Last month the Village of East Hampton adopted a new law mandating the
installation of low-nitrogen septic systems for all new residential
construction and major renovations. This new law follows similar
legislation adopted by the Town of East Hampton in 2017. This is great
news for Georgica Pond in that now the entire water protection zone of
the pond will have similar septic requirements and more homeowners will
install the low nitrogen systems.
Low-nitrogen septic systems are essential to battling the high levels of
nitrogen entering Georgica Pond via wastewater. In fact, according to
studies by the Gobler Lab of Stony Brook University, 50% of all the
nitrogen entering Georgica Pond originates from septic systems. The low
nitrogen systems which are used in many other states, reduce the
nitrogen in wastewater by 70%. Eventually, the new septic technology
will be mandated throughout Suffolk County.
With close to 70% of the Georgica Pond shoreline contained within the Village boundaries, this new legislation will go a long way to improving water quality. Paul Rickenbach, the Mayor of East Hampton Village commented,
The Village of East Hampton is pleased to be able to join the likes of our surrounding municipal neighbors in codifying legislation that will help improve water quality. Advancements in technology are now making this a reality in that residents can install systems that are providing tangible reductions in nitrogen. The Village will be leading by example by installing an I/A (low nitrogen) system in our newest museum, the Dominy Clockshop, and we look forward to support and cooperation from our residents as well. I would like to thank organizations like the Friends of Georgica Pond who were early supporters of this legislation and who have continued to work on behalf of our community for clean water.”
FOGP encourages everybody with a home near the pond to upgrade their
septic systems. If done voluntarily, a homeowner may be eligible for
rebates and grants from the Town and Suffolk County. The Town rebate
includes village residents as well. For more information on the grant
programs click on reclaimourwater.info and Town of East Hampton Septic Rebate Program.
Improved water quality at Georgica Pond will mean no more floating mats
of macroalgae and no more outbreaks of toxic blue-green algae. Better
water quality means stronger real estate values. Toxic blue-green algae
blooms remain a serious problem in Suffolk County and around the world.