Chemical and Pollution Control
Chemical and pollution control is at the core of the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation's (DEC) mission, to protect New York's natural resources and our environment. Through the promotion of environmentally sound use of products, including chemicals and pesticides; environmental cleanup and monitoring programs; and effective laws and regulations, DEC enhances the health, safety and welfare of the people of New York.
Help for Businesses
- Help for Businesses has information for businesses and organizations that need help complying with environmental laws and obtaining necessary permits
- Permits discusses how to file for a permit and provides the necessary forms
- Who to contact with questions about permits
Air Pollution
Pollutants emitted from tall stacks can
travel miles and cause harm to human
health and our environment.
There are many different sources that contribute to air pollution, which negatively affect public health and the environment. DEC carries out both the state and federal air pollution control and monitoring programs, which help control emissions of pollutants as well as measure and monitor ambient pollutant levels.
- Ambient Air Quality Monitoring - program to track air quality, measures air pollutants at more than 50 sites across the state, using continuous and/or manual instrumentation.
- Air Program Forms and Instructions - forms for: Facility Registration; Facility Permits; Emission Reduction Credits; Budget Trading Programs; and others available for download.
Waste Management
- Hazardous Waste Management - DEC regulates all aspects of hazardous waste management in the state, including: generators; transporters; and treatment, storage and disposal facilities. It includes the Used Oil Program and Universal Waste Program.
- Materials Management Program - provides technical and regulatory assistance, facility inspection, compliance and permitting, product stewardship, and recycling education and outreach.
Environmental Cleanup and Brownfields
Brownfield sites can pose environmental,
legal and financial burdens on a community
and its taxpayers.
- Environmental Cleanup and Brownfields homepage with links to New York State cleanup news, events, programs, sites and where to find more information.
- Brownfield Cleanup Program - supports private-sector cleanups of brownfields.
- State Superfund Program (SSF) (Inactive Hazardous Waste Disposal Site Remedial Program ) - characterizes suspected inactive hazardous waste disposal sites and investigates and remediates those sites which pose a significant threat to public health or the environment.
- Petroleum and Chemical Spills - cleanup of accidental releases of petroleum, toxic chemicals and other hazardous materials.
Water Pollution and Resource Protection
Water pollution happens when contaminants are released into water bodies. When these pollutants enter our lakes, rivers, estuaries and groundwater they can cause harm to the environment and to public health. DEC administers a wide range of programs to monitor waters, control water pollution from all sources in order to protect the public and enhance New York's water resources.
- Water Quality Information - monitoring and assessment of New York waters
- Water Quality Concerns - problems that impact water quality
- Keeping Water Clean - activities to address specific water quality issues
- Managing Water Resources - responding to droughts, floods and water supply needs
- Discharge Permitting - reducing pollutants to waters
- Library and Other Information - additional resources about NYSDEC water programs
- Water resources for a specific watershed - information available
- Stormwater - controlling pollution in stormwater; information for Municipal Separate Storm Sewer Systems (MS4s); training; and permits
- Wastewater Facility Operators - links to contacts, training, certification, regulatory updates and more
Pest Management Program
DEC regulates the use of pesticides and is responsible for compliance assistance and public outreach activities to ensure enforcement of state pesticide laws. DEC also conducts general pest management outreach.
- Pest Management for Schools and Day Care Centers - information on the pesticide prohibition and pest management
- Long Island Pesticide Pollution Prevention Strategy - The goal of the Strategy is to protect water quality from pesticide-related contamination while continuing effective pest management on Long Island. It contains the blueprint for a pesticide pollution prevention approach on Long Island. The public comment on the Draft Strategy ended April 30, 2013. The Strategy became effective July 11, 2014.
- The Land Care and Pest Management Practices brochure (PDF) 539 KB, provides tips on alternative pest and land management practices--part of preventing pesticide pollution in the Great Lakes Basin.
- Questions and Answers Regarding the Pest Management Program - topics include: pesticide product labels, commercial lawn applications and many more.
- Pest Management Program Forms - a compilation of various forms used in the Pest Management Program, including the Certified Applicator/Technician Application for Photo ID Card form.
More about Chemical and Pollution Control:
- Water - List of Impaired Waters (303 D); Federal Clean Water Act Assessment and Listing Methodology; Stormwater; Wastewater Treatment; Wastewater Facility Operators; Discharge Monitoring Report Manual; Water Quality Monitoring/Assessment; Sewers; prescription disposal
- Environmental Cleanup & Brownfields - NY's brownfields programs spurs cleanup and redevelopment of idle or underutilized contaminated properties through financial assistance to municipalities, liability releases and indemnification
- Bulk Storage - Information on the regulatory programs and requirements for bulk storage of petroleum and chemicals in New York State
- Radiation - Description of radiation program
- Waste Management - Information on all aspects of solid and hazardous waste management in the State.
- Recycling and Composting - Waste Reduction, reuse, recycling, composting and product stewardship program main page.
- Pesticides and Alternatives - Information about NYS pesticide laws and regulations, pesticide product registration and guidance for pesticide applicators and businesses.
- Mercury - Because mercury is one of the most serious environmental contaminants, the Pollution Prevention Unit works to reduce uses and environmental releases of mercury
- Help for Businesses - DEC programs to help businesses prevent pollution in their daily operations
