HomeMy WebLinkAbout6_Natural Resources and Environment Final 5-17-2019 RedLine Southold Town Comprehensive Plan Update
This document was prepared for the New York State Department of State
with funds provided under Title 11 of the Environmental Protection Fund.
Natural Resources
and &
Environment
DraftFinal
July 31, 2013
Updated March 18May 17, 2019
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
TO COME
Introduction
Water Resources
1. Conserve Groundwater Quantity
2. Protect Groundwater Quality
3. Preserve Surface Water Quality
4. Watershed Management
5. Freshwater and Marine Habitats
Land Resources
1. Soils and Geologic Features
2. Upland Habitats and Trees
3. Nuisance Species
4. Invasive Species
5. Fish and Wildlife Resources
6. Climate Change and Sea Level Rise
7. Energy Conservation and Management
8. Air Quality
9.1. Waste Management
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Introduction
The Town of Southold Town’s ecological areasnatural resources are recognized as one ofamong the
most valuable natural resources in New York State’s most important assemblages. FBoundlanked by
two U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA)-designated “Estuaries of National
Significance,” two National Estuaries, the Long Island Sound Estuary and the Peconic Estuary, the
Town’s lands and waters are protected by numerous planning documents, multi-agency regulations,
and designations that recognize the quality of the areas and provide management strategies. In the
future, management strategies will focus on protection, adaptation, and sustainability.
The importance of mManaging and preserving the our natural resources while promoting responsible
user experiences is paramount inessential to maintaining the quality of life within the Town.
Correspondingly, managing consumable resources to achieve balance and sustainability is also
extremely important. With continued, proactive and, collaborative management of the Town’s
resources, the quality of them Town’s resources will improve. An integral element of the management
approach must include the implementation of anis educational campaign that wouldto increase
knowledge awareness.and development of the necessary skills and expertise to address challenges and
foster attitudes, motivations, and commitments to make informed decisions.
This chapter expands on relevant goals and objectives outlined gathered fromin a series of planning
initiatives, plans, studies, and reports, public input sessions conducted over the last twenty 20 years
and public input. Collectively, this informatione documents creates the vision of the Town with
respect to natural resources and establishes the fundamental goals and objectives to achieve the vision.
Background
This chapter of the Comprehensive Plan has been informed by several recent planning documents. he
most applicable plan to this chapter is The Local Waterfront Revitalization Program (LWRP),;
aadopted in 2005, the program provides a comprehensive analysis of the Town’s resources and
outlinesing a framework of goals for the developed coast, natural coast, and public coast. The plan
program also includes detailed lists of projects that the Town has identified to befor
implementationed. Rather than rewrite the detailed narratives of the LWRP, this document references
sections of the plan (in part), inserting updates where necessary. In addition to the LWRP, tThe
Fishers Island Strategic Plan 2007–-2017 (Scopaz) provides an effective planning framework for the
iIsland and putting forthidentifies numerous community- based recommendations that have
beenwere integrated within this plan.1 In additionFinally, in 2012 Plum Island hwas been the subject
of a 2012 Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS), which provideding a comprehensive
assessment of the Island’s natural resources. The DEIS was also referenced to formulate goals and
objectives in this document.
1 The Fishers Island Strategic Plan 2007–2017 was prepared for the Fishers Island Hamlet of the Town of Southold
in September 2007. It was written by Valerie M. Scopaz, AICP, of VMS Planning Services. See
https://issuu.com/fishersislandny/docs/hamlet_study_-_fi_strategic_plan_20.
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All of the above referenced plans are available on the Southold Town Wwebsite via the Weblink icon
on the home page.
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Water Resources
Groundwater
The Town of Southold Town depends on a sole source aquifer for its potable water supply. which is
part of Groundwater Management Zone IV that encompasses Shelter Island and the northern and
eastern portions of the South Fork in addition to the eastern portion of Riverhead.
The aquifer is replenished solely by precipitation, which averages approximately 44 to 45 inches per
year. Part of the precipitation flows overland to the surrounding coastal waters, part is returned to
the atmosphere via evapo-transpiration, and part percolates into the ground surface. A The U.S.
Geological Service (USGS) estimates that the portion of the water whichprecipitation that infiltrates
the soil, eventually reachinges the fresh groundwater reservoir. The USGS estimates that the recharge
rate is equal to about 50 percent of mean annual precipitation or approximately 22 to 22.5 inches, per
year or 1.9 billion gallons per year. The water cycle is shown as Figure 6.1.
Drinking water is drawn from the Groundwater Management Zone IV of the Central Suffolk County
Special Groundwater Protection Area (SGPA), which encompasses Shelter Island and the northern
and eastern portions of the South Fork in addition to the eastern portion of Riverhead.
Figure 6.1. Water Cycle Source: Group for the East End Southold Conservation
Agenda
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The aquifer is characterized by a series of isolated water table mounds, each of which corresponds to
a hydraulically distinct freshwater flow system. The North Fork is comprised of three oblong water
table mounds east of Mattituck Creek and James Creek that represent the principal freshwater flow
systems. The freshwater flow systems contain a series of flow subsystems, each of which corresponds
to the area contributing groundwater to an individual water body. These flow subsystems are generally
separated from one another by local and regional groundwater divides (creeks and bays) that extend
inland from the coast and converge toward the respective water table mounds (The United States
Geologic Service (USGS). It is important to recognize that all drinking water and irrigation water
supply on the North Fork is withdrawn from the upper glacial aquifer because groundwater in the
deeper aquifers is mostly saline.
The importance of Southold’s groundwater resources are recognized by the designation of certain
areas of the aquifer by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC)
as Special Groundwater Protection AreasSGPAs. These areas are particularly important to
groundwater protection because they are the core areas of recharge to Southold’s aquifer. A graphical
representation of tThe aquifer is provided asshown in Figure 6.2.
Figure 6.2. Southold Aquifer Source: Group for the East End Southold Conservation Agenda
The water supply, treatment, distribution and storage facilities for mainland Southold’s public water
supply are owned and operated by the Suffolk County Water Authority (SCWA). In 2012, 8,235
customers were connected to SCWA public water in Southold (Smith). There is also significant usage
of groundwater from private wells for residential, agricultural, and commercial use.
Fishers and Plum Islands have their own unique water supply conditions. Fishers Island water supply
is dependent upon a sole source aquifer and 22 miles of water mains, an equalization reservoir, a
surface water treatment plant, a groundwater treatment facility, a well field and three surface water
reservoirs: Barlow Pond, Middle Farm Pond and Treasure Pond. The numerous ponds on Fishers
Island serve as the primary catchment and recharge areas for the islands aquifer. The hydrology of
Fishers Island differs substantially from other portions of the Town of Southold. Due to its hilly
topography, most of the precipitation that falls on Fishers Island flows to one of the numerous
freshwater ponds or directly to the coastal shoreline. According to the Hydrogeologic Report
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Conducted on Fishers Island, New York ( by Groundwater, Inc., (April 1990), groundwater recharge
on Fishers Island is estimated to be approximately 709 million gallons per year.
The water supply, treatment, distribution and storage facilities for approximately 624 customers on
Fishers Island are owned and operated by the Fishers Island Waterworks, a subsidiary of the Fishers
Island Development Corporation (FIDCO). The FIDCO water supply system, originally constructed
in the early 1900's, services approximately 624 customers.
The Plum Island Draft Environmental Impact StatementDEIS (2012) identifies groundwater on Plum
Island occurring within the sand and gravel of the Upper Pleistocene Glacial Deposits. The shallow
sole-source aquifer extends from land surface at the wetlands to an approximate depth of 100 feet in
the center of the Island and is separated from the aquifer underlying Long Island by Plum Gut. The
aquifer is recharged solely by precipitation, which averages approximately 45 inches per year. Safe yield
for the aquifer is estimated to range from 150,000 to 200,000 gallons per day (gpd).
Goal 1. Conserve Water Quantity.
The potable water supply in the Town is limited, and without conservation measures, the supply of
potable water in the aquifer is strained, especially in times of drought. One of the largest consumers
of water is the irrigation of lawns, which increases during droughts. As the population of the Town
continues to grow, increased demand on the water supply system will occur, forcing an expansion of
public water supply system. Expansion is expensive and difficult due to areas of groundwater
contamination and salt watersalt-water intrusion. Consumer rates for water will increase as costs rise
for the SCWA rise.
Southold has been identified as one of two areas in Suffolk County where groundwater quality has
affected the existing groundwater supply. The shallow aquifer is limited by underlying and surrounding
salt water and contaminants such as nitrates and pesticides. Nitrate levels exceeding 6 mg/L were
found in supply wells located on the North Fork in unsewered agricultural areas. (SCWA, 2015 p. 3-
8) 2
Water supply projections indicate that Southold will need additional water sources by 2030. The
projected water consumption is expected to rise to 4.6 million gallons per day (mgd) from 2.8 mgd,
assuming that all homes currently on private wells would be on community supply by 2030 (including
Orient). And bBy 2030, if water continues to be used at the current rate, over 14,500 gallons per
minute (gpm) will be required at peak times, a rate that cannot be produced by the current water
supply system.
To address the projected water supply needs, the SCWA has indicated that approximately 6,100 gpm
of additional capacity would be required (excluding the storage tank at Moore’s Lane). This would
require the siting and installation of 38 new wells, if no conservation measures are implemented. An
alternative to pumping an ever-increasing amount of water is to implement a water conservation
program that minimizes the irrigation of lawns, in addition to other measures. The SCCWRMP 2015
2 Suffolk County Comprehensive Water Resources Management Plan (SCCWRMP) by SCWA. Found at
https://www.suffolkcountyny.gov/Departments/Health-Services/Environmental-Quality/Water-
Resources/Comprehensive-Water-Resources-Management-Plan.
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SCWA report indicates that if successful, the water conservation option would require the addition of
only three new supply wells to meet the 2030 demand.
If a conservation program is successful in reducing water use per household, SCWA forecasts that
only three additional wells would be needed instead of the 38 forecasted. The conservation approach
is the most practical one for residents and the SCWA, as there are significant concerns with developing
new wells including: salt water up-coning/intrusion;, impact to wetlands and surface water bodies;,
additional capacity;, identification and acquisition of available land for well sites and potential
treatment facilities; and cost associated with construction of the additional wells, transmission mains
and treatment facilities.
According the SCWA, if conservation measures are not implemented, a connection to the Riverhead
transmission line to serve Southold Town is would be the most feasible and cost-effective alternative.
This option requires the fewest new wells;, however, numerous factors could affect the feasibility of
this scenario, and this option does nothing to address future concerns for the potable water supply.
Complete details can be found in the SCWA planSCCWRMP.
Regardless of the short- term supply projections, planning for a long- term water supply in Southold
is important and conservation practices must be developed. Conservation practices can be
accomplished through public education and voluntary or mandatory homeowner participation. The
following are objectives to help implement water conservation initiatives and strategies to conserve
potable drinking water.
Objectives
1.1 Consider mandatory water conservation measures for residential irrigation.
Odd/even days for lawn irrigation.
Rain meters to prevent automatic sprinklers from activating on rainy days.
1.2 Work with SCWA to implement water conservation practices and programs.
Implement the SCWA groundwater conservation measures that include public education
and outreach on water conservation practices and emergency measures in periods of
drought through Ttown media.
1.3 Develop water conservation, educational demonstration sites.
Partner with local water conservation advocates to fund, design, and construct
educational demonstration sites at the Peconic School, Town Hall, and on Fishers Island.
1.4 Support the Peconic Estuary Program initiatives for water conservation practices.
The Peconic Estuary Program has initiated a Homeowner Rewards Program to provide
water conservation opportunities to homeowners within the Peconic eEstuary boundaries
that surround the impaired water body, Hashamomuck Pond, in the hamlet of Southold.
Funds are available to homeowners for rain gardens, downspout re-direction, rain barrel,
conservation landscaping and dry wells.
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Responsible Parties: Southold Town Board, Town of Southold Planning Department, Town of
Southold Land Preservation Department
Possible Partnerships: Suffolk County Water Authority, Suffolk County Department of Health,
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Association, U.nited S.tates Environmental Protection Agency and other non-governmental agencies
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Goal 2. Protect Groundwater Quality.
The protection of groundwater quality is crucial for the health of the residents and visitors of the Town.
As indicated above, tThe Town’s contains two Special Groundwater Protection Areas (SGPGA)s for
which water quality protection management strategies were developed: one area includes portions of
the hamlets of Mattituck and Laurel and extends westerly to Riverhead and. The second area includes
portions of the hamlets of East Mattituck, Cutchogue and Peconic (see Figure 6.3). The designation
of the SGPAs was based on two considerations, that : "namely, that this area represents a major
portion of the locally significant deep recharge and that designation could facilitate the improvement
and ultimate restoration of groundwater quality" (The Long Island Comprehensive Special
Groundwater Protection Area Plan, 1992).3
3 Koppelman, L.E. and Long Island Regional Planning Board. “The Long Island Comprehensive Special
Groundwater Protection Area Plan” Long Island Regional Planning Board: 1992. Also https://books.google.com
/books?id=JeIiHAAACAAJ.
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Figure 6.3. Town of Southold Town: Special Groundwater Protection
Areas
The SGPA Plan includes a detailed examination of environmental and physical conditions, an analysis
of the problems and concerns and offers a detailed strategy for groundwater and environmental
protection for each SGPA. According to the SGPA Plan, identifies the primary ground water quality
issue within the Southold SGPA as consistings of contamination primarily from the historical use of
pesticides used for agricultural purposes. Pesticides have contaminated ground water throughout
much of the horizontal and vertical extent below the Southold SGPA (Koppelman, et al, 1992). The
objectives in this Comprehensive Plan are based, in part, onIn addition, the SGPA Plan offers a
comprehensive set of recommendations for management strategies designed to reduce current and
future groundwater contamination, avoid creating new sources of contamination and provide the
maximum protection of the groundwater in the SGPAs (DGEIS).
In addition to management strategies, water quality monitoring is also conducted for public water
systems. The SCWA tests public water systems on a regular basis and publishes annual reports outlining
the results for two SCWA Distribution Systems in Southold Town. One is known as Distribution Area
30, and is comprised of the 49 supply wells that serve most of Southold, (except for Orient). The other
Distribution Area 35 is comprised of one neighborhood in Orient known as Browns Hills.
Certain areas have experienced degraded groundwater. In the 2011 report for Distribution Area 30, the
SCWA found evidence of pollutants including compounds from pesticides, herbicides, pharmaceuticals,
and personal care products (9 of the 16 compounds tested). Also found was Methyl Tert Butyl Ether (a
volatile organic compound ([VOC]) that was used as an additive in gasoline until it was banned in 2004,
and. Nnitrate was also found. Nitrate, which is linked to red tide blooms in Peconic Bay, and was
found to havemeasured at an average value of 3.78 mg/l and a high value of 7.97 mg/l. The results
are lower than the established Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCL) for drinking water quality for
nitrates, which is 10 mg/l.
Also in 2011, the SCWA added filtration systems to Sunset Dr. #2A and #4A Mattituck wells to
remove the contaminants Aldicarb Sulfone and Sulfoxide and Metolachlor ESA. Filtration was also
added at the Rocky Point Rd. #4 East Marion well to remove the contaminants TCPA
(Tetrachloroterephthalic Acid, a breakdown product of Dacthal) and Metolachlor.
