Environment DEC
From the February 2008 issue
DEC Proposes Extending Protection to More Seneca County Wetlands
DEC recently proposed that 26 wetland areas in the towns of Varick and Romulus, Seneca County, be included in the state's stringent oversight of critical freshwater wetland ecosystems. The wetlands proposed for mapping-meaning they would be subject to state protection-are primarily located within the boundaries of the former Seneca Army Depot. Approximately 266 acres of wetlands on and near the former Army Depot property are currently mapped. DEC's proposal would significantly expand the protected area by increasing the mapped wetlands an additional 2,100 acres.
Many species of birds and animals find refuge in wetlands
Development Plan Spurred Action
In the fall of 2007, the Seneca County Industrial Development Agency (IDA) passed a resolution accepting an application from L. M. Sessler Excavating and Wrecking, Inc. to develop a portion of the former Seneca Army Depot known as "The Conservation Area." Plans include construction of a conservation lodge and development of four or five 10-acre parcels for future use. While many details of the proposal are unknown at this time, it is possible the proposal may impact freshwater wetlands on the former Seneca Army Depot.
DEC Region 8 Director Paul D'Amato said, "The depot area contains important natural resources and, as development pressures increase, it is important that they be protected. The amended maps are a critical step in ensuring that any permit applications for proposals at the depot and neighboring wetland areas receive a thorough and comprehensive environmental review to adequately protect the wetlands and wildlife habitat."
Wetlands Act Outlines Protections
Wetlands naturally cleanse and purify water, provide crucial open space, and protect communities against flooding by retaining and reducing the volume and velocity of water entering streams, rivers, lakes and reservoirs following a storm event. The Freshwater Wetlands Act gives DEC the authority to regulate certain activities that take place within the following wetland areas: wetlands 12.4 acres or greater in size; certain smaller wetlands of unusual local importance, and 100-foot buffer areas around mapped wetlands. If development proposals seek to disturb or otherwise impact state regulated wetland areas, a DEC freshwater wetlands permit must be obtained. The act also authorizes DEC to amend maps in order to add, modify or delete wetlands represented on the maps. More information about wetlands and DEC's role can be found at the Freshwater Wetlands page on the DEC website.
Wetlands clean the water by filtering out impurities and pollutants
A public notice announcing the wetland amendments appeared in the January 9, 2008 Environmental Notice Bulletins for Region 8. In addition, affected landowners and local governments will be notified, and legal notification published in local newspapers serving the affected area. Once the official map-amendment notice has been finalized and published, no activity subject to freshwater wetland regulations in the proposed area may be initiated without a permit from DEC.
For More Information and to Comment
DEC will be accepting written comments on the proposed freshwater wetland map amendments until February 15. Maps showing the proposed revisions are available at the DEC Region 8 office, 6274 East Avon-Lima Rd, Avon, NY 14414-9519; and also at the clerks' offices in the villages, towns and county where the change is taking place. Comments on the proposed Freshwater Wetland revisions may be sent to: NYSDEC Region 8 Office, 6274 E. Avon-Lima Rd, Avon, NY 14414-9519; fax 585-226-9789; or e-mail at: reg8hab@gw.dec.state.ny.us .
