New York State Department of Environmental Conservation
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation
08/08/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 08/08/2024 11:38
DEC and Niagara County Soil and Water Conservation District Announce Virtual Public Meeting on Aug. 21 for Eighteenmile Creek Area of Concern
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and Niagara County Soil and Water Conservation District today announced a virtual public meeting from noon to 1 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 21, 2024, to update the public about restoration efforts in the Eighteenmile Creek Area of Concern (AOC) in Niagara County and the proposed removal of the Degradation of Fish and Wildlife Populations Beneficial Use Impairment.
The Eighteenmile Creek AOC is located in the town of Newfane, Niagara County, and encompasses the lower portion of Eighteenmile Creek from just below Burt Dam to Olcott Harbor at the outlet to Lake Ontario. The Eighteenmile Creek AOC was designated under the Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement in 1987 because of poor water quality and sediment contamination by former industrial and municipal discharges, waste disposal, and pesticide use.
The Degradation of Fish and Wildlife Populations Beneficial Use Impairment (BUI) was listed as impaired based on an assumption that polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) were likely negatively affecting fish populations. After a review of several recent studies to evaluate impacts to fish and wildlife populations in the AOC, DEC and partner agencies determined conditions have improved and now meet the criteria established to remove this BUI and seek public feedback regarding the proposed change in designation.
During this virtual meeting, DEC's Great Lakes Program and officials from the Niagara County Soil and Water Conservation District will provide details and criteria establishing support for the removal of the Degradation of Fish and Wildlife Populations BUI from the Eighteenmile Creek AOC. Niagara County Soil and Water Conservation District, in partnership with DEC, coordinates restoration efforts under the Eighteenmile Creek AOC Remedial Action Plan.
Comments on the draft report and proposed BUI removal may be made at the Aug. 21 event and through the AOC website or by email at [email protected]until Sept. 7, 2024.
When: Noon to 1 p.m., Wednesday, Aug. 21, 2024.
Where: This is a virtual event. To participate, visit Microsoft Teams.
A draft report, which details the completed actions and assessments supporting the BUI removal, is available for public review at the Eighteenmile Creek AOC website.
For more information about the Eighteenmile Creek Area of Concern, visit:
Niagara County Soil and Water Conservation District's website.