In the Browns Hills System 1 out of 16 pesticides, herbicides, pharmaceuticals, and personal care
products compounds tested were found, and but no VOCs were found detected in 2011. Nitrate in
this system was found to havehad an average value of 3.22 mg/l and a high value of 10.87 mg/l, which
exceeds the MCL (SCWA 2011).
The Suffolk County Department of Health Services (SCDHS) permits and monitors commercial and
residential water supply wells pursuant to Articles 4 Water Supply and Article 6 (Realty Subdivisions,
Development and Other Construction Projects) of the Suffolk County Sanitary Code (2011).
SCDHS also regulates 35 non-community water system sites, including Plum Island, which contains
66 wells sites. A “community water system” is means a public water system which that serves at least
five service connections used by year-round residents or regularly serves at least twenty-five25 year-
round residents.
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In the areas that lack a public water supply system, comprehensive water quality testing is conducted
for all new subdivisions proposed with private wells. SCDHS The department also manages a testing
program for existing homes with private wells. The program provides a comprehensive water quality
analysis and makes recommendations to property owners if necessary. The New York State
Department of Health (NYSDOH) recommends annual testing of private wells for total Ccoliform.
Similarly, annual water quality testing of private wells for, at a minimum, total Ccoliform, Nnitrates,
total dissolved solids and pH is recommended by United States Environmental Protection Agency
(USEPA) and the National Groundwater Association (NGWA). The SCDHS offers a private well
testing program at a nominal cost. More information about the program can be found at:
http://www.suffolkcountyny.gov/Departments/HealthServices/EnvironmentalQuality/WaterReso
urces/PrivateWellWaterTestingProgram.aspx
In addition to regulating private and non-community water systems, the SCDHS regulates subsurface
sewage disposal systems pursuant to Section 760-502, of Article 5 (Sewage Disposal), and Section 760-
710 of Article 7 (Water Pollution Control) of the Suffolk County Sanitary Code. Facilities designed
and constructed in compliance with the standards will be in compliance with the Suffolk County
Sanitary Code.
The heightened awareness of water quality problems has prompted the Town and, numerous agencies
and organizations to elevate the need for voluntary and regulatory changes to reduce the introduction
of pollutants in groundwater. To assist with sorting out where additions to the public water
infrastructure are consistent with the Town’s goals, and where other measures are more appropriate, it
is recommended that the Town participates in assessment programs and initiatives that achieve the
highest level of protection and conservation for public benefit.
Objectives
2.1. Support the work of the Town of Southold Water Quality Protection and Conservation
Committee, which .This committee focuses on and promotes the implementation of the
water quality and water conservation goals and objectives of the Town.
Together with agencies and organizations such as SCDHS, SCWA, Long Island Groundwater
Research Institute (LIGRI) at SUNY Stony Brook, the United States Geological Survey (USGS),
and Fishers Island Water Works, the committee works to protect surface and groundwater quality
and quantity through assessment, education and participation.
2.2 Work with SCWA, SCDHS and Fishers Island Water Works Corporation in developing
mandatory groundwater and surface water quality protection measures.
2.3 Develop Aquifer Protection Overlay Districts Ttown- wide.
Protection of groundwater quality is a community responsibility centered on education and
participation. One tool to accomplish the protection of groundwater quality is to develop and
implement an Aquifer Protection Overlay Districts (APOD) approach, which would provides
guidance to landowners and user groups on how to better protect groundwater. Effective
management within an APOD ranges from voluntary changes in homeowner choice, to
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application and disposal of pesticides, herbicides, or fertilizers, and use ofto land use controls in
areas located within sensitive groundwater recharge areas.
The Proposal for a Water Management Program for the Town of Southold Study presented a
mix of recommendations including taking preventive measures to minimize or eliminate
additional groundwater contamination, including: the establishment of a Town of Southold
Water Management Program;, providing public water systems in areas of existing development
where the groundwater is contaminated;, protection of present and potential well sites;, the use
of clustering, large lot zoning, and transfer of development rights; and land acquisition to protect
the areas with the deepest groundwater levels. This proposal was accepted by the Southold Town
Board on June 2, 1987;, however, some of the recommendations were not integrated into local
ordinances. It is recommended that the Town re-evaluate the plan and up-date any useful
information into policy and/or regulations to protect groundwater quality.
2.4 Achieve consistency in Ttown land use and water source protection through the re-
evaluation of zoning including permitted uses in capture zones, wellheads, and surface
water (Fishers Island) reservoir contributing areas.
2.5 Apply the most stringent pollution control measures practicable within 50-year capture
zones to community supply wells (SCDHS).
2.6 Re-evaluate Chapter 215 Sewers and Sewage Disposal of the Southold Town Code.
The section was adopted in 1983 and an up-date for applicability and effectiveness in preserving
groundwater quality is necessary. The section contains a provision that requires that on-site waste
water disposal systems be inspected and pumped out a minimum of once every three years.
2.7 Evaluate and recommend Best Management Practices for the proactive reduction of
volatile organic compounds (VOCs) capable of entering groundwater and surface
waters.
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are associated with a myriad of products such as plastics,
adhesives, paints, gasoline, fumigants, refrigerants, and dry-cleaning fluids. Widespread and long-
term use of VOCs and their ability to persist and migrate in ground water raise questions about
possible adverse effects on public health and environment. Although only one VOC (gasoline)
was found in Southold sampling of private wells, in 2010 SCWA testing revealed that almost 65
percent of the community supply wells in Suffolk County have susceptibility ratings of medium
high, high, or very high for VOCs, while over 35 percent of the wells are rated medium or low.
The most effective method for preventing VOC contamination is to prevent the use or disposal
in locations where they have the ability to enter groundwater or surface waters. The reduction
of use of such products is voluntary, albeit necessary, to reduce the introduction of these
compounds in groundwater. In surface waters, the reduction of the introduction of the
compounds could result in a change of practices at marinas and waterfront uses.
2.8 Evaluate and recommend Best Management Practices for the proactive reduction of
pharmaceuticals and personal care products in groundwater and surface waters.
In recent years, due to improved testing abilities, pharmaceuticals and personal care products
have been detected in ground and surface waters. Pharmaceuticals refer to prescription and over-
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the-counter therapeutic drugs and veterinary drugs. Personal care products refer to products used
for personal and cosmetic reasons such as soaps, fragrances, and cosmetics. Collectively, these
types of pollutants are referred to as PPCPs. PPCPs that are disposed of in septic systems,
sewers, or trash have the potential to enter our drinking water and, ultimately, our surface waters.
Presently, the USEPA has no health standards or guidelines for PPCPs in drinking water and
does not require testing.
In 2010, the SCWA screened all of their wells for 16 PPCPs and detected Dilantin and
Carbamazepine. However, it is important to note that the noted compounds were not found in
the wells of Southold Town wells in 2010 or 2011.
2.9 Work with regulatory agencies to reduce the use of pesticides and herbicides on
residential properties.
The SCDHS classifies pesticides as insecticides, herbicides, and fungicides used to kill or control
insect pests and nuisance vegetation that affect crops, turf, residential lawns and gardens, homes
(e.g., termiticides), pets, and people.
The Planning Board and the Board of Trustees strive to reduce turf areas through site design. In
sensitive areas, non-disturbance buffers are often established to reduce turf areas and the use of
pesticides and herbicides to protect surface water bodies;, however, impacts to surface and
groundwater still occur from pesticide and herbicide use. The Town should work with regulatory
agencies in the development and dispersal of Best Management Practices for pesticide and
herbicide use in Town.
2.10 Work with regulatory agencies and the golf course industry to reduce the use of fertilizers,
pesticides, and herbicides in property management.
Golf courses use significant amounts of fertilizers and, in some instances, pesticides and
herbicides. Suffolk County is working with Cornell University and Cornell Cooperative
Extension to reduce nitrogen loads from East End golf courses through the development of Best
Management Practices to maintain nitrate levels in groundwater at less than 2 mg/L. The use of
Best Management Practices to reduce the application of pesticides and herbicides should also be
developed.
2.11 Continue to purchase open space to achieve groundwater and surface water resource
protection.
The purchase of open space for groundwater and surface water protection is one of the most
effective tools available. Since 1983, the Town has been active in the purchase of open space
properties for a myriad of uses including groundwater protection. In addition to the program,
the Town’s subdivision regulations require that wetlands be set aside as unbuildable land, and
that a minimum of 60 percent of the buildable land area be preserved as open space if the parcel
is over 7seven acres. The Town, Suffolk County, and other agencies continue to purchase open
space for many functions and values including groundwater recharge.
2.11.1 Develop an Open Space Valuation Index to evaluate parcels for groundwater (and
surface water) quality protection and supply among other ecological benefits.
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Assessing the functions and values of open space parcels is challenging. As the inventory
of parcels for purchase increase, the funding available to purchase such parcels has
decreased. To assist the decision- makers in assessing the functions and values of a parcel,
it is recommended that the Town develop a parameter- driven valuation index to assess the
public and ecological benefits of each parcel proposed for open space purchase.
2.12 Develop and apply land use tools to preserve Plum Island water quality in the aquifer.
Consider establishing a Groundwater Conservation District on Plum Island to serve
Southold Town’s water supply needs in the future.
Under the current ownership, Plum Island water resources are a public asset and management
strategies to preserve the quality and volume of groundwater should be developed for potential
future public use.
2.13 Support Suffolk County Water AuthoritySCWA’s Groundwater Guardian Program.
The Groundwater Guardian Program is an international effort by the Groundwater Foundation
to educate the public about the value of groundwater. Team members of the Groundwater
Guardian Program include The Suffolk County Water AuthoritySCWA, Citizens Campaign for
the Environment, The Long Island Farm Bureau, Stony Brook University, and The Scotts
Miracle-Gro Company. Team activities focus on awareness campaigns, pollution prevention,
conservation, public policy initiatives, waterway cleanups and Best Management Practices (SCWA
website).4
2.14 Work with regulatory agencies and institutions to reduce nitrogen and phosphorous loads
to groundwater due to residential fertilizer.
Both the Long Island Sound and Peconic Estuary have experienced detrimental changes from
increased nutrient loads to ground and surface waters. In the Long Island Sound, and more
recently in the Peconic Estuary, low dissolved Ooxygen (DO) conditions (hypoxia) develop due
to excessive levels of Nnitrogen (N) and Phosphorous phosphorous (P). Hypoxia is a result from
of planktonic algae blooms that feed on the nutrients. The algae die and settle to the bottom of
the water body then decay, using up dissolved OxygenDO in the process. The Ooxygen levels
frequently fall below the levels necessary to sustain life and often results in fish and shellfish die
offs. Correspondingly, the planktonic algae is also toxic to shellfish and finfish in high densities,
which also often resultsing in the death of species.
This problem is not limited to current events; to address the water quality problems in the Long
Island Sound, in 1985 the Environmental Protection AgencyUSEPA created the Long Island
Sound Study (LISS) in partnership with the Connecticut Department of Environmental
Protection (CTDEP) and the NYSDEC. Years of research, monitoring, and modeling helped
the LISS to identify Nnitrogen sources in the Long Island Sound and the levels of Nnitrogen
control necessary to improve DO levels and meet water quality standards. The analysis led to the
4 See https://www.scwa.com/environment/become_a_groundwater_guardian/.
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adoption of a 58.5 percent Nnitrogen reduction goal by 2014 to reduce the extent and duration
of hypoxic conditions in the Long Island Sound.
In the Peconic Estuary, after atmospheric deposition, groundwater is estimated as the second
largest external source of Nnitrogen, totaling 241 percent of the total Nnitrogen load, or 7,450
lbs/day. Groundwater and other nonpoint sources are the primary contributors to water quality
degradation of the Peconic Estuary, thereby contributing to algal blooms and hypoxia
(SCCWRMPDHS). In 2001, the Peconic Estuary Program adopted the Comprehensive
Conservation and Management Plan (CCMP) for the estuary. The plan includes a Nutrient
Management Plan that establishes goals and objectives to better manage Nnitrogen in the estuary.
Recognizing the problem of Nnitrogen and (nitrates) loading in ground and surface waters, the
Suffolk County Legislature established a goal of reducing fertilization in residential areas by 10 to
25 percent, and passed Local Law 41-2007 to reduce Nnitrogen pollution countywide. The law
states that “the quality of our water should be considered a higher priority than the aesthetics of
lawns, and those high maintenance lawns require more Nnitrogen and are more likely to leach
excess Nnitrogen, so that high maintenance lawns should be discouraged.”.
Correspondingly, in July 2010, New York State adopted the Dishwasher Detergent and Nutrient
Run-off Law to reduce phosphorus loading to the State’its ground and surface waters. On August
14, 2010, the law prohibited the sale of newly stocked, Pphosphorus-containing dishwasher
detergents for household use. Beginning oOn July 1, 2013, the law will also prohibited the sale
of Pphosphorus-containing dishwasher detergents for commercial use. The law defines a
commercial establishment as "Commercial establishment - means any premises used for the
purpose of carrying on or exercising any trade, business, profession, vocation, or commercial or
charitable activity, including but not limited to laundries, hospitals, and food or restaurant
establishments”. More information on the law can be found at the NYSDEC website
(http://www.dec.ny.gov/chemical/74885.html).
2.14.1 Develop education programs that discuss the impacts on surface and groundwater
of residential fertilizer use as well asand impacts from household products that
end up in the septic system. Use on surface and groundwater through public
service announcements and through Ttown media channels and brochures to
educate the public aboutlinking public the effects of the use of consumer products
toon water quality. Include education about existing regulations.
Lawn fertilizers containing Pphosphorus are prohibited, except for establishment
of new lawns, or if data confirms that Phosphorus is required.
Application of lawn fertilizers on impervious surfaces is prohibited.
Application of lawn fertilizers are prohibited within 20 feet of a surface water body
except in cases where a vegetative buffer of ten 10 feet or more exists, or special
application techniques are employed.
Application of fertilizer between December 1 and April 1 is prohibited state-wide.
Require a maximum of 1lb per 1000 sq. ft./per year of turf application rate.
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Phosphorus-containing dishwasher detergents for household use are prohibited.
Continue to include N nitrogen and Pphosphorus Best Management Practices in
subdivision covenant and restrictions.
Require the use of native, drought- tolerant vegetation in landscaping.
Maximize widths of non-fertilized, vegetated buffers on parcels adjacent to water
bodies to minimize turf area and improve water quality protection.
2.15 Continue to support education programs that achieve agricultural Nnitrogen load
reductions, whichto include promoting agricultural Best Management Practices,
expanding Agricultural Environmental Management (AEM) strategies, and promoting
organic farming, among other initiatives.
The application of fertilizer and pesticides are necessary in crop farming, a staple in the Town’s
economy.
In addition to on- site waste water systems, agriculture remains a source of Nnitrogen loads to
the aquifer. The type of agriculture affects the resulting groundwater Nnitrate level, since
Nnitrogen loading can vary considerably depending on crop-specific fertilization requirements.
The data shows average Nnitrogen concentrations in groundwater for row crops at 13.4 mg/L
and average Nnitrogen concentrations in groundwater for vineyards at 5.1 mg/L (Suffolk
County Comprehensive Water Resources Management Plan (2011SSWRMP).
The same plan indicates that crop type also has a significant impact on the type and volume of
pesticides that are observed in down gradient groundwater. In a past report entitled “Water
Quality Monitoring for Pesticides in Nassau & Suffolk County, Vineyard Monitoring Draft
Report 2003-2006 (SCDHS),”, the fungicide Metalaxyl used on grapes was the most frequently
detected compound in monitoring wells. In addition to the low levels of registered pesticides
that were detected, low levels of historically applied pesticides and pesticide-break down
products not associated with vineyard applications were also reported, including Metolachlor,
Alachlor, and Aldicarb. It is important to note that many of the pesticides and pesticide-
breakdown products detected have been banned in Suffolk County for decades, but are still
present in the aquifer system due both to their solubility and persistence in the environment.
