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About the Department of Environmental Conservation

While the DEC issues most of the state’s environmental permits, the Department does more than just set forth regulations and assure compliance. Through its programs, the DECView from Lowell Mountains

  • manages water and air quality
  • regulates solid and hazardous wastes
  • administers a number of voluntary pollution and waste reduction programs

Among other responsibilities, Department staff members

  • collect data
  • conduct research
  • run volunteer programs
  • develop educational and outreach materials and programs
  • administer grants
  • work with conservation organizations and state and federal agencies to examine critical environmental issues