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Fwd: 4th of July Fireworks on the Hudson - CG Regulations

I'm re-posting this so it's easy for people to find before tomorrow's
fireworks. See below and be safe.
Happy Independence Day.

This year's fireworks display and associated CGAN appear to be more or
less the same as last year, including a special viewing section for
human-powered boats.
Click here for the full CGAN (excerpted below) and the chart.

The Captain of the Port New York has established a Special Local
Regulation temporarily restricting vessel movement on the waters of
the Hudson River in the vicinity of Manhattan, NY and Hudson County,
NJ for the annual Macy's Fourth of July Fireworks Display (see
chartlet below). This Special Local Regulation will be strictly
enforced on Thursday, July 4th, 2013 from 6:00 pm until approximately
11:00 pm. All persons and vessels shall comply with the instructions
of the Coast Guard Captain of the Port or the designated
representative.

All spectator vessels must be inside the designated viewing areas by
8:00 pm and in position no later than 8:30 pm. Vessels shall be
required to hold position (NOT at anchor) and not depart the section
until released by the on-scene Coast Guard Commander. This information
will be broadcast via VHF-FM CHANNEL 12, 13, 14, and 16. Coast Guard
recommends all vessels gather towards the center of the Hudson River.
All spectator vessels shall maintain a 100 yard distance from any
Coast Guard vessel at anchor, at all times.

RiverKeeper Water Quality Report May-June 2013

From our friends and colleagues at RiverKeeper.

For weekly testing results of sites throughout NYC made using the same testing and protocol as RiverKeeper's visit http://www.nycwatertrail.org/water_quality.html

View as webpage Share! Water Quality Report May-June 2013 (1st patrol of 2013) NOTE: EPA guidelines for "acceptable" vs. "unacceptable" fecal contamination levels have changed – they have been downgraded and are now LESS protective of public health. For marine waters (salt and brackish) the old criteria scored any Enterococcus count over 104 per 100ml as "unacceptable" for primary contact, like swimming. The new criteria threshold uses 110 Entero per 100 ml, which is only a slight change - not really significant. In fresh water (all our stations north of Peekskill) the old benchmark was 61 Entero per 100 ml. The new EPA criteria now uses 110  Entero per 100 ml in fresh water as well as marine. This change from 61 to 110 is significant and allows managers of fresh water swimming beaches to remain open with higher levels of fecal contamination – and increased risk of water related illnesses - than before. Highlight: This patrol started south and worked north and followed days of dry weather. I saw swimmers everywhere. There was some rain mid patrol which, as always, triggered Combined Sewer Overflows (CSOs) in the Capitol District. Look at the data below. You'll see that the plume of sewage contamination from the Capitol District had worked its way down to the area of Coxsackie and Gay's Point State Park (20 – 25 miles) by the time I arrived and sampled (2 days after the rain). We've seen this same scenario before when we've sampled northbound a couple days after rain – the Capital District craps up the northern end of the Estuary. The Hudson Estuary is a 160 mile long beach every summer…don't let anyone tell you otherwise. The entire Estuary needs to be sampled, modeled for predictability and made safe for swimming everywhere. Keep in mind that none of the following shows a "designated" swimming beach. Kids in the Hudson at Dyckman Street, Manhattan. 100 feet south of them is a huge CSO - luckily NOT flowing at the time. NYC does not want to post CSO discharge events in public media like local radio and TV as required by the Sewage Pollution Right to Know Law. God forbid the parents of these children have the information they need to protect them. Shame on New York City – putting its public image over public health. East River Verplanck Point Little Stony Point Poughkeepsie school rowing docks Part, ONLY PART, of the reason the Capitol District water quality was so bad is this dry weather discharge from a CSO in South Troy which we found during an investigation of an unrelated discharge with DEC Environmental Conservation Officers on 6/5/13 . This CSO had been flowing at high volume for a long time. The City of Troy and the Rensselaer County Sewer District were notified, the flow stopped for a while and then started again. This is a big problem. DEC is investigating enforcement options. GOOD. The cities and sewer districts of the Capitol District are under a Consent Order from past violations. Read more on this incident.  "Article: Sewage Spills Bring Fines, Fix Up Plan"  The story was on the front page. And yes, that IS a thick coating of toilet paper. To learn more about Riverkeeper's Water Quality Program, and to view historic sampling data, please visit www.riverkeeper.org/water-quality/hudson. View sampling data sorted historically by individual sampling location. © Riverkeeper 2013
Riverkeeper is a member-supported watchdog organization dedicated to defending the Hudson River and its tributaries and protecting the drinking water supply of nine million New York City and Hudson Valley residents. Contribute to this vital work, become a member today.

