Ever wondered about the 'Embayment' and what it means?

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation and the Monroe County Department of Public Health are holding a presentation on the Rochester Embayment "Area of Concern" on Tuesday, November 17, 2015 at 7 pm, at the Roger Robach Community Center, 180 Beach Ave., Rochester NY, 14612. It has been designed, i.e. receives several funding streams from state and federal sources, as an 'Area of Concern' by the NYS DEC.  

"The purpose of this meeting is to provide an update on several previously noted environmental issues in our Embayment. We hope you can join us and provide input into this important environmental matter."

News Release Nov. 10, 2015 from Monroe County Sanitarian, Pete Rightmyer:


Rochester Embayment Environmental Quality Meeting Topic 

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation and the Monroe County Department of Public Health will host a public meeting at 7 pm on November 17, 2015, at the Roger Robach Community Center, 180 Beach Avenue, to discuss improvements in the environmental quality of the Rochester Embayment. 

In 1987, the Rochester Embayment was designated as an Area of Concern (AOC) by the U.S.-Canada Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement, indicating that it is a location that has experienced environmental degradation.  

The Monroe County Department of Public Health, together with many valued partners, has lead an initiative for many years known as the Remedial Action Plan (RAP) process to address identified environmental concerns.

“Achieving progress in the identified environmental problem areas requires the work of many, and doesn’t happen quickly. We’re eager to update the community on our most recent progress,” said Dr. Jeremy Cushman, Interim Public Health Commissioner.

 “Thanks to federal, state and local collaboration and resources, the Rochester Embayment is an important waterway on the road to recovery. Input from the public and our partnering stakeholders has been a critical component of these efforts and DEC encourages the public’s continued participation in the restoration of this incredible resource,” said NYS DEC Acting Commissioner Basil Seggos.

The Rochester Embayment AOC is an area formed by the indentation of the Monroe County shoreline between Bogus Point in the town of Parma and Nine Mile Point in the town of Webster.  The southern boundary includes approximately 6 miles of the Genesee River that is influenced by lake levels, from the river's mouth to the Lower Falls.

The RAP identified 14 impairments for the AOC.  Impairments included items such as degradation of fish and wildlife populations, restrictions on dredging, and aesthetics.  Each impairment has associated criteria that must be met in order for it to be removed from the list. Upon the completion of remedial actions for all impairments, the Rochester Embayment will be recommended for a status update from an Area of Concern to an Area in Recovery. 

Health and environmental officials are also seeking input via e-mail from individuals who may not be able to make it to a meeting but want to stay informed, receive updates, and obtain documents to review.  To be placed on this list, residents should send an e-mail to wadesilkworth@monroecounty.gov with the subject “RAP” and a message containing your full name, e-mail address, and town of residence.