October 29, 2012

CONTACT:

Chris Gilbride / Ted Timbers (718) 595-6600

Department of Environmental Protection Provides Update on Reservoir Status

As Hurricane Sandy approaches the region, the New York City Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) today provided the following status update on its Reservoirs:

• In preparation for the storm, DEP received emergency authorization from The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) to release water from the Schoharie Reservoir. Although the reservoirs are not designed to act as flood control facilities, by taking this action DEP has created storage space within the Reservoir for storm run-off which will help to mitigate downstream flooding. As of this morning, DEP has stopped these releases. The Schoharie Reservoir is currently 89.0% full with a void of 390 million gallons.
• DEC also authorized releases from the Ashokan Reservoir through the release channel into the lower Esopus Creek. As of this morning, DEP has stopped these releases. The Ashokan Reservoir is currently 78.6% full and has a 26 billion gallon void.
• DEP continues to release water from the Neversink Reservoir, which is currently at capacity. In accordance with an agreement amongst the decree parties, DEP is currently releasing 123 million gallons of water a day from the Reservoir.
• The Pepacton Reservoir is at 71.7% capacity.
• The Cannonsville Reservoir is at 67.0% capacity.
• The Rondout Reservoir is at 93.7% capacity. Diversions to the Reservoir have stopped in order to preserve the storage capacity. Diversions from the Reservoir continue at 600 million gallons a day.
• DEP continues to monitor the storm closely and will make adjustments to the water supply system as needed. DEP will continue to keep State and local officials informed.

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