FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE03-27
May
27, 2003
Contact:
Ian Michaels
(718) 595-6600
Tests
Of Noise Diversion Techniques To Take Place At Several City Reservoirs
This Week
Commissioner Christopher O. Ward of the New York City Department of Environmental
Protection (DEP) announced today that the DEP will be testing various
methods of dispersing waterfowl from near City reservoirs this week. The
tests involve the use of pyrotechnic and other noise-making devices.
“The objective of the Waterfowl Management Program is to minimize
the presence of fecal coliform bacteria in the reservoirs, which can result
when waterfowl roost on the reservoirs during the migratory and winter
seasons,” said Commissioner Ward. “To alleviate any local
concerns, we have also notified local police precincts of our noise monitoring
plans."
During the testing, noise levels caused by the tested devices will be
measured both at the reservoirs and in the surrounding communities. DEP
will incorporate the results of the monitoring into an Environmental Impact
Statement being prepared to assess the potential effects of DEP’s
expanded Waterfowl Management Program.
Noise surveys will be performed on the following days at the following
locations:
May 27 Kensico Reservoir (A.M.) and Cross River Reservoir
(P.M.) May 30 West Branch Reservoir (A.M.) and Croton Falls
Reservoir (P.M.)(Dates may be changed in the event of rain.)
Background:
As part of NYCDEP’s watershed protection strategy, DEP is proposing
to expand its Waterfowl Management Program beyond the current program
at the Kensico Reservoir to five additional City reservoirs: Rondout,
Ashokan, West Branch, Croton Falls, and Cross River. The proposed program
expansion is subject to environmental review pursuant to New York’s
Executive Order 91 and its amendments, City Environmental Quality Review
(CEQR), and the State Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQRA) and its
implementing regulations (6 NYCRR Part 617). Currently, DEP is preparing
a Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) for the Expanded Waterfowl
Management Program to examine and disclose the potential environmental
impacts of the proposal. As part of this environmental analysis, the DEIS
will examine the environmental effects of targeted avian dispersion activities
(e.g. pyrotechnic techniques and airboats). In order to accomplish this,
ambient background and operational noise surveys will be conducted.