Environment DEC
From the August 2007 issue
Veteran Attorney Paul J. D'Amato Named to Direct DEC Region 8
Paul J. D'Amato, an environmental attorney with nearly a quarter century of state service at the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), has been named as director of the agency's Region 8 office. Region 8 includes Orleans, Monroe, Wayne, Genesee, Livingston, Ontario, Seneca, Yates, Steuben, Schuyler and Chemung counties.
Experienced and Knowledgeable
The Bath Sub-office is one of three in DEC's Region 8
"Paul has demonstrated his commitment to the environment through his lengthy career with the agency," DEC Commissioner Pete Grannis said. "From running enforcement programs, to drafting legislation, to developing policy, Paul has experience in virtually every area DEC touches. He's also managed the legal office for the 11-county region. Our regional offices play a critical role, serving the public and the regulated community in many ways on a daily basis," Grannis continued. "And Paul's knowledge of the region is invaluable."
D'Amato, 50, lives in Henrietta, Monroe County. He earned a bachelor's degree at Canisius College in 1979 and a law degree at the University at Buffalo, State University of New York, in 1982. A year later, he joined DEC Region 8 as an attorney. In 1989, he became director of enforcement and legal affairs for the region. During his career with DEC, D'Amato has represented agency staff in many high profile environmental matters, including the collapse and re-permitting of the AKZO Salt Mine in Livingston County, the permitting of regional solid waste management facilities, and dozens of complex air, water, and hazardous waste permitting and enforcement cases for companies like Kodak, Xerox and Corning. Paul also worked with lawyers from then-Attorney General Spitzer's office on many DEC lawsuits, including the closing of Monoco Oil in the Town of Pittsford when that company became a public nuisance to the people of the town.
About Region 8
Region 8 runs from the shores of Lake Ontario (in Orleans, Monroe and Wayne counties) south to the Pennsylvania border, covering the heart of the Finger Lakes and the hub of the state's natural-gas production zone. It has more 47,000 acres of state forests, containing 40 miles of recreational trails. It also has 41,000 acres of wildlife management areas, and 75 miles of public fishing rights. The region is home to many types of business and industry. Agriculture in the region is known for producing large quantities of quality fruits, vegetables, grains and dairy products, resulting in its being home to more food processing facilities than any other region in the state. The Finger Lakes area is also known worldwide for its wineries.
DEC's regional office employs more than 200 people who strive to achieve the agency's mission in service to the area's more than1.3 million residents. D'Amato has been acting regional director since mid-June, succeeding former director Sean Hanna.