Bill to amend the Hudson River Park Act Introduced June 18, 2013

As many of you know, Hudson River Park on Manhattan's west side has been struggling to fund its operation.  Attempts have been made to find operators for large spaces designated for development but the future pier 40 and other major properties remain unresolved.  After countless months of work by elected officials, park staff, community groups, coalitions like the pier 40 task force (which includes members of adjacent community boards, etc), a bill was introduced last night to amend the Park Act to address some of the issues that many believe have been standing in the way of progress.

I thought some in the boating community would be interested, not just because we will ultimately have 4 boathouses in the park, but also because this may effect the way future waterfront parks are legislated and financed.

From Madelyn Wils, President of the Hudson River Park Trust:

"Last night the Assembly and Senate each introduced a bill to amend the Hudson River Park enabling legislation in line with many items discussed and introduced by the Task Force over the last year and a half.  Although it doesn't represent all of the issues debated during the many hours and days that we spent together, it provides many significant and important additional rights, plus some language clarifications that will allow us to improve our bottom line and help support the park's viability into the future.  "

The bill can be seen here and a summary of its provisions here.

4th of July Fireworks on the Hudson - CG Regulations

4th of July already?

It appears to be more or less the same as last year, including a special viewing section for human-powered boats.

Click here for the full CGAN (excerpted below) and the chart.

The Captain of the Port New York has established a Special Local Regulation temporarily restricting vessel movement on the waters of the Hudson River in the vicinity of Manhattan, NY and Hudson County, NJ for the annual Macy's Fourth of July Fireworks Display (see chartlet below). This Special Local Regulation will be strictly enforced on Thursday, July 4th, 2013 from 6:00 pm until approximately 11:00 pm. All persons and vessels shall comply with the instructions of the Coast Guard Captain of the Port or the designated representative. 

All spectator vessels must be inside the designated viewing areas by 8:00 pm and in position no later than 8:30 pm. Vessels shall be required to hold position (NOT at anchor) and not depart the section until released by the on-scene Coast Guard Commander. This information will be broadcast via VHF-FM CHANNEL 12, 13, 14, and 16. Coast Guard recommends all vessels gather towards the center of the Hudson River. 

All spectator vessels shall maintain a 100 yard distance from any Coast Guard vessel at anchor, at all times.

First Week of Citizens Water Quality Testing Program reults

The first week of Citizens Water Quality Testing Program results are posted at http://www.nycwatertrail.org/water_quality.html 

Next sampling is today and every Thursday thereafter all summer.  Samples are collected by volunteers at non-motorized boat launch sites and other access points in and around NYC and transported to our partner, The River Project, for testing for enterococcus, a good indicator of human pathogens.  Results are posted each Friday night, tabulated with rainfall and high and low tide.  

Come see 2013's first tests and last year's full season results and follow the program as we plot another season to learn more about how rainfall and tidal currents affects water quality in out estuary.

For questions or to get involved, contact water-quality@nycwatertrail.org

RiverSweep THIS Saturday, May 11

RiverKeeper's Riversweep shoreline cleanups are set for sites all along the Hudson River and throughout NYC.

Sign up to help out and get more info at http://www.riverkeeper.org/news-events/events/rvk-events/sweep2013/

Some sites have already closed registration but the ones with active links below appear to be open at the time of posting this message:

Questions? Email Dana Gulley and Dan Shapley at Sweep@riverkeeper.org, or call 914-478-4501 x226.

