Letters

Recent rainstorms have had a negative impact on local waterways. Stormwater runoff contains bacteria and other pollutants. A local monitoring group, the Blue Water Task Force, reports that “many sites tested very high for bacteria, especially ponds and creeks.” Twenty-three sites on the East End tested high for bacteria. (Thanks to Southampton Town Trustee candidate Margaret Friedlander for this news.)

Maria Moore, Democratic candidate for Southampton Town supervisor, faced the issue head-on in Westhampton Beach. The revitalization of the village that Ms. Moore expertly brought to fruition addressed stormwater runoff in four ways: installed two hydrodynamic separators to remove pollutants before runoff empties into a local canal; installed a tidal check valve at the head of a local canal to prevent storm surge back into storm drains; added filters to each drain to capture trash and debris; and revised village code to ensure that businesses repurpose septic tanks to capture roof runoff.

Ms. Moore also addressed the issue of nitrogen loading, which can lead to toxic algal blooms. Moniebogue Bay in Westhampton Beach was the second-worst distressed water body across all Long Island. Now, because of the revitalization effort, approximately 5,000 pounds of nitrogen annually will be reduced from flowing into Moniebogue Bay — a 24 percent reduction.

In this clean water endeavor, Ms. Moore relied on many allies. So, too, she will have allies if elected supervisor.

Her running mate, Bill Pell, has worked on local waterways most of his life. He has owned a commercial fishing vessel, managed a commercial fishing dock, and raised oysters from seed. He understands that our economy is the environment, and our environment is the economy.

Michael Iasilli will focus on two aspects of water quality: nitrogen reduction and implementing innovative/alternative septic systems. He hopes to collaborate with the Shinnecock Nation’s kelp program to identify problem waterways and employ nitrogen reduction efforts through kelp cultivation. Too, Mr. Iasilli seeks to partner with the Suffolk County Health Department to educate constituents on the grant process to acquire nitrogen-reducing I/A septic systems.

Ann Welker, Suffolk County Legislature candidate, has a long track record of working on clean water initiatives. A current Town Trustee, she volunteered for the Blue Water Task Force, the Peconic Baykeeper, and Concerned Citizens of Montauk. As a local Trustee, she worked on several grant initiatives to improve water quality, including water quality grants to fund inlet management at Mecox Bay and Sagg Pond, and Mill Pond Habitat Restoration. Ms. Welker has received the endorsement of the League of Conservation Voters.

An impressive team — all keenly focused on the most important issue we face in the East End.

Mike Anthony

Westhampton

Anthony is a former chair of the Southampton Town Democratic Committee — Ed.