New rules include an expanded recreational boating season and an e-cigarette ban. On May 31, 2019, the New York City Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) published the final updated rules governing recreation access to over 137,000 acres of water and the surrounding watershed lands. The rules were created to protect the water supply and promote outdoor recreation and go into effect on June 30th.
Department of Environmental Protection
Fire Hydrants – The Watering Holes of The Concrete Jungle
Opening a hydrant without a permit is a violation that is punishable by a fine up to $1,000 or 30 days in jail. City fire hydrants may be opened by authorized employees of the Department of Environmental Protection and the Fire Department at any time. However, the DEP and FDNY have procedures and guidelines for how residential New Yorkers and commercial businesses can gain access to fire hydrant use for recreational and non-recreational purposes. Almost … <Read More>
Delaware Aqueduct Repairs Begin
The DEP commences the largest repair project in the history of the New York City’s water system. The New York City Department of Environmental Protection has since 1992 been monitoring two leaking sections of the Delaware Aqueduct—one in the Orange County town of Newburgh, and the other in the Ulster County town of Wawarsing. The leaks release an estimated 20-30 million gallons of water per day. All of the data gathered shows that the leak … <Read More>