About NYC Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC)
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) is a state agency responsible for enforcing environmental laws and regulations in New York State. Its mission is to conserve, improve and protect New York’s natural resources and environment and to prevent, abate and control water, land and air pollution, in order to enhance the health, safety and welfare of the people of the state and their overall economic and social well-being.
The DEC is responsible for a wide range of environmental programs, including:
- Air and water quality monitoring and regulation
- Land conservation and management
- Hazardous waste management and disposal
- Wildlife and fisheries management
- Forest management and protection
- Environmental education and outreach
- Environmental permitting and compliance
- Climate change mitigation and adaptation
The DEC also works with other state and federal agencies, local governments, non-profit organizations, and the private sector to develop and implement programs and policies aimed at protecting and conserving the state’s natural resources and environment. The agency enforces environmental laws and regulations through inspections, enforcement actions, and penalties, and provides technical assistance and guidance to businesses and individuals to help them comply with environmental regulations.
NYC DEC Violations
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) is responsible for enforcing environmental regulations in New York City. When an organization or individual violates environmental regulations, the DEC may take enforcement action. Here are some of the ways in which the DEC handles environmental violations:
Inspections: The DEC conducts inspections of facilities to ensure compliance with environmental regulations. During inspections, the agency may identify violations and take enforcement action.
Enforcement Actions: When violations of environmental regulations are identified, the DEC may take enforcement actions, such as issuing notices of violation, requiring corrective actions, or imposing fines. In some cases, the DEC may pursue legal action against violators.
Compliance Assistance: The DEC also provides assistance to organizations and individuals to help them understand and comply with environmental regulations. This includes providing guidance on permit applications, compliance requirements, and pollution prevention measures.
Public Information: The DEC makes information about environmental violations available to the public, including information about enforcement actions taken against violators. This information can help the public stay informed about environmental issues in their communities and hold violators accountable.
Overall, the DEC takes environmental violations seriously and works to ensure that organizations and individuals comply with environmental regulations in New York City. By enforcing environmental regulations, the agency helps to protect public health and the environment.
NYC DEC Air and Water Quality Monitoring and Regulation
New York City has regulations in place to protect the quality of its air and water. Here are some of the main regulations:
Air Quality Regulations:
- New York City has strict air quality standards that limit the amount of pollutants that can be released into the air. These standards are enforced by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and the New York City Department of Environmental Protection (DEP).
- The city also has regulations in place to limit emissions from vehicles, boilers, and other sources of pollution.
- The NYC Clean Heat program requires buildings to phase out the use of heavy heating oils and switch to cleaner fuels to reduce air pollution.
Water Quality Regulations:
- The federal Safe Drinking Water Act requires New York City to monitor and treat its drinking water to ensure that it meets strict quality standards.
- The New York State Department of Health (DOH) also regulates the quality of the city’s drinking water.
- The DEP is responsible for managing the city’s water supply and wastewater treatment systems to protect the quality of the city’s water.
In addition to these regulations, the city has programs in place to encourage residents and businesses to reduce their impact on the environment and protect the quality of the air and water. These include initiatives to promote recycling, composting, and energy efficiency.
NYC DEC Land Conservation and Management
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) is responsible for managing and conserving land in New York City and throughout the state. Here are some of the ways in which the DEC manages land in NYC:
State Parks and Recreation: The DEC manages several state parks and recreation areas in New York City, including Riverbank State Park, Roberto Clemente State Park, and Clay Pit Ponds State Park Preserve. These parks provide opportunities for outdoor recreation, including hiking, fishing, and birdwatching.
Forest Management: The DEC manages forested lands in New York City and the surrounding areas, including the Staten Island Greenbelt and the Forest Park Woodland. The agency works to protect these forests from development and invasive species, and also promotes sustainable forestry practices.
Wetland Protection: The DEC works to protect wetlands in New York City, which provide important habitat for wildlife and help to filter and purify water. The agency enforces regulations to prevent the destruction of wetlands and works to restore degraded wetland areas.
Habitat Restoration: The DEC works with other agencies and organizations to restore and enhance natural habitats in New York City, including forests, wetlands, and coastal areas. This includes efforts to control invasive species, restore degraded habitats, and create new habitats for wildlife.
