Reports at the Friends of Georgica Pond Annual Meeting on August 25th indicated notable progress in mitigating the impacts of blue-green algae growth over a now ten-year period, a signifi cant milestone in data measurement. The most dramatic decreases were assessed during periods when the microalgal harvester was working during the summer months. Paired alongside an elevated interest and monitoring by the Suffolk County Department of Health Services, the sectors of the community that contribute to the nitrogen loading which creates inhospitable conditions for marine life and water quality, are roughly aligned with those of Dr. Christopher Gobler, science advisor for the FOGP, and Chair of Coastal Ecology and Conservation at the School of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences at Stony Brook University, who oversees the Friends water management program. The greatest contributors to poor water quality are outdated septic systems and lawn fertilizers, areas over which positive infl uence can be exercised.
Blue-green algae, even in small amounts, carry neurotoxins that kill fish, eels, birds and dogs. These toxins carry through the food chain and can kill larger animals or birds of prey that feed on the smaller creatures infected with these neurotoxins. Harvesting pond weed has high quality impacts to the water by removing this piece of the algae food chain, however, even this remarkable effort isn’t enough to stem the growth of this toxin. The only real remedy is for residents to install low-nitrogen septic systems, and there are many more options available now that ever before. Rebates are still available and everyone, particularly property owners along the shorelines of any of our surface water bodies should install these systems. For information on this process please visit: https://ehamptonny.gov/588/Suffolk-County-New-York-State-Grants.
In related news, the Town of East Hampton is anticipating a purchase with Community Preservation Fund (CPF) money of the old Osborn Farm in Wainscott, some 30-acres bordering Wainscott Pond, one of our most challenged water bodies. This purchase will enable to the Town to commence serious water mitigation projects around Wainscott Pond, while retaining a vital agricultural source, and critical rural vista in Wainscott. A public hearing for this purchase will be held on October 17th at Town Hall. We vigorously support this purchase and applaud the Town’s efforts in this arena.
Last but not least, the VPSEH welcomes new FOGP Executive Director, soon-to-be-retired NYS Assemblyman, Fred Thiele, who brings with him decades of government experience and the strongest possible ties to our community as a local Sag Harbor fellow. Former FOGP Executive Director, Sara Davison, retired from her position after eight years of extraordinary leadership during extraordinary times. We bid Ms. Davison as fond ‘adieu’ and look forward to continuing our good working partnership with FOGP under Mr. Thiele’s leadership.