Agricultural Stewardship Programs are currently implemented by Suffolk County and the
Cornell Cooperative Extension of Suffolk County to improve agricultural Best Management
Practices by reducing the amounts of nitrogen and pesticides reaching ground and surface
waters. More than 100 local vegetable, nursery, sod, fruit farms, and vineyards are participating
in a tiered strategy of AEM practices. The Agricultural Environmental Stewardship 5–Year
Program goal is to significantly reduce Nnitrogen leaching and run-off. More information on
the New York State AEM program can be found at http://www.nys-
soilandwater.org/aem/index.html.
Responsible Parties: Southold Town Board, Town of Southold Water Quality Protection
Committee, Fisher Island Water Works, Town of Southold Planning Department, Town of Southold
Land Preservation Department
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Possible Partnerships: Suffolk County Water Authority, Suffolk County Department of Health,
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Association, U.nited S.tates Environmental Protection Agency and other non-governmental agencies
Natural Resources & Environment Southold Town Comprehensive Plan Update
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Surface Water
All of the Town’s coastal waters are assigned a classification by the NYSDEC based on best usage of a
particular water body. The classifications set attainment goals and discharge standards for point sources,
but do not necessarily indicate existing water quality conditions. Most coastal waters in the Town are
classified as SA. The SA designation indicates that the primary use of the water body is shellfishing for
market purposes, primary and secondary contact recreation, and fishing. These waters are suitable for
fish propagation and survival (LWRP). By classifying waters as SA, the NYSDEC has set a management
goal to achieve a level of water quality which is capable of supporting shellfish harvesting. This does
not imply that the waters which are so designated are always considered harvestable. Although much
of Southold's coastal waters are classified as SA, many of these same water bodies are not certified for
direct market harvesting of shellfish due to the seasonal occurrence of pathogens.
The classification is also important from an ecological and economic standpoint because healthy,
productive waters support tourism and marine uses. Town departments and numerous organizations
work to retain high quality surface waters through local laws, Tthe Local Waterfront Revitalization
Program, the Peconic Estuary Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan, and the Long
Island Sound Study.
Goal 3. Protect surface water quality.
There are many challenges to protecting the quality of our creeks, bays, and other surface waters.
Although today there are more regulations in place to do sofor protection of surface waters than in
the past, the increased number of potential sources of pollution calls for us tonecessitates keep a
vigilancet watch on the health of our surface waters. The Town’s economy and quality of life are
inextricably tied to our its coastal waters being clean and productive for many uses including
swimming, fishing, shellfishing, and boating.
Objectives
3.1 Continue to implement the goals and objectives of the Local Waterfront Revitalization
Program (LWRP), Peconic Estuary Program (PEP) Comprehensive Conservation and
Management Plan (CCMP) and Long Island Sound Study (LISS) goals and objectives to
address target issues on surface water quality.
The Town Code and Local Waterfront Revitalization ProgramLWRP goals and policies support
the long-term protection of Peconic Bay, Gardiners Bay, and Long Island and Block Island
Sound. Additionally, they reflect existing laws and authority regarding development and
environmental protection, including that of the PEP CCMP and the LISS. Taken together, the
goals and policies and their associated standards are used to determine the appropriate balance
between development and preservation that will prevent adverse effects on Southold's coastal
resources. The Town of Southold Town can further these policies through the participation and
implementation of the plans. More information on the Peconic Estuary and Long Island Sound
Study can be found in Appendix A4.
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3.2 Continue to participate and support the Peconic Estuary Protection Committee to
implement the Municipal Separate Stormwater System (MS4) Program.
The NYSDEC regulates stormwater discharges in the Town under the New York State
Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (“SPDES”) Permit for Discharges from Municipal
Separate Storm Sewer Systems (“MS4s”) GP-0-015-003 (“MS4 General Permit”). The MS4
General Permit regulations establish a number of required planning, legislative, and
implementation actions that the Town must continue to implement. The program is designed
to reduce overall pollutant loads to water bodies. The MS4 General Permit requires that the
Town accomplish these efforts based on six Minimum Control Measures, which include:
public education and outreach, public involvement, illicit discharge detection and elimination,
construction site stormwater control, post- construction stormwater management, and
pollution prevention for municipal operations.
The challenges of managing stormwater are complicated and diverse. Infrastructure
ownership, age, and funding all pose issues that the Town will need to address as we it meets
regulations. As sea levels rise, the challenges will exacerbate and become even more difficult.
Recognizing that water quality impairments caused by stormwater run-off can negatively
impact living resources, recreational opportunities, water-related businesses, and quality of life
in the Town, the Town Board adopted a Stormwater Management Code in 2010.
Since inception, the New York Sea Grant Program and the PEP has spearheaded the
formation of a coalition to manage stormwater and meet regulations. This effort led to the
formation of the Peconic Estuary Protection Committee in 2015, which includes the New
York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT), Suffolk County, and all of the Ttowns
and Vvillages within the Peconic Estuary Watershed. Participation in this coalition has saved
the Town money and strengthened our its MS4 program through the sharing of information
and resources.
It is recommended that the Town continue to participate in the Peconic Estuary Protection
Committee, Sea Grant and the Peconic Estuary ProgramPEP to achieve greater
understanding of and compliance with the MS4 General Permit requirements, including net
reductions in nitrogen and pathogen loading to water bodies and seek State and Federal
funding for remediation projects.
3.3 Increased understanding and awareness of the potential impacts of stormwater
pollution and activities that contribute to water quality impairments through public
education efforts.
The Town has worked closely with the Peconic Estuary ProgramPEP and other
environmental organizations in producing educational initiatives on the impacts of
stormwater. The Town will continue to work with the Program PEP in the development of
Best Management Practices to further the MS4 Program and natural resource protection. Best
Management Practices will be developed for:
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1. Development and Cconstruction
2. Stormwater Rrun-off
3. On-site waste water treatment
4. Boats and Mmarinas
5. Agriculture
6. Protecting Ggroundwater Qquality
3.4. Minimize illicit discharges into surface waters.
Southold Town Code Chapter 236 Stormwater Management defines illicit discharge as including
but not limited to “discharge of solid waste, human and animal waste, antifreeze, oil, gasoline,
grease and all other automotive products, flammable or explosive materials, metals in excess
of naturally occurring amounts, whether in liquid or solid form, chemicals not normally found
in uncontaminated water, solvents and degreasers, painting products, drain cleaners,
commercial and household cleaning materials, pesticides, herbicides, fertilizers, acids, alkalis,
ink, steam-cleaning waste, laundry waste, soap, detergent ammonia, chlorine, chlorinated
swimming pool or hot tub water, domestic or sanitary sewage, roof structure runoff, animal
carcasses, food and food waste, yard waste, dirt, sand, and gravel. Illicit discharges include any
direct or indirect discharge to the MS4, except as exempted in §236-25A (discharge
prohibitions) and/or as permitted by the Town.”.
The Town has always strived to control and prevent illicit discharges capable of impairing
water quality. The Town has made significant advances in water quality protection with the
passing of a Stormwater Control Law in 2007 and a revised Stormwater Control Law in 2012.
Also in 2012, the Town Board revised Chapter 83 Animals to include better management of
domestic pet waste. These regulations include Best Management Practices that aim to reduce
pollutant loads into water bodies. Efforts to identify and rectify sources of illicit discharges
will continue to protect and restore surface waters.
3.5. Avoid and minimize non-point pollution of coastal waters.
Non-point pollution is defined as “Pollution from any source other than from any discernible,
confined, and discrete conveyances and shall include, but not be limited to, pollutants from
agricultural, silvicultural, mining, construction, subsurface disposal, residential, commercial
and urban run-off sources.” To address non-point pollution, the Town is working to integrate
green infrastructure into drainage designs. For example, the Planning Board is requiring the
use of constructed swales and vegetated retention areas to treat stormwater in subdivisions
and site plans. In addition, efforts to reduce pollutant loads to coastal waters by managing
unavoidable non-point sources and by using appropriate Best Management Practices as
determined by use, site characteristics, design standards, operational conditions, and
maintenance programs are being implemented.
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One of the most influential sub-surface structures that contributes pollutants to surface waters
is conventional on-site waste water disposalseptic systems. The SCWA indicates that
approximately 70 percentthe majority of Suffolk County residents are dependent on these
systems to dispose of sanitary waste; reducing organic loading to the environment.
Howeverhowever, reported nitrogen removal rates within householdthese systems are
discharging nitrogen into the groundwatervary widely ranging from ten to fifty percent. In
addition, the treatment of PPCPs personal care products and pharmaceuticals are becoming
problematic in groundwater as a result of their disposal toin these systems.
On-site wastewater Septic systems are required to be up-graded to newer technology on a case-
by- case basis typically prompted by new construction or renovation of structures. Otherwise,
septic systems are not generally monitored for proper function, and many substandard systems
remain in use. If construction or renovation of structures on a parcel is not proposed, up-
grades are not required and there is no indication if the system is properly functioning. Re-
location of the structures is often not required unless additional distances to existing water
supply wells or a protected natural feature is required. Better management (include and
monitoring) of these systems is necessary to minimize impact to ground and surface waters.
Advances in wastewater treatment technology have resulted in a concerted effort to reduce
total nitrogen discharged in wastewater to below 19mg/L using Alternative and Innovative
and Alternative Onsite Wastewater Treatment Systems (IA/AI OWTS). The Town has
participated in this effort with the SCDHS and encourages the use of these systems where
practicable. Further, discretionary boards now may require the use of the systems where
groundwater and surface waters are vulnerable to contamination.
3.5.1. Avoid non-point pollution by limiting non-point sources capable of entering coastal
waters.
3.5.2. Reduce or eliminate introduction of materials which may contribute to non-point
pollution.
3.5.3. Avoid activities which would increase off-site stormwater run-off and transport of
pollutants.
3.5.4. Retain or establish native vegetation to maintain or provide soil stabilization or filtering
capacity in littoral zones.
3.5.5. Preserve natural hydrologic conditions maintaining natural water courses and drainage
systems where present.
3.5.6. Where drainage systems are absent or incapable of handling the anticipated run-off
demands:
3.5.6.1. Develop open vegetated drainage systems as the preferred approach and
design these systems to include long and indirect flow paths and to decrease
peak run-off flows.
3.5.6.2. Use closed drainage systems only where site constraints and stormwater flow
demands make open water systems infeasible.
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3.5.7. Site, up-grade, and manage on-site disposal systems to achieve maximum pollutant
control through the integration and required use of Alternative and Innovative On Site
Sanitary Wastewater Systems AI/IA OWTS or future technologies that reduce or
eliminate nitrogen from wastewater.
3.5.7.1 Allow on-site disposal systems only when impractical to connect with a
public sewer system.
3.5.7.2 Protect surface and groundwater against contaminates and other pollutants
by keeping septic effluent adequately separated from groundwater.
3.5.7.3 Work with an institution to develop and implement a pilot program whereby
waterfront residents can volunteer to have dye tests done on their septic
systems to determine if the systems are constructed properly.
3.5.7.4 Require that systems located in critical lands, within the SGPA, or soil groups
with severe limitations for sewage disposal, be pumped out once every three
years.
3.5.7.5 Require the use of I/A OWTSalternative or innovative on-site sanitary waste
systems to achieve the highest level of effluent treatment attainable in new
construction projects. Set a benchmark for systems using new technology to
less than 5 mg/L of N nitrogen located within the Town.
3.5.7.6 Require the use of I/A OWTSalternative or innovative on-site sanitary waste
systems to achieve the higher level of effluent treatment attainable on the re-
development of parcels. Set a benchmark for systems using new technology
to less than 5 mg/L of N nitrogen located within the Town.
3.5.7.7 Consider approaching New York State to implement a Personal Income Tax
Credit for replacement of a failed cesspool or septic system modeled after
The State of Massachusetts Program.
3.5.8. Encourage new marina uses to participate in the National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration (NOAA)’s Clean Marina Initiative.
The Clean Marina Initiative is a voluntary, benefit-based program promoted by
NOAA and others that encourages marina operators and recreational boaters to
protect coastal water quality by engaging in environmentally sound operating and
maintenance procedures. Marinas that participate in the Clean Marina Program are
recognized for their environmental stewardship.
Responsible Parties: Southold Town Board, Town of Southold Planning Department, Town of
Southold Board of Trustees, Town of Southold Agricultural Advisory Committee.
Possible Partnerships: Town of Southold Stormwater Committee, Suffolk County Water Authority,
Suffolk County Department of Health, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation,
National Oceanic and Atmosphere Association, United U. States S. Environmental Protection Agency
and other non-governmental agencies.
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Goal 4. Watershed Management
The Town is comprised of distinct watersheds. Historically, the Town has addressed land use
challenges as they occurred within each watershed; however, in recent years a pro-active approach to
assess the impacts of development in each watershed has been implemented. The Town will continue
to model, map, and plan each watershed to improve knowledge of existing conditions in each
watershed and develop a framework for pragmatic decision- making to address land use challenges.
Within each watershed/sub-watershed the Town will also continue to delineate and map sewersheds
(an area where stormwater enters one of the Town’s stormwater control structures) to comply with
New York State MS4 requirements.
Objectives
4.1. Update and conduct a needs analysis on the recommendations made in the Mattituck
Watershed Study (2009).
Due to the age of the study, it is recommended that a needs analysis be conducted on the
recommendations included in the plan to determine applicability and create up-dated
implementation strategies.
4.2. Continue to implement the Goldsmith Inlet, Hashamomuck Pond, and Jockey, Town,
Goose and Richmond Creeks Watershed and Sub-watershed Management Plans.
The Town has partnered with the local citizens, Suffolk County, and New York State to fund,
assess, plan, and implement a restoration plan that addresses water quality, invasive species,
sedimentation, and debris within Goldsmiths Inlet.
In addition, the Town has partnered with the Peconic Estuary ProgramPEP and New York State
to create a Subwatershed Management Plan for Hashamomuck Pond. In 2011/2012, three
stormwater retrofit projects were constructed to mitigateing stormwater impacts to the water
body under this plan. The Town will continue to implement the plan and address stormwater
control and water quality issues in the watershed.
4.3. Develop Watershed Management Plans for all remaining watersheds.
4.3.1 Form a Watershed Planning Management Team.
The tasks necessary to manage watersheds are complex ranging from land use
planning to engineering and community involvement. It is recommended that the
Town Board identify a core team and on-going management structure that will over-
see watershed plan implementation and tracking, and indicate how stakeholders and
partners will be involved.
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4.4. Limit the potential for adverse cumulative impacts of watershed development on water
quality and quantity.
Protect water quality by ensuring that proposed expansion or intensification of existing
watershed development results in:
1. pProtection of areas that provide important water quality benefits;
2. mMaintenance of natural characteristics of drainage systems, and
3. pProtection of areas particularly susceptible to erosion and sediment loss.
Responsible Parties: Southold Town Board, Town of Southold Planning Department, Watershed
Planning Management Team.
Possible Partnerships: Town of Southold Land Preservation Department, National Oceanic and
Atmosphere Association, U.nited S.tates Environmental Protection Agency and other non-
governmental agencies.
