Environmental laws exist at every level of government, but some of the most important and impactful are our local town and village ordinances. These regulations can be far more specific and nuanced than state or federal laws, often differing from village to village. More often than not, they help uphold important environmental practices.
In Mill Neck, for example, local ordinances regulate lighting, ensuring it isn’t excessive and that it is directed downward. While this regulation was initially enacted with human quality of life in mind, it also has incredible secondary benefits for wildlife. Properly regulated lighting reduces the impact on nocturnal animals such as birds, bats, and insects, which are far less affected by downward facing light than by broad, scattered illumination. Mill Neck also prohibits feeding waterfowl, which, while seemingly harmless, can lead to poor nutrition, pollution, delayed migration and the spread of disease as the town code explains.
Over in Old Brookville, there are also numerous pro-environment ordinances in place. Extensive wetland protections go above and beyond the regulations set by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation. The village also tackles invasive species issues, to the extent that property owners may be charged with trespass if an invasive species migrates from their property to a neighboring one.
Good town and village ordinances can have a positive impact on the environment. However, these laws are not set in stone and can be subject to change. A prime example is the Town of Huntington’s regulations regarding steep slope development. In 2005, the town enacted critical codes designed to protect both the environment and the community from the adverse effects of development on steep slopes. At that time, a steep slope was defined as any slope of 10% or more across a 25-foot stretch. Now, there is a push to redefine what qualifies as a “steep slope.” Depending on the proposed changes, this could have drastic implications for the environment.
The environmental importance of steep slope regulations cannot be overstated. Steep slopes are highly vulnerable to erosion, and development only exacerbates this issue. Vegetation removal and soil disturbance during construction make it much harder to prevent natural erosion from stripping away valuable topsoil. With increasingly intense storms, the impact on slopes becomes even more pronounced. When heavy rain washes away topsoil, it can take decades to regenerate. The loss of topsoil also leads to the loss of fertile land and microorganisms, which are essential for growing healthy vegetation and maintaining natural habitats. Furthermore, removing plants and trees that are critical for stabilizing the soil with their root systems leaves these areas even more vulnerable to landslides and further erosion.
The ecological consequences extend beyond the immediate site. Erosion from steep slopes can pollute nearby water sources and disrupt local ecosystems. Steep slopes often also represent ecotones, where distinct ecosystems or elevations meet. These areas are vital for biodiversity and serve as transition zones for migration. By allowing development in these sensitive regions, we risk fragmenting populations and disrupting the natural flow of ecosystems.
If the definition of steep slopes is reduced in the Town of Huntington, it could open up a significant portion of the town to development. Under the current definition, nearly 60% (37,000 acres) of the Town is classified as steep slopes. If the definition changes from 10% to 15% or, even worse 25%, an additional 8,000 to 18,500 acres could be open to development. Please see Figures 1-3 with the steep slopes shaded in brown. The environmental impact of this much development alone would be severe. It would be even more so when the potential erosion and ecological damage that could result from building on these specific sensitive areas is considered.
The good news is that these laws don’t change without public input. They require the support of the community. Together, we can raise our voices to protect these vital areas. Ways to get involved include attending town council meetings, organizing letter writing campaigns and commenting at public hearings. Even engaging with and educating your neighbors can have a lasting impact. When we stand united, we can emphasize the importance of protecting our environment through strong, sustainable ordinances.
