Environmental Stewardship

The Thruway Authority modernized its 570-mile transportation system by implementing system-wide cashless tolling. Cashless tolling reduces congestion, improves traffic flow, is better for the environment, and allows for non-stop travel on New York’s toll roads, bridges and tunnels. The Design-Build contract was awarded in August 2019; construction began in late 2019 and it was completed in October 2020. The entire Thruway system converted to cashless tolling on November 14, 2020. The last phase of the project was the removal of the remaining plazas and realignment of the ramps and interchanges, which was completed in 2021. Systemwide, the reduction of greenhouse gases resulting from the implementation of cashless tolling benefit the climate. The project resulted in GHG emission reductions estimated to equate to an approximate annual savings of 4.4 million gallons of gasoline, or $10.7 million.

The Service Area modernization project was designed to promote sustainability by implementing strategies to reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. The Project was completed in 2025 and incorporates the United States Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) principles and renewable sources of energy to support New York State Executive Orders 88 and 166, as well as the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act. 

As part of the Thruway Authority's continued commitment to Environmental Stewardship, the Authority offers a special 10% discount to Plug-In Electric and Plug-In Hybrid vehicles. To find out more information on this program, please visit the Green Discount Plan page.

Maintaining the biodiversity of New York State is an important aspect of Environmental Stewardship. New York is fortunate to have a unique environment rich with many different species of animals and plants.   As such, the Authority has performed numerous projects to protect species found near and adjacent to the highway. 

Some examples of these are as follows:

Falcons

The peregrine falcon is an endangered species in New York State. The Thruway Authority supports New York's falcon population by providing nesting boxes on the main trusses of the North and South Grand Island Bridges, both of which cross the Niagara River. A nest box is also installed inside a tower of the Governor Mario M. Cuomo Bridge, which crosses the Hudson River approximately 20 miles north of New York City. The activities of the occupants of this box can be viewed by the public anytime on the Falcon webcam , but most activity takes place from late winter through early fall, since the falcons migrate south for the winter.

It is a symbiotic relationship. The bridges provide high vantage points for these birds of prey and create a safe nesting zone away from human interference, while the falcons keep pigeons off the bridges.  Keeping the pigeons at bay is beneficial in increasing the life of the bridge as pigeon droppings are harmful to the paint and steel of the structure. Since the program's inception, the number of pigeons nesting on bridges has dramatically decreased.

Authority staff also coordinate with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation and the New York City Department of Environmental Protection to band falcon chicks and track the livelihood of these endangered birds.

Invasive species are plants, animals, or pathogens that are not native to the ecosystem and their introduction causes (or is likely to cause) harm to the economy, the environment, or human health. Their impact on agriculture, industry, recreation, and our environment is extensive: the United States Department of Agriculture estimates annual economic losses to be in the billions of dollars.

The Authority participates in an inter-agency New York State council to control and combat invasive species. For more information about the Invasive Species Council, please visit the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation at www.dec.ny.gov/animals/6989.html .

More information on invasive species in New York State can be found at the New York Invasive Species Information Clearinghouse at: https://nyis.info/ .

Invasive Plants

The Thruway Authority (Authority) takes precautions to control the spread of invasive plant species. The following are examples of preventative measures which may be used for different types of projects and activities taking place on the Thruway:

• Washing vehicles and equipment before moving them from one site to another so they don’t inadvertently transport invasive species to a new location
• Monitoring soil that’s moved or stockpiled for invasive species
• Providing special protection to pristine, invasive-free areas, especially wetlands.

Additionally, contractors working on Authority projects are directed to take all reasonable precautions to prevent the spread of invasive plant species materials when conducting earthwork activities.

Invasive Insects

With thousands of trees along its right-of-way, the Authority has had the opportunity to collaborate on statewide efforts to study and control the spread of invasive insects that use certain tree species to eat and reproduce.

The Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) is a non-native beetle that feeds on and decimates ash trees. The Authority worked with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) to install traps for the EAB in various locations along the Thruway. These traps helped to detect infestations and map the spread of the EAB.

The Spotted Lantern Fly (SLF) is another invasive insect that poses a serious threat to the state’s trees. The SLF primarily feeds on Tree of Heaven (Ailanthus altissima), but can feed on other plants, often with devastating effects. The SLF feeds on the sap of trees, leaving them severely stressed and vulnerable to disease and attack from other insects. When the Authority identifies infestations on the system, steps are taken to address them, which can include physical removal of the insects and elimination of their food source. 

In the winter months, blowing and drifting snow can be a safety hazard for the traveling public. To help alleviate this issue, the Thruway Authority has installed "living snow fences" parallel to the highway. Rows and clusters of willows, lilacs and evergreens have been strategically planted in areas prone to heavy snowfall with blowing and drifting snow. These densely planted configurations trap some of the snow and dissipate blowing snow before it can collect on the highway. Living snow fences require little, if any, maintenance, and provide habitat for birds and pollinators to eat, live, and rest. The plantings can also contribute to reduced maintenance costs and greenhouse gas emissions, given the need to plow less frequently in these areas.

Living snow fences were first installed in 2006, in collaboration with the State University of New York, College of Environmental Science and Forestry, along the I-90 right-of-way at Interchange 18A and Interchange 20 in the Town of Grand Island, Erie County. These densely planted configurations trap some of the snow and dissipate blowing snow before it can collect on the highway.

During the planting season, our maintenance crews will continue to complete new living snow fence installations across the system and look for additional planting areas along the Thruway right-of-way.

Pollination by bees, butterflies, birds, insects and bats is necessary for our food chain.  They play a critical role in enabling plants to make seeds and fruits, including plants in agricultural production. As a result of alarming reduction in both commercially managed and native pollinator populations, the New York State Pollinator Task Force was formed in 2015. The Task Force developed the New York State Pollinator Protection Plan   and the 2020 Pollinator Protection Plan Update .

The Pollinator Protection Plan focuses on four priority areas:

• Development of Best Management Practices for all pollinator stakeholders.
• Habitat enhancement efforts to protect and revive populations of all pollinators.
• Research and monitoring efforts to better understand, prevent and recover from pollinator losses; and,
• Development of an outreach and education program to raise awareness of the importance of pollinators and engage the public as active participants in reversing pollinator decline.

The Authority has implemented measures to adopt best practices and enhance pollinator habitat:

Best Practices

• Mowing limits have been established along the Thruway mainline, interchanges and service areas to minimize the cutting of herbaceous vegetation while maintaining safety and addressing public concerns. The reduction of mowing results in the colonization of meadow wildflowers that are beneficial to pollinators. Additional mowing limits are being evaluated along the Thruway system. These areas will be evaluated for the potential to establish perennial wildflowers or other plantings that are beneficial to pollinators.
• Tree trimming and removals are timed to minimize disruption to wildlife, including bats. Dead or decaying trees that do not pose a safety hazard are evaluated for potential colonization of pollinators in cavities within the dead trees.
• UV-light traps have been installed at 10 locations where mosquitoes and other nighttime pests are present. Other locations are being considered for future installations, which will eliminate or reduce the need spray insecticides, which are potentially harmful to pollinators as well as the targeted pests.

Habitat Enhancement

• Numerous willows and lilacs have been planted in the Thruway's Syracuse Division to serve as living snow fences while also serving as pollinator habitat.
• Capital projects are reviewed during design to identify opportunities to substitute standard turf seed mixes with wildflower mixes that will benefit pollinators. Projects are also evaluated to include flowering shrubs and trees, where appropriate.
• Over 25 acres of wildflowers have been planted along the Thruway system, and additional areas are being evaluated.

