Erie
County
Water
Quality Strategy
Erie County Water Quality Committee
November 2002
Erie County Water Quality Strategy
Table
of Contents
Section A
Introduction
A "Snapshot" of Erie
County, New York
Mission Statement
Functions of the Committee
Statement of Objectives
Section B
Committee Members
Section C
Water Quality Objectives: Projects, Agency, Status, Cost
Section D
New York Drainage Basins
Watersheds of Erie County
Agricultural District Map
Section E
Erie County Tributary Ranking
Section F
Minimum Contents of a County
Water Quality Strategy
Committee Bylaws
Resolution 1 through 3 -- Lead
Agency and Operations
NYS Letter of Support and State
Committee Description
Section G
Completed Projects
Section A
Introduction
A1
Water quality issues, particularly those concerning non-point
pollution, are a great concern for people living in New York State. Government agencies, private sector groups,
and the general public all have a stake in water quality. The citizens of New York State realize the
importance of good quality water for economic, social, and environmental
health.
This document will define the
structure and goals of the Erie County Water Quality Committee (ECWQC). The ECQWC was established in 1992 and is
organized using the format from Guidelines for Establishing County Water
Quality Strategies which was prepared by the New York State Department of
Environmental Conservation and the New York State Soil and Water Conservation
Committee. Minimum contents of a County
Water Quality Strategy as proposed by these guidelines are represented in Section F.
Erie County is rich in water quality
organizations and activities. The
purpose of this committee is to identify existing efforts, and make them known
to each other, without adding another level of bureaucracy. The Committee members intend to maximize
public efforts by various agencies and organizations and provide a resource
that can adapt state and federal programs to local needs.
The ECWQC's interest is to protect
and enhance Erie County's water resources for the improved health and welfare
of the County and its citizens. Through
teamwork, the ECWQC will act as an umbrella structure under which water quality
issues affecting Erie County can be addressed.
The ECWQC upholds a policy of open membership for interested
organizations. The administrative core
uses local agencies with experience in water quality issues.
A
"Snapshot" of Erie County, New York A3
Erie County has a population of
968,532 people (1990 census) and is a unique combination of urban, suburban and
rural communities. The western part of
the County is primarily urban, while a dominant agricultural base exists in the
eastern and southern portions. Suburban
areas are interspersed. Dominant
economic industries of the County include agriculture, manufacturing,
commercial, government and human services (See
Section D). The lake-front city of
Buffalo is the second largest city in New York State, and while the population
of the city declined through the 70's and 80's, suburban and rural areas
continue to experience residential and commercial growth. This population shift from the city to the
suburbs and rural communities is indicative of present U.S. demographic
trends. The County has many potential
water quality problems because of the diversity of human activities and
geologic features.
Glaciers advanced and retreated
several times during the last ice age which resulted in a mixture of
unconsolidated material of various sizes, shapes, and mineral content. The County is divided into two physiographic
provinces. The northern and western
ends of the County are in the Erie-Ontario Lake Plain Province typified by
relatively flat terrain. The southern
and eastern boundaries are in the Allegany Plateau, which is characterized by
steep valley walls and wide ridge tops.
The elevation ranges from 569 feet to 1,935 feet above mean sea level.
Erie County is underlain by bedrock
of the Upper Silurian and the Middle and Upper Devonian periods. The older bedrock is in the northern part of
the County, and becomes progressively younger toward the southern part of the
County.
Erie County lies completely within
the Lake Erie-Niagara River drainage basin (See
Section D). There are 17 major
watersheds in the County and 36 major streams that all drain into Lake Erie or
the Niagara River. The hydrologic
characteristics vary dramatically within and between watersheds. The headwaters of most watersheds are in the
Allegany Plateau. Some watersheds are
found exclusively in the County, while others cross county boundaries (See Section D). A list of watersheds and their tributary
priority ranking is included in Section
E.
Drinking water is supplied to 90% of
the County population from several intake points along Lake Erie and the
Niagara River. The remaining 10% depend
on groundwater from public or private systems.
Water is a very important recreational resource throughout Erie
County. Lake Erie and its tributaries provide
opportunities for swimming, fishing, and boating, thus enhancing tourism and
the quality of life for County residents.
The Lake also provides habitat for many plants and animals, some of
which are endangered. For these
reasons, protecting water is a top priority in Erie County.
The International Joint Commission
(IJC) identified two Areas of Concern (AOC) in Erie County. They are the Buffalo River and the Niagara
River. A Remedial Action Plan (RAP) has
been developed and implemented for the Buffalo River. The Niagara
“Snapshot”
(continued) A4
River
RAP was completed in September of 1994.
Erie County has the highest number of Superfund Sites (active and
inactive hazardous waste dumps) in the State which are in various stages of
remediation. Major concerns to Erie
County residents involve drinking water quality, water supply, pollution
prevention, solid and hazardous waste management, flood control protection, and
general environmental management problems.
The surface and groundwater quality
in Erie County has been greatly impacted because of industry, agriculture,
suburban environments, and densely populated urban areas, although there is
evidence of general improvement. Many
of these problems are already being addressed, while others are just surfacing.
Although the Erie County area
contributes pollution to Lake Erie, it is not the sole source. The land use surrounding Lakes Superior,
Huron, and Michigan all have an impact on Lake Erie because of their hydrologic
nature. This hydrologic pattern
contributes to the environmental problems of the Lake. Water flows from Lake Superior and Lake
Michigan into Lake Huron and then into Lake Erie. Lake Erie drains through the Niagara River into Lake
Ontario. From this point, the water
flows into the St. Lawrence River, the Gulf of St. Lawrence and finally out to
the Atlantic Ocean. In addition,
atmospheric deposition from the nation and around the world contributes pollutants
to the Great Lakes.
The ECWQC is interested in being a
responsible neighbor with respect to water quality within New York State and
the Great Lakes system. This means
fostering public support and involvement by offering a mechanism, the Erie County
Water Quality Committee, to pursue water quality issues.
ECWQC
Mission Statement A5
The Mission of the Erie County Water Quality Committee
(ECWQC) is to protect and improve the quality of both surface and groundwater
for their intended uses, primarily through the reduction of non-point source
pollution and through the emphasis of Erie County water-related issues.