Riverkeeper Sweep Cleanup Sites

View Riverkeeper Sweep 2013 map

New York City-Brooklyn
McCarren Park, Greenpoint
Grand Ferry Park, Williamsburg
Valentino Pier, Red Hook
Java Street/India Street, Greenpoint (registration closed)

New York City-Bronx
Riverdale Riverfront Promenade
College of Mount Saint Vincent

New York City-Manhattan
Inwood's North Cove, Harlem River (Morning)
Inwood's North Cove, Harlem River (Afternoon)
East River Park
Solar One Stewardship Day (Stuyvesant Cove)
Riverside Park near 100th Street
Harlem River Park
Riverside Park from 59th-70th Streets (registration closed)
Little Red Lighthouse /Hudson River Greenway under the GW Bridge (registration closed)
Hudson River Park (registration closed)

New York City-Queens
Jennifer's Annual Flushing Bay Cleanup
Queensbridge City Park (registration closed)

New Jersey
Bloomer's Beach (Palisades Interstate Park)
Hazard's Dock Boat Launch (Palisades Interstate Park)

Lower Hudson-Westchester
Dobbs Ferry Waterfront
The Landing Waterfront, Dobbs Ferry
Wickers Creek, Dobbs Ferry
Pocantico River, Sleepy Hollow (by kayak)
Tarrytown Waterfront
Croton Point Park (by kayak)
Croton Point Park
MacEachron Park, Kinnally Cove, Hastings-on-Hudson
Sing Sing Kill, Ossining
Scarborough Park, Briarcliff Manor
Oscawana Island
Riverfront Green Park, Peekskill
Annsville Creek, Peekskill (by kayak)
Kingsland Point County Park, Sleepy Hollow
Great Saw Mill River Cleanup: Lawrence Street in Dobbs Ferry/Ardsley
Great Saw Mill River Cleanup: Woodlands Lake/VE Macy Park, Irvington
Great Saw Mill River Cleanup: Bridge Street, Ardsley
Great Saw Mill River Cleanup: Farragut Avenue, Hastings-on-Hudson
Great Saw Mill River Cleanup: Odell Avenue & South County Trailway, Yonkers
Great Saw Mill River Cleanup: Walsh Road, Yonkers
Great Saw Mill River Cleanup: Ann Street, Yonkers
Great Saw Mill River Cleanup: Mouth of the River at Yonkers
Great Saw Mill River Cleanup: Pleasantville

Lower Hudson-Rockland
Piermont Pier
Black Beach and Old Ice Docks, Rockland Lake State Park
Haverstraw Beach

Mid Hudson-Putnam
Garrison's Landing, Arden Point, Mine Point
Little Stony Point, Cold Spring
Dockside Park, Cold Spring
Foundry Dock Park, Cold Spring
Manitou

Mid Hudson-Orange
Storm King Highway (Route 218), Cornwall
Cornwall Landing (Donahue Memorial Park)
Tin Brook, Walden
Newburgh Waterfront
Quassaick Creek, Newburgh/New Windsor
Muchattoes Lake, Newburgh (cleanup and tree-planting)
Fort Montgomery, Bear Mountain Bridge to Popolopen Creek (by kayak)
Plum Point (by kayak)
Plum Point (by foot: registration closed)

Mid Hudson-Dutchess
Riverfront Park to Long Dock, Beacon
Denning's Point, Beacon
The Great Swamp and other Pawling-area locations
Wappinger Creek (by kayak)
Make Poughkeepsie Shine
Waryas and Kaal Rock Parks, Poughkeepsie
Mills Norrie State Park
Tivoli North Bay (by kayak)
Tivoli South Bay (Registration closed)

Mid Hudson-Ulster
Turkey Point State Forest and Ulster Landing County Park 
Kingston Point Beach
Saugerties Lighthouse trail
Esopus Meadows Point and Lighthouse Park

Upper Hudson-Columbia/Greene
RamsHorn-Livingston Sanctuary (by boat)
Hudson River Islands State Park
Middle Ground Flats (by kayak)
Nutten Hook, Stuvyvesant
Roeliff Jansen Park
Greenport Conservation Area, Hudson

Upper Hudson-Albany/Rensselaer
Port of Albany to Patroon Bridge (by kayak)

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Riversweep may 11

Hi folks-

Last year HRWA did a site cleanup at one of our sites up river at Norrie Point and it was worthwhile and actually fun.  This year Dana and Dan of Riverkeeper are looking to do more including more NYC sites so I'm helping to spread the word.

