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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE06-06

February 15, 2006

Contact: Ian Michaels (718) 595-6600

Statement of the New York City Department of Environmental Protection on Diversion

The Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) continues to believe that diversion is the best method to enhance water quality and to resolve the sewage issues in several areas within the Croton watershed, including the Town of Yorktown.   Despite the Department’s efforts since 1997 to support diversion, it has become apparent that it is unlikely at this time to gain the required Westchester County legislative approval.

This reality, combined with the need to address ongoing water quality issues, has led the DEP to consider other options.  The expansion of sewage treatment plants and the construction of new treatment plants within a “60-day travel time” boundary in the watershed is currently not permitted by the watershed regulations.  The DEP is now considering an amendment to the regulations under which applicants could seek a variance from this prohibition under certain extraordinary circumstances.

Any modification to the existing watershed regulations involves a rulemaking process pursuant to the City’s Administrative Procedure Act, which typically takes a minimum of one year and involves a formal series of publications, public hearings and opportunity for public comment on the proposed new language.

 

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