POLICY 8     PROTECT FISH AND WILDLIFE RESOURCES IN THE COASTAL AREA FROM THE INTRODUCTION OF HAZARDOUS WASTES AND OTHER POLLUTANTS WHICH BIO-ACCUMULATE IN THE FOOD CHAIN OR WHICH CAUSE SIGNIFICANT SUBLETHAL OR LETHAL EFFECT ON THOSE RESOURCES.

Explanation of Policy

Hazardous wastes are unwanted by-products of manufacturing processes and are generally characterized as being flammable, corrosive, reactive, or toxic. More specifically, hazardous waste is defined in Environmental Conservation Law [S27-0901(3)] as "waste or combination of wastes which because of its quantity, concentration, or physical, chemical or infectious characteristics may: (1) cause, or significantly contribute to, an increase in mortality or an increase in serious irreversible, or incapacitating reversible illness; or (2) pose a substantial present or potential hazard to human health or the environment when improperly treated, stored, transported, or otherwise managed." A list of hazardous wastes (NYCRR Part 366) will be adopted by DEC within 6 months after EPA formally adopts its list.

The handling (storage, transport, treatment and disposal) of the materials included on this list is being strictly regulated in New York State to prevent their entry or introduction into the environment, particularly into the State's air, land and waters. Such controls should effectively minimize possible contamination of and bio-accumulation in the State's coastal fish and wildlife resources at levels that cause mortality or create physiological and behavioral disorders.

Other pollutants are those conventional wastes generated from point and non-point sources, and not identified as hazardous wastes, but controlled through other State laws.