NY S06596

Adds "dredged material" to the definition of fill that requires a permit before being placed in New York State navigable waters, marshes, estuaries, and wetlands.

Establishes four criteria that sediments and fill materials must meet to receive a permit for Jamaica Bay borrow pit filling: compliance with federal unrestricted ocean dumping criteria, testing showing no unacceptable toxicity or bioaccumulation, no short-term or long-term impacts, and no special precautionary measures needed.

Directs the Department of Environmental Conservation to conduct a beneficial use pilot study on Jamaica Bay ecological restoration needs, including bathymetry, ecological services quality, geotechnical conditions, and comparison of state and federal standards.

Requires the Department to consult quarterly with community-based groups including Jamaica Bay Ecowatchers and American Littoral Society, and provide a findings report to the governor and legislature by March 30, 2025.

Repeals the federal ocean dumping criteria requirement for borrow pit permits on June 30, 2026, while other provisions take effect immediately.