Structure of the ECWQC
The ECWQC strives to coordinate existing interests and activities
dealing with water quality. The
Committee is set up as an ad hoc organization with a lead agency, a steering
committee, and a full committee. The Committee is responsible for developing
and maintaining a Water Quality Strategy for Erie County. It is also responsible for fostering
implementation of the Strategy through identification, prevention, remediation,
and monitoring of non-point source pollution.
The
lead agency has the following
duties:
1.
Arrange
committee meetings and mail correspondence.
2.
Receive
communication from or direct it to the New York Non-Point Source Coordinating
Committee (NYNPSCC).
3.
Coordinate
the application and receipt of funding.
4.
Spend
such funding on behalf of the ECWQC for goods and/or services to fulfill the
Mission Statement.
For present operating procedures see the Bylaws (Section F) which supersede Resolutions
#1 and #2.
The steering
committee is composed of those Committee Members desiring to be more
involved and committed (via subcommittees) to attending regular meetings. The full
committee consists of persons and agencies desiring to be active for the
purpose of upholding the ECWQC Mission.
Traditionally, organizations
dedicated to, or interested in, water quality in Erie County were asked by the
Erie County Soil & Water Conservation District to participate in assembling
the Water Quality Strategy. Additional
organizations and agencies are welcome to become part of the Committee as
stated in the Bylaws.
A list of the full committee members
and their roles relative to water quality is in Section C.
ECWQC
Reporting A6
The ECWQC reports the following
items to the New York Non-Point Source Coordinating Committee: adopted changes
to the Erie County Water Quality Strategy, changes to the Committee, and
required progress or financial reports.
The ECWQC also reports to the public
and legislature on: the contents of the Erie County Water Quality Strategy, the
Committee's endorsement of projects, and Committee resolutions in support of
water quality protection efforts.
Functions of the ECWQC
A.
Develop
a Water Quality Strategy for Erie County.
1.
Assemble
Minimum Contents of a County Water Quality Strategy (see Section F).
2.
Adopt
formalized document.
B.
Execute
the Water Quality Strategy by promoting prevention and remediation of non-point
source pollution.
1.
Support
ongoing and new projects by involving water quality protection via publicity
and education.
2.
Pass
Committee resolutions in support of water quality protection efforts.
C.
Address
other water quality issues as directed by the NYNPSCC or issues that become
evident in Erie County.
ECWQC
Statement of Objectives A7
A.
Facilitate cooperation and
coordination of all water quality activities in Erie County, both watershed
specific and countywide.
A Memorandum of
Understanding will be developed between cooperating agencies and organizations
regarding commitment. The ECWQC
realizes the importance of first knowing what the agencies are doing and then
minimizing the duplication of effort among groups. On an ongoing basis, the ECWQC will identify gaps that may exist
in water quality improvement activities within the County and will recommend
programs to fill these gaps. The ECWQC
will initially support the development of a model network focusing on the
Buffalo River watershed and other watersheds in the future.
B.
Identify and prioritize
non-point water quality issues in Erie County.
The DEC Priority Water
Problem List was used to develop the ECWQC priority list. The categories under which the water bodies
were evaluated include watersheds, targeted desired uses (TDU) and targeted
pollution sources (TPS). The
Committee's conclusion will be publicized along with any recommendations for
the targeted areas. Issues affecting
water quality in Erie County are hazardous waste sites, land-use activities,
mining, agriculture, landfills, septic systems, combined sewer overflows and
others. These impacts and others will
be part of the ongoing water quality assessment.
C.
Establish a clearinghouse.
A directory of services,
activities, and contracts will be prepared and published. A referral protocol will enable
inter-committee referrals regarding public and private inquiries on water
quality subjects. This will again
reduce duplication of efforts and foster a teamwork approach. The clearinghouse activity will branch out
to other County WQC's to share experiences and resources.
D.
Educate Erie County
community about the impact of non-point source pollution.
The ECWQC will sponsor and
coordinate public education events, publish fact sheets on related subjects,
and encourage local community and industrial stewardship projects. The ECWQC will strive to make water quality
a household word by participating in public environmental events such as fairs
and Earth Day activities, and by educating participating agencies and organizations. Potential activities include storm drain
stenciling, public service announcements, citizen monitoring programs, projects
addressing “adopt-a-highway” or “adopt-a-stream,” etc.
Objectives
(continued) A8
E.
Identify sources of funding
to implement Mission.
The ECWQC will compile a list
of traditional government funding sources: Federal, State and Local. The Committee will also investigate private
and other grant-type funding, as well as commercial sources (banks, etc.). The ECWQC will sponsor or co-sponsor
innovative incentives as they become available, and will direct a subcommittee
to facilitate access to these resources.
F.
Maintain a Water Quality
Strategy for Erie County.
The ECWQC will annually evaluate and update the Water Quality
Strategy to reflect changes in priorities and water quality activities. The ECWQC will evaluate Committee membership and structure relative to progress and effectiveness. This will be done in a full Committee meeting expressly for evaluation purposes.
A
list of agencies and organizations and their roles in these objectives appears
in
Section B.
Section B
Members of the
Erie County Water Quality Committee
Federal
Agencies:
USDA
Farm Service Agency
50
Commerce Way
East
Aurora, NY 14052
Contact:
Karen Shevlin (716) 652-1400 Fax: (716) 652-1402
The
Farm Service Agency implements federal farm programs related to commodities and
farm credit.
USDA
Natural Resources Conservation Service
50
Commerce Way
East
Aurora, NY 14052
Contact:
John Whitney (716) 652-8480 Fax: (716) 652-8506
e-mail:
john.whitney@ny.usda.gov
NRCS implements the policy of the United States government regarding soil conservation and water quality, and provides technical expertise in the solution of agricultural and related types of non-point source pollution. They are responsible for engineering and agronomic assistance to farmers, design of measures funded by the Environmental Quality Incentives Program, and farm compliance with the conservation provisions of the federal farm bills.
New
York State Agencies:
NYSDEC
Region 9
270
Michigan Avenue
Buffalo,
NY 14203
Contact:
William Smythe (716)
851-7070
E-mail:
whsmythe@gw.dec.state.ny.us
NYSDEC implements New York State and Federal laws, regulations and standards relative to water quality through state pollution discharge elimination system permits, oversight of wastewater treatment, hazardous and solid waste management programs, and numerous natural resource conservation programs.
