septic

Suffolk homeowners to get more money back to replace outdated septic system under new provision

Suffolk homeowners to get more money back to replace outdated septic system under new provision

Suffolk County homeowners will soon be able to upgrade to enhanced septic systems that reduce dangerous nitrogen pollution at a higher discounted rate, thanks to a surge of state funding announced Wednesday.

Gov. Kathy Hochul signed a bill Wednesday morning at Suffolk County Community College in Brentwood that increases the reimbursement rate for installation of an enhanced septic system to 75%, or up to $25,000. The governor also announced Suffolk County will receive $20 million in new grant funding it can use toward its Septic Improvement Program that provides homeowners $10,000 grants for the upgrade.

State expands septic grant program, increases funding for Suffolk County

State expands septic grant program, increases funding for Suffolk County

New York State is increasing funding for grants that Suffolk County residents can use to replace outdated septic and cesspool systems with newer, advanced systems that reduce the contaminants wastewater releases into the environment.

Gov. Hochul signs bill providing grants to New Yorkers for new septic systems

Gov. Hochul signs bill providing grants to New Yorkers for new septic systems

The goal is to make new and improved septic systems affordable to the public.

Gov. Kathy Hochul signed a new septic bill that would provide a $25,000 grant to people with old and polluting cesspools.

Governor Hochul Announces $30 Million and Signs Legislation to Make it More Affordable to Protect Water Quality from Failing Septic Systems

Governor Hochul Announces $30 Million and Signs Legislation to Make it More Affordable to Protect Water Quality from Failing Septic Systems

Legislation S8241-A/A8807 Makes It Easier and More Cost-Effective for New Yorkers to Upgrade to Advanced Septic Systems That Significantly Reduce Water Pollution

State Septic System Replacement Program Targets Priority Geographic Areas Like Long Island Which Rely on Sole-Source Aquifers

Funding Incentivizes Replacement of Old Septic and Cesspool Systems to Prevent Water Pollution

CCE Director Esposito discusses environment and health at PJS-Terryville Civic meeting

CCE Director Esposito discusses environment and health at PJS-Terryville Civic meeting

The June 24 Port Jefferson Station-Terryville Civic Association meeting at Comsewogue Library saw Adrienne Esposito, the executive director for the Suffolk based CCE (Citizens Campaign for the Environment), featured as a special guest. Esposito touched on a number of topics related to health, the environment and local infrastructure and in particular advocated for three bills in the state senate and assembly.

Assemblywoman Rebecca Kassay’s Clean Water Septic System Bill passes Legislature unanimously

Assemblywoman Rebecca Kassay’s Clean Water Septic System Bill passes Legislature unanimously

Legislation Expands Access to Modern Septic Systems, Protecting Groundwater and Waterways Across New York 

In a major environmental and affordability win, Assemblywoman Rebecca Kassay announced the unanimous passage of her legislation (A8807/S8241-A) in both the New York State Assembly and Senate. The bill updates the reimbursement structure of the New York State Septic System Replacement Fund, making it easier and more affordable for New Yorkers to upgrade to advanced septic systems that significantly reduce water pollution, according to a press release.

Long Island Sound Docuseries

Long Island Sound Docuseries

The Nature Conservancy co-produced a new documentary series about water pollution in Long Island Sound.

Lights, Camera, Action . . . Long Island Sound! A new docuseries, “Tackling Pollution in Long Island Sound,” will soon be available for viewing by the public at The Nature Conservancy's Connecticut YouTube channel. Two of the series’ four videos premiered in March at the 2025 Long Island Sound Summit.

Central Islip sewer project, now completed, seen as a 'game changer' for downtown development

Central Islip sewer project, now completed, seen as a 'game changer' for downtown development

State, town and county officials announced on Tuesday the completion of a $13.7 million sewer project in downtown Central Islip that they hope will spur long-sought development there.

The project includes about 4,500 feet of new sewer line installed along Carleton Avenue, according to state officials, with “an average flow of 277,000 gallons per day.” Civic leaders and government officials at a news conference touted the infrastructure as “vital to the success” of the hamlet’s downtown by allowing restaurants and increased density.

In Parts of New York City, a Vexing Mix of Stormwater and Sewage Have Made Flooding the ‘New Normal’

In Parts of New York City, a Vexing Mix of Stormwater and Sewage Have Made Flooding the ‘New Normal’

City officials and water management experts are working to stop overflows from New York’s archaic sewer system without really knowing how much worse climate change will make storm surges and extreme rainfall.

