There are many ways to experience New York’s great outdoors. Maybe you’ll get hooked on fishing or discover sleeping under the stars is the perfect way to spend a weekend. We have information for beginners up to the more advanced outdoor enthusiast.
Looking for your next adventure? New York has more than 5 million acres, 7,000 lakes and streams, and 52,000 miles of rivers and streams for you to explore. Use our Places to Go search tool to find locations nearby for your favorite outdoor activity.
New York is home to many animals and plant species – both native and invasive. Learn how we protect open space and reclaim land after mining is complete. Discover the water around you in lakes and rivers, wetlands, oceans, and underground.
DEC protects the land, water, and air resources in New York. Whether it is addressing climate change effects, promoting responsible waste management, monitoring air quality, overseeing contaminated site clean-ups, or oil and gas mining monitoring, DEC is there to safeguard the environment; you can too by reporting environmental violations and problems.
DEC uses policies and regulations to limit environmental impacts. We issue permits and licenses to individuals, municipalities, and corporations so they can comply with these regulations.
The Environmental Notice Bulletin lets you know about projects or regulations being proposed each week. Sign up for one of DEC’s many electronic newsletter topics or subscribe to the Conservationist, New York State’s award-winning nature magazine.
DEC sponsors events across New York including informational webinars, public meetings, and in-person environmental education sessions. Environmental justice programs address needs in disadvantaged communities and many grants are available for community groups and municipalities.
Passionate about the environment? Check our employment pages and come work for DEC. If you have a question, we are here to help so contact us using one of the roster or office pages on our site.
Brownfield Cleanup Program (BCP) Application Process
Submit BCP pre-application worksheet
Pre-application meeting with appropriate point of contact
Application submitted to Chief of Site Control (Central Office)
Applicant notified of complete or incomplete application (Note:if incomplete the applicant would resolve deficiencies, submit requested information and then resubmit the application to the Chief of Site Control -- Central Office)
For complete applications: public notice of application via mailing to site contact list, newspaper, ENB
30-day public comment period begins (45 days if application is submitted with a remedial action work plan)
DEC determines eligibility (Note: if not eligible a rejection notice is issued)
If eligible the applicant is notified of acceptance; Brownfield Cleanup Agreement (BCA) sent for signature
If there is an eligible determination, DEC executes BCA