B2
Great
Lakes Center at Buffalo State College
Classroom
Building C215
1300
Elmwood Avenue
Buffalo,
NY 14222
Contact:
Gordon Fraser, Director (716)
878-4329 frasergs@buffalostate.edu
Kim Irvine, Professor (716)
878-6204 irvinekn@buffalostate.edu
Fax:
(716) 878-6644
The Great Lakes Center for
Environmental Research and Education serves as both a catalyst and a
facilitator for increasing the college’s role in environmental research and
education. It links high quality research with undergraduate and graduate
education, fosters collaboration among units within the college and between the
college and other institutions, and serves the regional community as a technical
and intellectual resource for resolving environmental issues.
Erie
County Agencies:
Erie
County Cornell Cooperative Extension
21
South Grove Street, Suite 240
East
Aurora, NY 14052
Contact: Dave Weaver (716)
652-5400, Ext.142
E-mail:
dweaver@cce.cornell.edu
Provides an educational link
between Erie County and research-generated knowledge and leadership at New York
State's land grant college. CCE is
responsible for agriculture research and education, soil testing services,
rural, family and youth programs.
Erie
County Department of Environment & Planning
95
Franklin Street
Buffalo,
NY 14202
Division of Planning
Contact: Spencer Schofield (716) 858-6926 Fax:
(716) 858-7248
E-mail: spencer@cdbg.co.erie.ny.us
B3
Assures sound, orderly
development in Erie County by balancing environmental, economic and social
concerns. They are responsible for
agriculture district review, solid waste management programming, major
commercial and residential development proposals, master plan preparations,
wellhead protection, and freshwater wetlands.
Division
of Environmental Compliance Services (ECS)
Pollution
Prevention Program
Contact: Tom Hersey (716)
858-7674 hersey@bflo.co.erie.ny.us
Jill Jedlicka (716)
858-8846 spisiakj@cdbg.co.erie.ny.us
Mary
Rossi (716) 858-7583 rossim@cdbg.co.erie.ny.us
Fax:
(716) 858-7713
The ECS helps Erie County
businesses, municipalities, citizens, and institutions understand and comply
with environmental laws and regulations. The goal of the Pollution Prevention
Program is to assist
industry and local
governments in finding less hazardous and less waste
producing means of doing
business in Erie County. Program
services
include on-site consultations, workshops,
presentation and quarterly newsletters.
One of the program objectives entails developing and implementing
policies to provide industry with incentives for adopting pollution prevention
strategies. The facility-wide
multimedia waste management approach promotes pollution prevention and
minimizes wastewater discharges and non-point source pollution. The office of pollution prevention also
provides community education and outreach to encourage environmental
stewardship.
B4
Erie
County Environmental Management Council
95
Franklin Street Room 1077
Buffalo,
NY 14202
Contact:
Michael Powers, Chair
(716) 847-5417
e-mail:
mpowers@phillipslytle.com
Serves primarily in an advisory capacity to Erie County on matters
of the environment, especially those impacting the
County such as
development, landfills, changing regulations, etc.
Erie
County Environmental Health Department
95
Franklin Street
Buffalo,
NY 14202
Contact:
Mary Sonntag (716)
858-7762
Responsible for monitoring the supplies
of public water for Erie County. Also
regulates sewage disposal systems for individual households. Both duties are directly related to water
quality in Erie County.
Erie
County Highway Department/Public Works
95
Franklin Street
Buffalo,
NY 14202
Contact:
Guy Puccio (716)
858-6419
Primarily responsible for water quality as it pertains to highway and
bridge
construction projects.
B5
Erie
County Public Lab
1021
Main Street
Buffalo,
NY 14203
Contact: Dr. Scott Zimmerman (716) 881-7276
Performs NYSELAP approved testing on potable, non-potable, and solid and
hazardous waste samples. Current NYS
Testing Certification includes metals, organics, inorganics, nutrients, minerals,
residues, demand, and bacteriology.
Historically, the lab performed testing on the Buffalo River for a
NYSDEC survey; in the 1970's the lab set up a Stream Survey of Erie
County. As a result of this survey, the
Erie County Legislature imposed a phosphate ban, which was then enacted by the
State Legislature.
Erie
County Soil & Water Conservation District
50
Commerce Way
East
Aurora, NY 14052
Contact: Cally Miklasz E-mail: cally-miklasz@ny.nacdnet.org
Ellen
Ilardo E-mail: ellen-hahn@ny.nacdnet.org
(716) 652-8480 Fax:
(716) 652-8506
The
Erie County Soil and Water Conservation District works with landowners, land
managers, local government agencies and other local interests in addressing a
broad range of natural resource concerns, including streambank protection;
wildlife and fisheries habitat management; watershed management; Agricultural
Environmental Management; erosion, sediment control and stormwater management;
resource mapping and interpretation; and conservation education.
B6
Nonprofit
Organizations:
Citizens
Alliance
400
Leroy Avenue
Buffalo,
NY 14214
Contact:
Elmer Coble (716)
833-1661 Fax: (716) 895-2235
An
inner-city organization whose goals are to aid in efforts to conserve the
environment, both natural and man-made, and to assist in the control and
abatement of pollution to the air, water and natural environment.
Citizens
Campaign for the Environment
3144
Main Street
Buffalo,
NY 14217
Contact: Will Stoner (716)
831-3206 Fax: (716) 831-3207
E-mail:
ccebuff@ix.netcom.com
CCE
is an 80,000 member statewide grassroots organization with a mission to build a
widespread citizen understanding and advocacy for policies and actions designed
to protect the natural environment and public health. Issues include household hazardous waste, education, and
protection of Allegany State Park and the Adirondacks.
B7
Friends
of the Buffalo River
601
West Ferry Street
Buffalo,
NY 14222
Contact:
Barry Boyer (716)
645-3989 Fax: (716) 645-2064
Primarily responsible for gathering water quality data and other
information
related to both the Buffalo River and Scajaquada Creek.
Great
Lakes United
SUNYCAB
248
Cassety Hall
1300
Elmwood Avenue
Buffalo,
NY 14222
Contact:
Margaret Wooster (716)
886-0142 Fax: (716) 836-0303
G.L.U. is a coalition of environmental, sports, labor, government and
small business organizations which provide a
catalyst for Great Lakes citizens
to be involved in the decision making process. G.L.U. educates citizens
on Great Lakes issues, encourages environmentally
sound strategies, and promotes public support and coordinated action.