This is a great chance to connect with neighborhood people, both other boaters and people outside your boating org, partnering in shoreline cleans and raising awareness about access points near where you live.

If you are interested please contact dana per the info below.  She can help you organize and event or find an existing project to join.

Tx-

NB


Begin forwarded message:

From: Dana Gulley <DGulley@riverkeeper.org>
Date: February 4, 2013, 12:15:05 PM EST
To: Nancy Brous <nbrous@gmail.com>
Subject: RE: harbor cleanups

Thanks Nancy. We've been sending this out, please do share far and wide!

 

We Need You to Organize a Service Project for the Riverkeeper Sweep

 

 

The 2^nd annual Riverkeeper Sweep—a day of service for the Hudson River—will take place Saturday, May 11, 2013.

 

In 2012, 450 volunteers removed more than seven tons of shoreline trash and planted hundreds of trees in 30 Hudson River communities.

 

In 2013, the Sweep will be bigger and better—it has to be, since Superstorm Sandy did so much to trash our shorelines.

 

YOU can help make this event a success.

 

Riverkeeper is seeking local volunteers to organize cleanups, tree-plantings or other service projects throughout the Hudson River Valley and New York City. Riverkeeper supports Sweep leaders with organizational and promotional help, as well as materials on the day of the Sweep.

 

For information, please contact Dana Gulley and Dan Shapley at sweep@riverkeeper.org or visit riverkeeper.org/sweep.

 

Long Distance Paddlers Speak at Beczak Sat. Sept. 29

Friends -

The Capital to Capital Canoe Expedition is paddling by Yonkers on this
Saturday, on day 24 of their 1000+ mile journey from Ottawa, Canada to
Washington, DC. They'll stop, camp for a day or two, and speak at Beczak
Environmental Education Center on SAturday, Sept. 29, at 7 PM, as part of
the RiverTalks series sponsored by YPRC and Hudson River Watertrail Assn.
 Come and find out what they experienced paddling down Lake Champlain, what
Canada's River Declaration is all about, why they chose to paddle a 36'
Voyageur Canoe, and how Canada's approach to clean water differs from ours.

The 10 person *Capital to Capital* team includes Max Finkelstein from
Ottawa, a long distance paddler and author of Canoeing a Continent;Nicholas
Tilgner, a Yukon River Guide, Dot Bonnenfant, long distance paddler and
artist, and Willis Elkins, trip leader/canoe instructor for the North
Brooklyn Boat Club.

MORE INFO ABOUT THE CAPITAL TO CAPITAL EXPEDITION:
https://sites.google.com/site/capital2capitol/home

MORE INFO ABOUT THIS RIVERTALK: http://rivertalks.blogspot.com/

See you at Beczak -
Lenore
lperson@beczak.org

THIS SUNDAY - first ever pilot free public paddling program on the MANHATTAN SIDE OF THE EAST RIVER

Hi all-
Sorry for the mass-announcement but we finally got the green light for this event and its THIS SUNDAY!
Please share the info with all of your friends and email lists.
We believe that this first pilot kayaking program based on the previously under-served Manhattan side of the east river will be a huge step forward for city-wide public access to the waters of NY harbor for human-powered boaters and eventually swimmers, plus a good way t promote public health and environmental stewardship.
If you can help out by volunteering, please let me know back-channel.
If you or your group is out on the water that day or even out on bikes or foot, please come by to show your support.
thanks!
Nancy for NYCWTA

Sunday, August 19, 2pm-7pm (last boats will go out at 6:15pm)
Stuyvesant Cove Park (http://goo.gl/maps/fXogc)
Pilot program:  Free Public Kayaking In Stuyvesant Cove Park 

Come join human-powered boaters and public water access advocates for an afternoon of free public kayaking in Stuyvesant Cove Park!  Participants can try paddling in safe, stable open-topped kayaks in a protected area of the East River adjacent to Stuyvesant Cove near east 20th street.  The "bay" at this cove is nestled in a bend in the river which is partially protected from the stronger currents of the East River making it a great spot on to try out kayaking. 
Participants must know how to swim, be at least 18 years old or attend with a parent or guardian, and must sign insurance waivers.  All equipment is provided free, and participation will be on a first-come first-paddling basis.