Land Acquisition: The DEC acquires land in New York City and throughout the state for conservation purposes. This includes purchasing land for state parks, wildlife management areas, and other protected areas.
Overall, the DEC plays a critical role in managing and conserving land in New York City, working to protect important natural resources and provide opportunities for outdoor recreation and education.
NYC DEC Hazardous Waste Management and Disposal
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) is responsible for regulating the management and disposal of hazardous waste in New York City. Here are some of the ways in which the DEC manages hazardous waste:
Hazardous Waste Generator Program: The DEC requires businesses and institutions that generate hazardous waste to obtain permits and comply with strict regulations for the handling, storage, and disposal of this waste. The agency conducts inspections and enforces these regulations to ensure that hazardous waste is properly managed.
Hazardous Waste Transporter Program: The DEC regulates the transportation of hazardous waste in New York City, requiring companies that transport this waste to obtain permits and follow strict procedures for the safe handling and transport of these materials.
Hazardous Waste Disposal: The DEC oversees the disposal of hazardous waste in New York City, working to ensure that this waste is properly treated and disposed of in accordance with state and federal regulations. The agency works to identify suitable facilities for the disposal of hazardous waste and conducts inspections to ensure that these facilities are operating safely and in compliance with regulations.
Household Hazardous Waste: The DEC also provides resources and guidance for the proper management and disposal of household hazardous waste, such as cleaning products, pesticides, and batteries. The agency holds periodic collection events to allow residents to safely dispose of these materials.
Overall, the DEC plays a critical role in managing and regulating hazardous waste in New York City, working to protect public health and the environment by ensuring that hazardous waste is properly managed and disposed of.
NYC DEC Wildlife and Fisheries Management
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) is responsible for managing and conserving wildlife and fisheries in New York City and throughout the state. Here are some of the ways in which the DEC manages wildlife and fisheries:
Wildlife Conservation: The DEC works to conserve and protect wildlife in New York City by enforcing regulations on hunting, trapping, and the sale of wildlife products. The agency also conducts research on wildlife populations and habitats to inform management decisions and conservation efforts.
Endangered Species Protection: The DEC is responsible for protecting endangered and threatened species in New York City, including species such as the bald eagle, the peregrine falcon, and the Atlantic sturgeon. The agency works to restore and enhance habitat for these species and enforces regulations to prevent harm to them.
Fisheries Management: The DEC is responsible for managing the state’s fisheries, including those in New York City waters. The agency monitors fish populations, sets fishing regulations, and works to restore and enhance fish habitat. The DEC also provides education and outreach to the public on responsible fishing practices.
Urban Wildlife: The DEC also works to manage and mitigate conflicts between people and urban wildlife in New York City, such as raccoons, squirrels, and pigeons. The agency provides guidance to residents on how to prevent conflicts with wildlife and, when necessary, assists in the removal of problem animals.
Overall, the DEC plays a critical role in managing and conserving wildlife and fisheries in New York City, working to protect these resources for future generations and promote responsible stewardship of the natural environment.
NYC DEC Forest Management and Protection
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) is responsible for managing and protecting forests in New York City and throughout the state. Here are some of the ways in which the DEC manages and protects forests:
Forest Management Plans: The DEC develops and implements forest management plans for state-owned forests in New York City, including the Staten Island Greenbelt and the Forest Park Woodland. These plans guide the agency’s management practices, which include controlling invasive species, promoting reforestation, and maintaining forest health.
Forest Protection: The DEC works to protect forests in New York City from threats such as development, pests, and disease. The agency enforces regulations to prevent the destruction of forests and works to identify and control invasive species that can harm forest ecosystems.
Forest Health Monitoring: The DEC monitors the health of forests in New York City and throughout the state, conducting surveys to identify threats such as pests and diseases. The agency also provides guidance to landowners and forest managers on how to maintain forest health.
Forest Conservation: The DEC works with other agencies and organizations to conserve and protect forests in New York City and throughout the state. This includes efforts to protect biodiversity, restore degraded habitats, and mitigate the impacts of climate change on forest ecosystems.
Overall, the DEC plays a critical role in managing and protecting forests in New York City, working to promote sustainable forest management practices and protect these important natural resources for future generations.
