ulster counties were opened for recreation in 2016. Construction continues on the Gilboa Dam release tunnel, which will bring the dam into compliance with modern safety standards.
Following upgrades at four wastewater treatment plants at a total investment of $1 billion, the volume of nitrogen being discharged into the Upper East River has been reduced by more than 60 percent. Radar devices are being installed in the Catskill Mountains to measure snow and more accurately predict how runoff will affect the subsequent year's conditions in watershed reservoirs. Under-ice water quality monitoring buoys have been installed for the fourth year running in Ashokan Reservoir. 19 new officers have graduated from the Staff Sgt. Robert H. Dietz DEP Police Academy in Kingston, New York.
In 2016, the New York City Department of Environmental Protection (DEP)'s accomplishments included the activation of the new water delivery tunnel to Staten Island, continued work on the Rondout-West Branch Bypass Tunnel, and the installation of an oyster bed in Jamaica Bay. Watershed maintainers in the Bureau of Water Supply have received additional training on climbing and trimming trees. A composting program has been launched at the DEP's Lefrak City headquarters.
The NYC Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has started to develop solutions to heavy rainfall and associated physical and societal impacts by conducting the Cloudburst Resiliency Planning Study, focusing on a pilot area in Southeast Queens. The purpose of this project is to provide insight on ways to advance climate resiliency projects and traditional stormwater solutions to mitigate inland flooding and accommodate future increase in rainfall intensity through integration with ongoing urban planning and development.
Drinking Water Supply and Quality Reports are prepared annually by the New York City Department of Environmental Protection in accordance with the New York State Sanitary Code and the National Primary Drinking Water Regulations of the United States Environmental Protection Agency, which require all drinking water suppliers to provide the public with an annual statement describing the sources and quality of its water supply.