The Adirondack Park Agency (APA) is seeking public comment on two general permits the agency says is designed to streamline and expedite the Park Agency’s review process.

“This will ensure qualified invasive species management organizations have the ability to quickly respond to invasive species infestations,” according to an announcement by the APA.

General Permit 2015G-1 is a new general permit proposed that authorizes the use of benthic barriers and hand-harvesting to eliminate or manage up to a half acre of specified aquatic invasive species within an individual waterbody.

General Permit 2014G-1A is the reissuance of a general permit for the management of terrestrial invasive plant species in or within 100 feet of wetlands in the Adirondack Park. The general permit authorizes qualified users to undertake invasive control activities in terrestrial wetlands using best management practices. Such activities may include the use of herbicides.  In addition, the permit includes a provision to expand the list of designated authorized organizations or individuals eligible to use this permit.

Both general permits would apply to wetlands throughout the Adirondack Park and will remain in effect unless modified or revoked by the APA.

APA, as lead agency for State Environmental Quality Review purposes, has determined that the proposed general permits will not have a significant adverse impact on the environment.

The proposed general permits and related documents are available on the Agency’s website at www.apa.ny.gov.

The Adirondack Park Agency will accept public comment on this matter until May 29, 2015.  Comments should be directed to:

Richard Weber

Deputy Director Regulatory Programs

NYS Adirondack Park Agency

P.O. Box 99

Ray Brook, NY 12977

Email: PublicComment@apa.ny.gov

After the public comment period expires, it is anticipated that the proposed general permits will be presented to the Agency for a decision at its June 11-12, 2015 meeting.