2006 Flood Damage Stream Repair Expedition
Expediting 2006 Flood Damage Stream Repair in Orange, Ulster and Sullivan Counties
Marc Moran, Regional Director of the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) in Region 3 has announced that a general permit for routine repairs of stream damage caused by the June 2006 flooding has been issued for Orange, Ulster and Sullivan counties.
"This permit is responsive to the needs of local highway superintendents and riparian land owners following the severe effects of the flooding," said Moran. "The general permit will greatly ease the usual procedures for obtaining a permit while minimizing damage to the stream environment."
Routine repairs, as defined by the general permit, include: repair, replacement or clearing of existing bridges, road culverts and appurtenances; removal flood-deposited debris, such as tress, logs, stumps, brush, trash and similar organic material, from stream channels; installation and repair of rip-rap and other permanent stream bank stabilization measures; and clearing stream channels of gravel and boulders with limited removal of gravel bars.
All work must be completed in compliance with the State's Environmental Conservation laws and regulations to protect environmental resources, without endangering public health, safety, and welfare. DEC coordinates with local governments and other stakeholders to ensure work is completed without adverse impacts to the environment.
Work other than what is covered by the general permit must be authorized under the regular stream disturbance permit program.
"Normally, each person who wishes to work in protected streams and navigable waters must individually apply to the Regional Permit Administrator in New Paltz," Moran noted. "Under these special conditions, persons wishing to use the general permit should contact the Bureau of Habitat Protection at (845) 256-3087 or Environmental Permits at (845) 256-3054 or visit the DEC office at 21 South Putt Corners Road, New Paltz, NY 12561 to obtain an application form. A DEC representative may meet with the applicant on site and make recommendations on how to avoid environmental problems."
Applicants should return their completed applications to the DEC representative who has been empowered to give immediate authorization for the work. The general permit is not valid for any activity until countersigned by DEC.