The shoreline of Lake Erie, in the vicinity of the Black Rock Canal, was found to be eroding due to wave action and ice scouring.  Stormwater drainage from I-190 in Buffalo also appeared to contribute to the erosion.

To help mitigate and correct the problem, the Thruway Authority, in cooperation with the State University of New York College at Buffalo, installed heavy stone fill to protect 300 feet of the shoreline near stormwater outfall drainage in this location.

Shoreline stabilization will prevent further erosion and sedimentation while promoting the natural restoration of valuable habitat for a variety of warm water fish and aquatic invertebrates. 

There are unique wetland complexes that provide a wealth of flora and fauna diversity along the Thruway corridor.  These wetland complexes enhance resiliency and support diverse wildlife, including many federally and state protected species.  

While impacts to wetlands are avoided whenever possible, there are times when it is unavoidable during rehabilitation and maintenance of Thruway Authority (Authority) infrastructure. In these cases, the Authority sometimes undertakes unique and innovative wetland mitigation projects. To ensure the projects are successful, the Authority works closely with various Federal and State agencies, including the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) on these important endeavors;

As part of an I-90 Reconstruction Project, located just east of Syracuse, the Authority worked with Ducks Unlimited, Inc. (DU), the USACE and NYSDEC to undertake a distinctive mitigation project in the Montezuma Wetlands Complex (MWC). Fourteen acres of valuable wetlands were restored in the Northern Montezuma Wetlands Complex (MWC), located in the Town of Savannah in Wayne County. The site is owned by NYSDEC and is part of their Northern Montezuma Wildlife Management Area. The MWC provides a home for hundreds of wildlife species and functions as a major migration stop for waterfowl and shorebirds in the Atlantic Flyway. 

The Authority, in partnership with the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, completed a noteworthy wetland project at Evangola State Park on Lake Erie, south of Buffalo. As a result of a road reconstruction project located on nearby I-90, the wetland mitigation project created three new acres of wetlands within the Park to restore the natural landscape. These valuable wetlands provide a variety of environmental benefits as well as educational and recreational opportunities for the public to enjoy. 

They help support the natural food chain, create a stopover for migrating waterfowl, foster a breeding habitat for migratory and nesting bird species, and provide a winter home for amphibians, Additional features of the project include walking trail and interpretive signs. 

The Authority uses alternative and green fuels in its day-to-day activities. B-5 and B-20 bio-diesel, blended with #1 or #2 regular diesel, is used for trucks and heavy equipment in multiple locations across the State. The Authority has also expanded its fleet to more than 400 flex fuel vehicles which can run on active E85 (ethanol blend). The Authority has modified two of its five E85 fueling stations to allow other outside State agencies to fill their flex-fuel vehicles.

The Authority has added seven electric, Chevy Bolts to its fleet. These cars are available for use by all Authority staff in each of the Authority’s four Divisions and Headquarters.

Electric Vehicle Charging Stations

Electric vehicle (EV) charging stations have been installed across the system, at Service Areas, Welcome Centers, Commuter Park and Ride Lots, and the Governor Mario M. Cuomo Bridge landings. A full list of EV charging station locations can be found in the Electric Vehicles section.

At the conclusion of a current project to redesign and redevelop the Authority’s 27 service areas, EV charging stations will be provided at every Service Area.

Solar Energy 

The Authority has a photovoltaic energy system (solar system) on its right of way at Woodbury (Orange County). The solar system is operated and maintained by a solar provider who was selected as part of a competitive procurement process. The solar system has an annual production goal of one million Kilowatt hours with an estimated lifetime production of 25 years.

The energy generated by the solar system is fed directly into the electric utility grid and used to offset the Authority's electric bills at several nearby facilities. The Authority is currently evaluating other locations along the system for additional solar system installations that will contribute to the state’s goals for increasing the use of renewable energy.

