December 5, 1997

Contact: Geoffrey Ryan (718/595-5371)

Cross River, Amawalk and Titicus Reservoirs to Resume Operations

Commissioner Joel A. Miele Sr., P.E., of the New York City Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) announced today that the Cross River, Amawalk and Titicus Reservoirs will be resuming operations by June of 1998. The three reservoirs had been taken out of operation so that their dams could be reconstructed in conformance with federal dam safety standards, which were established in the 1970s, long after the dams were built around the turn of the century.

"To allow work to proceed on the dams, we temporarily reduced water levels at the reservoirs," said Commissioner Miele. "However, water has been collecting behind the dams for several months and, with recent rains, levels at all the reservoirs have been rising."

"When water levels were reduced at these reservoirs, some anglers moved their boats to locations other than their designated storage areas in violation of the City's Fishing and Boating Rules and Regulations," said Commissioner Miele. "I want to remind boat permittees that boats at all the reservoirs must be moored at designated areas when not in use and that, after December 1st every year, all boats must be stored above the high water mark at areas approved for winter storage. DEP may remove and store any boat not in compliance with the regulations and permittees must reimburse the City for all expenses DEP incurs as a result of such removal and storage."

The City allows fishing and boating for the purpose of fishing at all of its upstate reservoirs. Fishing and Boating Permits are obtainable free of charge from DEP offices around the watershed from March 15th to November 30th.