Light Rain Fog/Mist 47°
Tag:

Department of Environmental Conservation

Police & Fire
North Bellmore Man Busted With More Than 100 Animals Inside Home North Bellmore Man Busted With More Than 100 Animals Inside Home
North Bellmore Man Busted With More Than 100 Animals Inside Home A Long Island man was charged with illegal possession of endangered wildlife after officials uncovered more than 100 animals, many endangered, inside his home. The unnamed North Bellmore resident's home was raided on Tuesday, Jan. 23 by officials from the state Department of Environmental Conservation and the Nassau County Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. Responding officers discovered the resident illegally possessed several regulated species including an endangered tiger salamander, two monitor lizards (venomous reptiles), and protected diamondback terrapin.  The re…

SHARE

by Kathy Reakes
News
Increased Crash Risk: Watch For Deer During Mating Season, State Warns Motorists Increased Crash Risk: Watch For Deer During Mating Season, State Warns Motorists
Increased Crash Risk: Watch For Deer During Mating Season, State Warns Motorists With the arrival of fall, there is an increased risk of crashes involving deer, both the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) are warning motorists. Deer are most active and more likely to enter public roadways this time of year as they search for mates during their breeding season, which is the months of October, November, and December. According to the University at Albany’s Institute for Traffic Safety Management and Research, in 2022, 41.5 percent of the crashes between deer and vehicles occurred during this three-month…

SHARE

by Joe Lombardi
News
Man Dumps Hazardous Waste At Former LI Psychiatric Center, Costing Thousands In Cleanup: DA Man Dumps Hazardous Waste At Former LI Psychiatric Center, Costing Thousands In Cleanup: DA
Man Dumps Hazardous Waste At Former LI Psychiatric Center, Costing Thousands In Cleanup: DA A Long Island man’s decision to dump hazardous waste at a former psychiatric center left the property owner and taxpayers on the hook for tens of thousands of dollars in cleanup costs, prosecutors said. Carleton Pulley, age 48, of Bay Shore, was arraigned on charges of endangering public health and related offenses in Suffolk County Court on Wednesday, Aug. 30. According to the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office, a police officer witnessed Pulley unloading tires from a tractor trailer on the grounds of the former Pilgrim State Psychiatric Center in Brentwood on Sunday, April 23. Th…

SHARE

by Michael Mashburn
News
Slithery Surprise: 14-Foot Python Found On Side Of Long Island Road Slithery Surprise: 14-Foot Python Found On Side Of Long Island Road
Slithery Surprise: 14-Foot Python Found On Side Of Long Island Road Wildlife officers in New York got a slithery surprise on Valentine’s Day when a massive reticulated python was found on the side of a Long Island road. Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) officers were called Tuesday, Feb. 14, with reports that a large snake had been found on the side of the road in the town of Medford, according to the agency. When officers arrived, they found the python curled up in a ball. They quickly determined that the reptile, which measured 14 feet long, was dead. Officers removed the snake from the roadway to “appropriately dispose of it,” the agency s…

SHARE

by Michael Mashburn
Police & Fire
Fuel Spill With Side Of Fries - 42,000 Pounds Of Them: Truck Hits Hutchinson Parkway Overpass Fuel Spill With Side Of Fries - 42,000 Pounds Of Them: Truck Hits Hutchinson Parkway Overpass
Fuel Spill With Side Of Fries - 42,000 Pounds Of Them: Truck Hits Hutchinson Parkway Overpass This story has been updated. A truck carrying 42,000 pounds of frozen french fries struck an overpass on a Westchester County parkway, causing a fuel spill and a closure of the roadway's lanes in one direction.   The incident happened on Wednesday morning, Feb. 1 around 6:50 a.m., when a tractor-trailer traveling south on the Hutchinson River Parkway in Scarsdale hit the Mamaroneck Road bridge, Westchester County Police Public Information Officer Kieran O'Leary said.  As a result of the crash, 75 gallons of diesel fuel spilled from the trailer's refrigeration unit onto the parkway and int…

