Category Archives: Ashokan Release Channel Operations

Ashokan Release Channel Operations, News

Proposed changes to Ashokan release protocol

NYCDEP has requested a modification to the Ashokan Reservoir Interim Release Protocol (IRP).  High level changes include:

  1. the removal of the protocol to allow for Operational Releases;
  2. Modification of the Spill Mitigation Release Protocol which would require DEP to reduce the discharge to the Community Release levels should the turbidity of the Release Channel discharge meets or exceeds 20 NTU.  However, language has also been included to allow Ulster County to submit a written request to DEC and DEP for DEP to continue or restart discharge mitigation releases to achieve the void target as identified in the Conditional Seasonal Storage Objective (CSSO) when the turbidity meets or exceeds 20 NTU.

Comments can be submitted before November 2nd to:

Ken Kosinski, P.E.
Director, Bureau of Flood Protection and Dam Safety
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation
625 Broadway, Albany NY 12233

Draft Ashokan Interim Release Protocol

Ashokan Release Channel Operations, Events

JOIN US for an information session

DEP and towns along the lower Esopus Creek will co-host a public information session on Nov. 18 at 6 p.m. The meeting will happen at the Frank D. Greco Memorial Senior Center in Saugerties, at 207 Market Street. DEP will share information about Ashokan Reservoir, its operations during the ongoing Catskill Aqueduct shutdown, and an overview of the rules that currently govern releases from the reservoir. Those in attendance will also learn about helpful tools for creekside residents, including real-time gage data that can be found online.

Registration is required for in-person attendance at the senior center. You can register at the following link: http://events.constantcontact.com/register/event?llr=zl6cbwuab&oeidk=a07eisnopqi82676906

The info session will be broadcast live online for those who want watch but cannot attend in person. The following link will take you to the broadcast on the night of the meeting: https://cantineveteranscomplex.webex.com/cantineveteranscomplex/j.php?MTID=mdb23091ef19fbeb0854eb25ed50201af

Ashokan Release Channel Operations, News

Public review and comment period for ashokan releases

Available for Public Review and Comment: Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) for the Modification of the CATALUM SPDES Permit, and Draft Permit. This includes Proposed Action in Lower Esopus Creek as part of the revised Ashokan Reservoir Release Protocol. Written public comments will be accepted on the Draft EIS until March 16, 2021. A virtual public comment hearing on the permit application and the Draft EIS will be held before at 4:00 P.M. on Thursday, February 4, 2021, through the Webex Events electronic webinar platform. Information on how to provide public comment and participate in the Virtual Public comment hearing can be found here.

Ashokan Release Channel Operations

Weekend reservoir release related to recreational whitewater event

NYC DEP increased the Ashokan Release Channel flow rate from 15MGD to 150 MGD to mitigate the impact of a NYS DEC requested whitewater release from Shandaken Tunnel Portal this weekend for an event on the upper Esopus Creek sponsored by the Kayak and Canoe Club of New York. Releasing water from the reservoir in advance and during the whitewater release from the tunnel will mitigate any potential spills from the reservoir since reservoir level is close to 100% capacity.