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Goal 5. Freshwater and Marine Habitats
The NYSDEC regulates tidal orand freshwater wetlands at the state level pursuant to Article 24 and
Article 25 of the Environmental Conservation Law. In addition to State regulations, some of Southold’s
wetlands are protected under the Federal Clean Water Act, Riverhead Harbors Act of 1899, the U.S.
Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Title 33, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Section 404
Permit Program. These wetlands have been identified in the National Wetlands Inventory and can
include wetlands as small as one acre. The federal wetlands are defined by three criteria: type of
vegetation, period of inundation, and presence of hydric soils, whereas the state- designated wetlands
are defined by vegetation only. More information on the Town’s classification of wetlands can be found
in Appendix B4. In 2002-2003 the Town Planning oOffice mapped both tidal and freshwater wetlands
in the Town (see Figure 6.4).
Figure 6.4. Southold Town: Tidal and Freshwater Wetlands in the Town
of Southold Town
Natural Resources & Environment Southold Town Comprehensive Plan Update
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Any proposed development activities near these wetland systems require permits from both the
NYSDEC Bureau of Environmental Protection (for freshwater wetlands) and the Southold Board of
Trustees.
Objectives
5.1. Identify, protect and enhance quality of coastal habitats.
Wetlands within the Town of Southold Town are critical natural resources that provide
benefits including: open space, habitat for fish and wildlife, water quality enhancement,
flooding and erosion protection, scenic value, and opportunities for environmental education.
Over the years, many wetland areas have been lost or impaired by degradation or functional
loss.
Wetlands and their benefits are also dependent upon the condition of adjacent lands which
that provide buffers between wetlands and surrounding uses. Large areas of adjacent lands
that previously provided a buffer for wetlands have been physically lost to development or
functionally lost through changes in land use, including inappropriate or incompatible
landscaping. These losses and impairments to the wetlands and their functions cumulatively
have impacted the Town of Southold’s ecosystem.
Protecting and improving the remaining tidal and freshwater wetlands and restoring lost or
impaired wetlands are the most appropriate ways to achieve an increase in quality and quantity
of wetlands. Historical losses and alterations, which have occurred in many locations in
Southold, present numerous opportunities for restoration.
In addition to protecting and improving the Town's wetlands, adjacent lands that provide
buffers to wetlands must be maintained and enhanced, and where appropriate, re-established.
These buffers are necessary to ensure the long term viability of the Town's wetlands. Where
these lands are in private ownership, educating residential owners as to the long-term benefits
of compatible land use and landscaping techniques will be essential to maintaining the
ecological health of some wetland areas.
The Town recognizes the value of wetlands to its ecosystem, its economy, and its aesthetic
character. It also recognizes that federal and state regulations concerning wetlands do not
fully cover local conditions, and in some cases, are less restrictive than local regulations. The
Town Board of Trustees has local expertise in the management of the Town’s wetlands and
in this capacity espouses a “no net loss” of wetlands policy, as espoused advocated by
NYSDEC’sthe New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (LWRP).
5.1.1. Continue to identify and protect environmentally sensitive wetland and coastal resources,
including marine habitats and species on Fishers Island and surrounding waters.
5.1.2. Develop Harbor Management Plans for Ttown water bodies, up-date Fishers Island
West Harbor Management Plan.
5.2. Protect tidal and freshwater wetland habitats.
5.2.1. Continue to achieve a “no net loss” policy of tidal and freshwater wetlands.
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Since 2002, tidal and freshwater wetlands have been mapped at the Ttown level. It is
recommended that the wetland map be up-dated to the greatest extent practicable and
that the Town Board and Board of Trustees adopt a “no net loss” of wetland systems.
No net loss is a mitigation policy goal aiming to prevent and off-set the destruction or
degradation of wetlands. Under this policy, wetlands currently in existence should be
conserved if possible through a coordinated effort of:
wetlands protection;
creation of new wetlands
restoration, enhancement, and management; and
education, research, and information.
This policy would apply to the jurisdictional boundary of a wetland system itself,
exclusive of the regulatory buffers.
5.2.2. Develop “Dredging and Spoil Deposition Guidelines” to prioritize and dredge Ttown
inlets to allow for critical tidal flushing of water bodies and habitat restoration.
Dredging of water bodies is a necessary event for many of the creeks/harbors to
improve access and sustain marine uses that support the local economy. Responsible
dredging is also necessary to support ecological processes in estuarine environments.
Dredging in Southoldthe Town of Southold is overseen by The United States Army
Corps of EngineersUSACE, New York State Department of Environmental
ConservationNYSDEC and accomplished in partnership with Suffolk County
Department of Public Works (SCDPW). The timing of dredging for most of the
Town’s water bodies revolves around winter flounder spawning and shorebird
migration. Dredging can be conducted when the species have migrated south, usually
between September 15th and December 15th. The dates are established by the
NYSDEC for the water bodies.
Dredging in areas not maintained by the Federal government or the SCDPW, must be
performed through private contracts. Generally, homeowners’ associations or other
private individuals retain private contractors to perform the dredging. All dredging
actions require approval from the Board of Trustees, through the issuance of a permit
pursuant to Chapter 275 of the Town Code in addition to applicable State and Federal
permits.
In response to unsuccessful dredging requests made to the NYSDEC and
ACOEUSACE, the Town Board established the Dredging Advisory Committee in
2012 to monitor the process of dredging applications by and to other government
entities relative to waterways within the Town of Southold and report to the Town
Board and Southold Board of Trustees the status of such applications. It is
recommended that a Dredging and Spoil Deposition Guidelines be developed taking
into account new available information e.g., the Dredge Site Habitat Assessment
(2012) conducted by the Group for the East End.
5.2.3. Work with the Suffolk County Department of Public Works (SCDPW), New York
State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) and Army Corps of
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Engineers (ACOE)USACE to achieve a more streamlined process for dredging
applications.
5.2.4. Support efforts that study the positive and negative impacts of dredging on marine
species.
5.2.5. Support efforts that study the positive and negative impacts of the placement of
dredge spoil on shorebird species e.g., slope of dredge spoil on beach.
5.2.6. Protect water quality of coastal waters from adverse impacts associated with
excavation, fill, dredging, and disposal of dredged material.
5.2.7. Work with the USEPA, ACOEUSACE, New York State and other involved parties
to immediately cease the dumping of dredge spoil in Long Island Sound/Fishers
Island Sound, specifically at the New London and Cornfield Shoals sites.
5.2.8. Provide adequate buffers (in width and composition) between wetlands and land
uses and activities to ensure protection of the wetland's water quality, functions, and
values.
Vegetated buffers located adjacent to wetlands provide water quality protection and
groundwater recharge, reduce amount and velocity of run-off, provide flood and storm
surge protection, and wildlife habitat. Vegetated buffer widths from 50 to -100 feet
are typically recommended to protect water quality and buffers widths of 100 to 350
feet or more are recommended to provide important wildlife functions.
Buffer widths as proposed in Appendix 4C assumes that a buffer is vegetated with a
native plant community necessary to provide adequate buffer functions. If a buffer
(existing or otherwise) is sparsely vegetated, grass, or dominated by invasive species,
the buffer should be enhanced with appropriate native species or widened. It is
important to note that improving buffer vegetation (species composition and percent
cover) is more effective in maintaining and/or enhancing buffer values and functions
than widening the buffer. Consequently, the concept of reducing buffer widths in
exchange for enhancement through the planting of native vegetation is supported by
the best available science and is the most practicable approach for the Town based
upon the many smaller lots that occur along our shorelines. Recognize, however, that
buffers should be designed to achieve the highest level of effectiveness while
conforming to the limitations of parcel configuration and use.
5.2.8.1 Design and establish new buffers using existing vegetation (in its
natural state) wherever possible, while allowing for appropriate
maintenance. Where no vegetation exists, require re-vegetation of a
buffer area with native, drought- tolerant vegetation.
5.2.8.2 Restore degraded buffers through the re-establishment of native,
drought- tolerant vegetation.
5.2.8.3 Maintain densely vegetated buffers to achieve high filtration of
surface run-off.
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5.2.8.4 Provide adequate buffers (in width and composition) to abate storm
surge resulting from hurricane/storm events.
5.2.8.5 Amend buffer definitions in the Southold Town Code to achieve
consistency between Chapters 275 Wetlands and Shorelines and Chapter
268 Coastal Consistency Review and establish minimum design standards.
5.2.8.6 Partner with local institutions to develop optimum buffer designs to
achieve the highest effectiveness practicable.
Incorporate a fecal coliform bacteria sand trap in buffer design
coupled with high- density vegetation.
Incorporate in buffers drought- tolerant, vegetation in buffers that
waterfowl do not eatfeed upon.
5.2.8.7. Exempt residential actions from LWRP coastal consistency review
that include minimum wetland buffer widths in design, as indicated
in Appendix 4C.
5.3. Restore tidal and freshwater wetlands habitats to foster their continued existence as
natural systems.
The wetlands in the Southold Town of Southold have experienced and continue to experience impacts
from human disturbance. This includes construction of docks and bulkheading, filling and dredging,
removal of vegetation, impacts from adjacent land uses, and impacts resulting from recreational
activities, such as fishing, hunting, and boating. The degree of impact depends on the nature and scale
of human interactions within or adjacent to the wetlands (LWRP).
5.3.1 Restore former wetlands in areas adjacent or contiguous to the site according to the
following priorities:
5.3.1.1. Where restoration of former wetlands in areas adjacent or contiguous to the
site is not appropriate or practicable, restore former wetlands in close physical
proximity and in the same watershed, to the extent possible.
5.3.1.2. Where restoration of former wetlands is not appropriate or practicable, create
new wetlands in suitable locations as determined by sediment, exposure,
shoreline characteristics, and water regime; include consideration of loss of
resource values which may exist at the mitigation site.
5.3.1.3. Where wetlands are restored or wetlands created:
Provide equivalent or greater area of mitigation wetland. Base the actual area
of wetland provided on the following factors: characteristics of the mitigation
site, proposed wetland creation or restoration methods and designs, and
quality of the wetland restored or created relative to the wetland lost.
Provide equivalent or greater value or benefit to that of the wetland area lost,
as defined by class of freshwater wetland, as ranked in 6 New York Codes,
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Rules, and Regulations (NYCRR) Part 664 or, tidal wetland zones, as
described in 6 NYCRR Part 661.
A lesser area of mitigation wetland may be allowed in cases where the
mitigation wetland and its benefits would clearly be a greater value than the
wetland lost.
Guarantee success of the compensatory mitigation. Wetland mitigation is
considered successful if functional attributes of the wetland have been
reached and maintained, including a plant density which approaches the
design density.
When a series of small, unavoidable wetland losses requires mitigation,
combine mitigation projects to create larger contiguous wetland areas
whenever the resulting ecological value would be greater than that achieved
through pursuing discrete, separate efforts.
5.4. Promote sustainable use of marine habitats and resources in the Southold Town of
Southold.
5.4.1. Zone marine underwater lands to insure ecological quality and sustainability of public
underwater lands and waters.
5.4.2. Preserve ecological quality and public access to lands and waters by managing private
docks in Peconic Bay and Gardiners Bay.
Private docks that extend into and over public waters hinder and impede public access to
waters and along the shoreline. Navigational hazards could also result from docks.
Correspondingly, adverse ecological impacts that may occur from private docks include;
loss of seagrass (Fishers Island) and, degradation of water quality.,
The Town’s goals and policies support the long-term protection with consideration of the
economic and cultural associations afforded by Peconic Bay and Gardiners Bay.
Additionally, they reflect existing laws and authority regarding development and
environmental protection. Taken together, these goals and policies and their associated
standards are used to determine the appropriate balance between development and
preservation that will prevent adverse effects on Southold's coastal resources. The Town
of Southold can further these policies through the adoption of technical design standards
that prohibit and/or manage the dock structures within these sensitive public areas.
Correspondingly, with any effort to minimize impacts from dock structures, it is strongly
recommended that the Town develop a Mooring Management Plan for affected waters.
5.4.3. Preserve ecological quality of public lands and waters by reducing the density of future
dock structures in Ttown Ccreeks and/or water bodies through the establishment of
common easements and common docks.
5.4.4. Mitigate impacts to public lands and waters through the establishment of a bottomlands
lease fee (e.g., in five- year intervals) for docks located on Ttown bottomlands. Use fees
to establish shellfish spawning sanctuaries/seeding programs and habitat restoration.
Natural Resources & Environment Southold Town Comprehensive Plan Update
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5.4.5. Manage the number of future permanent docks in Ttown creeks through the use of
alternative and seasonal moorings.
5.4.6. Amend the Fisher Islands Harbor Management Plan and Chapter 157 Harbor Management
of the Southold Town Code to afford better protection of marine water quality and give
the Fishers Island Harbor Committee better tools with which to implement the plan.
Responsible Parties: Southold Town Board, Southold Board of Trustees, Southold Planning
Board, Fishers Island Harbor Committee, Dredging Advisory Committee
Possible Partnerships: Town of Southold Conservation Advisory Council, Southold Zoning Board
of Appeals, Town Committees, Southold Town Economic Development Committee, Southold Land
Preservation Department and Committee, New York State Department of Environmental Protection,
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Suffolk County Department of Public Works and other non-
governmental agencies
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Land Resources
Goal 1. Protect soils and geologic features
Objectives
1.1. Protect agricultural soils from conversion to other land uses.
The historic development patterns of the Town evolved around the vast areas of prime agricultural
soils and environmentally sensitive soils. Historically, residential and commercial development
patterns were clustered in the hamlet centers and adjacent to water bodies, allowing for large
contiguous areas of farmland. As the population increased, residential and commercial development
began to sprawl from the hamlet centers to areas along the main roadways and areas within the
watersheds. This expansion, coupled with improved farming technologies, allowed higher crop yields
on less acreage resulting in more efficient and smaller farms. Beginning in the late 19th century and
continuing to the present, there has been increasing demand for land to build seasonal homes.
Farmland was converted to residential uses, which gradually reduceding the amount of agricultural
soils. Soil conservation practices are imperative if the Town’s agricultural uses dependent upon quality
soils are to be continued.
The Soil Survey of Suffolk County, New York (Warner et al., 1975) maps and describes soil types
found in the Town.5 Soils are classified by similar characteristics into soil series, which are in turn
grouped into associations. Dominant soil associations within Southold Town include Carver-
Plymouth-Riverhead, Haven-Riverhead, and Duneland-Tidal Marsh-Beach Association soils
(DGEIS). Soil capability groups, as defined in the 1975 Soil Survey, are used to identify prime
agricultural soils and soils of Statewide Importance within Southold.
The group identified as Prime Agricultural Soils includes soils with Land Capability Class I and II
meaning they have the best combination of physical and chemical properties for the production of
crops. Soils included in these classes are:
Haven loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, (HaA) - Capability Unit I-1
Haven loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes, (HaB) - Capability Unit IIe-1
Haven loam, thick surface layer - Capability Unit IIw-2
Plymouth loamy sand, silty substratum, 0 to 3 percent slopes, (PsA) - Capability Unit IIs-1
Riverhead sandy loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes (RdA) - Capability Unit IIs-1
Riverhead sandy loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes (RdB) - Capability Unit IIe-2
Scio silt loam, till substratum, 2 to 6 percent slopes (ScB) - Capability Unit IIe-1
Scio silt loam, sandy substratum, 0 to 2 percent slopes(SdA) - Capability Unit IIw-1
Scio silt loam, sandy substratum, 2 to 6 percent slopes (SdB) - Capability Unit IIe-1
Sudsbury sandy loam (Su) - Capability Unit IIw-1
5 See https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_MANUSCRIPTS/new_york/suffolkNY1975/suffolk.pdf.
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Soils of Statewide Importance include soils in land capability class II and III that do not meet the
criteria as Prime Farmland soils. These soils can produce high yields of crops when managed.