SHARE

by Ben Crnic
Police & Fire
Video: Crews Responding To Boat Fire At Wantagh Home (Developing) Video: Crews Responding To Boat Fire At Wantagh Home (Developing)
Video: Crews Responding To Boat Fire At Wantagh Home (Developing) Emergency crews responded to reports of a boat fire at a home on Long Island Thursday afternoon, Dec. 29. The incident was reported at around 3 p.m. at a home in Wantagh, located near Riverside Drive and Hemlock Place. Video posted on Twitter shows a small boat fully engulfed in flames with a large plume of black smoke visible for miles. If you’re in the Bellmore area & see this cloud of smoke, it’s not a house fire but a boat fire. pic.twitter.com/qypjJlN5yV — Will Chiarucci (@WillChiarucci) December 29, 2022 Multiple agencies were called to the scene, including the state Depart…

SHARE

by Michael Mashburn
News
Deerly Departed: NY Hunter's Buck Confiscated After Facebook Post Deerly Departed: NY Hunter's Buck Confiscated After Facebook Post
Deerly Departed: NY Hunter's Buck Confiscated After Facebook Post A New York hunter learned the hard way that if you’re going to break the rules, it’s probably best not to announce it on social media. Department of Environmental Conservation officers in Greene County were tipped off on Wednesday, Dec. 7, about a Facebook post showing a man with a deer that had been taken illegally, the department said. Officers learned that the man had moved from the Capital Region to the town of Hope in Hamilton County. Investigators there were able to track down the man’s location, where they spotted the prized buck hanging on a property. While interviewing the man, h…

SHARE

by Michael Mashburn
News
Spotted Lanternfly Confirmed In Nassau Spotted Lanternfly Confirmed In Nassau
Spotted Lanternfly Confirmed In Nassau The invasive spotted lanternfly continues its invasion of New York. A state effort to track the spread and prevalence of the insect using community reports and digital mapping shows it has now been spotted in all five boroughs of New York City, across Long Island, and throughout the Hudson Valley. Earlier Report: Capital District Among Regions In NY That Have Been 'Infested' By Invasive Insect, Schumer Says As of November 2022, the insect, also known as Chinese blistering cicada, has been confirmed in 16 New York counties, including Nassau, Suffolk, Westchester, Rockland, Putnam, Orange, …

SHARE

by Michael Mashburn
News
'Cold, Hungry, Thirsty': Lost Students Rescued Hours After Bus Leaves Them In Adirondacks 'Cold, Hungry, Thirsty': Lost Students Rescued Hours After Bus Leaves Them In Adirondacks
'Cold, Hungry, Thirsty': Lost Students Rescued Hours After Bus Leaves Them In Adirondacks Two college students in New York had to be rescued by state Forest Rangers after getting left behind in the woods of the Adirondacks while on a day retreat. Emergency crews in Warren County were called at around 9:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 1, with reports that two students were lost near Dippikill Pond, located about 10 miles northwest of the town of Warrensburg. A Forest Ranger contacted the students via phone and responded to the area, where he was able to make voice contact with them, the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) said.  He then made his way to them a short time …

SHARE

by Michael Mashburn
News
Bald Eagle Euthanized After Being Struck By Car On Long Island Bald Eagle Euthanized After Being Struck By Car On Long Island
Bald Eagle Euthanized After Being Struck By Car On Long Island A bald eagle has died after being struck by a car on Long Island, state wildlife officials announced. Suffolk County Police were called Thursday, Sept. 22, with reports of a bald eagle that had been struck by a vehicle in Manorville on the Sunrise Highway. Police requested additional support from officers with the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), who helped safely capture the juvenile bird and place it in a cage, the agency said. The animal was then taken to a local rehabilitator for an X-ray and further treatment. Upon closer examination, however, the rehabilitator disco…

