The Ashokan Release Channel is currently being decreased from 10 to 0 MGD. Release shut-down is being conducted to allow for valve repair and inspection of tunnels.
The current release channel turbidity is 18.50 ntu.
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Ashokan releases reduced to seasonal minimum
The Ashokan Release Channel is currently being decreased from 600 to approximately 10 MGD. The decreases will be executed in 20 to 40 MGD increments starting at 7AM and ending at 6:30PM. The current release channel turbidity is 19.00 ntu.
Ashokan releases resume
Since Mt. Marion gauge dropped below Action Stage, the Ashokan Release Channel will be increased today from 0 to approximately 280 MGD. The increases will be executed in 20 to 40 MDG increments. The current release channel turbidity is 7.90 ntu.
Release channel shutdown
As of 1700 hrs Ashokan Release Channel was shutdown in one step from 600 mgd to 0 mgd. Shutdown was due to Mt Marion forecasted to reach action stage of 18 feet and current reading of 17.16 feet.
Ashokan release increased to 600 MDG
The Ashokan Release Channel is currently being increased today from 300 to approximately 600 MGD in 40 MDG increments. The current release channel turbidity is 8.0 ntu.
To continue with discharge mitigation in accordance with the interim release protocol, DEP has further increased flow rates in the Ashokan Release Channel in order to maintain a 10% void in the reservoir.
These discharge mitigation releases are expected to continue for approximately one week but may change with reservoir operating and downstream conditions.
Ashokan release increased to 300 MGD
The Ashokan Release Channel is currently being increased from 10 to approximately 300 MGD in 20 to 40 MDG increments, starting at 8AM this morning. The final step is scheduled for 3:30PM. The current release channel turbidity is 8.4 ntu.
Ashokan releases reduced to seasonal minimum of 10 MGD
The Ashokan Release Channel is being decreased today from 320 to approximately 10 MGD. The decreases have been executed in 20 to 40 MGD steps, starting at 9:30AM this morning with the final step scheduled for 5:30PM this evening.
The current release channel turbidity is 10.30 NTU.
EPA adds lower Esopus to list of impaired waters
Since the NYSDEC failed to include the lower Esopus Creek on the list of impaired waters, the EPA took action to have the creek added to the list for excessive turbidity. The EPA announced its action in a letter to the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation regarding Lower Esopus Creek, stating:
After considering all submissions and in accordance with the Clean Water Act
and EPA regulations and guidance, the EPA has concluded that current and available information
indicate that New York State’s narrative water quality standard for turbidity is exceeded in the Lower Esopus Creek and that 303(d) listing for this portion of the creek is therefore necessary.
The listing means that the EPA recognizes that prolonged releases of turbid water from the Ashokan Reservoir has impaired the stream and that the state must come up with remedies to address the situation. The rationale for the EPA’s listing is detailed in supporting materials which accompanied the letter, provided in PDF format here:
EPA Esopus Listing Letter
Esopus Listing Fact Sheet
Esopus Listing Response Summary
Ashokan release volume decreased to 440 MGD
The Ashokan Release Channel was decreased today from 480 to approximately 440 MGD. The decrease was made at 10:20AM.
The current release channel turbidity is 9.50 ntu.
Releases decreased to 480 MGD
The Ashokan Release Channel was decreased today from 600 to approximately 480 MGD. The decreases were made in three 40 MGD steps. The first decrease was at 2:45, the second at 3:15PM, and the third at 4:45PM.
The current release channel turbidity is 9.70 ntu.