ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) - State conservation officials say grants of up to $50,000 are available for community projects to detect and report sewage overflows.
Under New York’s Sewage Pollution Right to Know law, communities with combined sewage overflow outfalls must notify the public when they occur, usually during rainstorms.
The Department of Environmental Conservation says some municipalities lack detection and monitoring equipment to provide timely public notices of sewage overflowing into waterways.
Combined systems collect storm water runoff, domestic sewage, and industrial wastewater in the same pipe leading to wastewater treatment plants.
In heavy rains, excess water and sewage can be discharged directly into rivers, streams, estuaries and coastal waters.
The DEC lists overflows on its website (https://on.ny.gov/1T1YyFN ). Residents can also register to receive notices.
Please read our comment policy before commenting.