Overview
The Department of Environmental Conservation strives to build trust and strong communication with residents and stakeholders of the East Side 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 the East Side 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. Contact Kayla Baker at the contact information below to receive information about the next forum.
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.
Following DEC’s meetings, Community Advisory Committees (CACs) established in study areas across the state are encouraged to hold their own meetings with community members to discuss results and help clarify air quality concerns, priority sources, sensitive sites, and goals for improving air quality in disadvantaged communities. The Buffalo/Niagara Falls/Tonawanda co-convenor for the CAC is Clean Air Coalition of WNY.
The CACs are invited to come together as one group to collaborate with DEC, the Climate Justice Working Group (CJWG), and other state agencies and entities to work on potential strategies to meet air pollution mitigation goals.
A final report, expected to be released in 2025, will include the prioritized recommendations to mitigate air pollution and the entities with authority to implement actions.