Boats and gear are being provided by the Long Island City Community Boathouse (LICCB), and the event is a joint project of LICCB, the New York City Water Trail Association, and Urban Swim, in conjunction with the Lower East Side Ecology Center, SWIM Coalition, and the Gowanus Dredgers Canoe Club and with the support of Solar 1, and NYCEDC.

Come help us open up the "east coast" of Manhattan for free public access for non-motorized boats and more.

excellent blog on the science of our waterways

their most recent post has an animated model of the spread of the sewage from the spill/controlled release upriver in tarrytown this week.
all of their posts are informative and interesting, pus they have excellent links.
enjoy.

SeaAndSkyNY

illuminating the waterways & atmosphere of new york city

Riverkeeper's Hudson Water Quality Report - June 2012

 

View as webpage  SHARE!     Hudson River Water Quality Report: June 11 through June 16, 2012 Our July water quality data has been posted to www.riverkeeper.org. Here is a summary of our June Patrol. Highlights Of 74 sampling locations:   3 (4%) were "unacceptable" 11 (15%) were "possible risk" 60 (81%) were "acceptable" Continued moderately dry weather resulted in findings very similar to May. So far this year is turning out to be quite unlike prior years – from 2006 through 2011 the average number of "unacceptable" samples was 24% (18 of 74 sites). In June we found even fewer "unacceptable" sites than in May (3 vs. 9). We're getting a glimpse at the water quality we COULD have if wet weather overflows were eliminated. The only whopper of the whole patrol was the Mohawk River sample (see day # 5) NY Harbor (day 1-6/11): There has been no rain in this area for days. All sites, except two, were "acceptable" – including Newtown Creek and Gowanus sites. In NYC and other Cities, rain events overload sewers and trigger Combined Sewer Overflows (CSOs), when there is no rain the city's sewage infrastructure works well. And if there is no rain for a number of days the microbes released during the last wet weather die and we achieve good water quality. We'll have to keep after NYC to reduce and eliminate CSOs - that's where the problem, and the challenge, lies.  Kids on the little beach in Brooklyn between the Brooklyn and Manhattan Bridges – wherever there is a beach children always get in the water English Kills, Newtown Creek. Even though fecal contamination was very low on 6/11 it wouldn't be a good idea to swim there Yonkers to Peekskill (day 2 – 6/12): Steady rain started mid-day and continued overnight. Still, we saw no "unacceptable" counts at any sites although several were elevated to level of "possible risk." There is a lag between the start of rain and increased contamination in the River. The lag interval varies by location. Bear Mountain to Port Ewen (day 3 – 6/14): We skipped a day before continuing north. No "unacceptable" samples again today. Dry weather.   Kingston to Catskill (day 4 – 6/15): No rain overnight or today, fine weather. Nice water quality. All tributaries were low turbidity, low flow and low fecal contamination. The Kingston sewer plant outfall was "unacceptable' but only by a hair.  Family swimming from boat Rondout Creek and Kingston Point Beach Another family on west side of Stockport Middle Ground, north of Hudson Hudson to Waterford (day 5 – 6/16): There was no rain again last night or today. We found really nice water quality, even in the Capitol District, which is often a mess. The only whopper of the whole patrol was the Mohawk River sample - 1023 Entero per 100ml (the federal guideline for swimming in fresh water is 61). There was low flow from the Mohawk, moderate flow from Hudson headwaters. The holding tank pump out system for visiting yachts was broken at the Waterford Visitor's Center. Fifteen or so yachts with 2 to 5 people living aboard each one. I'm not saying that was the cause BUT…300 yards away, around the corner on the Hudson side, the Entero count was 10 per 100ml. That's a big difference. Maybe, just maybe, this should say "Please do not feed people or cruisers" June 2012 Sampling Data For River Mile 0 to River Mile 44, the following standards apply: For River Mile 45 north, the following standards apply: To learn more about Riverkeeper's Water Quality Program, and to view historic sampling data, please visit www.riverkeeper.org/water-quality/hudson. View other monthly water quality reports, June 2010 to present View sampling data sorted historically by individual sampling location. © Riverkeeper 2012
Riverkeeper is a member-supported watchdog organization dedicated to defending the Hudson River and its tributaries and protecting the drinking water supply of nine million New York City and Hudson Valley residents. Contribute to this vital work, become a member today. Forward this message  -  Log in to update your profile -  Unsubscribe If you have received this e-mail from a friend, sign up now and receive Riverkeeper news in your in box!