League of Women Voters Lake
Erie Basin Committee
1272 Delaware Ave.
Buffalo, NY 14209-2401
Contact: JoAnn Ross, Coordinator (716) 631-9351 j.ross18@gte.net
Valerie Moliterno (716) 837-8266
fran33@inf.net
The
League of Women Voters (LEBC) is composed of League members from New York,
Pennsylvania, Ohio, Indiana, and Michigan who monitor and advise on water
management in their area. LEBC seeks to
preserve and restore Lake
Erie
and its tributaries through pollution control, abatement and prevention, and
improved management of water and related land resources.
B8
New
York Sea Grant
204
Jarvis Hall
SUNY
Buffalo
Amherst,
NY 14260
Contact:
Helen Domske (716)
645-3610 Fax: (716) 645-3612
E-mail: hdomske@cce.cornell.edu
Acts as a public information and education link between Great Lakes
research
and the public. Informs the public on
environmental quality
issues as
they specifically relate to the Great Lakes.
Town
Agencies:
Town
of Amherst Planning Department
5583
Main Street
Williamsville,
NY 14221
Contact:
Eric Gillert (716)
631-7051
E-mail: eplanner@bufnet.net
Responsible for making recommendations to approval boards regarding
future
growth: site plans, zoning amendments, subdivisions and master
plans for
the Town of Amherst. Includes
disposition of storm runoff as well.
Town
of Amherst Solid Waste Committee
5583
Main Street
Williamsville,
NY 14221
Contact:
Rudolph L. Bauer (716)
689-7346
Developed a solid waste strategy for the Town which includes:
curbside collection of recyclable materials on a weekly basis, annual
Household
Hazardous Waste Collection program in concert with Erie
County,
yard waste curbside collection program and composting facility
development.
B9
Town
of Amherst Engineering Department
1100
North Forest Road
Williamsville,
NY 14221
Contacts:
Paul
M. Bowers, P.E. (716) 631-7154 E-mail: pbowers@amherst.ny.us
Jennifer
L. Guida (716) 691-7154 E-mail: jguida@amherst.ny.us
Responsible for
reviewing site plans and overseeing Town projects
pertaining to wastewater
treatment, storm water management and yard
waste composting.
Town
of Concord Planning Department
9238
Middle Road
Springville,
NY 14141
Contact:
George DeWald (716)
592-2325
Responsible for local zoning law as it relates to land-use. The board
has a direct impact on decisions concerning water quality.
Town of Eden
Conservation Advisory Board
2795 E. Church Street
Eden, NY 14057
Contact: Frank Mantione (716) 992-3408
franknan@localnet.com
The Eden Conservation Advisory Board is a volunteer
committee of nine citizens responsible for advising the Town Board on matters
involving the conservation of natural resources.
B10
Town
of Grand Island
Conservation
Commission
2255
Baseline Road
Grand
Island, NY 14072
Contact:
Mark Lazeration (716)
773-8930
The Grand Island Conservation Commission, appointed
by the Town Council, reviews matters of environmental concern in order to
advise the Planning Board and Town Council.
Town
of Sardinia Environmental Committee
P.O.
Box 178
Sardinia, NY 14134
Contact:
John Scheiner (716) 496-8939
Responsible for
advising town board on environmental issues.
Non-government
Interests:
Buffalo
Zoo – Education Department
300
Parkside Avenue
Buffalo,
NY 14214
Contact: Executive Director (716) 837-3900, Ext. 106 Fax (716) 837-0738
Responsible for promoting
awareness through education services on issues concerning water quality and the
environment.
B11
Ecology
and Environment, Inc.
Buffalo
Corporate Center
368
Pleasantview Drive
Lancaster,
NY 14068
Contact:
Paul Fuhrmann (716)
684-8060 Fax (716)
684-0844
E-mail:
pfuhrmann@ene.com
Ecology and Environment,
Inc. (E & E) is a multidisciplinary,
international environmental consulting firm with
project experience in all aspects of environmental issues. E & E applies
environmental science and technology locally and globally to assess and
quantify human impacts on air, land and water resources. E & E assists
government and private industry with remedial action plans based on
sustainability and the preservation of biological integrity within terrestrial
and aquatic ecosystems.
Parsons
Engineering Science, Inc.
180
Lawrence Bell Drive, Suite 100
Williamsville,
NY 14221
Contact: Theresa Benson, P.E. (716) 633-7074 Fax (716) 633-7195
E-mail:theresa.benson@parsons.com
With
a staff of nearly 2,000 engineers, scientists, and support
personnel,
Parsons provides environmental engineering and consulting
services
to clients throughout the world. In
Erie County, Parsons has
been
actively working with public and private clients to provide site
investigations,
remedial designs and construction management services,
sanitary
sewer investigations, sanitary and storm sewer designs,
wastewater
treatment plant design and operation, watershed management
plans,
ecosystem restoration projects and permitting.
Section C
Water Quality Strategy Objectives C1
A.
Facilitate cooperation and
coordination of water quality related activities in Erie County, both watershed
specific and Countywide.
1.
Compile
a list of agencies and organizations within the ECWQC involved in water quality
issues. See Section B.
2.
ECWQC
members provide Committee with member activities and progress for the purpose
of maintaining Strategy accuracy, securing cooperation and support, and
avoiding duplication of efforts.
3.
Network
and match organizations within and outside of the ECWQC.
4.
Participate
and coordinate with regional water quality committees and groups including the
local working committee for Federal conservation programs.
Project Agency Status Cost
Nos.
1-4 involve the Members on-going NA
coordination
of membership
and
general obligations of
each
ECWQC member
Update
membership, solicit Members on-going NA
involvement
from new agencies
and
other participants
Water Quality Strategy Objectives (continued) C2
B.
Identify and prioritize non-point
source water quality issues in Erie County.
1.
Review
the NYSDEC Priority Water Problems List for Erie County and amend as necessary.
2.
Evaluate
the Erie County waterbodies (streams, lakes, watersheds, aquifers) according to
State, County, and Committee standards.
Publicize.
3.
Select
waterbodies, water problems, and/or issues for Committee action.
4.
