New York State Policies & Programs

• New York Codes, Rules and Regulations (NYCRR) Title 6: Environmental Conservation - View Link
  
  
• Part 501: Use of Flood Control Lands - View Link
  
  
• Part 502: Floodplain Management Criteria for State Projects - View Link 
              
  
• Part 505: Coastal Erosion Management - View Link
  
  
• Part 608: Use and Protection of Waters - View Link
  
  
• Part 621: Uniform Procedures - View Link
  
  
• Part 673: Dam Safety Regulations - View Link
  
  
  

• Dam Safety Section
  The Department is concerned with the protection of the health, safety and welfare of the people of the State of New York and the conservation and protection of its natural resources. Water stored behind a dam represents potential energy which can create a hazard to life and property located downstream of a dam. In order for a dam to safely fulfill its intended function, it must be constructed, operated and maintained properly. The functions of the Department's Dam Safety Section include: safety inspection of dams; technical review of proposed dam construction or modification; monitoring of remedial work for compliance with dam safety criteria; and emergency preparedness.
  
  
• Floodplain Management
  Floodplain management is the corrective and preventative measures for reducing flood damage. These measures are adopted by state and local governments so that the citizens in the community will be eligible to purchase flood insurance.
  
  
• Flood Protection Projects
  A flood is a natural reoccurring event. No man-made project can stop a flood from happening. Several methods are used to reduce flood damages and risks, some involve direct human intervention into watercourses and others focus on floodplain management and regulation.
              
  
• Coastal Management
  Coastal erosion's threat to life and property can be minimized by regulation of land use, development, new construction or placement of structures, and by controlling construction of coastal erosion protection structures in coastal areas designated as coastal erosion hazard areas. DEC has two programs focused on the protection of coastal erosion: Coastal Erosion Hazard Area (CEHA) permit program and the United States Army Corps of Engineers (US ACE) Civil Works Program. The CEHA program regulates and issues permits for activities within a coastal erosion hazard area. DEC works with US ACE to study coastal erosion problems along coastlines and to develop coastal erosion solutions. These are usually large scale projects that impact entire communities.
  
  
• Post-Flood Stream Reconstruction
  DEC has developed guidelines to assist with stream repairs, or "interventions," after a major storm. This includes priority repairs when public health and safety are immediately threatened, such as removing flood debris from plugged culvert pipes and bridges; opening up clogged stream channels; repairing or replacing critical infrastructure; and reopening roads. 
  
  
• Post-Storm Coastal Reconstruction
  Construction on or near the coast in response to storm damage must follow certain guidelines in order to be safe, sustainable and meet all legal requirements. Permittees, public officials, and contractors who will be conducting or otherwise involved in stabilization, repair and construction on New York State coastlines because of storm-related damages should review the information and links on this link thoroughly in order to maintain compliance with all appropriate conditions.