SHARE

by Michael Mashburn
News
NY Bumps Starting Pay For Lifeguards Amid Staffing Shortage NY Bumps Starting Pay For Lifeguards Amid Staffing Shortage
NY Bumps Starting Pay For Lifeguards Amid Staffing Shortage Lifeguards in New York are getting a pay raise. Gov. Kathy Hochul announced a new directive Wednesday, June 22, increasing the starting pay rates for lifeguards at state park beaches and pools, as well as campgrounds and day-use area beaches. Newly hired lifeguards at upstate facilities will see a 34-percent increase in pay from $14.95 per hour to $20 per hour. And starting pay at downstate facilities will go up 21 percent from $18.15 per hour to $22 per hour. Hochul said the idea is to better attract qualified candidates amid a staffing shortage at New York State Park and Department of E…

SHARE

by Michael Mashburn
News
12-Year-Old Attacked By Bear At Park In NY 12-Year-Old Attacked By Bear At Park In NY
12-Year-Old Attacked By Bear At Park In NY A 12-year-old Boy Scout is on the mend after an encounter with a black bear left him with minor injuries, ABC7 reports. Henry Ayers told the outlet he was with his troop from Cooperstown camping at Harriman State Park, located in both Rockland and Orange counties, Sunday, May 1, when he awoke to a sharp pain in his leg. "I look up and it was a giant bear,” Ayers told ABC7. “I thought it was a nightmare. It was honestly crazy. I didn't think I was awake." The Scoutmaster, Diana Nicols, told the outlet the bear bit through the boy’s sleeping bag, leaving him with minor cuts and bruises. He…

SHARE

by Michael Mashburn
Lifestyle
Improved Public Access Announced For Hempstead State Park Improved Public Access Announced For Hempstead State Park
Improved Public Access Announced For Hempstead State Park Some improvements have been completed at one of Long Island’s most popular parks. New York Gov. Kathy Hochul announced the completion of a near $4 million improvement project at the Hempstead Lake State Park to enhance public access to the park and lake, which represents the largest body of freshwater in Nassau County. The project includes the creation of nearly five miles of trails that can be used for hiking, biking, and horseback riding, as well as improved connections to the lake and ponds with a new kayak launch and fishing pier. The fishing pier at Hempstead Lake State Park.Flic…

SHARE

by Zak Failla
News
Dog Attacked By Coyote Near New York City, Police Say Dog Attacked By Coyote Near New York City, Police Say
Dog Attacked By Coyote Near New York City, Police Say Residents in Westchester have been advised to be on alert after a coyote attacked a dog in the area. In Mount Vernon, the police department issued an advisory cautioning that a small dog was recently attacked near North Columbus Avenue and California Road by what was reported to be a coyote. It is the latest sighting in the area, and the first reported attack. Earlier story - Coyote Advisory Issued In Westchester After Multiple Sightings “Please remember that we share our environment with wild animals, so while it is rare that they appear in Mount Vernon, they do appear from time to time…

SHARE

by Zak Failla
News
DEC Seizes Illegal Turtles In Hempstead DEC Seizes Illegal Turtles In Hempstead
DEC Seizes Illegal Turtles In Hempstead A Long Island resident was recently ticketed for allegedly selling sick painted turtles. The turtles were found when officials with the state Department of Environmental Conservation discovered an online ad offering painted turtles for sale in Nassau County in Hempstead. After discovering the ad, a DEC officer posed as an interested customer and contacted the seller who offered five painted turtles for $200, the department said. While not endangered, the turtles are native wildlife, and selling or keeping them as pets is illegal, the department added. The officers, along with investigator…

SHARE

by Kathy Reakes
News
Contaminated Water Being Tested Near Long Island Guard Base Contaminated Water Being Tested Near Long Island Guard Base
Contaminated Water Being Tested Near Long Island Guard Base A national study is measuring the effects of contaminated drinking water in nearly a dozen regions of the country including towns near a Hudson Valley National Guard base. The contaminants, known as PFAS, are also called “forever” chemicals because they stay in bodies for many years and have been linked to potentially serious health problems. In many cases, the source of PFAS in the groundwater is likely past use of aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF) in the area. At airports and military bases, the foam is used as a fire suppressant to extinguish flammable liquid fires such as fuel fires. Th…