Adopt
position statements about the waterbodies from 2 and 3 above as needed.
5.
Develop
and implement recommendations to address priorities.
Project Agency
Status Cost
Erie
County Waterbodies ECWQC annual NA
Database/Prioritization
Great
Lakes Basin ECAPPP,
GLOW proposed
100,000
Pesticide
Clean Sweeps Niagara,
Chautauqua (annually)
Watersheds
– Emphasis League of Women
on-going 1,000
on
Drinking Water and Voters
Pesticide
Issues
Conservation
Tree and SWCD annual NA
Shrub
Seedling Program
Source
Water ECDEP, proposed 400,000
Assessments Municipal
Gov’ts,
USGS,
ECHD
Coordinator
GIS Multi-agency proposed 80,000
Expansion
Seneca
Bluffs Habitat ECDEP, DOS, in progress 423,000
Restoration
Project NYSDEC, NPOs
Objective B (continued) C3
Project
Agency Status Cost
County
Dry Hydrant SWCD, on-going NA
Program NRCS
Industrial
Nonpoint ECDEP proposed 100,000
Pollution
Prevention Project
Watershed
Planning and ECDEP proposed 200,000
P2
Efforts
Ellicott
Creek
Buffalo
River Watershed ECDEP proposed 100,000
Monitoring annually
Upper
Buffalo River ECDEP proposed 100,000
Watershed
- Long annually
Term
WQ Monitoring
Upper
Cayuga Creek ECDEP proposed 250,000
Management
Project
Upper
Buffalo Creek ECDEP proposed
250,000
Management
Project 11 Municipalities
Upper
Buffalo River ECDEP proposed unknown
NPS
Implementation
Mulching
Mower Town of proposed 3,500
Demonstration
Project Amherst Solid
Waste
Committee
Improving
On-site ECDEP proposed 400,000
Wastewater
Treatment
in
Erie County
Ag.
and Farmland ECAFLPB, on-going N/A
Protection
Plan ECDEP
Implementation
County-
Wide Education &
Economic
Development
Objective
B (continued) C4
Project Agency Status Cost
Ag.
and Farmland ECAFLPB on-going N/A
Protection
Plan Municipalities
Implementation
Town as of 6/99-Manilla,
Based/Conservation Eden, Orchard Park,
Easements Newstead are
participating
Road
Salt Storage Municipalities on-going
Unknown
Facilities
Buffalo
Creek Ag SWCD, NRCS, in progress 755,260
Phase
III CCE,
WCSWCD
Buffalo
Creek Ag SWCD, NRCS, in progress 1,176,552
Phase
I CCE,
WCSWCD
Buffalo
Creek SWCD,
NRCS, in progress 652,450
Streambank 8 Townships,
Stabilization
Partnership NYSDEC, NRCS
Phase
II
Buffalo
Creek SWCD,
NRCS, in progress 512,826
Streambank 8 Townships,
Stabilization
Partnership NYSDEC, NRCS
Phase
II
USEPA
Buffalo Creek SWCD, USEPA, in progress
475,000
Watershed
Protection NRCS
Project
Ellicott
Creek Cleanup SWCD, EC Parks in progress
70,000
Project
Ellicott
Creek Amherst SWCD in progress 9,000
Inspection
Community-based
SWCD, NYSDEC, in progress
133,480
Environmental CCE, ECDEP,
Management NRCS
Objective
B (continued) C5
Project Agency Status Cost
Eighteenmile
Creek WNYLC, NRCS in progress
Water
Quality
Sampling
Cattaraugus
Creek SWCD, NRCS in progress
45,765
Agricultural
Environmental
Management
Scajaquada
Creek SWCD, SCWAC, in progress
50,000
Watershed
Management EC Legislature
Plan
Erie
County CAFO SWCD, NRCS in progress 240,000
CNMP
Planning
Ellicott
Creek Park SWCD, EC
Parks in progress NA
Canoe
Launch Restoration
Erie
County Plantation SWCD, EC Parks, on-going NA
EC Correctional
Facility
Erie
County Highway SWCD, in progress 100,000
Stream
Maintenance EC Highway
Dept.
Program
Eighteenmile
Creek NRCS, SWCD in progress
222,450
Environmental
Quality
Incentives
Program
Earsing
Sills NRCS in progress 1,200,000
Restoration
Agricultural
NRCS in progress 52,000
Management
Assistance
Scajaquada
Creek SWCD in progress 33,801
Streambank
Restoration
for
Erosion Control
Objective
B (continued) C6
Project Agency Status Cost
Wetland
Reserve Program/ NRCS, SWCD in progress
400,000
Wildlife
Habitat
Incentives
Program
Cazenovia
Creek SWCD, Erie
& in progress 87,110
Streambank
Stabilization Wyoming County
Joint
Boards
Septic
System P2 BMP ECWQC, in progress 43,084
Project BSC, ECDEP,
SWCD
Buffalo
River Partnership FBNR, GLPF in progress
168,000
(Sediment
Study)
**The water quality project list will be
reviewed and updated annually, or as the
WQC deems necessary and appropriate**
Water
Quality Strategy Objectives C7
C.
Establish a clearinghouse
Until a need is demonstrated and resources become available for the establishment of a clearinghouse for water quality information, the following activities will be used to coordinate the best use of our present resources:
1.
Provide
inter-committee referrals regarding public and private inquiries on water
quality subjects.
2. Establish communications with other WQCC’s, especially those
that share watersheds with Erie County.
3.
Receive
and share experiences and resources with other county WQCC’s.
4. Develop a website to increase public awareness of the WQCC
and disseminate water quality and water quality-related project information.
Project Agency Status Cost
WNY
Water Quality WNY WQCC’s annual N/A
Committee
Meeting
Upper
Buffalo River ECDEP proposed 50,000
Education
Project
(Rotating
Library)
Creek
Identification ECWQC, on-going 20,000
Signage
Project ECDEP,
(Cayuga
Creek) ECDPW
Development
and ECDEP on-going N/A
Maintenance
of ECDEP
Website
BMPs
to Protect and SWCD in progress 4,235
Restore
Aquatic Habitat
in
Scajaquada Creek
Objective
C (continued) C8
Project Agency Status Cost
Phase
II Stormwater ECDEP, SWCD, on-going NA
Regional
Coalition NRCS,
municipalities
Phase
II Stormwater ECDEP, SWCD, in progress 30,000
Education
Program Town of Amherst,
Parsons,
municipalities
Great
Lakes Student ECDEP, SWCD, on-going 6,000
Summit NRCS, ECEEI,
NY
Sea Grant
Water Quality Strategy Objectives C9
D.