1.1.1. Continue to preserve Prime Agricultural Soils and Soils of Statewide Importance for
agricultural purposes through land preservation tools.
The preservation of important agricultural soils through the purchase of development rights
has been very successful. In most situations the soils that comprise the property remain intact
and continue to be farmed. This program preserves the soils by preventing development other
than agriculture from occurring on the parcel.
1.1.2. Continue to preserve Prime Agricultural Soils and Soils of Statewide Importance
through the development design processes.
1.1.2.1. Reduce the loss of Prime Agricultural Soils and Soils of Statewide
Importance to development through clustering of residential density.
Through the subdivision design process of clustering, a land use tool that allows
the Planning Board to cluster residential lots to a specified area, the Town
attempts to avoid areas of prime agricultural soils when locating residential lots.
Nevertheless, the subdivision of land still contributes to the incremental loss of
viable agricultural soils.
1.1.2.2. Avoid Prime Agricultural Soils and Soils of Statewide Importance in
development to achieve large contiguous assemblages.
1.1.3. Expand uses on Prime Agricultural Soils and Soils of Statewide Importance that
will not decrease the productivity of such soils.
The preservation of prime agricultural soils in Southold has been largely attributed to
the continued practice of farming;, however, the conversion of prime agricultural
soils to development continues to remain a challenge. As farming practices evolve,
the Town must adapt and, expanding the types of permitted uses and opportunities
on farmland to promote the continued use of prime agricultural soils by the farmers
(see the Chapter 9, “Agriculture,” Chapter in this document for related information).
1.2. Avoid environmentally sensitive soils in the development design process.
In addition to prime agricultural soils, the Town also contains environmentally sensitive soils typically
associated with wetlands and tidal marsh areas. These soils are comprised of ten 10 soil groups
including the following: Atsion, Berryland, Canadice Silt Loam, Muck, Raynham, Scio, Sudbury,
Walpole, Wareham, and Tidal Marsh Soils. These soil types have characteristically seasonal high water
tables that are indicative of wetland and tidal marsh areas. Large areas of these soils occur in Orient
and Greenport. They pose numerous problems when developed, including sanitary system failure and
flooding. Development of these areas should be avoided.
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1.3. Continue to work with the Natural Resource Conservation Service in soil conservation
practices.
The Planning Board can request a Soil and Water Conservation Plan for subdivisions and other actions
clearing equal to or greater than 10 acres. To accomplish this at little cost to the applicant, the Board
refers applicants to the Natural Resource Conservation Service.
1.4. Preserve the unique geologic features of the Town through avoidance and/or
minimization of impacts from development and natural disasters.
Geologic features of the Town include protected natural features such as beaches (including large
boulders), bluffs and dunes, and unregulated, but important, natural features such as soils. These features
are threatened on a daily basis from storms, flooding, wind, and erosion. Development of uplands also
contributes to loss of these features.
The glacial outwash plain, which makes up approximately 90 percent of the Town's land area, lies directly
south of the northern coastal bluffs. This outwash plain has an average elevation of 50 feet above mean
sea level and is characterized by low hills and gentle slopes.
Wet, low-lying lands are prevalent adjacent to nearly every creek, inlet and pond within the Town. In
addition, three significant freshwater bodies - Marratooka Lake, Laurel Lake and Great Pond, lie within
the Town's coastal area. Saltwater wetlands are prevalent along the edge of Long Beach Bay, the Orient
Causeway, and Hashamomuck Pond. Numerous, small, freshwater ponds and wetlands can are also be
found behind the bluffs along Long Island Sound from Mattituck to Orient.
Fishers Island, Robins Island, and Plum Island are all the products of the same glacial history as mainland
Southold. All are characterized by irregular topography and steep bluffs. Robins Island has inland
elevations of up to 80 feet and steep 60-foot bluffs along 75 percent of its coastline. In comparison,
Fishers Island is more than seven times as large as Robins Island, and has inland elevations of up to 117
feet, with frequent stretches of steep bluff. The central portion of Fishers Island contains four significant
freshwater ponds as well as large expanses of wet, low-lying land (LWRP). Plum Island’s maximum
elevation is 101 feet, and also contains bluffs, beaches, dunes, and low-lying wetland areas.
1.4.1 Avoid significant geologic features through the development design process.
In addition to the sState and local regulations that protect protective natural features (beaches,
bluffs and dunes) the Town has adopted a design process that strives to avoid geologic features
through the clustering of homes in the subdivision design process.
1.4.2 Engineer solutions to protect significant geologic features from loss due to erosion resulting
from natural disasters.
Erosion is a natural process;, however, the unique geologic features along the coastline such as
beaches, bluffs, interdunal swales, and primary and secondary dune systems provide vital
protection to structures from storm surge events. In recent years, the intensity of such storms
has increased, causing accelerated rates of erosion and loss of the Town’s infrastructure along
withand private property. These threats have prompted the Town’s resource management
approach to adapt, shifting ideology from reducing areas of hardened shorelines to the need
to harden shorelines in critical areas to protect property. The engineering and materials used
Natural Resources & Environment Southold Town Comprehensive Plan Update
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to harden shorelines has also shifted, focusing on natural materials (boulders or a mix of
boulders and vegetation) that are less likely to fail in high- energy storms. The Town will
support the design and development of alternative, natural, erosion control structures to
mitigate erosion.
Responsible Parties: Southold Planning Board, Southold Board of Trustees
Possible Partnerships: Suffolk County Soil and Water Conservation Service, Town of Southold Land
Preservation Department and Committee, Town of Southold Conservation Advisory Council, New
York State Department of Environmental Conservation and U.S. Army Corps of EngineersACOE
Goal 2. Protect upland habitats and trees
Objectives
2.1. Preserve and manage the Town’s grasslands, old field, and woodlands habitats to achieve
the highest ecological quality and species diversity.
Southold’s diverse upland communities can be generally grouped as:
Woodlands (Mixed Hardwood, Pine, Maritime)
Agricultural Fields
Old Field/Grasslands
Maritime Habitats (Grasslands, Dunes)
The challenges of managing upland habitats include managing user groups, habitat, and wildlife
management to deter nuisance animals (deer, geese) and invasive species, sustaining recreation
uses, conserving strategic habitat complexes to support protected species, and protecting upland
areas for groundwater recharge and water quality buffers.
2.2 Protect and restore upland habitat ecological quality by adhering to the following
measures:
2.2.1. Retain and add indigenous plants to maintain and restore values of upland ecological
communities.
2.2.2. Protect existing indigenous plants from loss or disturbance to the extent practical.
2.2.2.1. Include use of suitable indigenous plants in the landscaping plans for new
development and in redevelopment projects where loss or disturbance of
existing indigenous plants could not be prevented during construction.
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2.2.2.2. Avoid fragmentation of upland ecological communities and maintain corridors
to facilitate the free exchange of biological resources within and among
communities.
Each individual resource area should be maintained as complete contiguous
areas to protect the area's natural resource values. Specifically, actions that
would fragment the upland ecological community into separate ecological
islands should be avoided.
Where fragmentation of upland ecological communities has already occurred,
the adverse effects of fragmentation can be mitigated by maintaining or
providing connecting corridors to allow the exchange of biological resources.
2.2.3. Avoid permanent adverse change to ecological processes which provide values to the
residents of the Town and the region. Examples of the natural processes that need
to be protected are:
Clean recharge of stormwater to the aquifers and surface waters.
Natural storm and flooding mitigation by maintaining the floodplain and tidal
wetlands in the natural state.
Maintenance of breeding, nesting, and foraging habitat for wildlife and fish.
2.2.4. Reduce adverse impacts on upland habitats due to development.
2.2.5. Mitigate impacts of new development where avoidance of impacts is not practicable.
Mitigation includes:
1. Avoidance of potential adverse impacts, including:
a. avoiding ecologically sensitive areas;
b. scheduling activities to avoid vulnerable periods in life cycles
or the creation of unfavorable environmental conditions; and
c. preventing fragmentation of intact upland habitat areas.
2. Minimization of unavoidable potential adverse impacts, including:
a. reducing scale or intensity of use or development;
b. designing projects to result in the least amount of potential
adverse impact; and
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c. choosing alternative actions or methods that would lessen
potential impact.
3. Specific measures designed to protect habitat values from impacts that
cannot be sufficiently avoided or minimized to prevent habitat
destruction or significant habitat impairment.
2.2.6. Develop a Stewardship Management Plan for native warm season grasslands on
Town-owned land on Fishers Island.
Fort Wright Parade Ground and Airport Property on Fishers Island encompasses 65 acres
and contains the largest assemblage of warm season grasslands within the Town, a rare
habitat. It is recommended that the Town work with the Fishers Island Conservancy,
Habitat Committee, and Fishers Island Ferry District, to incorporate the latest science in
further stewardship of the area.
The Ferry District adopted a three-year plan with the following objectives: (i) restoring a
grassland habitat that can be managed in a cost-effective way; (ii) increasing the safety of
the Airport and Parade Ground by improving aircraft visibility and controlling access to
airport runways and Fort Wright concrete structures; and (iii) increasing public access to
the improved habitat by enlarging the walking path system throughout the Parade Ground
and creating directed access to Race Point.
2.2.7. Develop Stewardship Management Plans for Town Open Space properties which that
incorporate these objectives (see the Chapter 10, “Land Preservation,” Chapter for
related information).
2.3. Preserve and manage individual trees by adopting a Tree Preservation Local Law for the
purposes of protecting historic, significant, and scenic trees important to the
community.
The woodlands and trees of the Town are valuable. Around the turn of the century, clearing of
woodland areas to allow for farming resulted in the loss of many trees. Additional loss occurs
from storms, development, and disease. The preservation of existing trees occurs through the
purchase of open space, and new street trees are planted through the work of the Southold
Town Tree Committee and Planning Board.
The woodlands and trees of the Town are managed by a myriad ofnumerous boards,
departments, and committees. The Town Code currently contains regulations to prevent the
clearing of woodlands and individual trees in numerous sections. The Town of Southold Tree
Committee (est. 1987) manages trees on streets and on public grounds and administers the
Commemorative Tree Program. The Committee also works to increase awareness of the
importance of trees and proper tree care.
In response to residents’ complaints regarding the trimming and removal of trees by the Long
Island Power Authorityelectrical utility company, in 2006, the Town worked with the Long
Island Power Authority utility to develop and adopted a tree- trimming notification protocol to
Natural Resources & Environment Southold Town Comprehensive Plan Update
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prevent the clearing of significant street trees. The Town of Southold Tree Committee is actively
involved in the management of the electric utility companyAuthority’s efforts to keep electrical
wires free from tree limbs.
2.3.1. Continue to incorporate existing woodlands and/or individual trees as natural/non-
disturbance buffers adjacent to wetlands and water bodies.
Chapters 240 Subdivision of Land and 280 Zoning establish processes to protect
woodlands and tree species during the design of subdivisions and site plans. During
the subdivision application process, an Existing Resources Site Analysis Plan (ERSAP)
is required. The purpose of the ERSAP is to map existing land features including:
vegetative types, general cover type, isolated significant trees with a diameter breast
height (DBH) in excess of 18 inches, and the canopy line of existing trees and
woodlands. Site Pplans are required to show large, significant trees. The features are
then managed and or preserved through avoidance and/or mitigation in design.
2.3.2. Develop a tree mitigation bank managed by the Southold Town Tree Committee to
allow for donations of trees and/or money for trees to be planted.
Town Code currently requires trees to be planted along streets in new subdivisions
and around new parking lots. In numerous cases, the Planning Board will accept
existing trees on site in lieu of requiring the planting of new trees. Correspondingly, in
areas where trees might be counter-productive, e.g. in agricultural areas, street tree
requirements are often waived. Discussions have occurred to establish a tree bank to
relocate trees rather that waive the requirement entirely. The primary purpose of the
bank would be to replace street trees in hamlet areas and along public roads.
2.3.3. Strengthen the tree- trimming coordination process between the Southold Tree
Committee and the New York State Department of TransportationNYSDOT, Suffolk
County Department of Public Works SCDPW, and the Long Island Power Authority
to better manage tree- trimming projects and/or the replacement of trees removed
along public roadways.
2.3.4. Implement a Native Oak and American Beech Tree Re-planting Program.
These tree species are critical for wildlife use and improved biodiversity.
2.4. Update the tree list in the Town Code to include native, drought-tolerant species.
The planting of street trees is required for every new road created. The Town Code’s highway
specifications section lists the ten 10 species of trees that are acceptable. This list must be updated to
eliminate non-native species, notably the Norway Mmaple. The New York State of Environmental
Protection Interim List of Invasive Plant Species in New York State identifies the Norway Mmaple as
Natural Resources & Environment Southold Town Comprehensive Plan Update
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an Invasive Species requiring management (control and eradication). This list should also be reviewed
to add more native, drought-tolerant species.
Responsible Parties: Town of Southold Planning Department
Possible Partnerships: Town of Southold Agricultural Advisory Committee, Fishers Island
Conservancy, Town of Southold Tree Committee, Long Island Power Authority, New York State
Department of Environmental Conservation, United U. States S. Environmental Protection Agency
and other non-governmental agencies
Goal 3. Protect fish and wildlife resources
Southold contains a variety of fish and wildlife resources and the habitats they need to survive,
including species that are important to the economy, e.g., shellfish. The U.nited S.tates Fish and
Wildlife Service (USFWS) and the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation
(NYSDEC) are the two primary wildlife management entities that manage wildlife in the Town. The
USFWS establishes and maintains the protected species lists as well asand providesing many strategies
and programs to manage wildlife. The NYSDEC manages wildlife under the New York State Fish and
Wildlife Management Act which was passed by the Legislature in 1957 for two major purposes:
1) to encourage the preservation and development of fish and wildlife resources on privately -
owned lands and waters, and
2) to improve public recreational access to these resources.
Both organizations strive to protect the biodiversity of the region, which includes all of the different
species of animals, plants, fungi, and even microorganisms living in the state (NYSDEC).
The most significant threats to New York's biodiversity include:
habitat destruction, alteration, and fragmentation;
the spread of invasive species;
pollution;
illegal collection of native species; and
climate change.
Locally, the Town’s biodiversity faces similar challenges with the most pressing being pollution and
climate change. While pollution has been greatly reduced, pesticides and fertilizers still alter the
chemical balance of our ground and surface waters to the detriment of fish and other aquatic life. On
land, insect pollinators (over 200many species of bees and a multitude of butterflies) critical to crop
production have also suffered a decline in populations due to regional use of pesticides and loss of
natural habitat (e.g., development and excessive deer herbivory) (Klahre).
In the marine environment, scientists have indicated that warming trends of surface waters have led
to the decline of eelgrass beds that previously thrived in Peconic Bay and the Long Island Sound.
Natural Resources & Environment Southold Town Comprehensive Plan Update
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Climate change is also expected to cause certain species to shift their ranges, with. It is expected that
in the future, species thatwhich cannot move or adapt may becominge extinct.
