Sen. Helming Announces Permit Extension for Lake Ontario Flood Repairs

GENEVA – Senator Pam Helming today announced that the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation has extended the application deadline for the Lake Ontario General Permit as well as the expiration date of the permit. This will allow property owners affected by last year’s devastating Lake Ontario flooding and the resulting shoreline erosion and damage to continue to make necessary repairs to their homes and businesses. The extension means the DEC will accept applications through April 30, 2019, and work must be completed by September 30, 2019.

“Many residents and businesses along the southern shore of Lake Ontario are still grappling with the aftermath and trying to get their homes, businesses, and lives back in order after last year’s flooding. Extending the application deadline and expiration date for the Lake Ontario General Permit will ensure that property owners have the time they need to complete the work they need to do and fully repair their homes and businesses. Many people along the southern shoreline of Lake Ontario are still suffering from the impacts of the flooding, and I remain committed to making sure they have the resources and services they need to overcome this disaster. I thank the DEC and Commissioner Seggos for granting this important permit extension,” Senator Helming said.

The DEC has also revised the permit to allow property owners to undertake additional work to restore their homes and businesses and stabilize their properties against high water levels and wind-driven high wave events. These activities include:

• Repair of erosion control structures that require minor deviations necessary for the stability of the structure;
• New toe stone necessary for the stabilization of vertical erosion control structures;
• New stone revetments for the emergency stabilization of existing dwellings; and
• Removal of channel blockages in tributaries to Lake Ontario blocked by shoreline sediments.

Under the DEC’s Lake Ontario General Permit, applicants will receive a single approval from the DEC, the New York State Department of State, and the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers. Homeowners, businesses, and municipalities with questions regarding the Lake Ontario permit program should call DEC at (518) 474-2057.