Educate the Erie County
community about the impacts of nonpoint source pollution.
1. Sponsor
or aid in coordinating public education events.
Topics include, but are not limited to, the Great
Lakes Basin, watersheds, water quality, pollution prevention, stewardship,
water quality associated projects, agency and organizational roles. The committee will strive to reach non-traditional
audiences or sectors such as suburban homeowners, owners of septic systems,
etc., to fill program gaps.
2. Publish
and distribute information on related subjects.
3. Promote
community and industrial stewardship projects.
4.
Participate in public
environmental events such as fairs, Earth Day, etc.
5.
Educate the members or staff
of ECWQC agencies and organizations.
Workshops
& Events Agency Status Cost
Storm Drain Stencil Projects ECDEP and as requested N/A
Sponsor
Watershed
Education Series: ECWQC proposed 1,000
Septic
System Maintenance
Seminars,
Septic System Seminars
For
Realtors
Biannual
Great Lakes Student ECDEP, biannual 35,000
Summit ECEEI,
NY
Sea Grant
Wetlands Outreach WNYLC in-progress 34,500
Workshop Series
Erie
County SWCD annual 1,400
Envirothon
Lake
Erie Basin League
of on-going 5,000
Women
Voters
Objective D (continued) C10
Workshops
& Events Agency Status Cost
Water
Quality Displays ECWQC, on-going N/A
at
Erie County Fair SWCD,
NRCS,
ECDEP
EC
Highway Roadside NRCS, on-going N/A
Management
Training ECDPW,
ECDEP
Member
Presentations to Members on-going N/A
ECWQC
Consumer
Household Citizens proposed 50,000
Hazardous
Products Campaign,
Education: Point of Sales ECDEP
Urban
Forest Management NRCS, in progress
300,000
Initiative PURE
Erie-
Niagara
Earth
Day Education ECDEP, annual 6,000
and
Environmental ECEEI,
City of
Awareness Buffalo,
Private
Company
Sponsors
WNY
Earth Day SWCD,
ECDEP, annual 10,500
Exposition NYSDEC,
Others
Family,
Food and CCE,
SWCD, annual
Farm
Tour NRCS
Fleet
Waterfest SWCD,
ECDEP, annual NA
NYSDEC,
Others
Fish
Stocking SWCD annual NA
Program
Objective D (continued) C11
Workshops
& Events Agency Status Cost
WNY
Contractors’ Erie,
Wyoming, annual NA
Meeting Cattaraugus,
Orleans,
Genesee,
Niagara
SWCDs
P2
Week – Education ECDEP annual 1,000
and
Environmental
Awareness
Septic
System ECWQC,
ECDEP, on-going NA
Symposium SWCD,
NRCS,
Audubon
Society
**The “Workshops and Events” list will be
reviewed and updated annually, or as the
WQC deems necessary and appropriate**
Water Quality Strategy Objectives C12
E.
Identify sources of funding
to implement mission.
1.
Investigate
and list traditional sources available to Erie County:
Ø
Government
(Federal, State, Local)
Ø
Private
or other grant-type funds
Ø
Commercial
sources (banks, etc.)
2. Sponsor or cosponsor innovative incentives as they become
available.
3. Facilitate access to financial
assistance information.
Project Agency Status Cost
Circulate financial Members on-going N/A
assistance
and grant
announcements.
Investigate
pollution Members proposed 500,000
prevention
financial
assistance
category
in
existing loan offices
for
small business and
municipalities.
Develop
an annual Members annual N/A
proposal
to secure State
resources
designated for
WQCC’s
(mini-grants)
Water Quality Strategy for Erie County C13
F.
Maintain a Water Quality
Strategy (WQS) for Erie County
1.
Evaluate
and update the WQS annually to reflect changes in priorities and water quantity
activities. Amend WQS as necessary.
2.
Evaluate
Committee membership and structure for progress and effectiveness.
Project Agency Status Cost
Items 1 and 2 ECWQC annual N/A
SECTION D
New York State Drainage Basins D1
Watersheds
of Erie County D2
Reference for Watersheds of Erie
County D3
Watersheds
& Hydrologic Watershed Codes
Watershed Hydrologic Watershed
Upper
Cattaraugus 04120102.010
Lower
Cataraugus 04120102.030
Seven
Creeks 04120103.010
Eighteen
Mile Creek
04120103.020
Wanakah/Lake
Erie 04120103.030
Smokes 04120103.040
Buffalo/Hunters 04120103.050
Cayuga/Little
Buffalo 04120103.060
Buffalo
River/Cazenovia 04120103.070
Niagara/Scajaquada 04120104.010
Ledge/Tonawanda 04120104.030
Murder 04120104.040
Beeman/Rapids 04120104.050
Ransom 04120104.070
Ellicott 04120104.080
Grand
Island 04120104.100
Erie
County Agricultural Districts D4
SECTION E
Erie County Tributary
Ranking by ECWQCC – August 1997 E1
|
TRIBUTARIES |
HIGH |
MED/HIGH |
MED |
LOW/MED |
LOW |
|
Cazenovia Creek |
H |
|
|
|
|
|
Eighteen Mile Creek |
H |
|
|
|
|
|
Ellicott Creek I and II |
H |
|
|
|
|
|
Niagara River |
H |
|
|
|
|
|
Rush Creek |
H |
|
|
|
|
|
S. Branch Eighteen Mile Creek |
H |
|
|
|
|
|
Scajaquada Creek/Delaware Lake |
H |
|
|
|
|
|
Smoke Creek |
H |
|
|
|
|
|
Buffalo Creek |
|
MH |
|
|
|
|
Cattaraugus Creek I and II |
|
MH |
|
|
|
|
Cayuga Creek |
|
MH |
|
|
|
|
Got Creek |
|
MH |
|
|
|
|
Gun Creek |
|
MH |
|
|
|
|
Little Buffalo Creek |
|
MH |
|
|
|
|
Murder Creek |
|
MH |
|
|
|
|
Pike Creek |
|
MH |
|
|
|
|
Ransom Creek |
|
MH |
|
|
|
|
Tonawanda Creek |
|
MH |
|
|
|
|
Two Mile Creek |
|
MH |
|
|
|
|
Big Sister Creek I and II |
|
|
M |
|
|
|
Big Six Mile Creek |
|
|
M |
|
|
|
Black Rock Canal |
|
|
M |
|
|
|
Clear Creek |
|
|
M |
|
|
|
Spicer Creek |
|
|
M |
|
|
|
Spring Brook |
|
|
M |
|
|
|
Woods Creek |
|
|
M |
|
|
|
Delaware Creek |
|
|
|
LM |
|
|
Dorsch Creek |
|
|
|
LM |
|
|
Beeman Creek |
|
|
|
|
L |
|
Derby Creek |
|
|
|
|
L |
|
Ledge Creek |
|
|
|
|
L |
|
Spooner Brook |
|
|
|
|
L |
SECTION F
Minimum Contents of a County Water Quality Strategy F1
1.
