DEC Contact: Peter Constantakes (518) 402-8000
press@gw.dec.state.ny.us June 05, 2014
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DEC Announces Long Island Pesticide Pollution Prevention StrategyStrategy Calls for Changes in Pesticide Use to Prevent Groundwater and Surface Water Contamination |
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A new strategy to better protect Long Island groundwater and surface waters from pesticides was released today by the state Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), Commissioner Joe Martens announced. The Long Island Pesticide Pollution Prevention Strategy was developed by DEC in collaboration with numerous stakeholders. The Strategy, which will be effective on July11th, is a blueprint for action that strengthens DEC’s existing pest management regulatory program by adopting a new management approach to prevent pesticide-related impacts of surface water and groundwater, while recognizing the need for pest management. Approximately 3 million residents in Nassau and Suffolk counties rely on drinking water from a sole source aquifer. “Protecting environmental resources on Long Island, including the sole source aquifer, is essential to ensure the health and safety of residents and maintain the quality of life in the region,” Commissioner Martens said. “Under this Strategy, DEC will assess specific pesticide active ingredients, work closely with partners to identify and implement best management practices to prevent adverse impacts and use water quality monitoring data to determine if the environment has been damaged. Our goal is to better protect Long Island’s critical water resources, while meeting the region’s pest management needs.” The Strategy will address pollutants at the source and includes close scrutiny of vital water resources to ensure the environment and public health are protected. The Strategy includes the following recommendations:
As part of this Strategy, DEC will maximize the use of water quality monitoring data and devote additional resources to evaluate the success of pollution prevention measures. Dale Moyer, associate executive director, Cornell Cooperative Extension of Suffolk County, said, “The Long Island Pesticide Pollution Prevention Strategy is a comprehensive, scientifically sound and balanced approach which protects our water resources from pesticide- related contamination, while meeting our pest management needs. This coincides with the goals of Cornell Cooperative Extension of Suffolk County’s Agriculture Program.” DEC carefully reviewed all public comments received and then revised the Strategy to clarify the factors that will be considered in pursuing pollution prevention measures and other appropriate actions, establishing water quality goals and pollution reduction targets, and measuring the Strategy’s success. The final report, along with the responsiveness summary to public comments, is available on DEC’s website at: http://www.dec.ny.gov/chemical/87125.html.
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