As part of the New York State Energy and Research Development Authority's (NYSERDA) FlexTech Program the Authority utilized C.J. Brown, a consultant, to develop an Energy Master Plan. The consultant completed energy audits, conducted cost benefit analyses and identified potential energy efficiency and conservation projects (including solar thermal and solar photovoltaic power) for the Authority. These analyses included all Authority maintenance facilities, service areas (central systems only), toll plazas and highway lighting. The project was completed in 2011. As a result, energy efficiency projects are being developed, and implemented through the Authority budgeting process.

In 2011, the Thruway Authority (Authority) entered into an agreement to have the majority of its natural gas accounts supplied by an Energy Service Company instead of purchasing it directly from the local utility company. In the first six months of the agreement, the Authority realized savings in excess of $70,000 and continues to save on energy costs. The Authority also entered into an agreement with the Office of General Services to purchase electricity, used at its Headquarter building, directly from the New York State Independent System Operator, thus achieving further savings.

The U.S. Green Building Council, has established a national standard for developing high-performance, sustainable buildings, referred to as the LEED Green Building Rating System™ (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design). LEED provides a complete framework for assessing building performance and meeting sustainability goals. LEED emphasizes state-of-the-art strategies for sustainable site development, water savings, energy efficiency, materials selection and indoor environmental quality. LEED recognizes achievements and promotes expertise in green building through a comprehensive system offering project certification, professional accreditation, training and practical resources.

The Authority received a LEED certification of Silver for the extensive incorporation of environmentally friendly features at the newly reconstructed Interchange 17 highway maintenance facility complex. The "green" technology at this facility includes a Compressed Natural Gas facility, enhanced energy efficient building designs, a co-generation gas turbine power plant that will provide the majority of electricity to the facilities on-site, thermal protection in the roof and wall structures, cisterns to collect and re-use rainwater, low pollutant emitting building materials, paint and adhesives, innovative wastewater technologies, and more.

All of the Authority’s 27 service areas are operated in an environmentally responsible manner to promote sustainability, including incorporating LEED principles and renewable energy sources of energy.

As part of the Authority's commitment to environmental stewardship, a public recycling program has been in place at each of its 27 service areas across the State. Marked recycling containers provide an opportunity for travelers to help the environment by recycling. Every service area has recycling programs for both the Operator and customers for glass, aluminum, paper and plastic, at a minimum.

As part of the Thruway Authority's (Authority) Interchange 23 to 24 Reconstruction Project, the Authority piloted the installation of a noise barrier system made from recycled scrap rubber tires. The barrier prototype, located at milepost 146.2 northbound, utilizes the absorption properties inherent within the rubber polymeric material.

Overall, approximately 375 scrap tires were used to construct a 15' tall x 80' wide wall. The forgiving and flexible properties of the material help to prevent cracking, movement, or deterioration of the wall due to ground vibration or movement. The tires also provide excellent weather durability due to the rubber polymer. The rubber panels offer an indefinite lifetime in outside exposure, and experience no impact due to hot or cold temperatures, freeze and thaw, or precipitation. The effectiveness of noise absorption, however, is currently being evaluated by the manufacturer.

The Authority recycles approximately 467 tons of material annually. This material includes paper, cardboard, glass, returnable containers, plastic, batteries, metal, tires, motor oil, yard waste, and office equipment. Recycling rechargeable, NiCad, and various other non-alkaline batteries, is accomplished through a special program that returns batteries back to the vendors for recycling. Moreover, the Authority purchases products made with recycled materials, such as paper, tissues, plastic materials, re­manufactured office equipment, and recycled motor oils. Authority employees are also encouraged to recycle daily through the Save That Office Paper (STOP) Program, in which employees utilize recycling receptacles located in offices and lobbies.

According to the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC), the State generates approximately 18-20 million waste tires annually. In accordance with the NYS Waste Tire Management Act of 2003, NYSDEC is developing a program to enhance and establish "environmentally compatible and economically sustainable markets for waste tires." As such, the Authority has incorporated recycled tires into some of its highway pavement projects, keeping tens of thousands of tires out of the waste stream. Tire shred fill is designed to be a lightweight and has the added benefit of recycling a waste material.
 

