What: The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and Buffalo Niagara Waterkeeper (BNW) will hold a virtual outreach event to update the public about ongoing efforts to restore natural resources in the Buffalo River Area of Concern (AOC), and the proposed removal of the ‘Loss of Fish and Wildlife Habitat Beneficial Use Impairment’ (BUI). Buffalo Niagara Waterkeeper, in partnership with DEC and Erie County, coordinates these restoration efforts under the Buffalo River AOC Remedial Action Plan (RAP).

The Buffalo River AOC is located in the City of Buffalo, Erie County, New York and includes the historically industrialized portion of the river beginning at its mouth (where it outlets to Lake Erie), and continuing upstream approximately six miles to the Bailey Avenue bridge. The Loss of Fish and Wildlife Habitat BUI was originally designated as impaired in the 1980s due to chemical contamination and the channelization of the river for industrial purposes. Extensive remediation of contaminated river sediments and habitat restoration along the river shoreline demonstrates that the criteria established to remove the Loss of Fish and Wildlife Habitat BUI has been achieved.

A draft report, which details the completed actions and assessments supporting the BUI removal, is available for public review at https://bnwaterkeeper.org/degradation-of-fish-and-wildlife-habitat-bui-14/. Public comments on the draft report and proposed BUI removal may be made at the April 17 virtual event and through BNW’s website until April 30, 2023.

When: Monday, April 17, 2023, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. 

Where: To participate in the virtual event online, go to: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84411682391?pwd=SkZTREFSSXJraDY4UUpkOEdBUHVDZz09

Meeting ID: 844 1168 2391

Passcode: 712439

To join by telephone dial 1-646-558-8656 and enter the Meeting ID and Passcode.

For more information about the Buffalo River Area of Concern:

https://bnwaterkeeper.org/buffalo-river/

https://www.epa.gov/great-lakes-aocs/buffalo-river-aoc