'Wind Driven Dust Clouds' Pose Problems In Hamptons

EAST HAMPTON, NY — "Wind driven dust clouds" across East Hampton are sparking concerns.

East Hampton Town, a release said, is investigating multiple locations where agricultural fields are suffering wind erosion of unsecured or improperly secured topsoil.

The dust emanating from the agricultural land poses a concern to private property owners, businesses and the town, because the dust poses health concerns, visibility issues and damage to
public and private property, town officials said.

"Our strong agricultural heritage is literally grounded in the use and protection of prime
agricultural soils on agricultural land," the town said. "The conditions of these improperly secured agricultural properties is unacceptable to the town and the town is investigating every avenue to have these property owners and farmers remedy the situation immediately without further damage to surrounding properties and loss of prime topsoil from agricultural lands."

Moving forward, the release said, the town aims to continue monitoring the properties and will require property owners and lessees to address the situation immediately.

To that end, East Hampton officials plan to develop a legal framework and policies to prevent similar issues in the future and to be sure that farmers are implementing best soil-management practices, the town said.

Patch file photo.