(WNY News Now) – New York – The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner, Basil Seggos, urges citizens to participate in the review and commentary process for the proposed regulations aimed at bolstering protection for freshwater wetlands statewide.
The DEC has released an Advanced Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (ANPR) to initiate the formulation of regulations aligning with the recent expansion of wetland oversight by the DEC. This expansion, a result of a new law, aims to fortify water quality and safeguard wildlife habitats. Commissioner Seggos underscores the environmental and economic significance of wetlands, emphasizing their role in water quality protection, habitat provision, flood mitigation, and community resilience.
Defined as lands and submerged areas supporting aquatic vegetation, freshwater wetlands fall under the regulatory purview of New York’s Freshwater Wetlands Act since 1975. Recent enhancements in the 2022-23 Budget have extended protection to an estimated one million additional acres of previously unprotected wetland habitat, aiding the state in adapting to climate change-induced flooding and severe storms.
Commencing January 2025, smaller wetlands categorized as “of unusual importance” will see an expanded scope, encompassing those meeting specific criteria to enhance fish and wildlife habitats while mitigating flooding risks. The ANPR seeks public input on the potential criteria for this classification.
Structured into eight sections, the ANPR targets specific areas for stakeholder feedback, presenting a draft of potential regulatory updates. DEC staff seeks responses to specific queries, along with general comments and suggestions. Public input will shape a refined regulatory proposal slated for later public review and comment.
The ANPR is available for viewing in the New York State Register and on the DEC website. Comments can be submitted until February 19, 2024, via email to WetlandRegulatoryComments@dec.ny.gov (subject: “ANPR Freshwater Wetlands Protection”) or sent to the Bureau of Ecosystem Health, Freshwater Wetlands Unit, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, 625 Broadway, Albany, NY 12233-4756.
Leave a Reply