ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION, NEW YORK DEPARTMENT OF
Grant: $4,369,100 - Environmental Protection Agency - Jul. 13, 2009
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Award Description: 'This award supports the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) water quality management planning activities that are authorized under the Clean Water Act and the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) of 2009. The following projects will be completed with this Stimulus Grant Award. Project #1 Water Quality Management Planning - This project will provide funds to develop green infrastructure plans for watersheds and water conservation for the State of New York. NYSDEC will provide 40% of the funds in the amount of $1,747,640 to Regional Planning and/or Interstate Organizations for the development and implementation of a plan for carrying out the WQMP program. A request for applications will be issued for activities which will include planning for green infrastructure, Total Maximum Daily Loads (TMDLs), storm water for municipal separate storm sewer systems (MS4s) and construction sites and general statewide watershed based water quality management planning in accordance with subsection (d) of section 303 (e) of the Clean Water Act. Project #2 Water Quality Standards - Water Quality Standards work plan to develop guidelines and standards for stream flow and nutrients. Specifically a TOGS for the implementation of the narrative flow standard is being developed. DEC will also develop and establish nutrient criteria as detailed in the NYS Nutrient Standards Plan mutually agreed upon by DEC and EPA. Project #3 Detailed Aquifer Mapping Marcellus-Utica Area - DEC will work to develop interpreted hydrogeologic data in map format for the many principal aquifers that serve populations both publicly and privately supplied ground water. Because many aquifers within the Marcellus-Utica area have not been mapped, NYSDEC is unable to adequately insure that shale gas development activities are being protective of groundwater. Project # 4 Water Quality Planning for 303(d) listed watered in the Erie Watershed Canal - Watersheds which contribute flow to the Erie Canal water system have an effect on water quality. Storm water runoff is a significant source of water quality problems, as well as flooding along portions of the Erie Canal. The State will perform an assessment of watershed(s) which contribute pollutants of concern to segments listed on the 303(d) list throughout New York's Erie Canal system. Project # 5 Monitoring and Stream Gauging Activities - NYSDEC will conduct water quality monitoring activities (through a cooperative agreement with USGS). These activities include the conduct of the Section 305(b) groundwater monitoring program, Hudson River sediment monitoring and Estuarine Water Quality Monitoring. NYSDEC will also conduct activities that support watershed/water resources planning and the continuous planning process. These activities include maintenance of the USGS stream gauging network, groundwater/drought network, tide elevation gages and completion of groundwater aquifer mapping efforts.
Project Description: 1. 22 applications were received in July in response to the Request for Applications (RFA) for the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) 604(b) funds. The applications were scored by the review team, and 11 projects were recommended for funding. The DEC Executive Office approved the recommendation. As required the procurement record is currently pending at the Office of the State Comptroller (OSC). Once OSC has approved the procurement record, the Dept. will announce awards & move to execute contracts. 2.TOGS development continues. A draft for the implementation of the narrative flow standard has been completed. Nutrient criteria work is ongoing to derive guidance value for protection of human health in flowing waters. Fact sheets for 6 substances to establish guidance values are underway. 3. Well data from USGS, NYSDEC & NYSDOT have been compiled & recorded into ARCMAP. Waiting for contract approval. 4. DEC is reviewing the possibilty of assessing the Upper Mohawk River with respect to floatables, pathogens & oxygen demand. Contract not awarded yet. 5.Planning is underway & nearing completion for selection of sampling sites for this years study of Upper Susquehanna & Lake Champlain Basin. Operation & maintenance of various monitoring stations will continue once contract funding is obligated.
Infrastructure Description: N/A
Jobs Summary: Due to the large projected deficit for SFY 09-10 Division of Water spending plan, 1.6 NYS jobs have been moved to this grant. Research scientist and environmental engineer positions were retained with these ARRA funds. The number of total FTE's were calculated based on OMB guidance. There was a total of 1555.5 work hours charged to ARRA activities approved under our ARRA work plan and the total number of work hours for one FTE during that 6 month period is 975 hours (26 x 37.5 hrs). Divide 1555.5 by 975 and you get 1.6 FTEs. The 6 month project period was April 1, 2009 - September 30, 2009. Although the grant was awarded on July 13, 2009, the project period began on April 1, 2009. (Total jobs reported: 2)
Project Status: Less Than 50% Completed
This award's data was last updated on Jul. 13, 2009. Help expand these official descriptions using the wiki below.
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