During the reconstruction and widening project between Interchanges 53 and 54 along I-90 in Buffalo, a section of fill for the westbound fourth lane widening was constructed with shredded waste tires. The 200' long, 10' high tire slope was designed in a partnership with the New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) Geotechnical Engineering Bureau and is estimated to have used nearly 100,000 tires.

The Thruway Authority (Authority) has 27 service areas across the Thruway System, which provides food and fuel services to the traveling public through contracted vendors.  Wastewater generated from the restaurants and rest rooms is either discharged to municipal wastewater systems in neighboring communities or to one of the Authority's wastewater treatment plants.  The Authority's wastewater treatment plants are continually maintained, operated and upgraded as necessary to meet New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) State Discharge Pollution Discharge Elimination System (SPDES) Permit requirements. Authority personnel are licensed by NYSDEC as Wastewater Treatment Plant Operators for proper operation and maintenance of the facilities.  

Additionally, Authority maintenance areas that service highway equipment are equipped with wash bays with oil water separators.  The oil water separators effectively treat wastewater prior to discharging into neighboring community wastewater facilities and/or NYSDEC permitted discharge points.  Oil water separators protect the groundwater and wastewater treatment plants by removing oil that may be generated during vehicle washing and maintenance.

In response to the 1987 Amendments to the Clean Water Act, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) developed the National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Stormwater Program. NPDES addresses sources of stormwater runoff that have the greatest potential to negatively impact water quality including small, medium and large municipal separate storm sewer systems (MS4s) and construction activities that disturb more than one acre of land. These regulations apply to municipalities, as well as to all public entities that own and maintain a separate storm sewer system. To comply with NPDES requirements, NYSDEC issued an individual permit for stormwater discharges from MS4s (DEC ID 0-9999-00015/00012) and a general permit for stormwater discharges from construction activities (GP 0-25-001).

A SWPPP is a plan that describes the strategies and steps that will be taken to prevent nonpoint source pollution discharging from a construction site. All capital and maintenance projects that disturb one acre of land or more require the Authority to develop SWPPP.  The SWPPP is the backbone of the construction process as it relates to erosion and sediment control, and stormwater management, both during construction and post construction. The SWPPP includes a description of all construction activity, temporary and permanent erosion and sediment control Best Management Practices, permanent stormwater management, and other pollution prevention techniques to be implemented throughout the life of the construction project. The SWPPP includes a combination of narrative plans and standard detail sheets that address the foreseeable conditions at any stage of construction.

These plans are required by the New York State Department of Conservation as part of their SPDES permit to comply with NPDES.

Stormwater runoff gathers a variety of pollutants, which degrade lakes, rivers, wetlands and other waterways. As a result, stormwater management, especially in urban areas, is becoming a necessary step to reduce pollution in New York's waterways. Federal regulations require permits for stormwater discharges from Municipal Separate Storm Sewer Systems (MS4s) in urbanized areas; as such, MS4s are required to develop a Stormwater Management Program (SWMP).To comply, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation issued an individual permit (DEC ID 0-9999-00015/00012), which became effective on July 1, 2025. Under this Federal regulation, the Authority is considered a regulated non-traditional MS4.

Service Area Rain Garden

As part of the MS4 program, the Authority constructed a "rain garden" at its Pattersonville Service Area.  A rain garden is a shallow depression, planted with specific plants, where stormwater is directed.  The stormwater is treated by soil infiltration and plant root uptake.  In these areas the stormwater temporarily ponds, but infiltrates the ground before mosquitoes get a chance to breed. 

A rain garden is an example of "Green Infrastructure".

