Councilman Albert Dickson read a statement at Tuesday’s Town Board work session that was partly in response to a rare editorial that we posted last week. In fairness to the councilman, we provide this transcript of what he had to say, including a recommendation that everyone on Shelter Island have their water tested:
“One of the Island’s publications recently ran a news story regarding the septic revision regulations the Town Board has been considering. In that article, I’m portrayed as claiming ‘superior righteousness‘ with ‘Dickson’s alarmist rhetoric that frames the issues suggesting the Board imperils public health by failing to adopt his recommended course of action.'”
“The fact is I don’t know of any issue more important to public health in the greater community at large here on the Island than our water. My passion obviously gets away from me and it runs very deep. However, I have my thoughts that I’d like to share.”
“Shelter Island has its own sole-source aquifer, the Upper Glacial. Years ago Long Island contaminated its Upper Glacial Aquifer and is currently drawing water from the next-deeper layer, the Magothy Aquifer. We don’t have that option here. The Magothy below Shelter Island is chlorinated. We are totally dependent on the Upper Glacial Aquifer as our sole source of water.”
“Hence, it’s imperative that we protect this aquifer and mitigate any contamination. We speak of nitrates and nitrate-contamination of our water. A previous Town Engineer, John Cronin, FOILed water test results from the county and plotted what we now call the Center Triangle.”
“Within that given area, nitrates can be found in the range upwards of 10 to 12 mg/l. The current limiting threshold established by the EPA is 10 mg/l. This level comes with health warnings that the older population, as well as pregnant women and small children, should not drink this water. There are health consequences.”
“There are further studies being conducted showing that nitrate levels approximating 5 mg/l are linked to the development of some cancers in individuals. I currently serve as one of the Town Board liaisons to the Water Quality Improvement Advisory Board. As such, I see the water test results from applicants who are applying for the Town’s grant program for the installation of I/A septic systems. Frankly, I’ve been shocked and dismayed by some of the elevated nitrate levels found in some residents’ well water from across the Island.”
“I encourage everyone to have their water tested, for your own edification. Perhaps all of this pontification is just a further example of ‘Dickson’s alarmist rhetoric.’ Be that as it may, I encourage you all to do your own research and formulate your interpretation and understanding of our aquifer and the current state of our water quality.
The fact is I/A septic systems remove nitrates. They work. Period. Please do your research and come to your own conclusions. And you decide what’s best for you, your family, and your community. I can’t want it more for Shelter Island than you want it for yourselves.”
‘For some weeks now, the Town Board has been considering septic revision regulations. I have clearly been in the minority throughout these discussions. So at this time, I will defer to the majority to move this important initiative forward. Thank you.”
Next steps
As Dickson noted, over the past few sessions, board members have been reviewing a proposed update to the Town Code septic regulations. The goal is to increase the pace of installation of Innovative/Alternative Onsite Wastewater Treatment Systems — I/A systems for short.
These systems, offered by several companies on the East End, do a better job than traditional septics at reducing nitrogen in the polluted effluent that eventually makes its way back into our drinking water and bays.
The Board will likely adopt a resolution at its Friday, August 27 meeting to update Town Code so as to trigger the installation of more I/A systems.
Currently, Town Code requires I/A systems for new construction with greater than 1,500 square feet of living area and any upgrades required by the Suffolk County Department of Health Services. Lately, they’re being installed at a rate of about 80 to 100 per year, board members have said, noting there are some 2,500 occupied structures here.
All four Town Board members have agreed to remove the 1,500-square-foot limitation, and on these proposed additional criteria:
- All residential construction on previously undeveloped land
- All residential reconstruction following demolition down to the foundation regardless of whether the building is replaced in the same “footprint”
- Any emergency replacement or upon septic system failure
The sticking point was setting the trigger for when renovations and/or additions should require a new I/A system.
The board considered a proposal from Dickson to have homeowners get a certification of their current septic systems before any renovation/addition work that required a building permit could proceed. The goal was to make sure the current system was functioning properly and correctly sized for the additional load.
But during two long meetings, critics convincingly argued that certifying a traditional system would not lead to reduced nitrate output, which is the overarching goal of this whole endeavor.
Dickson had asked the board to require I/A system installation for any property owner making any alteration or addition that calls for a building permit. Colligan, Deputy Supervisor Amber Brach-Williams, and Supervisor Gerry Siller argued it is unrealistic to saddle homeowners who want to make modest improvements with an outsized expense.
For now, the Town Board will pass the code amendment with the three new criteria added.
Siller said they were not giving up on the idea of incorporating additional triggers, but would work closely with Shelter Islanders for Clean Water to establish the next steps. Siller said Suffolk County Legislator Bridget Fleming has arranged a meeting of key players in setting up additional funding to offset the cost of I/A installation for those who are unable to afford the average $20,000 to $30,000 cost.
Town Engineer Joe Finora also noted that a comprehensive program for improving water quality on the Island must also include expansion of public water systems, which now serve only small areas (the Heights, the Village of Dering Harbor, and numerous homes on the West Neck Water system).
