NYS general permit now available to expedite recovery efforts after major storm events

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) have issued the first state programmatic general permit (NYSPGP-1), which authorizes activities to facilitate the recovery and restoration of damaged properties, projects, aquatic resources, and infrastructure following major storm events.

A press release stated, “The NYSPGP-1 ensures critical environmental safeguards and encourages best management practices while agencies work to bring infrastructure back online and retore quality of life for communities quickly and without unnecessary delays. This permit will also help eligible project sponsors and the public obtain Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) reimbursements following specific storm events that are declared federal disasters.”

DEC Commissioner Basil Seggos said, “In times of crisis, governmental agencies must respond quickly and competently to protect lives and property. That’s why DEC is proud of the collaboration with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to help communities and enhance state and federal storm response. This permit is an important tool to help eliminate duplication of effort between federal and state agencies by making the permitting process more efficient for municipalities during extreme storm recovery efforts or emergency declarations.”

Lt. Col. Colby Krug, USACE Buffalo district commander, said “Recent history has emphasized that our agencies need to be quicker and more adaptable during emergency operations. This permit allows us to get people the help they need in a timely and efficient manner. No one agency can do anything alone. Response requires a whole-of-government approach, and this expedited permitting is just another example of the federal and state governments working together to provide for the people of New York.”

The press release noted, “When activated in response to a widespread storm event, the NYSPGP-1 permit provides one application for the purpose of complying with both agencies' regulations collectively governing discharge of pollutants into fresh waters, rivers, streams, lakes, ponds and wetlands. This new permit expands each agency’s existing storm response capabilities to ensure environmental approvals necessary for response to widespread storm events are expedited.”

The NYSPGP-1 will be available for use throughout New York, except for Long Island, New York City, and portions of Rockland and Westchester counties.

The issued permit is available at: https://usace.contentdm.oclc.org/utils/getfile/collection/p16021coll9/id/2814.

For more information about the NYSPGP-1 permit, including application and notification requirements, visit the DEC’s website. To assist with permits needed for flooding impacts and for a determination on whether proposed work requires a DEC permit or approval, contact the appropriate DEC region permit administrator (https://dec.ny.gov/permit-administrators).