Stormwater Management Program

The Authority recognizes the importance of environmental stewardship and has taken a proactive approach to pollution prevention. In support of these efforts, the Authority developed and implemented a statewide stormwater management program (SWMP) plan. The SWMP was submitted to the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) in May 2010, and an addendum was submitted in February 2016 for compliance with the State's General Permit. The New York State Thruway Authority's Stormwater Management Plan (SWMP) is in the process of being revised to comply with the conditions of an MS4 Individual Permit (DEC ID 0-9999-00015/00012), which became effective on July 1, 2025. The existing SWMP is being made available to the public as a condition of that permit.

The Authority's non-traditional MS4 program includes the following minimum control items:

• Public Education and Outreach
• Public Participation and Involvement
• Illicit Discharge Detection and Elimination
• Construction Site Stormwater Runoff Control
• Post-Construction Stormwater Management
• Pollution Prevention/Good Housekeeping for Municipal Operations

The Authority continues to evaluate facilities and operations, develop standard operating procedures and best management practices for high-risk activities. 

What's Being Done To Protect And Promote Clean Water?

The Authority works diligently to ensure appropriate pollution preventions mechanisms are in place. The Authority's Stormwater Management Program (SWMP) includes educating staff, evaluating and updating policy, implementing Best Management Practices (BMPs), inspecting stormwater outfalls for signs of illicit discharges, evaluating facilities and operations, and public outreach and education.  Several components of the Authority's SWMP are listed below:

• Public Outreach – The Authority developed a public participation and education campaign called "Connecting the Drops." The stormwater slogan and logo have been incorporated into the Authority's educational brochures, posters, website, and other stormwater and environmental material. The "Connecting the Drops" campaign includes collaboration with various agencies to educate the public about pollution prevention and provide information about the Authority's stormwater management program and other environmental stewardship initiatives.
• Maintenance Directives – Established Authority Maintenance Directives (MDs) prohibit illicit discharges that could occur within the Authority's MS4 as a result of maintenance and operation activities. The Authority Division Environmental staff visit and evaluate Authority operations for environmental compliance and perform an annual State Agency Environmental Audit. If an illicit discharge occurs at an Authority facility, the problem is corrected and follow-up actions are implemented. For illicit discharges found off the Thruway right-of-way, the Authority notifies the appropriate agency.
• Stormwater Outfall Mapping and Inspections – The Authority inspects all stormwater outfalls within the highway right-of-way that are in the NYSDEC designated urbanized areas. Inspections are performed at all Authority facilities that have the potential to pollute stormwater based on the equipment located on the site or the operations that are performed there. More than 1,100 outfalls are surveyed, inspected, and mapped in GIS. The Authority also inspects large diameter culverts for hydraulic and structural condition and has incorporated stormwater inspections into their program. The Authority's environmental staff revisits all outfalls that show some evidence of an illicit discharge and will implement appropriate remedial actions if an illicit discharge is determined to exist.

• Employee Education and Training - During the first year of the MS4 program, extensive Statewide stormwater management training was provided to Authority employees involved with the design, construction, and maintenance of facilities. General awareness training was conducted by the Environmental Services Bureau, for employees in all Authority Divisions, including managers, supervisors, engineers, and technicians. More detailed training on the permit requirements and how they affect operations was provided for designers, environmental specialists, managers, supervisors, and maintenance managers. In addition, training on the requirements of the new General Permit was provided to educate Authority employees, and Post Construction Stormwater Control training was conducted to educate staff on the inspection and maintenance of permanent stormwater controls. Training programs are conducted on an annual basis for Authority employees.
• Facility Evaluation and Prioritization – Authority facilities, including storage areas, service areas and maintenance facilities, have been evaluated to ensure the new stormwater permit requirements were fully integrated into the Authority's BMPs. A representative sample of these facilities was visited across the State to review operations and assess the potential environmental impacts that such activities may have on the stormwater discharges. Operations that were evaluated included pesticide storage and application, vehicle maintenance, bridge maintenance, highway maintenance activities, right-of-way mowing, fueling operations, restaurant facilities, chemical and petroleum storage, wastewater treatment operations, and material storage. BMPs were developed to assist in protecting clean waters. Facilities were also evaluated based on their potential to discharge a contaminant of concern to an impaired waterbody. Evaluations included 303(d) impaired waterbodies and those facilities that discharge to a Total Maximum Daily Load watershed. BMPs and Standard Operating Procedures have been developed to continue to protect these waters.

