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.
Review And Approval Process Of A Local Solid Waste Management Plan (LSWMP)
The existing LSWMP will remain in effect throughout the draft LSWMP development and review period, not to exceed 1 year.
Completeness and First Draft LSWMP Review
Planning Unit:
Submits a draft LSWMP to the Department.
If the LSWMP is deemed incomplete, the planning unit will make adjustments and re-submit the document for a completeness review.
DEC:
Reviews the draft LSWMP for completeness and sends written notification to the planning unit within 30 calendar days of receipt of the draft.
If the LSWMP is deemed complete, the DEC will continue the review process to determine if the draft LSWMP addresses all elements identified in Part 366-2. The DEC will have 120 calendar days to provide written notification to the planning unit, identifying any deficiencies.
Second or Subsequent Draft LSWMP Review
Planning Unit:
Addresses all the comments and re-submits a draft LSWMP to the Department.
DEC:
Reviews the draft LSWMP and advises the planning unit of any deficiencies in the draft LSWMP within 60 calendar days of receipt of the second or subsequent iteration of the draft.
Approvable LSWMP
Planning Unit:
Commences an additional public comment period, if the approvable LSWMP changes substantively from the first draft LSWMP
Submits an updated LSWMP, accompanied by a letter summarizing all changes made as a result of the additional public comment period and a responsiveness summary as part of the revised approvable plan.
DEC:
Reviews the revised approvable plan and sends written notification to the planning unit within 30 days.