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DEC Expedites Flood Repair with General Permit
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 April flooding has been issued for Putnam, Dutchess, Ulster, Orange, Rockland and Westchester counties.
Routine repairs, as defined by the general permit, include: repair, replacement or clearing of existing bridges, road culverts and appurtenances; removal of flood-deposited debris, such as trees, logs, stumps, brush, trash and similar organic material, from stream channels; installation and repair of riprap and other permanent streambank 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.
Under normal conditions, each person who wishes to work in protected streams and navigable waters must individually apply to a region's Permit Administrator. Under these special conditions, persons wishing to use the general permit should contact the regional office at 845-256-3054 to obtain permit application materials and instructions. Applicants should return their completed applications to the Division of Environmental Permits at 21 S. Putt Corners Road, New Paltz, New York 12561 or by fax to 845-255-3042. A DEC representative may meet with the applicant on site to issue immediate authorization for the work and make recommendations on how to avoid environmental problems. The general permit is not valid for any activity until countersigned by DEC.
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