DEP Biweekly Reports Folder 0049, 2000-2001

NYC 9/11 Public Portal Document

Interagency Matters

Request Made to NYSDOH for Changes in EPA Lead Sampling Program A letter from DEP has been sent to the NYSDOH reaffirming the successful completion of three consecutive rounds of EPA lead sampling. In that letter we asked for State confirmation and acceptance of what we perceive as the ramifications of that success, one of which is the reduction in future sampling frequency from twice per year to annually. If the State concurs, since our last sampling was completed in June 2000, the next round would be June 2001. If the State does not respond within the next few weeks, or if they do not agree with our conclusions, the next round of sampling would have to be completed this December. While waiting for the response from the State, the lead unit will be preparing for a December sampling.

Updates

General Water Quality and Quantity As of November 24, the reservoirs wer 82.9% f capacity. Normal capacity for this time of year is 70.3%. Consumption for Nove er was 1218.0 million gallons. The quality of Catskill/Delaware and Croton source water continues to be excellent.

Gowanus Flushing Tunnel Repairs The shutdown of the Gowanus Flushing Tunnel (GFT) for repairs took place as planned on November 13`". The contractor disassembled all parts known to need replacement. The replacement parts were pre-ordered and available. However, inspection of the GFT shortly after the shutdown disclosed that additional parts were in need of replacement. The remaining replacement parts are expected to be delivered within a week, along with parts fabricated by DEP machinists. Most reassembly work has been completed, and welding and other repair work is now in progress. At the time of this writing, 90% of the repairs are complete and all repairs are expected to be done by next week. At that point the GFT will be restarted, undergo testing, and be returned to service.

Mosquito Eradication Program Suspendedfor Winter DEP activities in the mosquito prevention program have been essentially suspended for the winter months. We have put all of the Mosquito Magnets into storage, and we will no longer do larvae sampling at most treatment plants but will continue to do random sampling at two plants - Tallman Island and 26' Ward, to monitor that mosquito population growth stays dormant.

Watershed Inspector General Meeting on TMDLs DEP staff met with the Watershed Inspector General (WIG) on November 9th to discuss nonpoint source implementation of the Phase II Total Maximum Daily Loads (TMDLs). The WIG is interested in helping the implementation process along and plans on participating in future meetings. Discussion centered on how existing programs can be used to reduce phosphorus loadings within the watershed (i.e., SEQR and project review) as well as the roles the different agencies will play. There is a MOA deliverable (to be coauthored by NYSDEC) on this issue due in April 2001.

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NYC-WTC 000137933