nonprofit software

Supreme Court to Consider EQUAL FOOTING DOCTRINE, NAVIGABILITY, PROPERTY, FEDERALISM - PPL Montana, LLC v. Montana (10-218)

I received this from a friend, fellow paddler, HRWA member, and lawyer(!). 
I find it fascinating and thought others might as well.
Should be interesting to follow through the Supreme Court.
NB

<<This may bore you to tears but, I suspect, it may impact discussions for some of you on those creeks and bayous that you call home for the clubs. It will be argued before the US Supreme Court on December 7. So, keep an ear open for any commentary about it. Feel free to forward or to circulate.

Best wishes, Richard Clifford

PPL Montana, LLC v. Montana (10-218)

Oral argument: Dec. 7, 2011

Appealed from: Montana Supreme Court (Mar. 30, 2010)

EQUAL FOOTING DOCTRINE, NAVIGABILITY, PROPERTY, FEDERALISM

After a lawsuit against hydroelectric company PPL Montana was dismissed in federal court, PPL Montana sought a declaratory judgment in state court to determine the ownership of riverbeds along three Montana rivers. The State of Montana asserted that it owned the riverbeds under the equal footing doctrine, and sought compensation for PPL Montana's use of the land. The Montana Supreme Court affirmed the lower court's grant of summary judgment to Montana, holding that the State of Montana owned the riverbeds and that PPL Montana owed the State of Montana $40,956,180. The issue of title largely turns upon whether the river is "navigable." PPL Montana argues that navigability for title purposes should be determined by looking at individual segments of rivers and the actual commercial use of rivers at the time statehood was obtained. Montana contends that the proper navigability test is the susceptibility of travel through longer river stretches, which can be informed by current uses. The Supreme Court's decision may affect rivers' public benefits and the reliance interests of riverbed owners.

continues...

--   Richard C. Clifford, Esq. Attorney at Law 

Nov 30: Riverkeeper presentation: Hows's the Water?

How’s the Water – and How Can We Improve It? A Joint Presentation by Riverkeeper and Clearwater, sponsored by the Yonkers Paddling and Rowing Club and the Hudson River Watertrail Association

Photo courtesy Greg Porteus

When:

November 30, 2011: 6:30PM to 8:00PM

Where:

Beczak Environmental Education Center, 35 Alexander St. – two blocks north of the train station in Yonkers, NY map

The public is invited to join representatives from Riverkeeper’s Patrol Boat Program and the Hudson River Sloop Clearwater’s Green Cities program for presentations about water quality in the Hudson River and its tributaries, and what we can do to improve it.
The Hudson River has long defined the character and quality of life in our communities. In recent decades the Hudson has enjoyed a revival with increasing numbers of people wanting to live near it and recreate in it. However, our management of the river has not kept pace with its new role as a popular recreational destination.
For six years, Riverkeeper’s Patrol Boat and its scientific partners have been testing the water for sewage contamination and reporting the findings to the public. Riverkeeper will present data from its Water Quality Testing Program, and discuss opportunities to improve public notification of sewage discharges and Hudson River water quality for safer swimming, boating and fishing.
Because the cities of the Hudson River Valley drive regional economic development and have high concentration of diverse people and environmental concerns, Clearwater has developed the Green Cities Initiative. Clearwater will present its Green Cities programs, which include working with underserved communities in waterfront cities to include principles of sustainability – such as watershed protection, green infrastructure practices, environmental justice, and climate justice – into all phases of municipal and community planning.
Questions and discussion will follow the presentations.
This event is sponsored by the Yonkers Paddling and Rowing Club and the Hudson River Watertrail Association, and made possible by a grant from the Westchester Community Foundation. Attendees will be asked for a suggested donation of $5 to benefit Beczak Environmental Education Center.

