Letters

Spadefoot Ecosystem Solutions, as New York’s exclusive licensee for EnBiorganic, is delighted to work with the Village of Southampton to restore the ecological health of Old Town Pond [“Southampton Village Board Approves Environmental Review of Old Town Pond Bioaugmentation Plan,” 27east.com, May 13].

Like many ponds across Long Island, Old Town Pond is overrun by organic matter (“muck”) that emanates from the surrounding watershed. This organic matter causes water quality impairments, including harmful algal blooms.

EnBiorganic is a natural and heavily researched technology that utilizes bacteria (Bacillus) to reduce the overload of organic matter and restore nature’s balance within bodies of water. These species of Bacillus bacteria have a probiotic effect on water ecology: They digest existing organic matter, including toxins released by cyanobacteria or “blue-green algae.”

It is important to note that probiotic Bacillus bacteria are ubiquitous in our environment, and are known to be present in soil, surface waters, air and even within the human body. Within the environment, Bacillus is known to perform many critical ecosystem functions.

The bacteria consortium we employ are rated as Biosafety Level 1, meaning they are nonpathogenic in nature, as well as non-GMO. These probiotics are suspended within food-grade xanthum gum, which is a common ingredient in everyday household foods, such as sauces, soups and dressings.

As an avid environmentalist, I appreciate that this project must go through a stringent third-party environmental review process from outside agencies to ensure the success and safety of any efforts to remediate Old Town Pond. Our plan and probiotics have undergone detailed and rigorous review. Although the nature of the bioaugmentation method is probiotic and not hazardous, the legal and substantive requirements and depth of review are the same, which provides the kind of assurance the public needs and deserves.

Southampton is a very special community, which is why we look forward to the opportunity to heal Old Town Pond, which will help augment other ongoing community efforts to improve water quality and ensure a cleaner, healthier village for years to come.

Frank Piccininni

CEO

Spadefoot Ecosystem Solutions LLC