SHARE

by Jon Craig
News
Multiple State Agencies Sent To Scene Of Rockville Centre Tanker Explosion, Hochul Says Multiple State Agencies Sent To Scene Of Rockville Centre Tanker Explosion, Hochul Says
Multiple State Agencies Sent To Scene Of Rockville Centre Tanker Explosion, Hochul Says Following a gasoline tanker crash and explosion on Long Island, New York Gov. Kathy Hochul has directed multiple state agencies to the area to help with environmental issues caused by the crash. The crash and following fire and large fuel spill in Nassau County took place around 1 a.m., Wednesday, Feb. 16, when the driver of the tanker lost control and slammed into a commercial building on the Sunrise Highway in Rockville Centre.  The crash of the tanker which was carrying some 13,000 gallons of gasoline, also caused a fuel leak, which traveled into storm sewer tunnels causing a large…

SHARE

by Kathy Reakes
News
NY Agencies Prepare Emergency Response Assets Ahead Of Nor'easter NY Agencies Prepare Emergency Response Assets Ahead Of Nor'easter
NY Agencies Prepare Emergency Response Assets Ahead Of Nor'easter New York State agencies have prepared emergency response assets ahead of a winter storm that could bring more than a foot of snow to parts of the state. The storm could bring heavy snow to parts of Long Island, New York City, and the Hudson Valley regions beginning in the evening of Friday, Jan. 28, according to an announcement from Gov. Kathy Hochul. Some areas could see between 6 and 12 inches of snow by the night of Saturday, Jan. 29. "A winter storm system moving up the coast has the potential to deliver heavy snow, gusty winds, and create dangerous travel conditions across downstate l…

SHARE

by Nicole Valinote
News
Final New York Firefighters Return From Battling Wildfires In Oregon, California Final New York Firefighters Return From Battling Wildfires In Oregon, California
Final New York Firefighters Return From Battling Wildfires In Oregon, California The final four New York State wildland firefighters who were battling blazes in Oregon and California have returned home after completing their two-week assignments. The four firefighters are all Department of Environmental Conservation forest rangers, according to an announcement from Gov. Kathy Hochul. Hochul said Ranger Bryan Gallagher, who is from Suffolk County, was a facility unit leader at the Dixie Fire in California.  Ranger Charles Kabrehl, of Warren County, also worked at the Dixie Fire as a task force leader.  Ranger Joseph Hess, from Saratoga County, worked as …

SHARE

by Nicole Valinote
News
Ida: Hundreds Of Rescues Performed During Storm; Downstate NY Remains In State Of Emergency Ida: Hundreds Of Rescues Performed During Storm; Downstate NY Remains In State Of Emergency
Ida: Hundreds Of Rescues Performed During Storm; Downstate NY Remains In State Of Emergency After Tropical Depression Ida brought historic rainfall to parts of the region, flash flooding, and scores of power outages, New York Gov. Kathy Hochul is directing additional state agency assets to respond to the areas impacted. The storm, which began moving through the area on Wednesday, Sept. 1, caused flooding on a number of roadways across Long Island, the lower Mid-Hudson and New York City, the state said. In Westchester and Rockland counties, New York State Fire and State Police, along with the Department of Environmental Conservation participated in about 100 rescues, the state…

SHARE

by Nicole Valinote
News
NY State Agencies Prepare Emergency Response For Tropical Depression Ida NY State Agencies Prepare Emergency Response For Tropical Depression Ida
NY State Agencies Prepare Emergency Response For Tropical Depression Ida New York State agencies are preparing emergency response assets as Tropical Depression Ida is set to impact the region with heavy rain and the potential for flash flooding in some areas. The storm arrived on Wednesday, Sept. 1, and is expected to pass through by late Thursday afternoon, Sept. 2. Related story: Ida Arrives With Heavy Rain, Gusty Winds, Flash Flooding; Isolated Tornadoes Possible "The remnants of Hurricane Ida are forecast to impact downstate and eastern parts of the state, including New York City, Long Island, and parts of the Southern Tier, Mid-Hudson Valley, and Capital r…

