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New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Pete Grannis said: “This action demonstrates the ongoing commitment of the City of New York and the Delaware River Basin states to continue to improve reservoir release programs in a responsive, adaptable manner. The plan modifications are another incremental step toward greater protection for trout and other popular species in the Delaware, and will support local communities by continuing to make sure anglers and other outdoor enthusiasts have quality recreational opportunities. We look forward to continuing to work together to develop plans that protect our precious water resources while also fostering healthy habitat for our fish and wildlife.”
Background
In 2007, the Delaware River basin states and the City of New York adopted a Flexible Flow Management Program, which includes reservoir release rates for the City’s Cannonsville, Pepacton and Neversink reservoirs. This adaptive program provides opportunity to modify release rates as new circumstances arise. Faced with the possibility of a short term closure of the Rondout West Branch Tunnel for maintenance purposes, the basin states and the City of New York developed and agreed to a temporary supplemental release program to make best use of excess water that may be available in the reservoirs. This modification adds to previously established release rates by estimating near term water availability, including predictions of reservoir storage conditions that result from the tunnel shutdown. The full text of this temporary modification may be viewed on Delaware River Master’s web site at http://water.usgs.gov/osw/odrm/.
