DEC Does What?!

In this episode, hosts Interim Commissioner Sean Mahar and Chief of Staff Erica Ringewald are joined by Julie Berlinski, a research scientist with DEC’s Bureau of Water Resource Management, and Division of Water environmental program specialists Alene Onion and Leila Mitchell, to discuss the need to reduce rock salt use and how to do it. While the use of rock salt on roadways and sidewalks is necessary for safe and efficient travel during snowy New York winters, it can have negative impacts on lakes, ponds, rivers, streams, and groundwater. Learn more about how to reduce rock salt use, and don’t be salty!

Notes:

• Rock Salt Reduction webpage: https://dec.ny.gov/environmental-protection/water/rock-salt-reduction


• Water Quality Improvement Project (WQIP) Program: https://dec.ny.gov/get-involved/grant-applications/wqip-program


• Ice Fishing: https://dec.ny.gov/things-to-do/freshwater-fishing/ice-fishing


• Paint Collection Program: https://dec.ny.gov/environmental-protection/recycling-composting/postconsumer-paint-collection


• Winter Hiking Safety: https://dec.ny.gov/things-to-do/hiking/winter-safety


• Great Winter Hikes: https://dec.ny.gov/things-to-do/hiking/great-winter-hikes