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In This Issue: - Bond Act Survey Deadline Extended
- Webinar on USGS Water Quality Studies in NY's Great Lakes Basin
- SepticSmart Week
- National Estuaries Week
- Harmful Algal Bloom Notifications
Bond Act Survey Deadline Extended New York State announced the extension of the deadline to submit project ideas for funding through the $4.2 billion Clean Water, Clean Air and Green Jobs Environmental Bond Act survey to September 30, 2023. The survey is not a formal funding application, but instead was designed to solicit input about the State's existing funding mechanisms and help municipalities, community-based organizations, and other New Yorkers share potential project ideas and capture feedback about the types of projects communities may want supported with Bond Act resources. Projects of interest may include drinking water and wastewater municipal infrastructure needs; flood prevention or areas where home buyouts may be considered; innovative approaches to prevent climate change impacts; opportunities to protect open space or restore habitat; and other potential community-based efforts that complement the Bond Act's objectives. The survey was extended in response to requests from community-based organizations and attendees of the Bond Act listening tour that concluded last month. Agencies will continue to coordinate outreach to inform communities about the Bond Act, the development of the guidelines, and current and future funding opportunities.
Webinar on USGS Water Quality Studies in NY's Great Lakes Basin DEC's Great Lakes Program is partnering with the US Geological Survey (USGS) to offer a webinar on September 22, 2:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. in support of New York's Great Lakes Action Agenda's priority of accelerating collection of and access to scientific information. Presentations on the results of water quality studies include: - Water Quality Loads and Trends in Western New York Tributaries--Don Bonville.
- Lake Erie Watershed Nutrient Monitoring and SWAT Modeling--Katie Merriman.
- Detecting Changes in Nutrient and Sediment Concentrations and Loads at the Edge-of-Field and in Small-Scale Streams within Great Lakes Priority Watersheds--Andrew Kowalczk.
- Assessment of Green Infrastructure within the Great Lakes Basin in New York--Mike McHale.
Register to attend.
SepticSmart Week 
September 18 - 22 is EPA's 11th annual SepticSmart Week, which focuses on how to care for and maintain septic systems. Over one in five households in New York State use septic systems. Proper use and maintenance of these systems protect the environment and our drinking water as well as save homeowners from costly repairs. Homeowners should pump their septic tank at regular intervals as recommended by a professional and/or local permitting authority and be careful about what goes down the drain or gets flushed. Fats, grease, and disposable wipes can clog pipes and drainfields. DEC encourages homeowners with septic systems to learn how their systems work and how to care for them so that they stay in proper working condition. Find more information on EPA's website and on NYS Department of Health's website.
National Estuaries Week National Estuaries Week, September 16 - 23, is a nationwide celebration of America's bays and estuaries and the many benefits they provide to local communities. Estuaries are among the most productive ecosystems and support a great diversity of life. New York's estuaries include the Hudson River tidal estuary from Troy to New York Harbor, Long Island Sound, New York/New Jersey Harbor, Peconic Estuary, and the South Shore Estuary Reserve.
Harmful Algal Bloom 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. Instructions on how to use NYHABS are on DEC's HABs notification webpage. Know it: HABs vary in appearance from scattered green dots in the water, to long, linear green streaks, pea soup, or spilled green paint, to blue-green or white coloration. Avoid it: People, pets, and livestock should avoid contact with floating mats, scum, and discolored water. Report it: Report a suspected HAB using the NYHABs online reporting form. Report health concerns related to HABs to the Department of Health at harmfulalgae@health.ny.gov, or contact your local health department. | 
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