What is the DEC Environmental Dispute Resolution Program?

 The Environmental Dispute Resolution Program, which is overseen by the DEC Office of Hearings and Mediation Services, was begun in 1996. This program uses a consensus-based process in which a mediator helps parties who are involved in an environmental dispute reach a mutually acceptable decision. The mediator does not make any decision about the case. The results of the structured negotiation are up to the parties. The parties craft the result through their negotiations, with the assistance of a mediator. This program has proved successful in resolving conflicts in a number of situations, including disputes over environmental permits, allocation of environmental resources, and regulatory rule development. For more information, please visit DEC’s web site.

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Environmental Dispute Resolution Program
Information about the Office of Hearings and Medications Environmental Dispute Resolution Program
URL: http://www.dec.ny.gov/regulations/2580.html