A Cayuga Lake property owner is seeking state permission to dredge 5,760 square feet of lakebed and add stone protection along an existing bulkhead in Ledyard.
Bernard J. Riester Jr.’s proposal at 441 Dills Beach Road would restore areas used for navigation and protect the bulkhead from erosion, according to the state Department of Environmental Conservation. Written public comments are due Nov. 12.
The application calls for excavation and fill below Cayuga Lake’s mean high-water level, including placement of 76 linear feet of toe stone along the existing structure. Material removed from the lake would be dewatered on the property, with the dried material placed at an upland location.
The 5,760-square-foot figure describes the dredging area, rather than the volume of sediment to be removed.
Work requires water permits
Riester is applying for an excavation and fill permit under the state’s Protection of Waters law and a water quality certification under Section 401 of the federal Clean Water Act.
DEC generally requires permission to excavate or place fill below the mean high-water level of navigable waters. The separate water quality certification addresses whether an activity requiring federal authorization would comply with state water quality requirements.
Cayuga Lake is identified in the application as a protected Class A(T) waterbody. DEC’s classifications designate Class A waters for drinking-water source use; the additional T designation recognizes waters that may support trout.
DEC classified the proposed work as a Type II action, meaning it is not subject to the environmental impact analysis requirements of the State Environmental Quality Review Act. The water permit and certification application nevertheless remains under review.
Shoreline protection has broader stakes
DEC’s shoreline guidance says erosion can damage property while also affecting water quality and habitat. Natural shorelines help filter runoff and support fish and wildlife, making the design and extent of stabilization work important beyond the structure being protected.
The agency generally favors vegetation and other natural approaches where feasible. Where harder protection is necessary, its guidance recommends limiting the footprint and identifies stone protection at the base of vertical structures as one way to reduce potential adverse effects.
The Ledyard application specifically proposes toe stone along an existing bulkhead. DEC is accepting comments as part of its review of that proposed work.
How to review the application
Application documents and any applicable draft permits may be inspected through DEC’s Region 7 office during normal business hours. The agency recommends making an appointment.
Written comments should identify application 7-0534-00241/00006 and be sent by Nov. 12 to Evan C. Williamson at DEC Region 7 Headquarters, 5786 Widewaters Parkway, Syracuse, NY 13214, or dep.r7@dec.ny.gov.
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