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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.

 

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