SUBJECT:

PURPOSE:

The EPA estimates that approximately 50 percent of the country's waterways are adversely impacted by stormwater. Stormwater is water from precipitation that does not soak into the ground but instead runs off of buildings and roads, accumulating debris and pollutants along the way that end up adversely impacting the water quality of wetlands and waterbodies. These adverse impacts include beach closures, algae blooms and decreased productivity of marine fisheries. EPA data for 2006 indicates that New York State beaches had 1,705 closing and advisory days for 132 beaches - a trend that is expected to continue unless stormwater management practices are improved. This hearing will examine New York's stormwater management practices, including the recently-revised Municipal Separate Storm Sewer Systems (MS4s) permits, and solicit input on any changes that may be necessary to increase the effectiveness of stormwater management programs.

Oral testimony will be accepted by invitation only. Ten copies of any prepared testimony should be submitted at the hearing registration desk. The Committee would appreciate advance receipt of prepared statements.

In order to meet the needs of those who may have a disability, the Assembly, in accordance with its policy of non-discrimination on the basis of disability, as well as the 1990 Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), has made its facilities and services available to all individuals with disabilities. For individuals with disabilities, accommodations will be provided, upon reasonable request, to afford such individuals access and admission to Assembly facilities and activities.

SELECTED ISSUES TO WHICH WITNESSES MAY DIRECT THEIR TESTIMONY:

1. What, if any, steps should be taken to improve New York's stormwater management?

2. What role should green technologies play in meeting the state's stormwater management needs?

3. What role should the state and federal government have in overseeing and funding stormwater management?

4. What improvements can be made to encourage intermunicipal cooperation and compliance?

PUBLIC HEARING REPLY FORM

Persons wishing to present testimony at the public hearing on Stormwater Runoff are requested to complete this reply form as soon as possible and mail, e-mail or fax it to:

Kali Michael
Committee Assistant
Assembly Committee on Environmental Conservation
Room 520 - Capitol
Albany, New York 12248
E-mail: michaelk@assembly.state.ny.us
Phone: (518) 455-4363
Fax: (518) 455-5182

I will address my remarks to the following subjects:

I will require assistance and/or handicapped accessibility information. Please specify the type of assistance required: