Draft- NEW YORK’S GREAT LAKES BASIN: Action Agenda

7/27/2019 Draft- NEW YORKS GREAT LAKES BASIN: Action Agenda

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NEW YORKS GREAT LAKES BASIN:Action Agenda

2013

[07-2013 draft]

Coordinated byNew York State Department of Environmental Conservation

Great Lakes Watershed Program

In partnership with state and federal agencies, municipalities, academic institutions,non-profits, and community partners throughout NYSs Great Lakes basin.

Andrew M. Cuomo - Governor Joe Martens - Commissioner


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ANDREW M. CUOMOGOVERNOR

STATE OF NEW YORKDEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION

ALBANY, NEW YORK 12233-1010JUL 12 2013

JOE MARTENSCOMMISSIONER

Keepers ofNew York's Great Lakes:I am pleased to share the draft New York's Great Lakes Basin: Action Agenda 2013. This actionagenda, more commonly called the Great Lakes Action Agenda, is New York State's only fullyintegrated strategic plan for its portion of the Great Lakes basin - representing a synthesis ofnumerous existing binational, federal, and state plans to advance environmental restoration,sustainable development and economic revitalization.In collaboration with state agencies and organizations throughout the basin, the Great Lakes ActionAgenda is an integrated planning tool to assist stakeholders in identifying, funding, and trackingprojects in NY's Great Lakes basin. Since then, DEC's Great Lakes program has taken the lead tofurther update the Great Lakes Action Agenda, to reHect New York's evolving priorities includingreconunendations set forth by the Oceans & Great Lakes Ecosystem Conservation initiative, theNew York State 2100 Commission Report, Regional Economic Development Council strategicplans, and the ClimAlD Report, among many others.This plan follows the lead of other successful, integrated approaches to watershed planning,including the Hudson River Estuary Action Plan and the New York State 25-Year Plan for the GreatLakes - which have proven to be highly successful in leveraging and competing for federal fundingopportunities, effectively applying state agency resources and authorities, and promoting multistakeholder partnerships to achieve New York State and regional priorities. Indeed, the previousdiscussion draft of the Great Lakes Action Agenda successfully integrated federal Great LakesRestoration Initiative (GLRI) priorities and has, to date, resulted in the award of over 100 GLRIprojects to various stakeholder organizations valued at more than $50 million.You are invited to review the enclosed draft action agenda and submit any comments you mayhave to Great Lakes Programs Coordinator Donald Zelazny at [email protected] or(716) 851-7130 by September 1, 2013. Please note that action milestone dates and leadorganizations have been suggested for discussion purposes only and will be finalized following thestakeholder review period.Once finalized, the action agenda will enhance New York's strategic approach to effectivelyaddress the most pressing problems, assist stakeholders in leveraging financial resources and humancapital, and create opportunities for basin-wide communication, coordination, and partnership.We look forward to hearing from you!

Enclosure


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TABLE OF CONTENTS

LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS & ACRONYMS ........................................................................................... 3

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ....................................................................................................................... 5

VISION .................................................................................................................................................. 5

INTRODUCTION ................................................................................................................................... 6

WATERSHEDS OF NEW YORKS GREAT LAKES BASIN ................................................................... 9

PRIORITY GOALS .............................................................................................................................. 11

CROSS-CUTTING PRIORITIES .......................................................................................................... 12

AGENDA ORGANIZATION ................................................................................................................. 14

Goal 1: Virtually Eliminate Discharges of Persistent Toxic Substances. ................................... 15

Goal 2: Control Sediment, Nutrient and Pathogen Loadings. .................................................... 18

Goal 3:Accelerate the Delisting of New Yorks Areas of Concern. ........................................... 22Goal 4: Combat Invasive Species. ............................................................................................ 24

Goal 5: Conserve and Restore Native Fish and Wildlife Biodiversity and Habitats. .................. 27

Goal 6: Conserve Great Lakes Water Supplies. ....................................................................... 30

Goal 7: Enhance Coastal Resiliency and Ecosystem Integrity. ................................................. 32

Goal 8: Promote Smart Growth, Redevelopment and Adaptive Reuse. .................................... 36

Goal 9: Enhance Recreation and Tourism Opportunities. ......................................................... 38

Goal 10: Plan for Energy Development. ................................................................................... 40

COORDINATION APPROACH: GREAT LAKES BASIN PARTNERSHIP (GLBP) ............................... 43

FUNDING APPROACH ....................................................................................................................... 51

REFERENCES .................................................................................................................................... 53

Appendix 1: Integrating Existing Plans and Strategies ......................................................................... 55

Appendix 2: Ecosystem-based Management Vision, Goals and Objectives of Lake Ontario Lakewide

Management Plan (LaMP) ................................................................................................................... 59

Appendix 3: Ecosystem-based Management Vision, Goals and Objectives of Lake Erie Lakewide

Management Plan (LaMP) ................................................................................................................... 62

Appendix 4: Beneficial Use Impairment (BUI) Indicators of NYS AOCs April 2012 ........................... 65


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LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS & ACRONYMS

ACOE U.S. Army Corps of EngineersAOC Area of ConcernBCA Bird Conservation AreaBMP Best management practiceBNRK Buffalo Niagara Riverkeeper

BUI Beneficial Use ImpairmentCC Climate changeCFACREP

Consolidated Funding ApplicationConservation Reserve Enhancement Program

CSC Climate-Smart CommunitiesCSO Combined sewage overflowCWSRF Clean Water State Revolving FundDNREAB

Cornell Department of Natural ResourcesEmerald Ash Borer

EBM Ecosystem-based managementEFC New York State Environmental Facilities CorporationEPA Environmental Protection Agency

EPF Environmental Protection FundF & W Fish and WildlifeFCOs Fish Community ObjectivesFEMA Federal Emergency Management AgencyFL-LOWPA Finger Lakes Lake Ontario Watershed Protection AllianceGFLRPC Genesee - Finger Lakes Regional Planning CouncilGHG Greenhouse gasGL Great LakesGLAA Great Lakes Action AgendaGLBAC Great Lakes Basin Advisory CouncilGLBP Great Lakes Basin PartnershipGLC

GLFC

Great Lakes Commission

Great Lakes Fishery CommissionGLPF Great Lakes Protection FundGLRC Great Lakes Research ConsortiumGLRI Great Lakes Restoration InitiativeGLWQA Great Lakes Water Quality AgreementHUD U.S. Department of Housing and Urban DevelopmentIBA Important Bird AreaIJC International Joint CommissionIS Invasive speciesLaMP Lakewide Management PlanLE Lake ErieLEED Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design

LEWPA Lake Erie Watershed Protection AllianceLO Lake OntarioMDNR Michigan Department of Natural ResourcesNDZ No Discharge ZoneNGO Non-governmental organizationNOAA National Oceanic and Atmospheric AdministrationNRCS Natural Resource Conservation ServiceNYACD New York Association of Conservation DistrictsNYS New York StateNYSDAM New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets


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NYSDEC New York State Department of Environmental ConservationNYSDOH New York State Department of HealthNYSDOS New York State Department of StateNYSDOT New York State Department of TransportationNYSERDA New York State Energy Research and Development AuthorityNYSG New York Sea GrantNYSPPI New York State Pollution Prevention InstituteODW Ohio Division of WildlifeOGS New York State Office of General ServicesOMNR Ontario Ministry of Natural ResourcesOOWPA Oak Orchard Watershed Protection AllianceOPRHP New York State Office of Parks, Recreation, and Historic PreservationPAH Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbonsPBDEPCB

Polybrominated diphenyl ethersPolychlorinated biphenyls

PFBC Pennsylvania Fish & Boat CommissionPRISM Partnerships for Regional Invasive Species ManagementRAC Remedial Advisory CommitteeRAP Remedial Action PlanREDC Regional Economic Development CouncilRIBS Rotating Integrated Basin StudiesSCORP Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation PlanSLRWP St. Lawrence River Watershed PartnershipSSO Sanitary sewer overflowSUNY ESF State University of New York College of Environmental Science and ForestrySWCD Soil & Water Conservation DistrictTMDL Total Maximum Daily LoadTNC The Nature ConservancyUSFWS U.S. Fish & Wildlife ServiceUSGSWWTP

United States Geological SurveyWastewater Treatment Plant


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___________________________________New Yorks Great Lakes Action Agenda DRAFT 2013

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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Numerous government and private organizations have worked for many years to achieve economicrenewal and environmental restoration within New Yorks Great Lakes Basin. In 2009, the Federalgovernment reinvigorated the national priority of restoring the Great Lakes through the Great Lakes

Restoration Initiative (GLRI). Answering the call to action under the GLRI, New York has madesignificant progress. This Action Agenda brings together many existing environmental, social andeconomic goals previously identified for New Yorks Great Lakes St. Lawrence River region, using anintegrated ecosystem-based management approach. New investment and coordinated action canimprove the health of the ecosystem, enhance economic vitality across the region, and yield importantbenefits for major upstate urban centers such as Buffalo, Rochester, Syracuse and Watertown, as wellas waterfront communities all along the lakes and rivers of the region. We need to strengthenpartnerships to attain identified goals, and to leverage needed funding from federal, state and othersources.

This Action Agenda is not a new planning exercise, but rather is a synthesis of numerous existingplans, developed over many years, that established a range of important restoration, protection, and

sustainable development goals for New Yorks Great Lakes - St. Lawrence River region. The tenpriority goals, and many of the identified actions, are drawn from those plans, and are aligned with thepriorities in the GLRI. These goals establish a framework for New Yorks near-term priorities.

This Agenda:

Highlights the most urgent actions needed to achieve resiliency, restoration, and sustainablemanagement outcomes for New Yorks Great Lakes to benefit our communities;

Promotes coordination between the multiple entities implementing these actions; and

Seeks to leverage the capacity and financial resources needed to take action.

This Action Agenda is envisioned to be a living document that can be updated as needed.Engagement with the regions stakeholders is critical in identifying the most appropriate and highpriority actions needed to accomplish each goal.

Clearly, no one agency or entity has the resources to single-handedly achieve the regions desiredecosystem outcomes. This Action Agenda seeks an integrative approach by bringing together andrallying the diverse capacity and talents of the regions stakeholders, including federal and stateagencies, local government, not-for-profit organizations, academia, business and citizens.

VISION

To ensure that the quality of life and standard of living of people are improved by evolving a sharedvision of the Great Lakes ecosystem so that societys actions and attitudes strengthen the viability andsustainability of this ecosystems unique and valuable resources.


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INTRODUCTION

THAT sentiment of the human heart which experiences pleasure in the sublime andthe beautiful in nature, can find on the waters of the Great Lakes and in their environmenta wealth of enjoyment that is offered nowhere else on the globe.1

The Great Lakes - St. Lawrence River Basin is an incredible asset of state, national and internationalsignificance. The freshwater resources of the Great Lakes are invaluable to two countries. Thedrainages of Lakes Ontario and Erie and the Niagara and St. Lawrence Rivers are complexecosystems that support important habitats and biological communities, and comprise a vital part ofNew Yorks natural and cultural heritage and economy. Within New York, these basins total over 700miles of shoreline and 40% of the States surface area second largest among all Great Lakes states.These watersheds encompass much of the geography of New York State, and consist of a rich diversityof communities and natural resources. The combination of diverse topography and geologic formationswith abundant precipitation forms the basis for a complex system of groundwater and surface waters,which sustains an array of dependent ecosystems, including springs, streams, wetlands, nearshore andoffshore habitats. Over 4 million New Yorkers utilize the regions waterbodies as a source of drinking

water, for recreational activities, support agricultural production, transport people and goods, and forcountless other activities.

Attention to the ecological health of the Great Lakes has a long history. The Boundary Waters Treatyof 1909 was the first to establish principles for international cooperation to sustainably manage sharedwaters. The treaty was followed by the bi-national Niagara River Water Diversion Treaty of 1950; theConvention on Great Lakes Fisheries of 1954, which created the Great Lakes Fishery Commission; andthe Great Lakes Basin Compact of 1955, which created the Great Lakes Commission and yielded theGreat Lakes - St. Lawrence River Ecosystem Charter in 1995.

Concerns in the early 1960s about deteriorated conditions in the lakes led to lengthy negotiationsbetween the national governments of the United States and Canada. The ground-breaking 1972 Great

Lakes Water Quality Agreement (GLWQA) established cooperative programs to address water qualityimpairments, particularly phosphorus and bacteria from municipal and industrial sources. The

Agreement set, on a bi-national basis, basin-wide water quality objectives and included commitments todesign, implement and monitor municipal and industrial pollution control programs, in conjunction withstate and provincial governments. A revised Agreement, signed in 1978, added the goal ofvirtuallyeliminating the discharge of persistent toxic substances, as well as a broader goal "to restore andmaintain the chemical, physical, and biological integrity of the waters of the Great Lakes BasinEcosystem." The GLWQA and its amendments remain in effect today and guide many of our activities.

A solid body of good work and environmental improvement has taken place since the bi-nationalagreements were first signed. An array of governance structures, advisory bodies and scientificorganizations has been established. Numerous analyses and studies have taken place, and an

equivalent number of plans and strategies have been prepared to point the way to progress.Government at all levels, academia, and non-governmental organizations on both sides of the borderhave dedicated significant financial resources, and have successfully taken actions to improveenvironmental conditions in the Great Lakes.

1History of the Great Lakes, .J. B. Mansfield, ed., Volume I, 1899, p 10.


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Despite this progress, considerable work remains to becompleted to fulfill the many restoration and protection goalsfor the Basin. Unfortunately, as a result of piecemealimplementation activities and limited funding over many years,our collective efforts in the Basin have yet to achieve thefundamental promise of the Clean Water Act to restore andmaintain the chemical, physical and biological integrity of theNations waters. Emerging issues, such as climate change,environmental justice concerns, deposition of air-borne toxics,sustainable water quantity management, invasive species andpharmaceuticals found in our water bodies have broughtattention to the need to address growing threats to human andecosystem well-being. Adequate public funding has not beenconsistently available to tackle the many actions that havebeen identified in the various Great Lakes plans, programs andstrategies. President Obamas Great Lakes RestorationInitiative (GLRI), enacted in 2009, brought a renewed federalcommitment to restoring and protecting the Great Lakes-St.Lawrence River. Sustained federal investments in GLRI on amulti-year basis will be important to effectively implement plansfor Great Lakes revitalization.

Over many decades, the Great Lakes region has been ineconomic transition. The regions urban centers share many ofthe same characteristics and problems experienced by other older industrial urban economiesthroughout the rust belt. The economic stalwarts of the past, manufacturing and the use of waterwaysfor transportation, have experienced declines. Contaminated industrial sites, job loss, demographicshifts, vacant property, and suburbanization have contributed to the economic stress and challengesfaced by the regions urban centers. By emphasizing urban redevelopment and making importantstrategic investments, drawing on their existing competitive economic assets, these communities canaccomplish their locally-driven community and economic goals consistent with the environmentalrestoration goals envisioned by the GLWQA.

To meet the challenges we still face in the Great Lakes Basin and to use our limited funding mosteffectively, New Yorks Great Lakes Action Agenda will promote successful environmental protection,restoration and sustainable development in a manner that: 1) addresses needed actions on a prioritybasis, 2) provides for maximum coordination and collaboration between the many implementing entitiesthroughout the region, and 3) seeks to identify the capacity and financial resources needed to act onthe identified priorities.

Climate change, sound science and ecosystem-based management are key cross-cutting Statepriorities integrated into this Action Agenda. Overwhelming scientific evidence shows that New YorkStates air and water quality, forests, fish and wildlife habitats, people and communities are at risk from

climate change. Continental-scale changes in climate may result in such impacts as changing lakeconditions and lake levels, decreased winter ice cover, increased lake-effect snow events, and relatedwater-management, navigation, and hydroelectric production issues. Longer shipping seasons mayprovide more opportunity for the introduction of invasive species.2 Changes in the regionstemperatures could affect fish communities, commercial and recreational fishing and the tree

2Rosenzweig, C., W. Solecki, A. DeGaetano, M. O'Grady, S. Hassol, P. Grabhorn (Eds.). 2011.Responding to Climate Change in New York

State: The ClimAID Integrated Assessment for Effective Climate Change Adaptation.Synthesis Report. New York State Energy Research

and Development Authority (NYSERDA), Albany, New York.

Ecosystem-based managementmeans an integrated approach tomanagement that considers theentire ecosystem, including

humans, to achieve improvedenvironmental conditions andsustained ecosystem services thatsupport human needs and socialgoals. Ecosystem-basedmanagement differs from currentapproaches that usually focus on asingle species, sector, activity orconcern; it considers thecumulative impacts of differentsectors, including human, socialand economic activities.

from the Scientific Consensus

Statement on Marine Ecosystem-

Based Management (2005)
http://www.nyserda.ny.gov/climaidhttp://www.nyserda.ny.gov/climaidhttp://www.nyserda.ny.gov/climaidhttp://www.nyserda.ny.gov/climaidhttp://www.nyserda.ny.gov/climaidhttp://www.nyserda.ny.gov/climaid


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composition ofthe regions forests. Recognizing therelationship between the Great Lakes ecosystem and climatechange, the Action Agenda seeks to support the States dualclimate change goals: to mitigate climate change, throughreductions in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions andenhancement of carbon sinks, and to adapt to the expectedeffects of climate change.

In an effort to promote a more integrated response toecosystem problems, a 2006 New York State law3 directedState agencies to employ ecosystem-based management(EBM) principles in agency programs. Within this Action

Agenda key EBM principles have been used to guide NewYorks future restoration, protection and conservation actions.

Sound scientific information and decision-making is theunderpinning that supports all the Great Lakes Action Agendasgoals and actions. Because of its relative importance tonumerous objectives, it has been specifically identified as across-cutting goal.

All State agencies, local governments, scientific andeducational institutions and other stakeholders are key partnersthat can help achieve the Action Agenda goals and priorityactions. Through collaborative governance and ecosystem-based decision-making, we will be more effective in ourplanning and implementing our identified protection, restorationand development objectives. Integrating international, national,state and local goals and objectives will help ensure successfullong-term sustainability and ecosystem health. Through asuccessful, coordinated effort, New Yorks Great Lakes region

will be economically stronger and more ecologically resilient for future generations.

3New York Ocean and Great Lakes Ecosystem Conservation Act , Article 14, New York State Environmental Conservation Law.

The Great Lakes are one of Americas most importantand often-overlookednatural features.[T]herestoration of the Great Lakes would yield numerous direct, specific economic benefits: Restoring the lakes willlead to direct economic benefits of $6.511.8 billion dollars from tourism, fishing, and recreationaloneRestoring the Great Lakes will directly raise coastal property values $12 billion to $19 billion byremediating Areas of Concern (AOCs)Restoring the Great Lakes will reduce costs to municipalities by $50 to$125 million dollars All told, the direct economic benefits of restoring the Great Lakes total at least $50billion.

Is an expenditure of this magnitude [$26 billion] worth it? With so much at stake, the restoration plan [GreatLakes Restoration Strategy] clearly seems to be a worthwhile, indeed necessary, investment.

John C. Austin, Soren Anderson, Paul N. Courant, Robert E. Litan, September 2007, "Healthy Waters, Strong

Economy: The Benefits of Restoring the Great Lakes Ecosystem" and Americas North Coast: A Benefit-

Cost Analysis of a Program to Protect and Restore the Great Lakes, The Brookings Institution.

Principles of Ecosystem-based

Management

Place-based focus

Protection of ecosystem

structure, function and key

processes

Interconnectedness within andamong systems

Integration of ecological,

social, economic and

institutional perspectives

Sustainable human use of theecosystem

Stakeholder involvement

Collaboration

Scientific foundation for

decision-making

Adaptive management


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WATERSHEDS OF NEW YORKS GREAT LAKES BASIN

Place-based, integrated and scientifically-grounded management of natural resources, human activitiesand environmental quality are fundamental elements of EBM which guide this Action Agenda. ManyState and Federal programs have increasingly recognized that specific ecosystem resources can be

more effectively managed through planning and implementation at a watershed scale. Using awatershed approach, managers have the advantage of being able to consider common variables,geographic features, history and the many linkages and relationships between aquatic environments,their associated terrestrial watersheds and the range of human activities affecting those areas.

New York's portion of the Great Lakes Basin can be divided into four sub-basins in order to moreeffectively organize future implementation efforts and to address important characteristics unique toeach of them: Lake Erie (including the Niagara River); Southwest Lake Ontario (including the GeneseeRiver); southeast Lake Ontario (including the Seneca, Oneida, and Oswego Rivers); and NortheastLake Ontario (including the St. Lawrence and Black Rivers).4

4Geographic descriptions can be found at:http://www.dec.ny.gov/animals/30483.html.


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NEW YORKS GREAT LAKES ACTION AGENDA

The ten priority goals identified in this Action Agenda are drawn from numerous existing plans,developed over many years, which have established restoration, protection, and sustainabledevelopment goals for the Great Lakes and New York State (see Appendix 1). In the following pages,challenge statements for each goal provide the context and define the issues. The goals are intended

to establish a framework for specific strategic actions that need to be undertaken in the near-term. ThisAgenda was purposely developed to align with the priorities identified in President Obamas GreatLakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI).

To be effective, we need to move beyond the aspirational goals and objectives embodied in the existingplans for the Great Lakes and define the most urgent concrete actions and measurable targets thatshould be undertaken in the near term. Active stakeholder engagement will continually update this

Action Agenda, and will contribute to the identification of additional specific priority actions that shouldbe included. As highlighted in the Coordination Approach section of this document, work plans will bedeveloped by regionally-focused workgroups to guide implementation of the Agenda at the local level.These work plans will be based on the priority goals and actions set forth in this Agenda, but will belocally relevant including such detailed project-level information such as timelines, project lead

information, and total funding required per project.


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PRIORITY GOALS

CLEAN UP POLLUTION SOURCES AND RESTORE BENEFICIAL USES

1. Virtually Eliminate Discharges of Persistent Toxic Substances to protect biological and humanhealth.

2. Control Sediment, Nutrient and Pathogen Loadings so that drinking water quality is protected,desired aquatic biotic communities flourish, humans and wildlife are protected from coastlinehealth hazards, and natural processes are sustained.

3. Accelerate the Delisting of New Yorks Areas of Concern5by implementing actions focused onrestoring beneficial uses impaired by pollutants.

CONSERVE NATURAL RESOURCES

4. Combat Invasive Species to sustain a healthy Great Lakes ecosystem and to maintain diverse

economic and recreational opportunities.

5. Conserve and Restore Native Fish and Wildlife Biodiversity and Habitats to achieve and sustainresilient ecosystems and vibrant economies.

6. Conserve Great Lakes Water Supplies in a manner that recognizes the renewable but finitesupply of the waters of the Great Lakes Basin for the long-term sustainable use and enjoymentof the public.

PROMOTE RESILIENT COASTAL COMMUNITIES & SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

7. Enhance Coastal Resiliency and Ecosystem Integrity through restoration, protection, andimproved resource management.

8. Promote Smart Growth, Redevelopment and Adaptive Reuse to create a sustainable andvibrant economy in the Great Lakes ecosystem.

9. Enhance Recreation and Tourism Opportunities that capitalize on the rivers and lakes, beauty,and the natural and cultural resources that defines the character of the Great Lakes - St.Lawrence River region.

10. Plan for Energy Development consistent with natural resource conservation and supportive ofthe States energy and climate change goals.

5Areas of Concern (AOCs) are specific geographic areas where signif icant pollution problems have been identified as impairing beneficial

uses such as swimming, eating fish, or drinking water. New Yorks current AOCs are the Buffalo River, Niagara River, Eighteen Mile Creek,

Rochester Embayment, and St. Lawrence River at Massena. A sixth AOC, Oswego River/Harbor was delisted in 2006.


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CROSS-CUTTING PRIORITIES

An effective response to Great Lakes challenges demands a broad array of expertise and depth ofresources beyond what any single agency or organization can contribute. Furthermore, it requiresbroad-based public support and a solid understanding of issues and how to address them. To most

effectively address the multi-faceted challenges of NYs dynamic Great Lakes basin, three cross-cuttingrecommendations have been identified that will guide and support successful implementation of the

Agendas Priority Goals. Cross-cutting actions are included below each recommendation to provideadditional substance and direction.

Promote partnerships and coordinated action among organizations.Leveraging resources, expertise, and manpower through partnerships and coordinated action isessential to achieving our shared vision for NYs Great Lakes basin. Organizations working torestore and protect the Great Lakes ecosystem - including federal, state, provincial and localagencies, non-profit organizations, educational institutions, and private entities will requirenew mechanisms for communication and collaboration that encourage these diverse groups to

work collaboratively toward well-known, common goals while building organizational capacity.

Support regional watershed groups and alliances to facilitate implementation of moreeffective and efficient resource actions at the local government level.

Enhance coordination of watershed plan implementation within the basin. Institute a sustainable mechanism or entity to oversee coordination of the Great Lakes

Basin Partnership. Reinvigorate the NYS Coalition of Great Lakes Legislators and the Great Lakes Basin

Advisory Council to strengthen New York State leadership in Great Lakes decision-making processes and policy development.

Enhance coordinated science, monitoring and information management.To better understand and address our regions most pressing natural resource issues andvulnerabilities, the study, monitoring, and documentation of environmental conditions isrequired. Research and monitoring programs are critical in providing information on airdeposition, climate change, the status of wildlife and habitats, invasive species and waterquality, and to increase management effectiveness. The findings of scientific research andlong-term monitoring will inform better management planning and decision-making for GreatLakes resources. The wealth of scientific information and plans for the Great Lakes may becompelling, but their value will not be realized if they are not accessible, widely known, and putto good use. Furthermore, projects that employ an adaptive management approach, wherepractitioners learn by doing, achieve the most impressive and sustainable outcomes, while alsocontributing to improved future project designs.

Identify and prioritize research needs that are consistent with state and federal priorities,foster collaboration, and support adaptive management activities.

Enhance the use of SUNY Centers of Excellence and extension programs to providespecialized public policy, scientific and technical assistance.

Convene an annual Great Lakes scientific summit to enhance communication andapplication of research findings throughout the basin.

Develop information management mechanism to track and document results of scientificresearch and conservation projects occurring in NYS's Great Lakes basin.


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Support environmental education and outreach initiatives.Environmental education is essential to increase public understanding of Great Lakesresources, build support for needed actions, and encourage future stewardship by user groups.To make progress in a manner that maintains the strategic vision, stakeholders and the generalpublic need readily accessible information about the state of each lake and its ecosystem,

including existing conditions, stressors and their trends, progress over time, and emergingissues. Similarly, support for Great Lakes stewardship efforts will be enhanced through aconcerted outreach effort that targets a diversity of audiences, including students, electedofficials, and residents throughout the basin.

Coordinate and provide learning opportunities for government decision makers at alllevels to integrate ecosystem-based management principles into decision-makingactivities.

Increase environmental education staffing to increase understanding of and appreciationfor Great Lakes ecosystems.

Synthesize and publicize existing information on conditions in Lake Erie and LakeOntario ecosystems and the Niagara and St. Lawrence Rivers.

Develop Great Lakes educational resources, interpretation programs and curriculumdevelopment toolkits.

Support campaigns that build understanding of and appreciation for Great Lakesecosystems, environmental stewardship, place-based knowledge, the impact ofindividual and cumulative human behavior on ecosystem health, and best practices.


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AGENDA ORGANIZATION

For each goal, priority actions are organized to correspond to the adaptive management cycle aspresented by The Conservation Measures Partnerships Open Standards for the Practice of

Conservation

6

. Adaptive management is a structured, iterative decision-making process designed toachieve measurable conservation results while maximizing learning opportunities that inform futureproject development. It is also a leading principle of ecosystem-based management, recognizing theimportance of scientifically-based decision making, and stakeholder involvement and outreach.

Diagram 1. The five main steps within an adaptive management cycle.

Where applicable, priority actions listed under each goal below are organized sequentially, tocorrespond to the five steps of the adaptive management cycle.

Adaptive Management Step Action Agenda Strategy Key

1. Conceptualize Research/ Assessment

2. Plan Actions and Monitoring Monitoring/ Planning3. Implement Actions and Monitoring Action by Category4. Analyze, Use, Adapt Evaluation5. Capture and Share Learning Education/ Outreach

6The Conservation Measures Partnership (2007). Open Standards for the Practice of Conservation.

http://www.conservationmeasures.org/initiatives/standards-for-project-management.

2. Plan Actions andMonitoringDevelop goals. strategt&sassumptions, and objedivesDevelopmonitoring planDevelop operational plan

3. Implement Actionsand MonitoringDevelop Wlic plan

4. Analyze, Use,Adapt

DocumenlleamingShare learningCreate learning environment

5. Capture and ShareLearning
http://www.conservationmeasures.org/initiatives/standards-for-project-managementhttp://www.conservationmeasures.org/initiatives/standards-for-project-managementhttp://www.conservationmeasures.org/initiatives/standards-for-project-management


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Goal 1: Virtually Eliminate Discharges of Persistent Toxic Substances to protectbiological and human health.

Challenge:

Throughout much of the 20th century, industrial development supported the economy and prosperity ofthe Great Lakes region. One unfortunate legacy of this industrial activity is the well-documentedcontamination in places such as Buffalo, Niagara Falls, Rochester and Massena. Persistent,bioaccumulative toxic substances that were released into the environment include mercury,polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), Mirex, chlorinated dioxins, dieldrin, dioxins/furans, and others. Theoccurrence of these substances in the environment have necessitated restrictions on humanconsumption of fish and disposal of dredged sediments, and pose continued risks to the publics healthand to wildlife. Due to the persistence of these contaminants, removal of new inputs will not suffice toeliminate the ecological impacts of formerly discharged substances. Continued source control andadditional remediation activities are needed. In certain cases, natural attenuation or biodegradationand periodic monitoring may be the most viable response actions.

While the presence of legacy pollutants in waters and sediments of the Great Lakes basin havegenerally been declining, a variety of new substances of emerging concerncould significantly impactbiological and human health within the region. Chemicals used in manufacturing, agriculture, and indomestic settings, which may have negative human and/or ecological health effects, are now beingdetected in Great Lakes fish and other media. These chemicals include brominated flame retardants,brominated degreasing and dry-cleaning fluids, chlorinated compounds, fluorinated compounds,pharmaceuticals, personal care products, current-use pesticides, and other compounds.

The continued presence of toxic substances in Great Lakes fish serves as a reminder that despite themany regulatory and remediation efforts of the past decades, there is much more work to do.

Additional clean-up and prevention of exposure to past discharges remains a fundamental priority.

Goal 1 - Prior i ty Ac t ions:

To achieve the goal of virtually eliminating discharges of persistent toxic substances, implementation ofthe following priority actions is needed:

7Objectives are drawn from numerous existing plans, and state and federal priorities, as identified in Appendix 1.

8Milestones are provided to exemplify which actions and deliverables may help us achieve each objective. Most milestones have not

been developed in collaboration with stakeholders and so will be subject to review and modification during public review activities.

# Strategy Objective7

Milestone8

Desired Outcome LeadSupp

Goa

1.1 Assessment/Research

Research the effects of emergingchemicals of concern (e.g.pharmaceuticals) on NYs Great Lakes fishand wildlife.

2017: Complete researchstudy.

Understand the effectsof emerging chemicalsof concern on fish andwildlife.

GLRC 3, 5


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9CC indicates that this action supports climate change adaptation and/or mitigation strategies.

10XC indicates that this action supports cross-cutting priorities (pg 12).

#Strategy Objective Milestone Desired Outcome Lead

SuppGoa


Complete a basinwide characterization ofWWTP effluent to assess levels of legacy(PCBs) and emerging contaminants(PBDEs, pharmaceuticals) that aredischarged.

2015: Complete study.2017: Utilize study resultsto evaluate effectiveness ofcollection programs andother contaminantreduction strategies.

Quantify contaminantlevels discharged fromWWTPs.

NYSDOH,NYSDEC

5, 9

1.3 Monitoring/Planning

Investigate the use of coal tar within theGreat Lakes basin and develop reductionstrategies to reduce associated polycyclicaromatic hydrocarbon (PAH)contamination.

2013: Investigationcompleted and reductionstrategies identified

Understand coal tarsrole in local PAH levels

NYSDEC 3


Identify areas of contaminated sedimentsand groundwater, and quantify dischargeto surface waters in order to directremedial actions where needed andfeasible.

2015: Assessments in highpriority areas completed.2017: Remediation actionsunderway

Remediation ofcontaminated areaswithin AOCs

NYSDEC 3, 9


Assess the concentrations andsignificance of contaminants (e.g.persistent organic pollutants, mercury,pesticides, metals) and emerging

chemicals of concern (e.g.pharmaceuticals) in NYs Great Lakes fish,wildlife, and vulnerable fish-consumingpopulations.

2015: NYSDOH baselinecontaminant level studycompleted2017: Assessments

completed for all AOCsOngoing: Assess other highpriority areas, includingareas with contaminationnot attributed to AOCs.

A better understandingof legacy and emergingcontaminant exposurelevels, and the

geographic andtemporal trends ofcontaminants in GreatLakes wildlife andhuman populations.

NYSDEC(wildlife),NYSDOH(humans),

NYSERDA(mercury)

1.13, 39

1.6 Action - Project Remediate high priority contaminated sites(e.g., posing risk to public health,vulnerable to climate change impacts, etc).

2015: Remediation projectsunderway.

Prevent toxic dischargesto benefit public andenvironmental health.

NYSDEC 3, CC9

1.7 Action - Project Reduce discharge of chemicals of concernfrom stormwater and CSOs throughintegrated strategies (e.g. greeninfrastructure, infrastructural solutions, etc)

2017: Implementstormwater control projects,based on assessment(1.3).

Reduced chemicaldischarges fromstormwater

Various 2, 3, 59

1.8 Action - Project Significantly reduce toxic chemical usefrom industrial and commercial sources byproviding tax incentives, loans and grants

to New York businesses, as well as directtechnical assistance through the New YorkState Pollution Prevention Institute, thestates network of ManufacturingExtension Partnership centers, and otherprograms.

2017: Reduce toxicchemical use from 10industrial or commercial

sources.

Toxic chemical use isdecreasing across basin

NYSPPI 3

1.9 Action -Regulation

Implement actions to achieve TMDLs formercury and PCBs within waterbodysegments on New York States 303d list.

Varies: Set and meetTMDL schedules.

Improvement inparameters of concern

NYSDEC 3


Establish No Discharge Zonesthroughout the States Great Lakes watersto prevent dumping of biological wastesand harmful bio-treatment chemicals.

2017: Establish NDZs forNY Great Lakes basin

NDZs are establishedfor target areas in GLbasin

NYSDEC,EPA

9

1.11 Evaluation Monitor mercury air concentrations anddeposition to track the effectiveness ofregional mercury emission reduction

programs.

Ongoing: Trends arereported every 3 years

Mercury levels aredecreasing

AtmosphericMercuryNetwork,

NYSDEC1.12 Education/

OutreachProvide outreach and education to thecommunity, schools and other institutionson green chemistry, green engineering,and other pollution prevention practices,and the impact of pollution on our healthand ecosystems.

2017: Hold __outreach/educationalevents.

Pollution preventionpractices areimplemented by targetgroups

NYSDEC,NYSPPI

XC10


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#Strategy Objective Milestone Desired Outcome Lead

SuppGoa

1.13 Education/Outreach

Enhance the New York State Departmentof Health Consumption Advisorycommunication and outreach.

Ongoing: Expand andcontinue collaborating witha diverse network ofpartners including state,federal, tribal, and localpartners.

Inform all anglers andeveryone who eats sportfish about the NYSDOHfish consumptionadvisories; increaseunderstanding of the

advisories; increase thenumber of people whofollow advisoryguidance.

NYSDOH,BNRK,NYSDEC

XC


Ensure the safe disposal of e-waste andhousehold hazardous waste throughcommunity education and collectionprograms, and the promotion of productstewardship initiatives.

2017: Hold _ collectionevents.

Increasing trends inproper waste disposal

NYSDEC XC


Prevent the discharge of pharmaceuticalsfrom major sources through communityeducation and collection programs, and bypromoting best management practices andprocess changes at health careinstitutions, livestock and food industries,and other manufacturers.

2017: Dischargesprevented or reduced from10 major sources.

Pharmaceuticaldischarges are reduced

NYSDEC,NYSDOH

XC


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Goal 2: Control Sediment, Nutrient and Pathogen Loadings so that drinking water qualityis protected, desired aquatic biotic communities flourish, humans and wildlife are protectedfrom coastline health hazards, and natural processes are sustained.

Challenge:

Although water quality in the open waters of the lakes has greatly improved in recent decades, itremains an ongoing concern in the nearshore environment, where most people interact with the water.Poor water quality in nearshore areas, including embayments (bays, river mouths and wetlands),impacts aquatic life, limits recreational use, and ultimately affects economic development in the region.Both Lake Ontario and Erie suffer from pathogens, nutrient loading, and algal blooms. Phosphorusremains a key issue in Lake Erie. While inputs of total phosphorus to Lake Erie have remainedrelatively constant over the past 15 years, the combined impacts of changing agricultural practices,stormwater and wastewater management processes, zebra and quagga mussel impacts on nutrientdynamics in the nearshore areas, timing of major storms, and changes in the food web have resulted ina significant increase in dissolved reactive phosphorus, a type of phosphorus that is readily bioavailableand has been implicated in the recent increase of harmful algal blooms in Lake Eries western basin.

Pollutants enter the lakes via rivers, precipitation, atmospheric deposition, sewage treatment plantoutfalls, combined sewer overflows, waste sites, on-site septic systems, contaminated sediment andsurface runoff and groundwater discharge from urban and agricultural areas. Therefore a diversity ofstrategies is required to adequately manage these unwanted inputs. Priorities for controlling sediment,nutrient, and pathogen loadings include:

Gain a better understanding of nearshore effects from nutrient loading and linkages to land-based sources to inform target locations for management actions.

Reduce phosphorus loading and associated harmful algal blooms, excessive nutrient run-offand shoreline erosion through point source and non-point source pollution control.

Develop watershed plans (e.g. EPA Nine-Element plans) to reduce nutrient and pathogenloadings, including development of any data needs for those plans.

Develop mitigation plans for combined sewer overflows (CSOs) to reduce microbiologicalcontamination found at beaches and resulting beach closures. Mitigation plans should accountfor the expected increase of severe weather events resulting from climate change.

Investments in land use planning and management, water reuse and recycling, greeninfrastructure11 and traditional engineered solutions are needed to improve wastewatermanagement.

To best target the most needed water quality improvements in the near term, existing plans andassessments should be used to target actions to the locations with the most severe impairments or thegreatest need, such as impaired waterbody segments included in New York State WaterbodyInventory/Priority Waterbodies Lists12, the Intended Use Plan for the Clean Water State RevolvingFund, LaMPs, RAPs and watershed programs and plans.

11The network of existing and to be restored natural lands that provide ecosystem services, such as the provision for clean water.

12The following documents provide the listings of impaired waters within the Great Lakes Basin:

http://www.dec.ny.gov/docs/water_pdf/pwlblcklist.pdf

http://www.dec.ny.gov/docs/water_pdf/pwlgeneslist.pdf

http://www.dec.ny.gov/docs/water_pdf/pwllontlist.pdf

http://www.dec.ny.gov/docs/water_pdf/pwlniag10list.pdf

http://www.dec.ny.gov/docs/water_pdf/pwlorfllist.pdfhttp://www.dec.ny.gov/docs/water_pdf/pwlstlwlist.pdf
http://www.dec.ny.gov/docs/water_pdf/pwlblcklist.pdfhttp://www.dec.ny.gov/docs/water_pdf/pwlblcklist.pdfhttp://www.dec.ny.gov/docs/water_pdf/pwlgeneslist.pdfhttp://www.dec.ny.gov/docs/water_pdf/pwlgeneslist.pdfhttp://www.dec.ny.gov/docs/water_pdf/pwllontlist.pdfhttp://www.dec.ny.gov/docs/water_pdf/pwllontlist.pdfhttp://www.dec.ny.gov/docs/water_pdf/pwlniag10list.pdfhttp://www.dec.ny.gov/docs/water_pdf/pwlniag10list.pdfhttp://www.dec.ny.gov/docs/water_pdf/pwlorfllist.pdfhttp://www.dec.ny.gov/docs/water_pdf/pwlorfllist.pdfhttp://www.dec.ny.gov/docs/water_pdf/pwlstlwlist.pdfhttp://www.dec.ny.gov/docs/water_pdf/pwlstlwlist.pdfhttp://www.dec.ny.gov/docs/water_pdf/pwlstlwlist.pdfhttp://www.dec.ny.gov/docs/water_pdf/pwlorfllist.pdfhttp://www.dec.ny.gov/docs/water_pdf/pwlniag10list.pdfhttp://www.dec.ny.gov/docs/water_pdf/pwllontlist.pdfhttp://www.dec.ny.gov/docs/water_pdf/pwlgeneslist.pdfhttp://www.dec.ny.gov/docs/water_pdf/pwlblcklist.pdf


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To achieve the goal of controlling sediment, nutrient and pathogen loadings, implementation of thefollowing priority actions is needed:

13Watershed management planning guidance is currently available from a variety of sources, including the EPAsNine-Element Guidance

and the NYS Department of StatesWatershed Planning Guidebook. Selection of a guidance template may vary depending on watershed

condition, project goal, and intended funding source for implementation, among other factors.

# Strategy Objective Milestone Desired Outcome LeadSupp

Goa


Study point and non-point sources ofpathogens and nutrients that have resultedin closures of town, county, and State parkbeaches.

2015: Conduct sanitarysurveys/water qualitymonitoring at publicbeaches to identifypollution sources;recommend pollutionremediation measures; anddevelop predictive modelsof beach water qualitybased on the measurementand analysis ofenvironmental factors.

Prioritization ofsources/beaches forremediation.

NYSDOH,NYSDEC,various

2.10, 9


Study land based sources of nutrients andcorrelative parameters (including spatialand temporal trends) and their effects onthe near shore zone.

2017: Conduct monitoringin LO tributaries andnearshore. Developcorrelative and causalparameters and effects.

Prioritization ofwatersheds with nutrientissues.

NYSDEC,EPA,USGSVarious localentities

3, 9


Complete EBM watershed plans13 for highpriority coastal watersheds.

2015: Identify prioritywatersheds.2017: Secure funding fortwo plans.

Restoration andprotection of waterquality and biodiversity;EBM approacheffectively integrateseconomic development,green infrastructure,smart growth, heritageconservation strategies,etc.

Genesee/Finger LakesRegionalPlanningCouncil,OOWPA,FL-LOWPA,NYSDEC

2.4, 5,


Develop nutrient and sediment reductionstrategies for sub-watersheds within thepriority watersheds (e.g. Genesee R, BlackR, and direct tributaries).

2015: Establish nutrientcriteria and load reductiongoals.2017: Develop nutrient andsediment reductionstrategies for 3 priority sub-watersheds.

Reduced nutrient andsediment loadings.

NYSDEC,other

2.3, 9

2.5 Action - Policy Protect sensitive lands in prioritywatersheds through available land-usecontrols (easements, acquisition,regulatory protections, etc), with anemphasis on riparian restoration andgreen infrastructure.

2013: Identify priority landsand protectionmechanisms.2015: 3 green infrastructurepilot projects.2017: Protect/restore ___ft. of riparian buffers.

Increase infiltrationcapacity and reducestormwater flows.

Various 5, 7

2.6 Action - Project Accomplish needed water infrastructureimprovements that abate or eliminateCSO/SSOs contributing to chemical andbiological pollution within NY GLwatersheds.

2014: Identify/ prioritizeCWSRF loans, grants, andother investment programsfor project implementation.2017: Ten projects

completed or underway.

Reduce deficient publicand commercial septicsystems; Abate oreliminate CSO/SSOs.

Various 3, 5, 9
http://www.epa.gov/region9/water/nonpoint/9elements-WtrshdPlan-EpaHndbk.pdfhttp://www.epa.gov/region9/water/nonpoint/9elements-WtrshdPlan-EpaHndbk.pdfhttp://www.epa.gov/region9/water/nonpoint/9elements-WtrshdPlan-EpaHndbk.pdfhttp://www.dos.ny.gov/communitieswaterfronts/pdfs/Guidebooks/watershed/WatershedPlansGuidebook%20wo%20secretary.pdfhttp://www.dos.ny.gov/communitieswaterfronts/pdfs/Guidebooks/watershed/WatershedPlansGuidebook%20wo%20secretary.pdfhttp://www.dos.ny.gov/communitieswaterfronts/pdfs/Guidebooks/watershed/WatershedPlansGuidebook%20wo%20secretary.pdfhttp://www.dos.ny.gov/communitieswaterfronts/pdfs/Guidebooks/watershed/WatershedPlansGuidebook%20wo%20secretary.pdfhttp://www.epa.gov/region9/water/nonpoint/9elements-WtrshdPlan-EpaHndbk.pdf


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# Strategy Objective Milestone Desired Outcome LeadSuppoGoal

2.7 Action - Project Implement urban and agricultural bestmanagement practices in prioritywatersheds, including: 18-Mile Creek(Niagara County), Oak Orchard Creek,Johnson Creek, Salmon Creek (MonroeCounty).

2014: Acquire/leveragefunding for 3 projects.2017: Implement 3projects.

Restore naturalsediment andphosphorus cycles innearshore waters.

NRCS,SWCDs,NYSDAM

5

2.8 Action - Project Develop an agricultural soil health initiativethat provides incentives and technicalassistance to implement practices such ascover cropping, nutrient management,conservation tillage, and conservationcropping systems.

2014: Initiate partnershipwith USDA to developprogram2016: Program underway

Improve soil health toincreaseinfiltration/waterretention capacity,reduce stormwaterrunoff, reduce need forpesticides, improvesdrought tolerance andcarbon sink properties.

NYSDAM,USDA,SWCDs

CC,1, 6, 7

2.9 Action - Project Enhance and publicize incentives forfarmer participation in agricultureconservation programs (e.g. NYSConservation Reserve EnhancementProgram).

2014: Identify incentives2016: Distribute incentiveinformation to __ farmers.

Increased participationin and implementation ofconservation programs.

NYSDAM ,USDA,SWCDs

CC, 5

2.10 Action - Project Remediate point and non-point sourcepollution that has resulted in closures of

town, county, and State park beaches.

2017: Remediate 3 sources(e.g. mitigating outfalls and

expanding capacity atsewage pump stations,studying and reducingCladophora blooms,identifying water qualityimprovement projects, andreducing nutrient loads intarget watersheds).

Reduced beachclosures.

Various 3, 5, 9


Ensure appropriate point source permitsfor nutrients are implemented andenforced for municipal and industrialwastewater treatment facilities,concentrated animal feeding operationsand municipal separate storm sewersystems within priority watersheds.

2017: Achieve a ___compliance rate.

Enhanced regulationresults in reducedloadings.

NYSDEC 2.4, 3

2.12 Action -

Regulation

Implement actions to achieve numerical

nutrient standards within waterbodysegments on New York States 303d listfor TMDL implementation within GLwatersheds

2017- Achieve numerical

standards for TP TN

Enhanced regulation

results in reducedloadings.

NYSDEC 2.4, 3

2.13 Evaluation Document the benefits achieved throughimplementation of the new State law whichbans phosphorous in detergents andfertilizers.

2017: Report benefits ofregulation.

Increased public supportfor nutrient regulations.

GLRC?


Organize state, county, municipalagencies to propose new urbanstormwater standards for water balancesin new developments, using widelyaccepted LEEDS standards.

2017: Outreach to 10municipalities.

Increasedimplementation of LEEDstormwater standards.

Various 8, XC


Encourage municipalities and (agricultural)landowners to implement flood mitigationactions (e.g. soil health practices, naturalinfrastructure, etc) to reduce peak flows inhigh risk streams.

2017: Outreach to 50municipalities/landowners.

Reduce stormwaterrunoff, sedimentation,and flood risk.

Various 7, XC


Implement educational programs toencourage homeowners and land careproviders to adopt organic land carepractices through the Be Green in theGreat Lakes project and other similarefforts.

2017: Implement 5educational programs.

Reduced nutrient loadsfrom residential sources.

NYSDEC,other

1, XC


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# Strategy Objective Milestone Desired Outcome LeadSuppoGoal


Develop a web-based GIS application thatlets the public query local water bodies fordata, including summarizing information onwater quality and threats, fishcontaminants, pollution sources, andemerging issues in need of research andsurveillance.

2017: Developcomprehensive informationmanagement tool

Increase awareness ofwater quality and relatedissues.

GLC,NYSDEC,OGS

9, XC


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Goal 3: Accelerate the Delisting ofNew Yorks Areas of Concern by implementing actionsfocused on restoring beneficial uses impaired by pollutants.

Challenge:

Areas of Concern (AOCs) were first designated on a binational list more than twenty years ago to

focus federal, state and local government efforts within those designated geographic areas mostimpacted by chemical and other pollution. Since then, the Oswego River is the only AOC in the U.S. tohave been officially delisted. In order to achieve full de-listing of New Yorks other five AOCs, (i.e.,Buffalo River, Niagara River, Eighteen Mile Creek14, Rochester Embayment and the St. Lawrence Riverat Massena) many implementation projects are needed to eliminate the identified beneficial useimpairments (BUIs) specific to each AOC.

In each AOC, the State in cooperation with the AOC Coordinator and local citizens Remedial AdvisoryCommittee (RAC), has developed a Stage 2 Addendum15, or action plan, that describes the problemsand causes of the impairments and recommends various remedial or regulatory measures tosatisfactorily resolve the problems so conditions in the AOC are no longer significantly worse than othercomparable areas in the region. Priority actions needed to restore beneficial uses are described in the

Stage 2 RAP Addendums for each AOC and are available on DECs Great Lakes webpage(http://www.dec.ny.gov/lands/25562.html). These plans will be essential in directing federal funding toaccomplish local restoration projects within each AOC.

To support a de-listing proposal, New York must complete needed management, remedial/restorativeand preventative actions and demonstrate a beneficial use is no longer impaired. When the datashows all BUI delisting targets have been achieved, then DEC can submit a proposal to the EPA andIJC for their review and concurrence, to determine if the AOC designation for that area can be removedin its entirety. New York has created a handbook Guidance for (Re-designation) Delisting of GreatLakes Areas of Concern (AOCs) and their Beneficial Use Impairment (BUI) Indicators in New YorkState to guide local communities and advisory committees through the documentation and reviewprocess.


To achieve the goal of accelerating the delisting of New Yorks Areas of Concern, implementation of th efollowing priority actions is needed:

14Eighteenmile Creek was included on the federal Superfund National Priorities List in 2012.

15In 2012, each AOC developed a Stage 2 Addenda, which is an update to the original Remedial Action Plan that summarizes existing

impairments, their causes, and identifies various actions needed for full restoration.16

Buffalo River Buffalo Niagara Riverkeeper, Niagara River NYSDEC, Eighteenmile Creek Niagara County SWCD, St. Lawrence River at

Massena NYSDEC, Rochester Embayment Monroe County Department of Health


Goa


Reassess the status of impairments ofbeneficial uses in Areas of Concerncaused by chemical pollutants.

2017: Reassess impairmentstatus in NYS AOCs.

Reassessmentinforms priorityremediation actions toachieve BUI removal.

AOCCoordinatingOrgs16

5, 9


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Goa

3.2 Action - Project Establish an integrated monitoringprogram based on GLAA goals to: 1)support implementation of RAPs andLaMPs; 2) detect contaminant trends instream water quality and biologicalindicators (e.g. fish, wildlife, andvulnerable human populations); 3) trackdown sources of toxics and contaminantsof concern; 4) assess managementpractices and biological indicators; 5)support existing NYSDEC monitoringefforts by RIBS and F&W programs.

2015: NYSDOH baseline bio-monitoring project databecome available2017: Establish integratedmonitoring program.

Enhancedunderstanding,protection, andmanagement of NYsportion of Lake Erie,Lake Ontario, NiagaraRiver, St. LawrenceRiver, and each AOC.Data informs AOCremediation anddelisting actions.

NYSDEC,NYSDOH

1, 2, 5

3.3 Action - Project Implement priority actions listed in Stage 2RAP Addenda(http://www.dec.ny.gov/lands/25562.html)for each NYS Area of Concern.

2015: Secure funding toimplement 7 priority actionsamong five AOCs.2017: Five projectscompleted or underway.

Removal of BUIs anddelisting of NY AOCs.

NYSDEC,AOCCoordinatingOrgs

1, 2, 5

3.4 Action - Project Lead aggressive efforts to remediatecontaminated sediments that are the mostsignificant cause of BUIs in each AOC.

2017: Remediation projectsunderway in each AOC.

Removal of BUIs anddelisting of NY AOCs.

NYSDEC 1

3.5 Action - Project Complete needed actions to completecharacterization of beneficial uses in

AOCs

2015: Delisting Documentsfor 7 BUIs among 5 AOCs

2015: Delisting of RochesterEmbayment AOC

Delisting of BUIs inAOCs; Delisting

RochesterEmbayment AOC

RAPCoordinators

NYSDEC

3.6 Action - Project Implement an ecosystem-basedmanagement (EBM) pilot project thatintegrates pollutant reduction strategieswith ecosystem and brownfield restoration,urban redevelopment, and environmentaljustice community revitalization.

2017: Complete Niagara R /Scajaquada Creek EBMdemo project.

Utilize EBM to supportAOC delisting goals.

NYSDEC,BNRK,others

All


Promote collaboration and public outreachto achieve strategic approach, consensusand beneficial results.

Ongoing: Quarterly RACmeetings.2013: Develop AOC- specificoutreach plan.

Collaborative processleverages capacityand resources toachieve delistingcriteria.

AOCCoordinatingOrgs

XC


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Goal 4: Combat Invasive Species to sustain a healthy Great Lakes ecosystem and tomaintain diverse economic and recreational opportunities.

Challenge:

Throughout the Great Lakes, invasive species are considered among the most significant causes ofimpairment to water quality and healthy fish and wildlife populations and habitats.Impacts on native community structure and ecosystem function can lead to dramatically alteredenvironmental conditions with serious socio-economic impacts, and in some instances, may haveimplications for human health.

The ecosystems of the Great Lakes have been altered by past invasive species introductions, andremain vulnerable to future introductions through numerous pathways, such as maritime commerce,aquaculture, trans-basin canals and waterways, recreational activity and commercially sold organisms.More than 180 non-native aquatic species have become established in the Great Lakes, includingzebra and quagga mussels, sea lamprey, and round goby. Terrestrial invasive species include theemerald ash borer, kudzu, and feral pigs. In recent decades the average rate of discovery has been

one species every eight months and the economic losses in the Great Lakes Basin are estimated at $5billion annually.

Preventing the introduction of new invasive species populations is a key State priority for restoring NewYorks AOC habitat-related BUIs, lakewide ecosystem quality and biodiversity objectives, andrevitalizing urban communities. Species with a high potential for introduction in the near future include

Asian carp, golden mussel, northern snakehead, water chestnut, and hydrilla. Newly introducedspecies often go undetected until their populations are large and well-established, facilitated by a lackof natural predators, pests and parasites in the new location; thus, eradication is rarely a viable option.Rapid response and control programs are currently the most effective mechanisms for managinginvasive species.

In addition, anticipated changes in environmental conditions due to climate change will haveconsequences throughout the ecosystems of the Great Lakes Basin. These include land use and waterquality changes, as well as human-induced disturbances which may result in new, or altered, transportand introduction mechanisms and have the potential to increase introduction, establishment anddistribution of invasive species.


To achieve the goal of combating invasive species to sustain a healthy Great Lakes ecosystem,implementation of the following priority actions is needed:


Goa


Evaluate technical alternatives (i.e. in-situbarriers, boat lifts, etc) and their potentiallegal/social/economic implications toensure the region's canals and waterwaysare not vectors for spreading invasivespecies.

2014: Evaluation completed. Development ofenhancedmanagementalternatives for canalsystem.

NYS CanalCorp, GLRC

5, 9, X


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Goa


Conduct a study on the economic impactof invasive species within New York State.

2015: Study completed. Understanding ofeconomic impactsinforms prioritization ofcontrol efforts.

GLRC 5, 9, X


Conduct research to improve earlydetection and management of invasive

species (e.g. identification of likelypathways of invasion, development ofinnovative control tools)

2013: Priority research needsare identified

2015: Five studies arecompleted or underway.

Improved detectionand management

capabilities.

InvasiveSpecies

ResearchInstitute/Cornell U.

5, 9, X


Develop rapid response plans to addresshigh priority invasive species (e.g. AsianCarp).

2013: Complete draft AsianCarp Plan.

Reduced risk ofintroduction andspread of invasives.

NYSDEC,PRISMs

5, 9

4.5 Action -Capacity

Increase enforcement of existing relatedlaws and regulations, e.g. ballast watermanagement, live bait, firewoodimport/movement restrictions and EABquarantine regulations.

2017: Increase enforcementcapacity.

Increased compliancewith laws andregulations

NYSDEC 5, 9


Increase state, regional and local capacityto respond to new or additional invasivespecies discoveries.

2014: Secure funding forresponse activities2015: Facilitate creation of 3regional rapid response

teams

Enhanced state andlocal responsecoordination andcapacity

PRISMs,other

5, 9


Provide technical and financial assistanceto Great Lakes watershed communitiesimpacted by invasive species.

2017: Conduct 3 assistanceprojects (e.g. remove EABinfested or at risk trees,identify and chemically treathigh value urban trees,restore green infrastructureby replacing impacted treeswith non-host species)

Communities haveincreased capacity toaddress invasivespecies.

NYSDEC,PRISMs

5, 9

4.8 Action -Funding

Secure a sustainable source of funding forall Great Lakes PRISMs.

2013: Fund all GL PRISMs Enhanced PRISMcapacity.

NYSDEC 5, 9

4.9 Action - Policy Encourage the development ofenvironmentally protective national ballastwater discharge standards by providinginput to EPA and Coast Guard regulatoryinitiatives.

2017: Discharge standardsare in place.

Reduced introductionsvia ballast water.

NYSDEC 5, 9

4.10 Action - Project Facilitate the development, testing andimplementation of shipboard ballast watertreatment technology for use in freshwaterby participation in the Great Ships'Initiative and Ballast Water Collaborative.

2017: Develop and test twonew technologies.

Development andimplementation ofeffective ballast watertreatment technology.

NYSDEC 5, 9, X

4.11 Action - Project Implement integrated control strategies toaddress high-priority aquatic and terrestrialinvasive species (e.g. sea lamprey,hydrilla, etc).

Reduce impacts ofinvasives on fisheries,recreation, and nativehabitat.

NYSDEC,GLFC, other

5, 9

4.12 Action - Project Implement a demonstration project onecologically sensitive, coastal lands toeffectively control aquatic and terrestrialinvasive species to protect public healthand enhance recreational uses.

2014: Identify and fundproject.2017: Project completed.

Enhancedunderstanding ofmanagementtechniques.

OPRHP,NYSDEC

5, 9

4.13 Action - Project Install boat cleaning stations andinformational kiosks regarding invasivespecies at high-priority public boatlaunches and marinas.

2017: Install 20 educationalkiosks at high-use boatlandings

Reduced spread ofinvasives.

NYSDEC,Paul SmithsCollege, NYNYSG,Finger LakesInstitute

5, 9, X


Enact appropriate regulations to minimizethe introduction and spread of invasivespecies via boats/ motor vehicle transportand commercial activity.

2017: Enact NYS list law Reduce introductionand spread ofinvasives.

NYSDEC 5, 9


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Goa


Improve invasive species datamanagement efforts (e.g. document thedistribution of existing invasive species,conducting forest and water bodyinventories, survey for invasive speciesand diseases in Great Lakes watersheds).

2015: Support NaturalHeritage Programs IMapInvasives initiative andCornell CooperativeExtensions Invasive Speciesprogram.

Improved datamanagement supportscontrol efforts.

NaturalHeritageProgram,CornellCooperativeExtension ISprogram

9


Support federal, state, and county invasivespecies outreach and education initiatives.

2017: Support 10 initiatives. Reduced introductionsand enhancedresponse capacity.

Various 5, 9, X


Develop and implement collaborativesocial marketing campaigns to reduceintroduction of invasive species by livebait.

2017: Develop andimplement a social marketingcampaign.

Reduced introductionsby live bait.

PRISMs,other

5, 9, X


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Goal 5: Conserve and Restore Native Fish and Wildlife Biodiversity and Habitats toachieve and sustain resilient ecosystems and vibrant economies.

Challenge:

The Great Lakes diverse habitatsthe wetlands, the aquatic plant beds, the shoreline and the

extensive network of riparian corridorsare vitally important to the Lakes ecosystem, providingimportant habitat for fish and wildlife, improving water quality, and supporting recreational and otherhuman uses. Wetlands and riparian buffers serve an important role in filtering contaminants fromrunoff, maintaining water quality, and slowing stormwater flows. Freshwater wetlands also provideimportant food sources for many organisms, offer refuge for migratory waterfowl, and serve asbreeding, spawning, and nursery grounds for native fish and wildlife species. Tributaries and nearshorehabitats in the lakes are critical to the reproduction of many Great Lakes fish during their mostvulnerable life stages.

Significant amounts of nearshore and wetlands habitats have been lost or fundamentally altered in theGreat Lakes due to development, incompatible land use, altered hydrology, increased runoff ofnutrients and sediment, invasion by non-native species and unnatural water level regulation by the

International Joint Commission (IJC). It is essential to preserve and restore natural systems andfunctions to ensure that the full range of ecosystem services and uses, including biological,recreational, and scenic values, are maintained and enhanced into the future. Some key conservationpriorities for conserving and restoring biodiversity and habitats include:

Habitat restoration and improvements in aquatic habitat connectivity have been identified as keyobjectives for the restoration of Atlantic salmon, Lake Sturgeon, American eel and Lake Trout inthe 2005 State Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy.

Implementation of Fish Community Objectives (FCOs), designed to balance competing humanuses, including the desire to restore native fish populations such as Lake Trout and deepwaterciscoes, while maintaining a viable, productive sportfishery.

The Lake Ontario LaMP and Binational Biodiversity Conservation Strategy aims to address five

critical threats: incompatible development, invasive species, dams and barriers, non-pointsource pollution, and climate change. A binational biodiversity strategy is also being developedfor Lake Erie, to complement the Lake Erie LaMP.

Successful fish and wildlife management and conservation in the Great Lakes Basin is dependent onmanaging assemblages of species and their habitats, typically on a landscape conservation scale. Thisrequires an inter-jurisdictional, holistic view of ecosystems and strategic habitat conservation which fullyconsiders relationships between species and their habitat needs over the course of their lifecycles,managing land use and the cumulative impact of human activities, thereby best enhancing nativebiodiversity and habitats, as well as managing the impacts of established invasive species wherepossible.


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To achieve the goal of conserving and restoring native fish and wildlife biodiversity and habitats,implementation of the following priority actions is needed:


Goa


Assess possible spawning areas for LakeHerring in the southern embayments ofLake Ontario, to increase fish diversity andto provide an alternative prey source fornative top predators.

2015: Secure project funding Increasedunderstanding oflower food webdynamics.

NYSDEC,USGS,TNC,Cornell DNR

9


Conduct research study to understandhow epilimnetic zooplankton declines,changes in zooplankton communitystructure/distribution are affecting preyfish.


Increasedunderstanding oflower food webdynamics.

GLRC, TNC,USGS,Cornell DNR

9, XC


Define the trophic pathway of botulismtoxin to fish and birds. In particular, arapid, sensitive, and inexpensive assay forquantification of the botulism toxin needsto be developed for tracking the toxins

transmission pathway through the aquaticfood web.


Development ofmanagementpractices to preventand/or predictbotulism outbreaks

GLRC, TNC,USGS,Cornell DNR

9, XC


Assess presence and population effects ofenvironmentally available endocrinedisruptors by determining the prevalenceof intersex individuals in fish populations inthe Great Lakes and selected tributarystreams.


Understanding ofimpacts of endocrinedisruptors on fishpopulations.

GLRC 1, XC


Develop an adaptive monitoring plan todetect, record, and analyze changes in fishand wildlife populations, species range,habitat composition, natural cycles, andfish and wildlife health in order to assessthe impacts of climate change.

2014: Create web-basedclimate change datarepository for NYS.2015: Develop monitoringplan.

Enhancedunderstanding ofimpacts to wildlife as aresult of climatechange.

NYSERDA,NortheasternClimateMonitoringNetwork

CC, XC


Identify and restore lands/waters essentialfor improving terrestrial and aquatic habitatconnectivity.

2015: Identify target habitats2017: Implement project toenhance connectivity

Enhanced connectivityto facilitate speciesmovement andadaptation to climaticchanges.

Various CC, 5.


Support the development andimplementation of the Lake ErieBiodiversity Conservation Strategy.

2014: Strategy is completed Action plan guides LEconservation efforts

NYSDEC XC

5.8 Action - Project Implement recommended actions fortargeted priority locations, as identified inthe Lake Ontario Binational BiodiversityConservation Strategy (e.g., Ontario Bays,Salmon River, Sandy Creeks, Black River,Oswego River, Lakeshore marshes,Irondequoit Creek, Lower Genesee Riverand Braddock Bay).

2017: Implement 5actions/projects

Enhanced protectionof LO water qualityand biodiversity

TNC,USFWS,other

2, 7

5.9 Action - Project Conserve and restore high priority

unprotected and vulnerable lands (e.g.wetlands, shorelines, tributary floodplains,islands and lands buffering coastal andaquatic systems).

2015: Select priority sites for

protection, restoration, and/oracquisition (as identified inNYS Open SpaceConservation Plan , etc)2017: Actions underway toconserve/restore 5 sites

Enhanced

conservation ofnatural systems tosupport wildlifehabitat, recreation,and economicdevelopment.

TNC, others 2, 7

5.10 Action - Project Implement management guidance for stateBird Conservation Areas and ImportantBird Areas in the Great Lakes basin.

2017: Implement projects at 3target BCAs/IBAs.

Enhanced protectionof native birds andtheir habitats.

NYSDEC,Audubon

9


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Goa

5.11 Action - Project Expand the Trees for Tribs program andother riparian enhancement programs (e.g.NYS CREP) in the Great Lakes basin.

2013: Secure funding2014: Start Trees for Tribsprogram

Reduce streambankerosion, increasehabitat, enhanceconnectivity, andfacilitate adaptation toextreme weatherevents.

NYSDEC CC, 2,

5.12 Action - Project Continue efforts to monitor and restoreselected native fish species, includingLake Trout, Atlantic Salmon, LakeSturgeon, American Eel, herring, anddeepwater ciscoes. Efforts include thedevelopment and/or implementation ofrestoration plans, and assessing theeffectiveness of various stockingstrategies, habitat enhancements, speciesstrains, and mitigation measures.

2015: Securing neededfunding and staff2017: Expand and/orimplement newmonitoring/restoration efforts

Native fish populationsare increasing.

NYSDEC,USGS, TNC,OMNR,PAFBC,ODW,MDNR

XC

5.13 Action - Project Map freshwater wetlands for enhancedregulatory protection and restoration.

2017: Complete mapping inhigh priority sub-watersheds.

Enhance regulatoryprotection and informrestoration.

NYSDEC 7

5.14 Evaluation Assess mitigation of potential adverseimpacts to wildlife associated with land-

based and offshore wind farm operations,new hydropower facilities, and otherdevelopment activities.

2017: Complete assessment. Identification of bestmitigation techniques

by development type.

NYSDEC,USFWS,

NYSERDA,GLRC,Audubon

10


Engage sportfishing stakeholders to enlistpublic support for the restoration of nativespecies.

2017: Reach 5,000stakeholders

Increased publicsupport.

NYSDEC,NY SeaGrant

XC


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Goal 6: Conserve Great Lakes Water Supplies in a manner that recognizes the renewablebut finite supply of the waters of the Great Lakes Basin for the long-term sustainable use andenjoyment of the public.

Challenge:

Although New York is a water-rich state, it must continue to strengthen its capabilities to betterunderstand and manage its water resources in the Great Lakes region. This is especially true given thegrowing demand for water, including water for human consumption and energy production. As otherparts of the country experience large changes in drought frequency and intensity, New Yorks waterresources may become a defining economic asset, resulting in the migration of people and businessesinto the State. This may bring economic benefits, but will also present new challenges as pressure onwater resources increases. To maximize potential economic development benefits while conservingprecious water resources into the future, New York should conduct a comprehensive assessment of itswater supplies and uses to better understand the availability, limitations, and allocations of water andhow this water budget intersects with economic and energy development, population growth, andecological health.

The potential for greater pressure, and perhaps unsustainable, use of Great Lakes water resources ledto international actions to ensure that effective safeguards are put into place to protect these resourceson a regional basis. On December 13, 2005, the Great Lakes Governors and Premiers signed twoagreements to protect the waters of the Great Lakes: 1) Great Lakes-St. Lawrence River BasinSustainable Water Resources Agreementand 2) Great Lakes-St. Lawrence River Basin WaterResources Compact. During 2008, New York joined the other Great Lakes states and Congress inratifying the Compact. The Compactprovides a comprehensive management framework for achievingsustainable water use and resource protection in the Great Lakes Basin, including both its surface andgroundwater resources. TheAgreementand the Compactdeal with water supply issues, including out-of basin diversions, the management and regulation of water withdrawals and the assessment ofsignificant impacts due to water withdrawals and consumptive uses.

As required under the Compact, New York established baseline volumes for existing water withdrawalsin December of 2009. The Parties to the CompactandAgreementalso established Goals andObjectives for Water Conservation and Efficient Use, and Water Withdrawal Information Reportingand Management Protocols to be used across the basin. Work is currently underway to developprotocols for cumulative impact assessment of water withdrawals and consumptive uses.

New York must fulfill two near-term deliverables due under theAgreementand Compact:New York needs to adopt water conservation and efficient use program goals and objectivesconsistent with Compact guidance; andBy December 2013, New Yor

Draft- NEW YORK’S GREAT LAKES BASIN: Action Agenda

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