Havens Beach stormwater pollution is back in discussion, with a new opportunity to fix the problem: Fill the ditch and direct the stormwater through a constructed wetland. Water treatment by marsh is a highly effective and widely employed technology.
Recognizing its applicability at Havens Beach, then-Mayor Pierce Hance engaged engineers to evaluate conditions and design a treatment system. A conceptual design was crafted (1996) that included all appropriate treatment components. In addition, the plan had secured substantive funding from New York State for its construction. Sadly, NIMBY opposition to the notion of constructed wetlands ended further action.
In 2007, then serving as the Peconic Baykeeper, I initiated a campaign to put a spotlight on stormwater pollution problems throughout the region. The Clean Water Act was rolling out new regulations that required municipalities to correct stormwater discharges to open waters. Havens Beach exemplified the need and was highlighted as an identified but unaddressed pollution problem in a publication produced by my organization.
Sag Harbor officials reacted sharply to the public attention, dismissing the issue as unsubstantiated. In response, a body of evidence was built over a 13-month period. Water testing conducted personally by me and with results generated by Dr. Christopher Gobler’s lab confirmed what is academic to trained water quality professionals: The stormwater conveyance ditch is a hot spot for bacterial contamination.
More precisely, rain events were specifically targeted to collect the “first flush,” which typically contains the highest levels of contaminants. As expected, stormwater discharges conveyed elevated levels with the end-of-pipe levels sometimes off the charts.
No surprises then and no surprises now.
After 25 years of “kicking the can down the road” by endless debate, denial and inaction, with more new reasons for postponement needing scientific rediscovery and master planning, it’s high time for Sag Harbor Village to be all in with constructed wetland treatment. Available funding through town CPF, technical knowhow and proven effectiveness are all there. Legacy of resolve or testimony to indifference. Political will will decide.
Kevin McAllister
Founder & President
Defend H2O
Sag Harbor
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