The Ashokan Release Channel was increased today from 0 to approximately 10 MGD at 0945hrs.
The current release channel turbidity is 20.30 ntu.
Reservoir update as hurricane approaches
With Hurricane Sandy approaching, DEP Western Operations Division Chief John Vickers provided local officials with a summary of reservoir conditions.
Currently, the Ashokan Reservoir is at 77.8% storage and spilling over the dividing weir from the West Basin to the East Basin. Additional void was created by releasing waters from the West Basin in accordance with the Interim Protocol for Operational Releases. Releases started on 20th of October, releasing approximately 4 billion gallons to date. Turbidity of releases has been near or below the 30 NTU limit. Currently, it is 28.7.
Shandaken Tunnel was opened today to divert water from Schoharie Reservoir to lower the storage in that reservoir, which is currently at 92.1 %. Turbidity at the tunnel is currently 37 NTU. Diversions will be ramped up to approximately 500 MGD. NYSDEC authorized a waiver from the turbidity difference limits in the Shandaken SPDES until 1st of November. NYSDEC has also granted a waiver from the Operational Release turbidity limit for the Ashokan Release until 1st of November. Releases from Ashokan will continue so diversions will not negate the additional void already created.
Releases decreased
The Ashokan Release Channel was decreased today from 600 to approximately 360 MGD. Stop shutters changed. Release Channel increased from 360 to 600 mgd. Started at 1430 hrs, completed at 2330 hrs.
Release Channel turbidity at time of decrease completion was: 33.70 NTU. Current turbidity is: 33.60 NTU.
Releases increased to maximum
The Ashokan Release Channel was increased today from 0 MGD to approximately 600 MGD. The increases were made in approximately four 20 MGD increments and thirteen 40 MGD increments starting at 0900hrs and completed at 2000hrs. Release turbidity is 27 NTU (Nephelometric Turbidity Units).
Releases resume as stream gauge level subsides
The DEP notified local officials that releases will resume today, distributing the following statement:
NYCDEP Bureau of Water Supply will begin releasing water from the Ashokan Reservoir through the Release Channel starting today. The release will be ramped up to a rate not to exceed 600 million gallons per day. Activation of the release channel is made to create more room in the reservoir to capture projected runoff and will help to minimize impacts to the water supply. Such releases have the added benefit of further enhancing the flood protection the reservoir already provides downstream. We will continuously monitor the release rates and adjust as necessary. Additional notifications will be made as required. Thank you for your cooperation.
Releases were shutdown yesterday evening when the Mt. Marion Stream gauge reached “Action Stage.” Now that the stream level has dropped, releases are allowed by the Interim Release Protocol, which provides for “Operational Releases” to prevent spilling of turbid water from the West Basin to the East Basin of the Ashokan Reservoir.
Release channel closed in response to stream gauge level
The Ashokan Release Channel was decreased 240 to 0 MGD. The decrease was made in one step at 1930hrs. This decrease was required as per measurements at Mt. Marion Stream Gauge. The current Ashokan Release Channel turbidity is 28.00 NTU.
According to the Interim Release Protocol, the release channel must be shutdown when the USGS gage on the Esopus Creek at Mount Marion (Lower Esopus) is within 1 foot of the “Action Stage” (18′) and is forecasted to reach “Action Stage”, as predicted on the NWS’s Advanced Hydrologic Prediction Service web page.
DEP ramping up releases
New York City DEP announced that it will begin ramping up releases today in anticipation of increased rainfall runoff. The DEP notified local officials via email with the following statement:
NYCDEP Bureau of Water Supply will begin releasing water from the Ashokan Reservoir through the Release Channel starting today. The release will be ramped up to a rate not to exceed 600 million gallons per day. Activation of the release channel is made to create more room in the reservoir to capture projected runoff and will help to minimize impacts to the water supply. Such releases have the added benefit of further enhancing the flood protection the reservoir already provides downstream. We will continuously monitor the release rates and adjust as necessary. Additional notifications will be made as required. Thank you for your cooperation.
Under the Interim Release Protocol, the DEP is allowed to make “Operational Releases” to prevent overspill of poor quality water from the West Basin into the East Basin of the Ashokan Reservoir.
September 22nd: Kayak Tour of tidal Esopus
Saturday, September 22
Kayak Tour of the Tidal Lower Esopus – 9:30AM – 1PM
As part of Ulster County Creek Week, Riverkeeper and the Lower Esopus Watershed Partnership, with TrailCross.com and Kenco are hosting a kayak tour of the tidal Lower Esopus Creek. The tour is suitable for those who have experience in a kayak.
Learn about the natural history and environmental issues facing the Lower Esopus Creek, with Riverkeeper’s Watershed Program Director Kate Hudson, naturalist Richard Parisio and other experts. The tour will include the tidal Lower Esopus creek, as well as a tour of the Saugerties Lighthouse. Riverkeeper has been working protect the creek from muddy discharges from the Ashokan Reservoir, and to test water quality as part of our Hudson River water quality study.
A limited number of kayaks, paddles and life preservers will be provided free of charge by TrailCross.com and Kenco. RSVP to Dan Shapley at dshapley@riverkeeper.org to reserve a spot on the trip and request equipment. Rentals are also available from Kencoand Saugerties Marina. If you bring your own kayak, be sure to bring all necessary paddling and safety equipment as well. Everyone should pack a snack or lunch, water and sun protection. Meet at Tina Chorvas Park, East Bridge Street, Saugerties, N.Y.
This event is part of Ulster County Creek Week, September 15-23.
For a complete list of activities please visit:
http://ucenvironment.org/ulster-county-creek-week/
September 15th: Muddy Waters! presentation in Marbletown
Saturday September 15th
Muddy Waters! Ashokan Reservoir Releases into the Lower Esopus Creek – 9:30-11:30AM
The Marbletown Environmental Conservation is hosting a dynamic presentation on the environmental impact and legal status of the Ashokan Reservoir releases into the Lower Esopus Creek. Whether you live nearby the creek, use it for recreation, or are just plain concerned, this presentation will provide you with the latest information in order to understand and act on this complex issue. Presenters will include: Ulster County Department of the Environment, Riverkeeper, and the Lower Esopus Watershed Partnership.
The event is free and open to the public. Registration begins at 9AM. Location is the Marbletown Community Center, Route 209, Stone Ridge. For additional information, contact the Marbletown Environmental Conservation at marbletownecc@yahoo.com.
This event is part of Ulster County Creek Week, September 15-23.
For a complete list of events/activities please visit their website:
http://ucenvironment.org/ulster-county-creek-week/
Ulster County spells out concerns with Consent Order
In a document entitled 6 Key Reasons the Consent Order Matters to You, the County detailed its main concerns with the Consent Order issued by the NYSDEC to address the City’s turbid releases. The document is available as a PDF from the County’s website.