Suffolk County lawmakers on Tuesday moved a step closer to allowing residents to vote in a November referendum on a proposed 0.125% sales tax increase to fund a sweeping expansion of sewers and high-tech septic systems throughout the county.
HAMPTON BAYS CLEANUP HIGHLIGHTS COMPLEXITY OF PFAS REMEDIATION
As communities across the country decide how they will remove perfluorinated compounds from drinking water and contaminated soils, a cleanup surrounding the Hampton Bays Fire Department headquarters on Montauk Highway highlights the complex layers of bureaucracy underlying the removal of so-called “forever chemicals.”
Governor signs change to law authorizing Suffolk sales tax hike, teeing up November vote
An amendment to the law that allows Suffolk County to increase its sales tax rate by 1/8 of a cent to finance the installation of sewer and advanced septic systems was signed into law today by Gov. Kathy Hochul.
The governor’s signature on the amendment, negotiated by state and county lawmakers, sets the stage for the county to put a referendum on ballot in this year’s general election seeking voter approval of the sales tax increase.
Governor Hochul Signs Legislation to Protect Public Health, Improve Water Quality in Suffolk County
Legislation S.8473/A.8993 Amends the Suffolk Water Quality Restoration Act
Advances Ballot Referendum to Fund Long Term Investments in Clean Water for Suffolk County
Governor Kathy Hochul today signed the Suffolk Water Quality Restoration Act to protect public health and improve water quality. Legislation S.8473/A.8993 will allow Suffolk County to put forward a ballot referendum that would fund long term investments in clean water systems and technology – revitalizing wastewater infrastructure for the residents of Suffolk County.
Hempstead drinking water said to contain high levels of cancer-causing chemicals
Legislators, Advocates Urge Albany to Take Action to Protect Against PFAS Exposure
ALBANY, NY (May 15, 2024) — Today state legislators and advocates called for the immediate passage of a set of bills to reduce human exposure to per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and limit environmental contamination from PFAS in New York, including:
a bill to eliminate PFAS in key consumer and household products (A3556C/S5648C),
a bill to eliminate PFAS and other toxic chemicals in personal care and cosmetic products (A6969/S4265),
a bill to eliminate PFAS and other toxic products in menstrual products (A5990/S3529),
and a bill to require testing for the presence of PFAS released into waterways (A3296A/S227B).
Carcinogen found again, 4 years after Superfund site cleanup
Long Islanders taught about dangers of toxic pollutants in drinking water
The meeting, organized by the Citizens Campaign for the Environment, took place at the Hicksville Public Library Monday night and talked about 1,4 dioxane.
Yale researchers spoke with Hicksville residents about a toxic pollutant found in the drinking water on the island and shared how Long Islanders could be the key to learning more about it.
We need to have the best water possible
All Long Islanders agree about the need for clean water [“Clean-water funding is crucial in state budget,” Opinion, March 24]. Nitrogen pollution from sewage is causing water quality impairments, fish kills and harmful algal blooms. Contaminants poses a significant threat to our drinking water and health. The good news is that we know how to solve these problems, but we need money.
DEC: Chemical drums buried at Bethpage park are 'no immediate threat to public health' at site
Long Island landscaping firm Affa Organics to pay $100G in settlement over pine barrens destruction
Biden administration announces new safety standards for tap water
New EPA limits on PFAS 'forever chemicals' set stricter standards for Long Island drinking water
EPA imposes first-ever national drinking water limits on toxic PFAS
EPA announces strict federal drinking water standard for PFAS contamination
Highlights
· The final rule announced today by the EPA is stricter than the proposed rule published last year and stricter than the standard adopted by New York State in 2020.
· PFAS, known as “forever chemicals” are harmful substances linked to deadly cancers and other health impacts. They are prevalent in the environment from many sources.
· The federal agency also announced nearly $1 billion in newly available funding through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to help communities comply with the rule.
· Public water suppliers will have five years to comply with the rule if they detect PFAS in their systems.
What to know about the EPA's new limits on "forever chemicals" in drinking water
Another Voice: New York has much more work to do to protect clean water
Under Gov. Kathy Hochul’s leadership, New York has been a national leader in funding the protection of clean water, but now is not the time to rest on our laurels. Given the massive clean water needs that exist throughout New York, it’s perplexing that the governor proposed to slash clean water funding by 50%, from $500 million down to $250 million, in this year’s budget.
More than 100 Manorville homes complete hookup to public water after some wells show PFAS contamination
'I don't have to worry about filters'
Karen Notaro can now drink water from the faucets of her Manorville home without worry.
Notaro had turned to filters and bottled water because her home’s private well had tested positive for PFAS, chemicals the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has said are potentially carcinogenic.