• Review and Update Existing Policies and Procedures – The Authority continually reviews existing control mechanisms to clearly define the roles and responsibilities of involved parties with regard to the protection of stormwater quality and adequate training and oversight. The initial review and modification of existing control mechanisms has been completed, however this will be an ongoing process as the Permit evolves and control mechanisms are improved upon.
• Stormwater Management Program Plan - The Authority developed a Stormwater Management Program (SWMP) Plan, which includes detailed written explanations of all management practices, activities and other techniques, to document developed, planned, and implemented stormwater management elements.

Connecting the Drops Materials

• Connecting the Drops – The New York State Thruway Authority: Working with You to Protect Clean Water 
  Describes the Connecting the Drops campaign and the importance of keeping pollution out of the watershed.
• Stormwater Pollution Prevention: What you can do to help  
  Describes how stormwater can become polluted and provides an overview of practical ways homeowners, drivers, and pet owners can prevent pollution from entering the watershed.
• Nutrient Brochure 
  Describes the harmful effects of discharging the pollutants phosphorus and nitrogen to the waterways and provides suggestions for nutrient pollution prevention.
• Good Cleaning Practices 
  This poster, geared to employees at Authority Service Areas, outlines proper procedures for food service vendors that will help reduce stormwater pollution.
• Good Housekeeping Practices - Thruway 
  This poster outlines proper operating proper operating procedures for Thruway maintenance facilities that will help Authority staff to reduce the risk of stormwater pollution.
• Oil Water Separator Poster 
  This poster provides guidance to Authority staff on the proper operation and maintenance of oil water separators at Thruway maintenance facilities.
• Connecting the Drops Children's Activity Pages 
  Children’s coloring book and activity guide for children grade K-6. Word Scramble, word search and coloring pages' help teach kids how to keep water clean.
• Clean Water Everyone Can Help! Children's Fact Sheet 
  A fun and informational fact sheet aimed at students grade 3-6 to educate them about the things that we all can do to prevent stormwater pollution from entering waterways.
• Stormwater Video (MP4, 33 Mb)
• Stormwater Video Script  (Text explanation of the Stormwater Video)

As part of the Authority’s SWMPs, annual reports are developed to summarize activities completed each year.

• 2024-2025 -- Thruway Authority 
• 2023-2024 -- Thruway Authority 
• 2022-2023 -- Thruway Authority 
• 2021-2022 -- Thruway Authority 
• 2020-2021 -- Thruway Authority 
• 2019-2020 -- Thruway Authority 
• 2018-2019 -- Thruway Authority 
• 2017-2018 -- Thruway Authority 
• 2016-2017 -- Thruway Authority 
• 2015-2016 -- Thruway Authority 
• 2014-2015 -- Thruway Authority 

Comments should be directed to:

New York State Thruway Authority
Office of Transportation Planning and Environmental Services
Bureau of Environmental Services
200 Southern Blvd.
Albany, NY 12209
(518) 436-3190
Comments: [email protected] 

Hardcopies of the Authority MS4 Annual Reports are available at the following locations:

New York Division
4 Executive Blvd.
Suffern, NY 10901
845-918-2500

Albany Division
200 Southern Blvd.
Albany, NY 12209
518-436-2999

Syracuse Division
Suite 250 2nd Floor
290 Elwood Davis Road
Liverpool, NY 13088-2104
315-437-2741

Buffalo Division
455 Cayuga Road
Suite 800
Cheektowaga, NY 14225-1309
716-631-9017