NYC DEC Environmental Permitting and Compliance
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) is responsible for permitting and compliance monitoring of environmental activities in New York City. Here are some of the ways in which the DEC manages environmental permitting and compliance:
Environmental Permitting: The DEC issues permits for a variety of activities that may have environmental impacts, such as air emissions, water discharges, hazardous waste handling, and construction activities. The agency reviews permit applications, sets conditions to ensure compliance with environmental regulations, and conducts inspections to ensure that permit conditions are being met.
Compliance Monitoring: The DEC conducts inspections and audits to ensure that businesses and other organizations are complying with environmental regulations. The agency may take enforcement action against organizations that are found to be violating regulations.
Environmental Assessments: The DEC conducts environmental assessments of proposed activities and projects to determine potential environmental impacts and identify mitigation measures to reduce those impacts. This includes the review of environmental impact statements (EIS) for major development projects in New York City.
Public Participation: The DEC provides opportunities for public participation in the environmental permitting and compliance process. This includes public comment periods for permit applications and the opportunity for public input on environmental assessments and impact statements.
Overall, the DEC plays a critical role in ensuring that environmental activities in New York City are conducted in a manner that protects public health and the environment. The agency’s permitting and compliance programs help to ensure that environmental impacts are minimized and that organizations are held accountable for complying with environmental regulations.
NYC DEC Petroleum Storage Tanks Registration
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) regulates petroleum storage tanks (PSTs) in the state to prevent petroleum contamination of soil and groundwater. PSTs are used to store petroleum products such as gasoline, diesel fuel, heating oil, and kerosene.
Any person or company that owns a PST in New York State is required to register it with the DEC. The registration process includes providing information about the tank and its contents, including the tank’s location, size, type, and age, as well as the type of petroleum product stored in the tank.
The DEC requires PST owners to maintain their tanks in compliance with regulations, including regular leak detection testing, corrosion protection, and spill prevention measures. The agency also conducts inspections of PST facilities to ensure compliance with regulations and may issue fines or other enforcement actions for violations.
PST owners must also report any spills or leaks that occur from their tanks to the DEC and must take appropriate measures to clean up any releases and prevent future contamination. The DEC offers technical assistance and resources to help PST owners comply with regulations and prevent releases from their tanks.
NYC DEC Bulk Storage Tanks Permits
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) regulates the installation and operation of bulk fuel storage tanks in the state. These tanks are used to store large quantities of fuel, typically for commercial or industrial purposes.
Any person or company that wants to install a new bulk fuel storage tank, or make modifications to an existing tank, is required to obtain a permit from the DEC. The permit application process includes providing information about the tank’s design, construction, and location, as well as spill prevention and response plans.
The DEC also requires owners of bulk fuel storage tanks to maintain their tanks in compliance with regulations, including regular inspections, leak detection testing, and spill prevention measures. The agency may conduct inspections of bulk fuel storage facilities to ensure compliance with regulations and may issue fines or other enforcement actions for violations.
Bulk fuel storage tank owners must also report any spills or releases that occur from their tanks to the DEC and must take appropriate measures to clean up any releases and prevent future contamination. The DEC offers technical assistance and resources to help bulk fuel storage tank owners comply with regulations and prevent releases from their tanks.
Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) regulates the bulk storage of petroleum. Property Owners that require new underground or above ground storage tanks for petroleum must register their storage facilities with the DEC which is valid for 5 years.
In addition, according to the DEC’s website article on Regulation of Petroleum Tanks,
“Operators of USTs [Underground Storage Tanks] must keep daily inventory records, reconcile them on a 10-day basis (and maintain them for five years) and notify DEC and the tank owner within 48 hours of unexplained inventory losses. They must also test tanks and pipes every five years or monitor the interstitial space of double-walled equipment.
Operators of ASTs [Aboveground Storage Tanks] must conduct monthly visual inspections. Every 10 years they must clean out the tanks that are resting on grade, remove the sludge from the bottom, inspect for structural integrity and test for tightness.”
We assist businesses in obtaining permits for installation, inspection, and removal of bulk fuel storage tanks.
For more information, visit the Department of Environmental Conservation