Taking an historic step forward in ongoing efforts to better protect both groundwater and surface waters, the Suffolk County Department of Health Services has released the County’s long-awaited Subwatersheds Wastewater Plan [SWP], a rigorous scientific blueprint for transitioning away from reliance on cesspools and septic systems that have been identified by scientists as the primary source of nitrogen pollution that has fouled local bays, Health Commissioner Dr. James L. Tomarken announced today.
“Scientists have warned that continued reliance on primitive wastewater disposal systems is a mounting threat to both our environment and our economy,” said Commissioner Tomarken. “Now, for the first time, there is a long term plan to diminish nitrogen pollution and put Suffolk County on a path to cleaner, healthier water resources. The Department appreciates the support and assistance it received from scientists, academic institutions and government agencies on all levels in completing this historic effort.”
Development of the new wastewater plan was a primary recommendation of two major studies, the Smarter Cities Challenge report prepared by a team of experts from IBM in 2014, and the Suffolk County Comprehensive Water Resources Management Plan completed in 2015. Preparation of the Plan began in September 2016 and included staff from regulatory agencies, scientists, academic institutions, and national subject matter experts. It is strongly supported by a broad and diverse group of stakeholders, including scientists and academics, business leaders, environmentalists, labor organizations and the building trades. Funding for the Plan was provided by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation under the Long Island Nitrogen Action Plan. Funding was also provided by the New York State Department of State under the South Shore Estuary Program.