SHARE

by Nicole Valinote
News
NY Agencies Preparing For Rain, Flash Flooding Conditions Ahead Of Post-Tropical Cyclone Fred NY Agencies Preparing For Rain, Flash Flooding Conditions Ahead Of Post-Tropical Cyclone Fred
NY Agencies Preparing For Rain, Flash Flooding Conditions Ahead Of Post-Tropical Cyclone Fred New York State agencies are preparing for widespread rain and possible flash flooding conditions as Post-Tropical Cyclone Fred is set to move through the state. The storm is expected to begin moving through the area on Wednesday, Aug. 18, and exit by midday Thursday, Aug. 19. The State Department of Transportation is preparing to patrol areas that are susceptible to flooding, and personnel are set to respond with equipment to remove debris and set up temporary closures and detours. The state said the Department of Public Service has about 5,500 workers ready to engage in damage assessment,…

SHARE

by Nicole Valinote
Weather
New York State Agencies Announce Storm Emergency Preparation Efforts New York State Agencies Announce Storm Emergency Preparation Efforts
New York State Agencies Announce Storm Emergency Preparation Efforts With a wave of potentially severe storms set to move into the New York area, state agencies have been planning their emergency response effort. Some downstate areas could experience up to four inches of rain, and wind gusts could reach up 60 miles per hour, the National Weather Service. The State said that the Department of Transportation has the following assets prepared to respond: 1,395 large dump trucks 74 wheeled and tracked excavators 306 large loaders 17 vacuum trucks with sewer jets 20 graders 15 tree crew bucket trucks 77 chippers Additionally, the state said the New York St…

SHARE

by Nicole Valinote
Police & Fire
Man Injured By Black Bear While Checking Noise Outside Home In Upstate NY Man Injured By Black Bear While Checking Noise Outside Home In Upstate NY
Man Injured By Black Bear While Checking Noise Outside Home In Upstate NY A New York man was injured by a black bear after going outside to see what was in his garbage can. The attack happened around 11 p.m., Friday, June 4 in Sullivan County in the hamlet of Rock Hill. The homeowner heard a noise near the trash containers, went outside, and was reportedly scratched by the bear, said officials with the state Department of Environmental Conservation. The man received mild injuries but was transported to the hospital for treatment, the Sullivan County Sheriff's Office said. DEC is reminding residents to use caution when in the area of a black bear. They offered t…

SHARE

by Kathy Reakes
Police & Fire
Dolphin Stranded In Mud In Nassau County Rescued By Police Officers Dolphin Stranded In Mud In Nassau County Rescued By Police Officers
Dolphin Stranded In Mud In Nassau County Rescued By Police Officers A dolphin stranded on land due to a low tide on Long Island was freed by officers from the Nassau County Police Department who trudged through knee-deep mud to perform the operation. The incident took place around 7:20 p.m., Tuesday, March 30, in Manhasset Bay, when the officers responded to a 911 call for a stranded dolphin, the Nassau County Police said.  When officers arrived on the scene, they found a civilian with the large dolphin who was stuck due to the low tide.  Sixth Precinct Sgt. Vitiello and Officer Owens entered the mud and made their way to assist. Nassau County Marine Bur…

SHARE

by Kathy Reakes
Business
NY Plastic Bag Ban Starts With These Exceptions NY Plastic Bag Ban Starts With These Exceptions
NY Plastic Bag Ban Starts With These Exceptions The bag ban is back on. After being delayed due to the COVID-19 outbreak and a pending lawsuit, enforcement of the ban of single-use plastic bags in New York that was signed into law earlier this year and effective as of Monday, Oct. 19. Earlier story - Here's When Ban On Single-Use Plastic Bags Takes Effect In NY The ban prohibits the use of bags in markets and grocery stores, with the exception of baggies used for pharmacy prescription, fruit, vegetables, and to wrap meat or fish. Restaurant takeout food is also exempt from the ban. The Department of Environmental Conservation was for…