List of County Water Quality
Coordinating Committee members
2.
Statement on who the
Committee reports to
3.
The Committee’s
mission/purpose statement
4.
Description of the
Committee’s function(s)
5.
Summary of individual agency
and organization roles, authorities, and existing programs or activities to
protect and improve water quality in the County
6.
List of prioritized water
quality problems: watershed specific
and county-wide
7.
List of Committee goals and
objectives for:
Ø
informing the public
Ø
on-going problem assessment
and verification
Ø
addressing watershed
specific and county-wide issues
Ø
overall program evaluation
8.
List of work tasks for
achieving each objective, including:
Ø
who is responsible for
carrying out each task
Ø
estimated time frame for
completing each task
Ø
potential sources of funding
Ø
estimated costs (where
possible) for tasks to
be implemented
over the next two years – including
water quality
initiatives presently underway
9. Description of the
Coordinating Committee’s role in implementing the strategy.
Erie County Water Quality Committee Bylaws F2
Article
I – Name
Section 1. This organization shall be
known as the Erie County Water Quality Committee
(ECWQC).
Article II – Mission
Section 1. The mission of the ECWQC
is to protect and improve the quality of both surface and groundwater for their
intended uses with emphasis on water related issues, primarily the reduction of
non-point source pollution.
Article III – Purpose
Section 1. The purpose of the
committee shall be to develop and promote a strategy for coordinated
improvement and protection of surface and groundwater quality and for
preventing further water quality degradation.
Section 2. The strategy will outline
committee objectives and projects that encourage public participation,
interagency cooperation, education and implementation of best management
practices to be used in areas of construction, urban development, agriculture,
road maintenance, forestry, and stream
protection to ensure continual improvement of water quality and to assist
decision makers (local governments, agencies, and organizations) with information
to actively encourage better protection of water resources throughout Erie
County.
Article IV – Membership and
Voting
Section 1.A. Each of the following member
agencies, organizations, and or municipalities shall be considered a voting
member of the ECWQC:
USDA Natural Resources conservation Service, East Aurora F.O.
USDA
Farm Services Agency, East Aurora office
NYS
Department of Environmental Conservation, Region 9
Great
Lakes Center at Buffalo State College
Erie
County Cornell Cooperative Extension
Erie
County Department of Environment and Planning
Planning
Division
Environmental
Compliance Services
Agricultural
Pollution Prevention Program
Industrial
Pollution Prevention Program
Erie
County Environmental Management Council
Erie
County Health Department
Erie
County Department of Public Works, Division of Highways
Erie
County Public Lab
Bylaws (continued) F3
Erie County Soil and Water Conservation District
Erie County Water Authority
Great
Lakes Center at Buffalo State College
Boy
Scouts of America/Green Team
Citizens
Alliance
Citizens
Campaign for the Environment
Friends
of the Buffalo River
Girl
Scouts USA
League
of Women Voters, Lake Erie Basin Committee
NYS
Sea Grant
Buffalo
Zoo
Town
of Amherst Engineering Department
Town of Amherst Planning Department
Town
of Amherst Solid Waste Committee
Town
of Concord Planning Department
Town
of Sardinia Environmental Committee
Medaille
College
Erie
& Niagara Counties Regional Planning Board
Section 1.B. Each member agency,
municipality, or organization shall designate one representative to attend
Committee meetings and to receive correspondence.
Section 2. Additional Committee
members can be added to the roster by majority approval of those member
representatives present at any regular or special meeting of the ECWQC.
Section 3. Representatives and/or
members may be added or removed from the Committee by written request from the
organization represented. Members lose voting status if they fail to
participate in at least one Committee Meeting per year.
Section 4. Members may be reinstated
with full voting privileges by majority approval of the Committee following a
written request from the organization.
Section 5. Ex-officio Members, those
whose organizations not listed herein or added to the roster by Committee
action, are invited to attend Committee meetings and are kept informed of
Committee activity through routine correspondence but are not considered voting
members of the ECWQC.
Section 6. For voting purposes, a
quorum shall consist of a majority of those members present at any formally
convened meeting of ECWQC.
F4
Article V – Officers and Lead Agency
Section 1. Officers
of the Committee will be Chairperson, Vice-Chairperson, Secretary, and
Treasurer.
Section 2. The
Erie County Soil and Water Conservation District shall be the lead agency for
the ECWQC and shall serve as administrator of all Committee funds and special
programs.
Article
VI – Rules of Order
Section 1. Robert’s
Rules of Order shall be used in the absence of specific procedures listed
herein.
Article
VII – Expenditures
Section 1. Decisions
on commitment and expenditure of funds shall be by majority approval of those
voting members present at any Committee meeting. Expenditures under $100 shall
be approved by the Chairperson and the Treasurer. Expenditures in excess of
$100 require approval of voting members.
Article
VIII – Meetings
Section 1. Meeting
dates will be determined at each meeting by the officers’ action. An annual
meeting will be held at the first calendar meeting of the new calendar year
with at least one (1) meeting per consecutive year calendar quarter each year.
Officers for the year will be elected at the annual meeting. The lead agency
shall notify all members and ex-officio members of upcoming meetings by written
notice mailed at least one (1) week in advance of the scheduled meeting.
Meeting minutes shall also record the date, time, and location of the next
scheduled meeting.
