New Water Monitoring Station Unveiled On Shelter Island

SHELTER ISLAND, NY — In a win for the local environment, a new water quality monitoring station was unveiled recently on Shelter Island.

The Peconic Estuary Partnership was joined by United States Geological Survey, or USGS, representatives, Shelter Island Town Supervisor Gerry Siller, the Shelter Island town board, South Ferry Owner Clifford Clark, and representatives from the Shelter Island School District to unveil the Peconic Estuary’s third and newest USGS continuous monitoring station.

The water quality monitoring equipment was purchased and installed with Suffolk County capital funds, officials said.

“The Town of Shelter Island embraces their relationships with the Peconic Estuary Partnership, the NYS DEC, and the USGS," said Shelter Island Town Councilman, Jim Colligan

The data that will be gained by the monitoring of water quality, as well as tidal changes and flow, will serve as critical pieces of information for both the town and the Peconic Estuary as a whole, he said.

"Our waters are truly our lifeblood and our town fully supports the PEP’s comprehensive conservation management plan, namely strong partnerships, resilient communities, clean water and healthy ecosystems with abundant, diverse wildlife," Colligan said.

USGS NY Water Science Center Director Rob Breault said the USGS was happy to include the Shelter Island station into its national networks.

"It’s through these great local-federal partnerships that we can advance our understanding of our nation’s most precious resources," he said.

Peconic Estuary Partnership Executive Director, Dr. Joyce Novak added: “Water quality is a main concern of PEP. We work on actions to reduce nitrogen pollution, harmful algal blooms, pathogens, toxic contaminants, and plastics in the estuary to support the well-being of public and wildlife within the estuary. Water quality monitoring is essential in order to assess the health of the Peconic Estuary and to help determine if management goals are being reached."

One of the monitoring programs that PEP supports in conjunction with the USGS is the continuous monitoring provided by the stations; stations are already located in Riverhead and Orient Point, she said.

"This new station will help to give a more complete understanding of water quality in the estuary," Novak said.

She thanked Suffolk County for the capital funds that supported the purchase and installation of the equipment, the USGS, the Shelter Island supervisor and board, and Clifford Clark and South Ferry, Inc. who provided the location for the station.