SOURCE:
https://www.wshu.org/sound-bites/2024-06-19/fire-island-poor-wastewater-treatment-options
By Eric Warner - June 19, 2024
Good morning. The Citizens Campaign for the Environment presented findings from a study of Fire Island’s wastewater challenges to the Suffolk County Legislature this week. They say the island only has one small sewage treatment plant, forcing most residents to use septic or cesspool systems. This single plant and other aging systems contribute to harmful algal blooms, and loss of fisheries in the surrounding waterways.
Suffolk Legislator Steven Flotteron suggests expanding the Ocean Beach Wastewater Treatment Plant, using an alternative treatment system, utilizing compost or incineration toilets and more.
Here’s a bite-sized look at what else we are hearing:
Peconic Land Trust acquires 27 acres of farmland. The $48 million acquisition will protect the farmland in Bridgehampton from residential development. Southampton town contributed $30 million, and $18 million came from local donations. The majority of the land will be used for food production.
Suffolk legislators introduce a bill to limit restaurant plastic use. Customers would only be provided plastic utensils and straws, condiments or napkins with takeout upon request. Legislators Steven Englebright and Ann Welker, who introduced the bill, believe this would help small businesses cut down on product packaging costs and protect the local environment. According to the bill, Americans use over 100 million plastic utensils a day, and throw away 855 billion single-use condiment packets a year.
Smithtown residents concerned over environmental impacts of a bridge replacement. They say the project near Nissequogue River may prevent people from going to Peter Nowick Sr. Memorial Park, and that it could damage nearby wetlands. A spokesperson for the Suffolk County executive says they are aware of the community's concerns and will provide opportunities for input on the project. Construction for the replacement bridge is expected to begin as early as 2030 and take two years to complete.