Overview
The Department of Environmental Conservation strives to build trust and strong communication with residents and stakeholders of East Buffalo by identifying and supporting mutual goals that promote environmental justice and inclusion for all while simultaneously pursing DEC's mission of conserving, improving, and protecting New York's natural resources and for the betterment of neighborhoods, the community, and our shared environment.
Projects
East Buffalo Environmental Forum
To better respond to East Buffalo resident environmental quality questions, DEC established the East Buffalo Environmental Forum, in partnership with the Environmental Protection Agency. The meetings will provide updates on projects like the East Delevan State Superfund clean-up. In addition, experts will be available to answer community questions and provide information on topics such as water, air, and soil quality. Click below to learn more about each forum event and to register.
Community Air Monitoring Initiative
The statewide Community Air Monitoring (CAM) Initiative worked with a mobile monitoring contractor Aclima, Inc. to collect air quality data in 10 disadvantaged communities for one year ending in August 2023, expanding on the four communities required by the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (Climate Act). Air quality monitoring focused on disadvantaged communities (DACs) with high air pollution burdens. The results will help DEC target strategies to reduce air pollution, including greenhouse gas emissions contributing to climate change. Buffalo/Niagara Falls/Tonawanda were included as part of the disadvantaged communities, including the East Side of Buffalo.
DEC released the Phase 1 Community Story Maps. The collection of story maps presents mobile monitoring results for each of the 10 communities with interactive maps which can be used to explore the data. DEC, community members, and other stakeholders will use these mapping tools, results, and other information to identify sources and prioritize areas for air pollution reductions. The collection of story maps also includes a survey tool for valuable input on community air quality concerns. DEC wants to ensure community members and stakeholders are meaningfully informed about the CAM mobile monitoring results and have opportunity to provide valuable input to effectively guide the critical mitigation phase of the CAM process.
DEC will be hosting a public meeting to explore the Story Map, discuss the results, and gather feedback on Tuesday, October 15 at the Buffalo Museum of Science from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. The first hour (5:30 – 6:30) of the meeting will be an information session and an opportunity to explore data with staff. There will be a presentation during the second hour (6:30 – 7:30).