As climate change intensifies, New York City is increasingly facing weather extremes. Currently, the city is on drought watch, and recently, wildfires have erupted in Brooklyn’s Prospect Park and neighboring New Jersey and Connecticut.

Manhasset businesses can connect to public sewers after $5 million project

Manhasset businesses can connect to public sewers after $5 million project

Businesses on Plandome Road in Manhasset that have used septic tanks for years — and struggle with the cost to maintain them — will be able to connect to a public sewer system soon as part of a $5 million project, officials said.

Coastal Researchers Highlight Record-High Water Body Impairments; Urge Passage of Prop. 2

Coastal Researchers Highlight Record-High Water Body Impairments; Urge Passage of Prop. 2

Water bodies on Long Island faced a record-setting 36 dead zones during the summer of 2024,  and more than double the number of blue-green algae blooms in lakes and ponds than any other county in New York State, according to this year’s annual Long Island Water Quality Impairments report prepared by the Gobler Laboratory at Stony Brook University.

Suffolk County's Proposition 2 aims to improve water quality by funding sewers

Suffolk County's Proposition 2 aims to improve water quality by funding sewers

Proposition 2 asks voters to approve a small new sales tax to protect drinking water and waterways. 

Suffolk County voters are reminded and urged to turn their ballots over, where they'll find Proposition 2. It aims to set up a new sales tax fund to clean up Suffolk's waterways and drinking water by expanding public sewers and providing grants to homeowners to replace polluting cesspools. 

Algae blooms threaten Long Island wildlife and waterways

Algae blooms threaten Long Island wildlife and waterways

LONG ISLAND - Harmful algae blooms are popping up in multiple bodies of water across Long Island.

The bays, lakes and ponds are not as clean and clear as they need to be - this according to an annual assessment of water quality report. 

"We had a record number of dead zones in 2024 with oxygen levels of less than 3mg oxygen per liter. Ideally, our coastal waterbodies will have 4.8mg oxygen per liter," said coastal ecologist Dr. Christopher Gobler at Stony Brook University. 

Algal blooms, oxygen-depleted zones affected Long Island waters in 2024, report says

Algal blooms, oxygen-depleted zones affected Long Island waters in 2024, report says

Last summer, dozens of Long Island’s ponds, lakes, bays and estuaries were affected by oxygen-depleted zones and harmful algal blooms, researchers from Stony Brook University found, which were triggered by excessive levels of nitrogen and exacerbated by record-high temperatures.

Suffolk County water quality on the ballot as voters consider Proposition 2

Suffolk County water quality on the ballot as voters consider Proposition 2

PATCHOGUE, N.Y. - Bays, ponds and estuaries on Long Island are losing oxygen. 

According to a new report, 36 different bodies of water have been deemed dead zones, and 25 marine waterways have harmful algal blooms. 

Algae blooms threaten Long Island wildlife and waterways

Algae blooms threaten Long Island wildlife and waterways

Harmful algae blooms spread across LI waters

Harmful algae blooms are popping up in multiple bodies of water across Long Island. FOX 5 NY’s Jodi Goldberg explains what’s causing this and the impact it's having on fish and other animals.

LONG ISLAND - Harmful algae blooms are popping up in multiple bodies of water across Long Island.

Sound Bites: Study finds Fire Island has poor wastewater treatment options

Sound Bites: Study finds Fire Island has poor wastewater treatment options

Good morning. The Citizens Campaign for the Environment presented findings from a study of Fire Island’s wastewater challenges to the Suffolk County Legislature this week. They say the island only has one small sewage treatment plant, forcing most residents to use septic or cesspool systems. This single plant and other aging systems contribute to harmful algal blooms, and loss of fisheries in the surrounding waterways.

Fire Island sewage study addresses nitrogen pollution, recommends solutions

Fire Island sewage study addresses nitrogen pollution, recommends solutions

A groundbreaking new study on sewage solutions for Fire Island recommends piping wastewater to Long Island among potential initiatives to address nitrogen pollution in the Great South Bay.

COMING UP ON OUR CALENDAR

 
Featured
Climate Change CommuniTEA Meeting
Nov 18
Climate Change CommuniTEA Meeting