The spread of invasive non-native species has dramatically changed the composition of habitats and
wildlife, often reducing or replacing native species populations and decreasing wildlife that relied on
the habitats for food and shelter. One of the most aggressive invasive species in Town is the common
reed (pPhragmites spp.) which often encircles freshwater and brackish systems. The plant is capable of
growing into dense monocultures shading out native vegetation.
As the Town’s human population increases and wildlife habitat decreases, the need to manage fish
and wildlife will become increasingly evident. Wildlife management in the Town is accomplished by
several departments and individuals involved in different management approaches. The most
successful approach is the acquisition of open space lands to protect quality habitat from destruction.
Preventing the development of habitat and the protection of vulnerable species will continue to be a
priority of the Town.
On certain Town- and State- owned lands and waters, the Town is active in habitat and species
restoration efforts, including funding shellfish restoration efforts, supporting eelgrass protection and
restoration efforts, and developing Natural Resource Stewardship Management Plans.
Correspondingly, the Town is focusing on managing user groups on Town- owned lands and
controlling nuisance species and invasive species to protect remaining habitats.
Objectives
3.1. Protect and manage sustainable fisheries habitats.
The challenges to mMaintaining a sustainable fishing industry within Ttown waters has become
more difficult due tohave increased and include pollution, theft, and inequitable catch limits that
varying from state to state, pollution and theft.
3.1.1. Develop a Regional Habitat and Fisheries Management Plan to ensure that commercial
and recreational uses of living marine resources in Southold are managed in a manner
that accomplishes the following:
places primary importance on maintaining the long-term health and abundance of
marine fisheries;,
results in sustained useable abundance and diversity of the marine resource;,
does not interfere with population and habitat maintenance and restoration efforts,;
uses best available scientific information in managing the resource;,
minimizes waste and reduces discard mortality of marine fishery resources,
restricts commercial and recreational activities, including the use of certain gear types,
gear sizes, and practices that have negative impacts on marine habitats;, and
Natural Resources & Environment Southold Town Comprehensive Plan Update
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encourages water-enhanced and water-dependent economic and recreational activities
without destroying or degrading the natural coastal environment.
3.1.2. Identify areas to establish shellfish spawner sanctuaries in Ttown water bodies to
increase Bbay Sscallop (Argopecten irradian) and American Ooyster (Crassostrea virginica)
densities.
A pilot program is recommended in the form of a Town of Southold Spawner Sanctuary
Management Plan for the Peconic Bay Sscallop or American Ooyster and located in
Hallocks Bay, Orient Harbor, Goose Creek, Corey Creek, and Richmond Creek. This
program will also further the goals of the Town’s of Southold LWRPLocal Waterfront
Revitalization Program and the Peconic Estuary ProgramPEP.
Enhancement of shellfish stocks through a strategic network of “no-take” spawner
sanctuaries is essential for effectively restoring Peconic Bay Sscallops and American
Ooysters, which are keystone species of the bay. The sanctuaries will increase the
spawning stock biomass and should increase the fertilization success of the species. In
addition, stocking shellfish is an immediate step towards restoring the planktonic food
web and ecosystem function by increasing the benthic filtering capacity in the bay and
creeks.
The results of successful implementation will be long- term habitat improvement,
improved water quality, restoration of ecosystem function, and enhanced commercial
and recreational opportunities.
3.1.3. Continue to fund and support Hard Clam (Mercenaria mercenaria) Seeding Programs.
These programs provide similar benefits to the spawner sanctuaries described above.
3.1.4. Encourage and continue to support existing and future industries related to fishing and
aquaculture, including marine trades, marinas, and marine research, as important
business sectors within the Town’s economy.
3.1.5. Work with the New York State Department of Environmental ConservationNYSDEC
to explore the installation of an artificial reef to increase commercial fishing productivity.
3.1.6. Work with the New York State Department of Environmental ConservationNYSDEC
to develop alternative shoreline hardening systems to achieve less failure and wood
debris in marine environments following hurricane/storm events.
3.1.7. Work with the New York State Department of Environmental ConservationNYSDEC
and develop partnerships to establish Seagrass Management Areas and Management
Plans that sustain remaining eelgrass (Zostera marina) meadows and support successful
seagrass restoration.
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3.2. Protect vulnerable fish, wildlife, and plant species, and rare ecological communities.
Vulnerable fish, wildlife, and plant species are those species listed by the State as Endangered,
Threatened, Special Concern, Exploitable Vulnerable, or Rare. These species are protected by
law, and the lists can be found online at the NYSDEC website. The presence of vulnerable
species in Southold is assessed during various surveys, including the Audubon Christmas Bird
Count, and numerous surveys by the Suffolk County Cornell Cooperative Extension and others.
The Town’s current development review process analyzes individual parcels for the occurrence
of protected species by coordinating with the New York State Natural Heritage Program. Often,
development areas are designed to avoid potential habitats of vulnerable species.
3.2.1. Work with Federal, State, and County agencies to designate portions of Plum Island,
Little Gull Island, and Great Gull Island as a wildlife protection/conservation area for
their potential to contain vulnerable fish, wildlife, and plant species and rare ecological
communities.
3.2.2. Protect vulnerable wildlife species using existing species records and field surveys of
proposed development sites, at the appropriate times, for the presence of listed species
or conditions that meet their habitat requirements:
Continue to support and broaden the Sea/sShore Bird Monitoring Program
using qualified organizations.
Currently, the Town subcontracts with a local qualified organization to monitor
and protect vulnerable sea/shore bird species such as the piping plover
(Charadrius melodus) and tern species.
Ensure large-scale fence installations (e.g., deer fencing) allow for the movement
of vulnerable species including the box turtle and spotted turtle.
The life cycle of many species require seasonal migration to habitats. For
example, the recent large extent of deer fencing installed in many places in
Southold is a cause for concern over potential blockage of turtle migration
routes. Deer fencing should be installed with small openings that would allow
certain vulnerable species through (turtles or others), but still accomplish the
goal of excluding deer.
3.2.3. Protect vulnerable plant species through the review of existing species records and field
surveys of proposed development sites, in the appropriate season, for the presence of
listed species or conditions that meet their habitat requirements.
3.2.4. Restore habitat of critical pollinator species (e.g., bees and butterflies) on Ttown- owned
properties.
3.2.5. Continue to identify, map, and protect rare ecological communities as critical lands.
The New York Natural Heritage Program ranks each community with a global and state
rank based on rarity. The global rank reflects the rarity of the community throughout
the world and the state rank reflects the rarity within New York State. These ranks are
Natural Resources & Environment Southold Town Comprehensive Plan Update
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used by the Town to identify and protect biodiversity during the design phase of
development projects, as well as to help target candidate properties for preservation.
The Town of Southold Town has begun to identify and map ecological communities to
protect the biodiversity of the Town. A comprehensive mapping project will need to be
conducted to minimize the loss of these communities. The mapping project will include
identified rare ecological communities described in the 2002 draft version of "Ecological
Communities of New York State". This mapping effort will result in better land use
decision making.
3.2.6. Identify, map, and protect additional significant underwater ecological communities as
critical waters.
Similar to our landmass, our waters contain areas of high ecological significance. The
Federal, State, and local governments and agencies have placed numerous legal
designations on our lands and waters to provide land use managers with data that enables
better decision- making. In 1992, The National Environmental Protection
AgencyUSEPA designated the Peconic Estuary as a National Estuary, recognizing itsthe
important ecological significance of the area. Other designations of town waters include
the following:
USFWS Northeast Coastal Areas Study Ecological Complexes
New York State Department of State (NYSDOS) Significant Coastal Fish and
Wildlife Habitat
NYSDEC Critical Environmental Areas
Shellfish Harvest and Seeding Areas
Peconic Estuary Program Critical Natural Resource Areas
Estuary of National Significance (Long Island Sound)
A complete discussion on the meaning of each designation is included as in Appendix 4D.
3.3. Protect and restore Significant Coastal Fish and Wildlife Habitats.
The Town of Southold Town contains twenty-one (21) Significant Coastal Fish and Wildlife
Habitats (SCFWH). These habitats are indicative of high ecological value. To designate a
SCFWH, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC)
evaluates the significance of coastal fish and wildlife habitat areas;, then NYSDOS, and
following a recommendation from the NYSDEC, the Department of State designates and maps
the specific areas. Recent additions to the program include Pipes Cove (2005) and the
Goldsmith Inlet and Beach (2005). The Town of Southold Town recognizes the importance of
protecting and enhancing these valuable habitats. A map showing the areas is included as
Figure 6.5. A list of the Significant Fish and Wildlife HabitatSCFWHs and their narratives can
be found at the New York Department of StateNYSDOS website at the following web address:
http://www.dos.ny.gov/communitieswaterfronts/consistency/scfwhabitats.html
3.4. Protect and restore New York State Department of Environmental
ConservationNYSDEC Critical Environmental Areas.
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The Town of Southold Town contains twenty-three (23) NYSDEC Critical Environmental
Areas (CEA). To be designated as a CEA, an area must have an exceptional or unique character
with respect to one or more of the following:
a benefit or threat to human health;
a natural setting (e.g., fish and wildlife habitat, forest and vegetation, and/or open space
and areas of important aesthetic or scenic quality);
agricultural, social, cultural, historic, archaeological, recreational, or educational values; or
an inherent ecological, geological, or hydrological sensitivity to change that may be
adversely affected by any change.
The designations are important in review of development actions because the State
Environmental Quality Review Act requires that a potential impact on the environmental
characteristics of a CEA must be evaluated. A map showing the locations of CEA and SCFWH
in Southold is included as Figure 6.5. Detailed maps of each Critical Environmental AreasCEA
and narratives for them can be accessed at the NYSDEC website at the following web address:
http://www.dec.ny.gov/permits/25153.html
Responsible Parties: Town Planning Department
Possible Partnerships: New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, U.S. Fish and
Wildlife Service, Land Preservation Department, Agricultural Advisory Committee, Stewardship
Committee and other non-governmental agencies
Natural Resources & Environment Southold Town Comprehensive Plan Update
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Figure 6.5. NYSDOS Significant Coastal Habitats and NYSDEC
CEAsritical
Environmental Areas.
Goal 4. Monitor and control nuisance species
The New York Department of Environmental Protection NYSDEC classifies a Nuisance Animal as
“A wild animal that is likely to cause property damage or is persistent and perceived as an annoyance.
If an animal is not causing any concern, for example, it is simply passing by, is observed only once or
twice and does not cause any harm, then it should not be considered a nuisance”. The department
defines a Damaging Animal as “A wild animal that damages property, for example, digs up your yard,
eats your landscape plants or vegetable garden, kills or threatens your livestock or pets, fouls your
lawn, eats the fish in your pond, damages your home, etc.”
Natural Resources & Environment Southold Town Comprehensive Plan Update
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The Town does not regulate the taking of nuisance or damaging animals,; however, in 2009, the Town
formed a Deer Management Taskforce to address the serious health and economic consequences of
deer populations.
Objectives
Deer
4.1. Manage Whitetail Deer (Odocoileus virginianus) populations and work with wildlife
management agencies to educate the public on the advantages and disadvantages of deer
populations.
Deer overpopulation is a serious problem in Southold, affecting quality of life, the economy,
and public health. Concerns include loss of crops, landscaping and gardens, collisions with
vehicles, loss of understory in woodlands, and the spread of tick-borne diseases. Note that in
2012 a total of 444 road killed deer were delivered to the Town landfill facility (Bunchuck).
In response to these concerns, the Town formed a Deer Management Task Force in 2009 to
develop management practices to address deer overpopulation. The committee implements
programs and services and educates the community on deer-related issues through workshops,
forums, and written publications. The Task Force also works in conjunction with cCounty and
sState agencies to develop and co-sponsor programs. The objectives of deer management have
evolved into not only managing the species as a nuisance, but, also as a vector for tick-borne
diseases. One published study has estimated that Lyme Disease alone may cost society over
two billion dollars a year. The Whitetail Deer is the keystone host for the tick that transmits
Lyme Disease.
4.1.1. Provide education to the public on the laws regulating the feeding of deer.
4.2. Work with organizations and property owners to help assess and control ticks and
prevent tick -borne diseases.
Tick populations of Lone Star Ticks (Amblyomma americanum) and Deer Ticks (Ixodes
scapularis), continue to spread. As tick populations increase, so does disease risk. and Tthere
are currently ten 10 known major tick-borne infections in the country U.S. that affecting
humans, most of which are carried by species of ticks which that feed on deer.
Geese
4.3. Manage public properties to achieve a reduction in resident Canada Geese Goose
populations.
Natural Resources & Environment Southold Town Comprehensive Plan Update
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Canada Geese are a valuable resource that provides recreation to bird watchers and hunters.
But in recent years, gaggles of local-nesting or "resident" geese have become year-round
inhabitants, and are causeing significant problems to recreation areas, athletic fields, and
agriculture fields, including crop loss to local farmers (the geeseby feeding on seedlings and
cover crops used to preserve soils outside of the growing season). In addition, large densities
numbers of geese contribute to water pollution by elevating fecal coliform bacteria in the
water body.
The Town’s current policy towards geese on Ttown land is to integrate into Land Management
Plans passive management strategies such as the re-vegetation of areas, which is designed to
lessen deter geese from using the spaceattractiveness into Land Management Plans. Future
strategies will likely include additional methods as research reveals which are most effective.
4.4. Continue to provide education to the public on the advantages and disadvantages of high
-density geese goose populations.
In 2012, the Town Board passed local legislation prohibiting the feeding of waterfowl on
Ttown- owned properties. The law will assist the Town in controlling resident populations
and assist with the improvement of water quality efforts. A public education notice should be
added to the Town’s website and media channel to disseminate the information contained in
the local law.
4.5. Work with NYSDEC and USFWS to develop a general permit to allow farmers to
conduct controlled year- round hunts on multiple agricultural parcels to prevent crop
and cover crop loss.
Canada Geese, including resident gaggles, are protected by fFederal and sState laws and
regulations. In New York, management responsibility for Canada Geese is shared by the U.S.
Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), and the
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC). It is illegal to hunt,
kill, sell, purchase, or possess migratory birds or their parts (feathers, nests, eggs, etc.) except
as permitted by regulations adopted by USFWS and NYSDEC.
The circumstances when federal or state permits are needed to address a problem with Canada
Geese can be complex;, however, the NYSDEC provides guidelines for allowing the control
of geese by farmers., including the following:
If you are a farmer or manager of an airport, beach, or drinking water supply, and you want
permission for the lethal removal of geese between May 1 and August 31, you do not need a
federal permit but need authorization from your local NYSDEC Wildlife Office.
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Coyote (Fishers Island)
4.6. Work with NYSDEC and USFWS to monitor the Eastern Coyote (Canis latrans) on
Fishers Island
The Eeastern Ccoyote (Canis latrans) is a medium-sized dog-like animal with long, thick fur
and usually weighing between 35 and 45 pounds. Their diet consists of berries, insects, and
small mammals, including domestic pets. Recently, the animal has been sighted on Fishers
Island and the residents are concerned about their pets and the long- term impacts. It is
recommended that the Town support a monitoring program of the species on Fishers Island.
Responsible Parties: Town of Southold Department of Public Works, Town of Southold Deer
Management Task Force, Agricultural Advisory Committee, Island Community Board (Fishers
Island)
Possible Partnerships: Fishers Island Conservancy New York State Department of
Environmental Conservation, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Land Preservation Department
Goal 5. Monitor and control invasive species
The New York Department of Environmental ConservationNYSDEC defines an invasive species
as “non-native species that can cause harm to the environment, the economy or to human
health.”. Invasive wildlife, insect, and plant species occur throughout the Town.
