Long Island Clean Water Symposium: Global Challenges and Local Solutions Conference Featuring David Sedlak
Long Islanders know about the importance of having clean water. Living above a sole source aquifer, we are aware of how essential this resource is for our health, recreational needs and local economy. Understandably, local citizens and researchers have good reason to be concerned about the quality of the water on the island. Thankfully, there are a variety of solutions that will help to meet these challenges.
On May 16th, with solutions in mind, Citizens Campaign for the Environment, North Shore Land Alliance and The Nature Conservancy co-hosted the Long Island Clean Water Symposium: Global Challenges and Local Solutions conference at Long Island University in Greenvale. The event was attended by over 100 people. It brought together leaders in the field of water science to discuss water quality and quantity challenges on Long Island. The keynote speaker, David Sedlak, a professor at UC Berkeley, is the author of the books Water 4.0 and Water for All. Dr. Sedlak, an Oyster Bay native, addressed global water issues and the innovative ways cities around the world are using cutting edge solutions to address drought and climate change. Methods include water reuse, net zero design and other sustainable approaches.
Other prominent speakers included Adrienne Esposito 22 from Citizens Campaign for the Environment, who discussed drinking water quality. She highlighted the success of efforts to ban 1,4 dioxane in New York State and the need for more work to be done around the elimination of PFAs (also known as “forever chemicals”) in Long Island’s water supply.
Dr. Chris Gobler from Stony Brook University made a State of the Bays 2024 presentation focused on his research related to surface water quality and harmful algae blooms. Dr. Gobler demonstrated that excessive nitrogen loading from wastewater is an ongoing threat to coastal ecosystems and human health across Long Island. It is a problem made worse by climate change. He highlighted the importance of upgrading septic systems and cultivating shellfish and kelp to improve water quality.
A robust panel discussion ensued focusing on additional solutions that both municipalities and homeowners can use in their roles as decision makers and stewards. The panel included the following members and topics:
Brian Schneider, a Program Development Specialist at the U.S. Geological Survey, provided a snapshot of recent aquifer studies conducted by the USGS which will be released Saving Land – Spring/Summer Newsletter 2024later this month. Preliminary findings suggest that our Lloyd Aquifer may be more vulnerable than previously thought. Stay tuned for more information on the health of our sole source aquifer.
Lisa Ott, President and CEO at North Shore Land Alliance, explained the important relationship between conserving land and protecting the quality and quantity of local waters. She reviewed basic information about local watersheds and State-designated Special Groundwater Protection Areas. She also encouraged greater advocacy efforts to protect land and water.
Rusty Schmidt, a landscape architect from Nelson Pope and Voorhis, provided examples of how rain gardens can capture, treat and infiltrate stormwater runoff to reduce pollution and flooding. They can also be beautiful and add to the attractiveness of a neighborhood.
Nancy Seligson, the former Town Supervisor for the Town of Mamaroneck, spoke about steps that local governments can take to address the protection of this essential natural resource. She also shared examples of projects undertaken in Mamaroneck to increase sustainability.
Thomas Murphy, the Building Inspector for East Hills, talked about actions his Village has taken to mandate Innovative/Alternative (I/A) septic systems for new construction and major renovations. They have also simplified the permitting process to encourage community members to take part in the program.
Derek Betts, District Manager for the Nassau County Soil & Water Conservation District, talked about managing the Septic Environmental Program to Improve Cleanliness (S.E.P.T.I.C.) that provides up to $20,000 to homeowners who are interested in replacing their septic systems.
Justin Jobin, Environmental Scientist at Coastal Wastewater Solutions, discussed the success of the S.E.P.T.I.C. that has upgraded over 120 systems throughout Nassau County, along with lessons learned from designing the Suffolk County program.
Jennifer Juengst, the Deputy County Executive for Suffolk County, provided an update on the Water Quality Restoration Act bill that will help fund future clean water projects in Suffolk County. If passed by the Governor and approved in the upcoming elections, this bill will provide billions for clean water programs in Long Island.
Patti Wood from Grassroots outlined other solutions for homeowners to help conserve water, through measures such as using fertilizers containing less nitrogen, and discussed the success of a recent measure banning artificial turf grass.
The Long Island Clean Water Symposium was a successful event that was both educational and action-oriented, providing tools for local citizens and officials to keep Long Island’s water safe for the future.
