Artificial Reef Program Draft Blueprint Available for Public Comment

DEC released a proposal that will help shape the future management of the state’s artificial reef program. The draft Supplemental Generic Environmental Impact Statement (SGEIS) (PDF) helps assess and evaluate the continued use of existing offshore artificial reef sites, the expansion of some existing reef sites, and the development of new reef sites as proposed by Governor Andrew M. Cuomo in his 2020 State of the State Address.

DEC is hosting public hearings on Thursday, February 6, 2020, at 6 p.m. at the Freeport Public Library, 144 West Merrick Road, Freeport, and on Monday, February 10, 2020, at 6 p.m. at DEC’s Marine Resources Headquarters, 205 North Belle Mead Road, East Setauket.

DEC encourages the public to provide comments on the draft SGEIS. Submit comments by e-mail to ArtificialReefs@dec.ny.gov (reference “Reef Program Draft SGEIS” in the subject of the email) or by mail to Christopher LaPorta, NYSDEC 205 N Belle Mead Road, Suite 1, East Setauket, NY 11733. DEC will accept comments through February 21, 2020.