DEP and DEC reach draft agreement on Green Infrastructure for CSO control

From DEP's press release:

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation and the New York City Department of Environmental Protection reached a draft agreement to reduce combined sewer overflows (CSO) into area water bodies, the agencies announced today. The agreement modifies New York City's approach to improving harbor water quality, under which the city will invest an estimated $187 million in green infrastructure projects by 2015, part of a planned $2.4 billion public and private investment over the next 20 years. The city will also complete work on approximately $1.6 billion in gray infrastructure projects. A public comment period on the proposal begins today and runs through November 18.

Go to October 19, 2011 ENB Notice for a summary of major changes to the CSO Consent Order, or fidn the entire document at 2011 CSO Order Modification.

Public Comment Period: The comment period commences on October 19, 2011 and concludes on November 18, 2011. Comments will be accepted by Gary Kline, NYS DEC – Division of Water, 625 Broadway, 4th Floor, Albany, NY 12233-3506 , Phone: (518) 402-9655, Fax: (518) 402-9029, E-mail: gekline@gw.dec.state.ny.us.

 —–>Public Meeting: A public meeting will be held at the NYS DEC – Region 2, Annex Building, 11-15 47th Avenue, Long Island City, NY 11101, on November 9, 2011 starting at 6:00 p.m.<—–

CITIZENS' WATER QUALITY TESTING PILOT starts this week

NYCWTA (nycwatertrail.org) is pleased to announce that we are ready to start a pilot program of Citizens' Water Quality Testing.

In partnership with The River Project (riverproject.org), we have purchased EPA-approved enterococcus testing kits from IDEXX Laboratories, the same system used by RiverKeeper and other community groups.  Enterococcus is a good indicator of the presence of human sewage, especially in brackish waters like those of the Hudson River estuary.
 
For the next six weeks, volunteers from NYCWTA member groups will be collecting water samples every Thursday at a half dozen locations on the west side of Manhattan, right at their launch sites, and delivering them to The River Project on pier 40, where the staff will conduct the testing. We will chart the results in order to establish a set of baseline data that can be compared with DEP and RiverKeeper data, and correlated with local rainfall totals.  If everything runs smoothly this fall, our hope is to secure funding for a season-long program next year that will gather near-shore water quality information at as many NYCWTA launch sites as is practical.

FAQs:
about the program:
• who is paying for the pilot program?  the pilot program is being funded by NYCWTA and The River Project.  If you'd like to help, any amount you wish to contribute would be appreciated.  You can make a donation through google at the NYCWTA website's Support page.
• which bacteria are you testing for, and why?  Enterococcus - Enterococci are commonly found in the feces of human and warm-blooded animals, and their presence in water--particularly brackish water as in the Hudson River estuary--is considered a reliable indicator of fecal pollution.
• where are samples being collected?  samples are being collected at  launch sites on the Hudson River and include:  pier 25, pier 40, pier 66, pier 96, west 72nd street,  west 133rd street, Inwood Canoe Club near Dyckman Street, and at the Yonkers Paddling and Rowing Club. 
• how long will it take for results from a given sample?  24 hours is the standard time a sample is allowed to cure in  an incubator to be counted.
• how do i get involved?  if you'd like to help collect and transport samples form one of our sites, or would like your launch to be added to our list, please contact us back-channel at info at nycwatertrail.org  We can't promise that we will be able to add sites to this fall's pilot program but we hope to expand our network in the spring.

for participants:
• when can i drop off my samples?  Thursday between 10am and 12pm at The Rover Project offices, room 224 on the second floor of pier 40 at the end of West Houston Street.  Please ask for Chris or Nina.
• how much water do you need, by volume, per sample?  At least one cup (8 fluid ounces / half a pint / 240 mL), taken one foot below the surface right at your launch site.
• is there a special vessel i need to use to collect the sample?  No, any clean jar with a lid will do. 
• is there a temperature above or below which the samples needs to be kept?  Samples should be kept kept as close to river temperature as possible and delivered no more than two hours after being taken from river.
• what information must i provide with my sample when i drop it off?  collection site, date and time of collection, your name and phone (in case there are questions). 

Thanks and we look forward to sharing the data with the community as it becomes available.