In This Issue: - Reminder: Data Solicitation for 2020/2022 CWA Section 303(d) List
- Help Prevent Harmful Algal Blooms
- Harmful Algal Bloom (HAB) Notifications
Reminder: Data Solicitation for 2020/2022 CWA Section 303(d) List As part of the development of the 2020/2022 New York State Section 303(d) List of Impaired/TMDL Waters, the public is invited to provide water quality data or information. This data solicitation period began May 19, 2021, and will close on September 27, 2021. DEC will then begin compiling a Draft Section 303(d) List, which will be made available for public review and comment in December 2021. States are required to submit their next Section 303(d) Lists to the US Environmental Protection Agency by April 1, 2022. Additional information regarding the Section 303(d) List process can be found in the August 18 Environmental Notice Bulletin and on DEC's website.
Help Prevent Harmful Algal Blooms Everyone can help reduce the likelihood of algal blooms in water bodies by helping to limit the amount of nutrients (phosphorus and nitrogen) that are added to the lake by: - Reducing the use of lawn fertilizers
- Proper care of septic systems
- Planting and maintaining shoreline buffers
- Working with local and county governments to identify sources of nutrients and helping to develop strategies to reduce inputs
Nutrient control strategies are discussed in detail in Chapters 7 and 9 in the DEC and New York Federation of Lake Associations' publication, Diet for a Small Lake.
Harmful Algal Bloom (HAB) Notifications 
Visit NYHABS, DEC's harmful algal bloom notification map, to view locations of freshwater HABs in New York State that were reported in the past two weeks. Click on a dot for more information, including the date it was reported, the waterbody name, and pictures. Click on the arrow at the bottom of the screen to view a list of reported HABs. Know it. Avoid it. Report it. If you see a HAB, please use the reporting form to submit a report to NYHABS. Because waterbodies may have HABs that have not been reported to DEC, we recommend avoiding contact with floating mats, scums, and discolored water. If you, your family, or your pet have been in contact with a HAB, please rinse with clean water and report any symptoms to your local health department. Consider visiting a healthcare provider if you, your family, or your animals are experiencing symptoms related to blue-green harmful algal blooms. Symptoms include diarrhea, nausea, or vomiting; skin, eye, or throat irritation; and allergic reactions or breathing difficulties. | 
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