Q&A
Potential state pressure on DEP to use reservoirs for flood control
1:49:48
·
131 sec
Council Member Gennaro raises a hypothetical scenario about potential state pressure on DEP to use reservoirs for upstream flood control. Commissioner Aggarwala addresses the complex dynamics involved and emphasizes the importance of prioritizing water quality science.
- Gennaro presents a scenario of severe upstate storms and potential state pressure for flood control
- Aggarwala acknowledges the city's ultimate subordination to state authority
- Discussion of the role of environmental groups in advocating for NYC's water quality priorities
- Aggarwala stresses the importance of focusing on water quality science above other considerations
- Recognition of the need to balance multiple stakeholder interests while prioritizing clean drinking water for 10 million people
James F. Gennaro
1:49:48
I just came up with a question.
1:49:49
Let me put it this way that that doesn't get any mind trouble.
1:49:56
Let's just say there was like a host of severe storms upstate.
1:50:00
Mhmm.
1:50:01
And the state were to put pressure on DEP to regulate its reservoir levels in order to accommodate upstream flood control, what ability, like legal ability would DEP have to preclude the state from leaning on you folks like that?
1:50:27
How would that how would that work?
1:50:28
The states that look like we need a little know, if we need a little help with flood control, this reservoir is gonna have to take a little bit of a hit, but you have other reservoirs, you're gonna let this settle out or whatever.
1:50:41
I I don't know how that power dynamic works or how that or or or like the legal authority of that would would work.
Rohit T Aggarwala
1:50:49
Well, look, I will say and and and I I would have to get back to you on kind of the legal specifics of of that.
1:50:58
Ultimately, as as we all know, the city is a creature of the state.
1:51:02
So ultimately, one way or another, the state will get its way.
1:51:08
What I I would also point out
James F. Gennaro
1:51:10
because that's what I see.
1:51:11
Like, the benefit of the environmental community being involved, the Eric Goldstein of the world Mhmm.
1:51:19
You know, to rather than troops to make sure that the state doesn't get any ideas about, you know, about, you know, you but they have any ideas other than having, as 1st and foremost, the, you know, water quality for half the people in New York State.
1:51:43
And so that's how I see the benefit of the environmental coalition because they have the they you know, everybody knows, you know, they all have the governor's phone number.
1:51:52
And so so that's how I think that is Well, a good thing that you're doing it.
Rohit T Aggarwala
1:52:00
And council member, I think that's certainly we've been trying to work very closely with the environmental community.