Objectives
5.1. Recognize the New York State Department of Environmental ConservationNYSDEC
Mute Swan (Cygnus olor) Research Program.
Mute Sswans are a non-native, invasive species first brought to this country for their aesthetic
value from Europe in the late 1800s for their aesthetic value (NYSDEC). They are a protected
species under the New York State Conservation Law. The department is currently conducting
research to assess the impacts of the species on habitats and wildlife to control populations.
5.2. Develop an education program on prohibiting the introduction, throwing, dumping,
depositing, or placing invasive species on/in Ttown land and waters.
Invasive species are species that have been introduced into the Town’s habitats (both terrestrial
and aquatic). They are adaptable to ecosystems, and in high densities can cause harm to the
existing environment and native animal and plant populations. The NYSDEC identifies invasive
species as the second leading threat to New York State biodiversity.
The Town contains many species of invasive plant species;, however, the most problematic are
species with aggressive growth habits that displace native habitats or protected species.
Natural Resources & Environment Southold Town Comprehensive Plan Update
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Landowners frequently seek permits to remove the common reed from their properties. On
Fishers Island, residents have become increasingly concerned about the establishment of the
common reed, Kkudzu (Pueraria lobata) and Japanese Kknot Wweed (Polygonum cuspidatum)
(Personal Communication). Mile- a- Mminute weed (Persicaria perfoliata) Weed is also becoming
more prevalent on Town propertiesin Southold. The continued encroachment of the common
reed has resulted in the Fishers Island Conservancy in partnership with the NYSDEC and the
Fishers Island Fire Department to develop and implement an experimental pilot Cut and Flood
Program to control growth of the species. The results of the program have not yet been released.
In addition to terrestrial species, aquatic species have also become problematic, prompting
Suffolk County to pass legislation to prevent the spread of invasive, non-native aquatic plants
and animals. The law prohibits the introduction, throwing, dumping, depositing, and placing of
invasive species in any river, stream, lake, pond, wetland, or stormwater drain, in whatever
capacity and for whatever purpose.
In addition, Suffolk County became the first county in New York State to pass a “Do-Not-Sell
List” in 2007, stopping the sale of 63 invasive plant species. The law is a major move in the
fight against the spread of these species into our lands and waters. The ban on 56 of these species
(including cultivars) became effective January 1, 2009, but of these, only 9 are widely
commercially sold (Table 1). More information on the law, along with the list of banned species,
can be found on the Suffolk County’s website.
The Long Island Invasive Species Management Area (LIISMA) website also has more
information on local invasive legislation and the scientific ranking system developed to
determine analytically whether a species is highly invasive (see
http://www.nyis.info/?action=liisma_pages).
Table 1. Commercially-sold Species on the “Do Not Sell” List
Ampelopsis brevipedunculata Porcelain Berry
Eleagnus umbellata Autumn Olive
Lespedeza cuneata Chinese Lespedeza
Ligustrum obtusifolium Border Privet
Lythrum salicaria Purple Loosestrife
Ranunculus ficaria Lesser Celandine
Rhamnus cathartica Common Buckthorn
Rosa multiflora Multiflora Rose
Rubus phoenicolasias maxim. Wineberry
5.3. Target the removal of invasive species from Town- owned lands to facilitate the re-
establishment of indigenous community types when a known population of endangered,
threatened, species of special concern, locally rare or unique native species, or ecological
community is directly jeopardized.
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On Ttown- owned properties, the introduction of exotic and invasive plants and animals poses
a clear threat to native species, integrity of the natural communities and biodiversity. Currently,
the Town of Southold manages invasive species using two scenarios: per a detailed, site-specific
management plan when a known population of endangered, threatened, species of special
concern, locally rare or unique native species or ecological community is directly jeopardized and
in detailed management plans where invasive species management projects will be ranked in
priority by taking into account the native species or community's rarity and likelihood of the
project's success or a select Early Detection/Rapid Response (EDRR) Species Plan. Early
Detection and Rapid Response (EDRR) efforts address invasive plants and animals while
infestations are small; once populations become widely established, they become very difficult
and expensive to control (e.g. Asian Long-horned Beetle). Action thresholds and management
practices for managing EDRR species will be outlined in a Town-wide EDRR Response Plan
and coordinated with the Long Island Invasive Species Management Area (Klahre 2011).
5.2.1. Develop an Invasive Species Management Plan for Fishers Island.
5.4. Encourage Landscaping Best Management Practices to eliminate the use of invasive
species.
5.5. Continue to educate the public about the benefits of using native species in landscaping.
Include a web page on the tTown’s website that providesing recommended plant species
recommended used to replace non-native plant species and support native plant use in
landscaping through the development of a handout of nurseries that sell native plants as a
supplement to Ttown applications.
In addition, as mentioned in the Water Quality section above, include schematics on the benefits
of varying widths and vegetative compositions of vegetated buffers adjacent to water bodies.
5.6. Work with Cornell Cooperative Extension of Suffolk County and New York Department
of Environmental ConservationNYSDEC to provide information on how to control
invasive species including Integrated Pest Management (IPM).
5.6.1 Provide education on the potential impact of the Eemerald Aash Bborer (Agrilus
planipennis) and Asian Llonghorned Bbeetle (Anoplophora glabripennis) on trees located
within the Town.
One of the most problematic invasive species threatening Aash Ttrees located within the
Town is the Eemerald Aash Bborer (“EAB”), an invasive wood-boring beetle that is native
to Asia. The EAB is a beetle that infests and kills North American ash trees, including
Ggreen Aash (Fraxinus spp). The EAB’s presence has now been confirmed in seven
counties across the State and rapidly spreading. More information is available at
http://www.nyis.info/?action=management.
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Similarly, the Asian Llonghorned Bbeetle is also a threat to trees in the Town. The species
has been found to infest and kill trees such as the Horse Chestnut (Aesculus sp) and
Mmaples (Acer spp) and elms (Ulmus spp).
Other species that warrant control are the Ggypsy Mmoth (Lymantria dispar) and the
Hhemlock Wwoolly Aadelgid (Adelges tsugae).
5.7. Support the Cleaner Greener New York Fighting Invasive Species Initiative
Responsible Parties: Southold Town Planning Board, Southold Land Preservation Department and
Committee, Southold Town Department of Public Works
Possible Partnerships: Southold Town Tree Committee, New York State Department of
Environmental Conservation, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Suffolk County Department of Public
Works and other non-governmental agencies.
Goal 6. Adapt to the effects of climate change &
sea level rise
In 2011, the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) released
“Responding to Climate Change in New York State: the Climaid integrated assessment for effective
climate change adaptation in New York State (ClimAID),”, prepared by Columbia University, the City
University of New York, and Cornell University. The ClimAID report provides information on
climate change impacts and adaptation for eight identified sectors in New York State including; water
resources, coastal zones, ecosystems, agriculture, energy, transportation, telecommunications, and
public health. The report splits the state into seven regions, with Long Island and New York City
being identified as Region 4.
For each region, the report includes observed climate trends and future climate projections. Within
each of the eight sectors, climate risks, vulnerabilities, and adaptation strategies are identified with
integrated themes of equity, and environmental justice, and economics. The findings indicate that
climate change will pose significant challenges to land use and natural resources management in the
future. Increases in temperature and extreme heat events (heat waves) are expected to occur and will
affecting the drinking water supply, crop ranges, pest populations, and habits of wildlife as well as
prompting a large increase oin energy demand. Small changes in precipitation rates, extreme
precipitation events, and increased frequency of warm season droughts are also expected to occur.
The report indicates that heavy downpours have increased over the past 50 years, and the trend is
expected to continue. These downpours cause localized flooding and stormwater runoff, which
increases pollutants in surface waters.
Sea level rise, warming waters, and changes in storm patterns willare also a possibilitylikely affecting
our coastal dynamics. The Town has adapted to coastal hazards (storms, tidal surges, flooding, and
erosion) throughout time;, however, currently an unprecedented high density of residential structures
and infrastructure is located in potential hazard areas. Recent storm events have damaged coastal
Natural Resources & Environment Southold Town Comprehensive Plan Update
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residences, natural features, and public infrastructure in areas of the Town. In 2012, Hurricane Sandy
flooded a large majority of the A mapped Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Flood
Zones, including areas never flooded before in recorded history. The A Zone mapped areas are subject
to inundation by the 1 -percent-annual-chance flood event. This event has resulted in a shift in how
the Town approaches the management of development in the coastal zones.
Correspondingly, the most significant challenge to the Town over the next 100 years will be the
adaption to climate change and sea level rise. The recently releasedIn “Climate Adaptation Guidebook
for New York State” (2011), the authors projects that Long Island will experience between a 2 to 5
inch rise in sea level in the 2020’s.6 With rapid ice melts due to warming trends, the level could rise to
5 to 10 inches. This poses a real risk to the low- lying areas and the natural resources within the Town.
Home design and erosion control structures located within these areas will need to be reengineered
to adapt to more frequent flooding events.
Southold Town has participated in some sea-level rise planning during the 2014 update to the Suffolk
County Multi-Jurisdictional Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan, which contains goals for coastal resilience
specific to Southold. In addition, planning for sea-level rise relates toSee also the Chapter 12, “Natural
Hazards,” chapter in this plan, which contains related goals and information about planning for sea
level rise as well as repeated goals for emphasis.
Objectives
6.1. Develop a Coastal Resilience Plan.
6.1.1. Continue to work with NOAA and The Nature Conservancy in the development and
application of the Vulnerability Assessment for Coastal Hazards for the Town including
prioritizing parcels for land protection to help achieve coastal resilience by avoiding
development in high hazard areas including planning for expected impacts from sea level
rise that include:
1. Flooding and storm surge impacts. The Town experienced this impact with
Hurricane Sandy (2012); as noted above; most of the A mapped FEMA Flood Zones
flooded within the Town. Property loss occurred in numerous locations.
2. Saltwater incursion into groundwater aquifers will impact ecological function and the
ability to provide drinking water. As sea level rises and intrudes into groundwater,
wells will fail.
3. Groundwater tables will rise, impacting residences in lower elevations, and flooding
basements and sanitary and drainage systems. This has serious implications for water
quality both for the groundwater and in our coastal bays and estuaries.
6 Rosenzweig, Cynthia, et al. “Climate Adaptation Guidebook for New York State,” in Responding to Climate
Change in New York State: The Climaid Integrated Assessment for Effective Climate Change Adaptation in New
York State: Final Report. Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences, Vol. 1244. Blackwell Science Publishers,
Osney Mead, Oxford, England: 2011.
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4. Vegetation changes are also expected to occur with an increase in saturated soils from
groundwater favoring wetland species over upland species that require drier
conditions. Species composition is also expected to change in the upland habitats
with more fast growing, adaptable species becoming more dominant.
5. Salt marshes will continue to disappear and/or migrate inland with sea level rise. Salt
marshes provide crucial habitat for fish and wildlife, recreation, and act as a buffer to
storm surges. The loss of salt marshes has been well documented by tThe Nature
Conservancy.
The Town has adopted a proactive approach to prepare for hazards recognizing that
adapting to these threats is unavoidable. Using tools such as the coastal resilience tool
being developed by NOAA and The Nature Conservancy will help Ttown Pplanners
consider projections of where and how rising sea level might impact communities as they
plan for future development.
6.1.2. Continue to implement the goals in the Suffolk County Multi-Jurisdictional Multi-
Hazard Mitigation Plan, which includes goals related to coastal resilience and sea-level
rise specific to Southold.
6.1.3. Identify critical natural defenses to address sea level rise using cost effective natural
solutions.
6.1.3.1. Re-assess taking into account sea level rise impacts the purpose and width of
buffers in Town Code Chapters 275 and Chapter 111 taking into account sea level
rise impacts.
6.1.3.2. Re-assess the use of traditional, hardened hardscape shoreline structures versus
the benefits of natural, softscape solutions.
Adaptation to coastal hazards has traditionally been undertaken, often
unsuccessfully, using shoreline hardening and engineered defenses. The
engineered approach must adapt to more long- term and natural solutions. The
Nature Conservancy and partners are identifying natural solutions (e.g., green,
grey-green) and improving the science of ecosystem-based adaptation from the
latest research. Natural solutions may help to counter hazard impacts: binding
sediments, attenuating waves, and growing upwards as sea levels rise.
Further discussions on sea level rise and coastal flooding as they relate to public
safety and future land use are included in the Chapter 3, “Land Use & Zoning,”
and Chapter 12, “Natural Hazards.” and Land Use Chapters.
Responsible Parties: Southold Planning Board
Possible Partnerships: Southold Land Preservation Department and Committee, Southold Town MS4
Committee, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, Federal Emergency
Management Agency (FEMA), U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Suffolk County Department of Public
Works and other non-governmental agencies
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Goal 7. Conserve energy
Southold has been on the forefront of the alternative energy movement and has mademaking
significant changes to application processes and legislation to integrate renewable energy and energy
conservation measures in the Town.
In 2006, the Town Board created the Southold Renewable and Alternative Energy Committee to make
recommendations regarding renewable and alternative energy policies and investigate fFederal, sState,
and local utility legislation initiatives, incentive programs and grant/or loan funding opportunities.
The committee also worked with local businesses and landowners, utility companies, and
governmental entities to establish a proactive approach to integrate renewable and alternative energy
into land use and building design as well aswhile educating the public about opportunities. In 2007,
the Committee drafted the Small Wind Energy Code permitting wind turbines on agricultural
properties greater than seven acres. In 2010, the Town Board adopted dark skies legislation reducing
energy consumption town- wide. In 2012, the Committee spearheaded a streetlight
retrofit/replacement project.
In addition to legislative efforts, the Town has capitalized on numerous funding programs to purchase
alternative fuel vehicles, upgrade facilities and, equipment, and implement energy conservation
measures. Application processes were also changed; at the direction of the Town Board, the Building
Department developed a fast track permit process for residential and commercial solar installations.
Currently, due to incentive programs and government support, alternative energy has become available
with competitive pricing. The integration of alternative energy uses and cost- saving measures are
progressing within the Town. Correspondingly, the Town continues to position itself to capitalize on
incentive programs and funding to install renewable energy systems on Ttown property.
Objectives
7.1. Continue to improve the energy efficiency of Ttown facilities and fleets.
Several energy upgrades have been made to Ttown buildings in the past. Recently, numerous energy
audits have been completed.
Similarly, significant progress in fleet management has occurred over the last two years with
implementation of the Fuelmaster Fleet Management System. The system monitors fuel efficiency in
vehicles and identifies which vehicles are inefficient. All of the Ttown vehicles are monitored by the
program (except those located on Fishers Island).
7.1.1 Continue to reduce energy consumption at tTown facilities.
7.1.2 Continue to improve efficiency of the Town’s Vvehicle Ffleet.
i. Continue to replace the Town’s current vehicles fleet with alternative fuel vehicles
and site alternative fueling stations at town facilities.
Natural Resources & Environment Southold Town Comprehensive Plan Update
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ii. Find funding to hire a consultant firm to conduct a feasibility study and cost
benefit analysis for the Town to transition to alternative vehicle fleet and siting of
shared alternative fueling stations at Ttown facilities.
iii. Purchase multiple vehicles of the same type for Ttown fleets to improve
maintenance and repair costs and efficiency.
iv. Consider appointing a part- time fleet manager for all Ttown vehicles.
