Environmental Hazards, Health & Safety

Firewood Regulations

Please remember that there is a state Department of Environmental Conservation regulation that prohibits the movement of untreated firewood more than 50 miles from its source.  The regulation also prohibits the importation of firewood into New York unless it has been treated to kill pests.  If you have any questions regarding this firewood regulation, you can go to the DEC website – http://www.dec.ny.gov/animals/28722.html

The Dishwasher Detergent and Nutrient Runoff Law

As January 1, 2012, this law prohibits the application of lawn fertilizer containing phosphorus within 20 feet of any surface water except: where there is a vegetative buffer of at least 10 feet; or where the fertilizer is applied by a device with a spreader guard, deflector shield or drop spreader at least three feet from surface water. The application of lawn fertilizer containing nitrogen, phosphorus, or potassium between December 1st and April 1 is also prohibited.

Fertilizer labels have three bold numbers. The number in the middle is the percentage of phosphorus in the product, e.g. 22-0-15. Use of products with 0.67 in the middle or lower is not restricted. Products with a number higher than 0.67 may only be used if a new lawn is being established or a soil test indicates it is necessary.

The law also prohibits the sale of phosphorus-containing dishwasher detergents for household use. See following for more information:
http://www.dec.ny.gov/chemical/67239.html

Minimum Vegetation Cutting Restrictions

The question often comes up about what the Adirondack Park Agency regulations were for cutting trees and vegetation on the shoreline.  Here is an excerpt from the APA regulations, Pages 6-7.  http://www.apa.state.ny.us/Documents/Laws_Regs/RulesRegs-20110523.pdf

All land use areas:  Not more than 30 percent of the trees six inches or more in diameter at breast height within 35 feet of the mean high-water mark may be cut over any l0-year period.

No cutting of any vegetation may take place within six feet of the mean highwater mark, except that up to 30 percent of the shorefront may be cleared of vegetation on any individual lot.

These standards do not prevent the removal of diseased vegetation, or of rotten or damaged trees or of other vegetation presenting safety or health hazards. Any person having a legal interest in property and planning to cut shoreline trees or vegetation thereon may request an agency determination whether such trees or vegetation qualify for removal pursuant to this subparagraph.”