Environmental Coalition Supports East Hampton's Efforts To Spotlight Water Quality

EAST HAMPTON, NY — A group of East Hampton environmentalists have come out in support of East Hampton Town's efforts to promote nitrogen reduction in local waterways.

The East Hampton Environmental Coalition, a group comprised of more than 20 environmental organizations, supports a proposal put forth by the town that would create a rebate program for the installation of low-nitrogen septic systems, and also mandate the installation of the low-nitrogen septic systems for all new construction and substantial expansions.

“The Town of East Hampton has acknowledged the scientifically proven link between our declining ground and surface water quality, and our antiquated, failing cesspools and septic systems. Harmful algal blooms, closed shellfishing areas and beaches, and polluted drinking water can no longer remain the norm," the Coalition said in a statement.

In November, East Hampton voters joined other residents across the East End in supporting a referendumthat would allow for 20 percent of Community Preservation Fund to be used toward clean water initiatives.

The town, the Coalition said in a release, "has since delivered and is now on the cusp of providing a substantial public investment in critical water quality infrastructure. Together, the entire East Hampton community has stepped up to reclaim our waters, our health, and our economy.”

The East Hampton Environmental Coalition was formed in 2011 in an effort to enhance communication and collaboration among environmental groups in East Hampton; the Coalition seeks to increase public awareness of environmental issues and encourages public policies that sustain the area's unique ecosystem.