SHARE

by Zak Failla
Police & Fire
24-Year-Old Hospitalized After Fire Breaks Out At Nassau County Gas Station 24-Year-Old Hospitalized After Fire Breaks Out At Nassau County Gas Station
24-Year-Old Hospitalized After Fire Breaks Out At Nassau County Gas Station A gasoline fire that erupted from the underground tanks of a Long Island gas station took firefighters an hour and a half to extinguish, and a 24-year-old male burn victim was airlifted from the scene to a local hospital.  The incident took place at approximately 5:40 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 30 in Nassau County at the Pride Gas Station at 311 Glen Cove Ave. in Sea Cliff, according to the Sea Cliff Fire Department "When you go to the gas pumps, they have underground tanks that feed the pumps," said Sea Cliff Fire Department Chief Will Koopman.  "I don't know what was going on, bu…

SHARE

by Christina Coulter
News
SUNY New Paltz Closed Through Week's End Due To Reports Of Tainted Water SUNY New Paltz Closed Through Week's End Due To Reports Of Tainted Water
SUNY New Paltz Closed Through Week's End Due To Reports Of Tainted Water All classes have been canceled through the end of the week at SUNY New Paltz due to reported tainted water. College officials at the campus in Ulster County said they made the decision on Tuesday, Feb. 11, to close out of an abundance of caution for the safety of students after being notified by a precautionary advisory issued by the Village of New Paltz. They said the closure will last until at least Saturday, Feb. 15. The first water notice was issued on Monday, Feb. 10, after residents complained of an "odor" and "taste" problems coming from the water supply. During an inspection, a “s…

SHARE

by Kathy Reakes
Lifestyle
Rare Coyote Sighting Reported In Nassau County Rare Coyote Sighting Reported In Nassau County
Rare Coyote Sighting Reported In Nassau County State park officials believe they have observed a rare Long Island coyote sighting. Video surveillance cameras captured a shot of what officials believe is a coyote at 875-acre Robert Moses State Park, located in southern Suffolk County on Fire Island. While the photo is grainy, the state parks department is hoping to capture a clearer video on future surveillance. Dan Keefe, a spokesman for the state Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, confirmed the sighting and provided the video camera shot. This new sighting comes on the heels of other reports of a coyote spotted i…

SHARE

by Kathy Reakes
Lifestyle
Viral Facebook Video Claiming To Be Mountain Lion Actually Shows A Bobcat, Animal Expert Says Viral Facebook Video Claiming To Be Mountain Lion Actually Shows A Bobcat, Animal Expert Says
Viral Facebook Video Claiming To Be Mountain Lion Actually Shows A Bobcat, Animal Expert Says Turns out it was a bobcat, not a mountain lion that was caught on camera in upstate New York in a video that quickly went viral, according to an expert. Cici Marie LaPierre posted a video on Facebook that has since gone viral on social media of an animal that was walking on Main Street in Saranac Lake last month. In the video, one of the passengers in the vehicle questions whether it is a mountain lion, as it looks back before going on its way. Some commenters on social media noted that the animal in the video may not be a mountain lion, but could be a bobcat, cougar, lynx, or similar pre…

SHARE

by Zak Failla
Lifestyle
Video: Upstate NYers Say Mountain Lion Caught On Camera Video: Upstate NYers Say Mountain Lion Caught On Camera
Video: Upstate NYers Say Mountain Lion Caught On Camera Click here for an updated story: Viral Facebook Video Claiming To Be Mountain Lion Actually Shows A Bobcat, Animal Expert Says An upstate New Yorker received a surprise visitor recently, when he may have spotted a mountain lion perusing an area roadway. Cici Marie LaPierre posted a video on Facebook that has since gone viral on social media of an animal that was walking on Main Street in Saranac Lake last month. In the video, one of the passengers in the vehicle questions whether it is a mountain lion, as it looks back before going on its way. Some commenters on social media have pro…

SHARE

by Zak Failla