Article
IX – Dissolution
Section 1. In
the event of the dissolution of the ECWQC, any assets which cannot be returned
to the original source of the funds will be transferred to an organization of
charity whose goals are compatible with those of the ECWQC. None of the assets
shall be distributed to the benefit of any individual.
Committee
Resolution No. 3, Adopted January 27, 1993, F5
Supercedes Resolution No. 2.
Resolution
– Lead Agency
Whereas, in addition to the
authorities cited in the Resolution – Interim County Water Quality Coordination
Committee (Committee), the Soil and Water Conservation Districts have the
authority under Section 2 of the Soil and Water Conservation District Law to
implement locally a nonpoint source program, and
Whereas, it has been recommended by
the New York Department of Environmental Conservation and the New York Soil and
Water Conservation Committee that Soil and Water Conservation Districts be the
catalyst to initiate Water Quality Strategy planning activity, and
Whereas, the Committee is in need of
a Lead Agency to:
Facilitate County Committee notification and
correspondence,
Officially receive communication from or direct it
to the State Committee,
Officially receive funding from the
State Committee,
Officially spend, based upon the consensus of the
Committee, such funding on behalf of the County Committee for goods and
services to meet Water Quality Strategy requirements, and
Whereas, the Erie County Soil and
Water Conservation District (ECSWCD) is a member in good standing with the
Interim Committee,
Now
Therefore, Be It Resolved, that the Erie County Soil and Water Conservation District act as the
Lead Agency until the County Water Quality Strategy with a Provision for Lead
Agency is formally adopted by the Committee, or until the ECSWCD is no longer
able to command such a position. In the event of the latter, the District must
notify the Committee so that a new Lead Agency may be named.
Erie
County Water Quality Coordinating Committee
COMMITTEE
RESOLUTION NO. 2, Adopted May 12, 1992 F6
Resolution – Interim Lead Agency
Whereas, in addition to the
authorities cited in the Resolution – Interim County Water Quality Coordination
Committee (Committee), the Soil and Water Conservation Districts have the
authority under Section 2 of the Soil and Water Conservation District Law to
implement locally a nonpoint source program, and
Whereas, it has been recommended by
the New York Department of Environmental Conservation and the New York Soil and
Water Conservation Committee that Soil and Water Conservation Districts be the
catalyst to initiate Water Quality Strategy planning activity, and
Whereas, the Committee is in need
of a Lead Agency to:
Facilitate County Committee notification and
correspondence,
Officially receive communication from or direct it
to the State Committee,
Officially receive funding from the
State Committee,
Officially spend, such funding on behalf of the
County Committee for goods and services to meet Water Quality Strategy
requirements in an amount not to exceed $4,750.00, and
Whereas, the Erie County Soil and
Water Conservation District (ECSWCD) is a member in good standing with the
Interim Committee,
Now
Therefore, Be It Resolved, that the Erie County Soil and Water Conservation District act as the
Interim Lead Agency until the County Water Quality Strategy with a Provision
for Lead Agency is formally adopted by the Committee, or until the ECSWCD is no
longer able to command such a position. In the event of the latter, the
District must notify the Committee so that a new Interim Lead Agency may be
named.
Erie County Water Quality
Coordinating Committee
Committee
Resolution No. 1, Adopted May 12, 1992 F7
Resolution
– Interim County Water Quality Coordinating Committee
Whereas, the New York State Nonpoint
Source Pollution Control Law (S4447A, A7224A) has named the New York State
Department of Environmental Conservation and the New York State Soil and Water
Conservation Committee as responsible for implementing such legislation, and
Whereas, these agencies have since
devised a plan of addressing such nonpoint source pollution issues through
County Water Quality Strategies and County Water Quality Coordinating
Committees, and
Whereas, the development of a Water
Quality Strategy which meets the minimum established requirements is now
necessary as a prerequisite for State and Federal funding for certain water
quality programs and projects, and
Whereas, the Water Quality Strategy
requirements include the formation of a County Water Quality Coordinating Committee
to devise such a strategy by August 31, 1992, and then implemnent it, and
Whereas, the County of Erie
recognizes the importance of the need to address water quality issues,
especially nonpoint source pollution, in a county-wide coordinated effort, and
Whereas, potentially interested
agencies, organizations, and persons have been notified of the effort to call
such a Committee to gather voluntarily, and there is presently no County
legislation mandating participation in such a Committee, and
Whereas, there is an immediate need
to continue progress towards a complete and comprehensive County Water Quality
Strategy, and a need to develop a consensus on related issues and procedures of
importance to enable the formation and implementation of such a Strategy.
Now
Therefore, Be It Resolved, that in the Interim those persons who gather upon notice for a County
Water Quality Coordination Committee meeting shall decide at the beginning of
each meeting, after first evaluating if there are enough persons to manage the
business which requires consensus, the majority must exceed half the number in
attendance. If the attendance is insufficient to manage the necessary work,
polling of committee members will be undertaken. Meeting notices will be sent
to active Committee members and those requesting meeting notification only.
Erie
County Water Quality Coordinating Committee
SECTION G
Completed Projects G1
Project Agency Cost
Buffalo River Combined ECDEP, 330,000
Sewer Overflow Pollution BSA,
Prevention Project BSC
Clean Sweep ECAPPP 72,000
Demonstration
WNY Wetland Mapping NRCS, 50,000
ECDEP
Ag & Farmland ECAFPB, 98,000
Protection Plan ECDEP
Upper Buffalo Watershed ECDEP, 200,000
(Cazenovia) Project-Planning Public,
11 Municipalities
Buffalo River Fish and ECDEP
500,000
Wildlife
Habitat
Restoration
Project
Wellhead
Protection ECDEP, 150,000
Program
Expansion - Master Municipal
Plan
Updates Governments
Ag.
and Farmland Protection ECAFPB,
1,000,000
Plan
Implementation Town
of Amherst, (local share 25-50%)
Amherst/Conservation
Easements WNYLC
Include
Western NY counties ECWQC NA
on
ECWQC mailing list
Wyoming
County Buffalo ECWQC, 200
River
Watershed Signage Project WCWQC
Cazenovia
Creek Identification ECWQC, 3,000
Signage
Project ECDEP,
ECDPW
Buffalo
Creek Identification ECWQC, 2,000
Signage
Project ECDEP,
ECDPW