7.2. Continue to improve the energy efficiency of new construction and remodeling projects.
7.2.1. Improve the energy efficiency of new construction and existing building stock through
building codes, New York State Energy Research and Development
AssociationNYSERDA, and utility company energy- efficiency programs including the
New York Energy Star Program and, Long Island Green Homes.
7.2.2. Evaluate the Long Island Green Homes Program for Consortium participation.
The Long Island Green Homes Consortium is a cooperative effort of seven Long Island
municipalities. The goal of the Consortium is to reduce energy costs and usage for Long
Island homeowners by helping them get comprehensive home energy audits and make
cost effective energy upgrades to their home. Currently, the Town of Southold Town is
not a member of the Consortium.
7.2.3. Maintain the most up to date International Building Codes (IBC) and International
Energy Conservation Code (IECC) and provide training for Ttown Sstaff to implement.
7.3. Minimize reliance upon energy through design and new technologies.
7.3.1.Design subdivisions and site plans for optimum solar orientation and access.
7.3.2.Encourage developers and residents to orient and design structures to achieve optimum
passive solar exposure.
7.3.3.Protect solar access of all property owners through the establishment of adequate setbacks.
7.3.4.Encourage the use of geothermal heating and cooling in structure design.
7.4. Reduce energy consumption through improved communication and collaboration
regarding energy issues.
7.4.1. Provide energy conservation education and awareness in Ttown communications.
Provide energy conservation information on the Ttown website with links to Renewable
Energy Long Island, electric company rebates, Energy Efficiency Programs, Economic
Development Programs (commercial), NYSERDA, and other energy conservation groups
and programs.
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7.4.2.Work with utility companies to provide energy conservation promotional materials to
residential and commercial building owners through the Renewable and Alternative
Energy Committee.
7.4.3.Hold periodic public coordination meetings through the Renewable and Alternative
Energy Committee to keep people informed of the latest programs offered by the utility
companies.
7.5. Expand renewable energy opportunities that provide direct benefit to citizens, while
ensuring quality of life.
7.5.1. Update Chapter 277 Wind Energy Code to address health, safety, and welfare concerns of
citizens.
7.5.2.Amend the Town Code to allow commercial renewable solar energy power generation
projects.
7.5.3.Identify potential parcels for commercial small wind energy systems including parcels on
Fishers Island.
7.5.4.Consider amending the Town Code to expand renewable energy projects for residential
use on parcels greater than 7 acres in size.
7.5.5.Encourage and support renewable energy uses on Plum Island that take into account the
environmental sensitivity and Atlantic Flyway.
7.5.6.Work with the Long Island Solar Energy Industries Association (LISEIA) in the
development of projects.
7.5.7.Capitalize on Long Island Power Authoritythe electrical utility company’s Clean Solar
Initiative Feed-In Tariff (FIT), New York State's Solar Tax Credit, and Federal Tax
Incentives, and other incentive programs for the development of commercial renewable
energy infrastructure.
7.6. Protect scenic, natural and cultural resources while planning for the provision of
adequate energy for the future.
7.6.1. Protect scenic qualities important to the community from public vantage points
including New York State Route 25 and Suffolk County Route 48 when locating energy
generating equipment/transmission/facilities. Mitigate adverse impacts through the
following:
Ssupporting innovative designs;
Rrequiring significant vegetative buffering;
Rrequiring large setbacks;
Rrequiring relocation; and
Natural Resources & Environment Southold Town Comprehensive Plan Update
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dDenial.
7.6.2. Protect natural resources and environmental qualities when locating energy generating
equipment/transmission/facilities. Mitigate adverse impacts through the following:
Ssupporting innovative designs;
Rrequiring significant vegetative buffering;
Rrequiring large setbacks;
Rrequiring relocation; and
Ddenial.
7.6.2.1. Discourage facilities from locating in designated environmentally sensitive
areas.
7.6.2.2. Preclude the potential degradation of coastal resources by locating and
constructing new electric energy generating/equipment//transmission
facilities so that they would not adversely affect:
commercial navigation;
commercial and recreational fishing;
agricultural lands;
designated SCFWHignificant Coastal Fish and Wildlife Habitats;
habitats critical to vulnerable fish and wildlife species, vulnerable
plant species, and rare ecological communities;
Important Bird Areas;
the Altantic Flyway;
Wetlands and protected natural features; and
scenic resources (Sscenic views from NYS State Route 25 and
County RouteCR 48).
7.6.3. Protect historic and cultural resources when locating energy generating equipment/
transmission/facilities. Mitigate adverse impacts through the following:
Ssupporting innovative designs;
Rrequiring significant vegetative buffering;
Rrequiring large setbacks;
Rrequiring relocation; and
Ddenial.
7.6.4. Work with energy providers through the specific area planning process to identify
appropriate coastal locations for major energy generating
equipment/transmission/facilities. Consider coastal locations where a clear public
benefit is established using the following factors.:
There is a demonstrated need for the facility.;
Natural Resources & Environment Southold Town Comprehensive Plan Update
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The facility will satisfy additional electric capacity needs or electric system
needs.;
Alternative available methods of power generation and alternative sources
of energy cannot reasonably meet the public need.;
Upgrades of existing facilities cannot reasonably meet the public need.;
The facility incorporates feasible public recreational uses.
7.7. Ensure maximum efficiency when siting major energy generating
equipment/facilities.
7.7.1. Achieve maximum transmission efficiency by siting major energy generating facilities
close to load centers.
7.7.2. Work with energy providers to co-locate, where possible, facilities such as transmission
lines, pipelines, substations, and terminals.
7.7.3. Encourage the adoption of designated generation and transmission and facility sites and
corridors to protect against incompatible development and to maximize increased
capacity.
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7.8. Work to foster collaborative relationships with energy providers.
7.8.1. Work closely with energy providers during the evaluation of development plans to assess
cumulative, Town impacts on energy availability and reliability in the Town.
7.8.2. Coordinate with energy providers in siting discussions to ensure energy infrastructure is
adequate to support growth and infrastructure development.
7.8.3. Encourage involvement of energy providers in area planning processes.
7. 9. Provide information to the community regarding future energy facilities.
7.9.1. Keep up- to- date information about locations of existing and potential new generation
and transmission facilities on the Ttown Wweb Ssite.
7.9.2. Review development proposals along with short- and long- range plans of energy
providers to ensure an understanding of where facilities may be and to keep prospective
residents and businesses informed.
7.10. Participate in regional energy planning initiatives and programs.
7.10.1. Participate in the Cleaner Greener Communities regional planning efforts.
7.10.2. Consider participating in the Climate Smart Community Initiative and adopting the
Climate Smart Communities Pledge.
7.11. Improve the efficiency of natural gas in new construction and remodeling projects
through education on National Grid programs and incentives.
Provide links on the Town’s web page for the incentives and rebate programs offered
by National Grid on its Renewable and Alternative Energy Committee web page.
Responsible Parties: Southold Planning Board, Southold Energy Committee
Possible Partnerships: Long Island Power AuthorityThe electrical utility company, National Grid,
NYSERDANew York State Energy Research & Development, New York State Department of
Environmental Conservation and other non- governmental agencies
Goal 8. Protect and Improve Air Quality
Air pollutants originate from industries that manufacture chemicals and other goods, vehicles, and
power equipment, and from energy facilities that burn oil, gas, or coal. Hot summer weather sets the
stage for the formation of ozone (O3) and fine particulate matter (PM2.5), two pollutants of concern
for human health. Fish and wildlife show harmful effects from acid rain and mercury in the air.
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Greenhouse gases (chiefly Ccarbon Ddioxide) in the air are attributed to the world's changing the
world's climate (NYSDEC Website).
Currently, the air quality within the Town of Southold Town is considered to be within fFederal
regulatory standards. The Town does not contain large industrial uses that are capable of producing
localized threats to air quality. However, regional sources could affect the Town’s populations and/or
environments with the right weather conditions.
There are ways that the Town can help to reduce regional air pollution; these include: continueing to
develop sustainable, energy efficient buildings and grounds, planning for safer pedestrian movement
in and around the hamlet centers to reduce vehicle dependency, and improving mass transportation
and vehicle efficiency of the Ttown’s fleet.
Objectives
8.1 Reduce the production of greenhouse gases.
8.1.1 Participate in the Cleaner Greener Communities regional planning efforts.
8.1.2 Support the Complete Streets concept.
Complete Streets are designed and operated to enable safe access for pedestrians,
bicyclists, motorists, and public transportation riders of all ages and abilities.
8.1.3 Reduce reliance on vehicles through the improvement of mass transportation and safe
pedestrian traffic controls and sidewalks in hamlet centers and mass transportation.
8.1.4 Continue to replace Ttown fleet vehicles with alternative fuel, low emission vehicles.
8.1.5 Continue to replace aging equipment with more energy efficient equipment.
8.2 Control or abate existing air pollution, and prevent new air pollution.
8.2.1 Restrict emissions or air contaminants to the outdoor atmosphere that are potentially
injurious or which unreasonably interfere with enjoyment of life or property.
8.2.2.1. Continue to promote the no idling policy for Ttown vehicles.
8.2.2 Recycle or salvage air contaminants using best available air cleaning technologies.
A strategy to recycle certain types of these contaminants has already been implemented at
the Town Landfill in Cutchogue where all appliances containing refrigerants are properly
emptied and recycled by a trained, licensed technician (LWRP). Propane tanks and fire
extinguishers are also recycled.
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8.2.3 Limit greenhouse gas emissions and other pollution resulting from vehicle or vessel
movement or operation, including actions which directly or indirectly change
transportation uses or operation, resulting in increased pollution.
8.2.4 Limit discharges of atmospheric radioactive material to a level that is as low as practicable.
Responsible Parties: Southold Planning Board, Southold Energy Committee
Possible Partnerships: The electrical utility companyLong Island Power Authority, National Grid,
New York State Energy Research & DevelopmentNYSERDA, New York State Department of
Environmental Conservation and other non-governmental agencies
Goal 9. Continue to Manage Solid Waste and
Hazardous Waste.
Solid Waste
The Town’s solid waste activities on the mainland are managed by three facilities operated by the
Town and permitted under New York State Department of Environmental ConservationNYSDEC’s
Part 360 Regulations which that regulate waste disposal: (1) A transfer station for residential and
commercial solid waste and recyclables; (2) a yard waste compost facility; and 3) a construction and
demolition (C & D) processing and transfer facility. All are located in Cutchogue. The Town does not
collect residential or commercial waste and relies on private carting companies or residents to deliver
waste to the facilities.
The transfer station accepts household and commercial garbage and recyclables, the compost facility
accepts all manner of vegetative yard debris (i.ee.g., leaves, brush, and land-clearing debris) for
composting, and the C & D facility accepts non-hazardous building materials resulting from new
construction as well as demolition activities. The compost facility produces leaf compost and
woodchip mulch for public use. The facilities are operated by the Southold Town Solid Waste
Management District under the Town’s Solid Waste Coordinator.
On Fishers Island, solid waste is managed by Fishers Island Waste Management (FIWM), which runs
a transfer and compost facility processing household garbage, furniture, appliances, recyclables,
construction waste, yard and landscaping debris. Hazardous wastes are collected one day a year.
Fishers Island’s waste is carted to Connecticut;, thus, FIWM must comply with both New York and
Connecticut laws regarding waste management and recycling.
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Objectives
9.11.1 Continue to manage solid waste to protect public health and control pollution.
9.1.11.1.1 Consider adopting a deconstruction code for the tear down of buildings to improve
recycling.
9.1.21.1.2 Consider increasing recycling opportunities for organic materials beyond yard waste at
the Cutchogue Facility.
9.1.31.1.3 Perform outreach to improve commercial recycling at the Cutchogue Facility.
9.21.2 Consider appointing a Town Recycling Coordinator to further increase recycling
opportunities in Town.
9.31.3 Continue to implement diversified recycling programs.
In 2012 a total of 36,000 tons of incoming waste and recyclables was received, of which
31,000 tons were transferred off site for ultimate disposal and/or recycling. As indicated
above, the Town’s recycling program is efficient and progressive, collecting and processing
thirteen 13 products for a total of 13,044 tons in 2012. A table summarizing the types of
recyclable materials collected is included as in Appendix 4E.
9.41.4 Plan for proper and effective construction debris disposal prior to undertaking major
development or activities generating solid waste by:
rReducing the amount of solid waste generated by continuing to implement the pay- as- you-
throw system;
rReusing or recycling material;
Supporting Pproduct Sstewardship efforts wherein whereby manufacturers of items that are
hazardous or which pose uniquely difficult and expensive disposal or recycling challenges help
organize and finance programs to manage those products properly at the end of their useful
life. Also known as “extended producer responsibility,”, this approach to waste management
has been adopted for a range of hard-to-manage products such as electronic waste (“e-waste”),
rechargeable batteries, paint, pharmaceuticals, mattresses, and other items. Manufacturers of
these and other products have been required, through state legislation across the
country (including in New York), to help local governments deal with the unique
disposal/recycling issues they pose. Consider supporting product stewardship legislation at
the state level, where appropriate, for items requiring substantial, unique, and costly end of life
management efforts;
uUsing approved methods endorsed by the NYSDEC to dispose of solid waste that is not
otherwise being reused or recycled.
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9.51.5 Develop an Emergency Waste Disposal Plan to plan for the collection, storage, and
disposal of debris and materials from natural disasters.
Such a plan should address issues of collection, storage, and methods of removal (for ultimate
disposal) of disaster- related debris. This debris would typically include vegetative matter (trees,
stumps, etc.), rubbish (i.e., ruined contents from dwellings), and construction debris from
damaged buildings. In addition, any rubbish and construction debris resulting from an emergency
situation could contain a hazardous component which must also, in turn, be managed
appropriately. Since disposal fees charged to residents have historically been waived for storm or
emergency debris, issues resulting from the potential loss of revenue that would normally fund
waste management and disposal activities would also need to be considered.
9.61.6 Continue to operate solid waste management facilities to prevent or reduce water, air,
and noise pollution and other conditions harmful to the public health.
Hazardous Waste
The NYSDEC regulates collection, storage and transport of hazardous waste within the Town
through Part 360 permits.
Two types of hazardous waste that occur in Ttown are household and industrial. Household hazardous
wastes (HHW) are materials found in residential wastes such as oil-based paints, pesticides, automotive
fluids, home hobby chemicals, cleaning products and compact fluorescent bulbs (CFLs). These
chemical wastes are accepted free from residents on four (4) special household hazardous waste
(HHW) drop-off days each year for proper handling and disposal and should continue to be handled
and discarded with special care.
iIndustrial hazardous waste is subject to more stringent regulationsregulations that are more stringent
and is not managed by the Town due to regulatory controls. Rather, industrial standards and practices
provide appropriate opportunities for this hazardous waste to be handled properly. The Town
presents several opportunities to dispose of these substances annually.
9.71.7 Ensure maximum public safety through continued management of household and
industrial hazardous waste collection, storage, and disposal.
In 2012, a total of 60 tons of household hazardous waste was collected over four days
through the Town’s STOP (Stop Throwing Out Pollutants) Program. It is recommended
that the Town and Fishers Island Waste Management continue to hold hazardous waste
collection days.
9.81.8 Remediate inactive hazardous waste disposal sites. Future use of a site should
determine the appropriate level of remediation.
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9.91.9 Prevent and remediate discharge of petroleum products (waste oil) by following
methods approved for handling and storage of petroleum products and using approved
design and maintenance principles for storage facilities.
9.101.10 Transport solid waste and hazardous substances and waste in a manner which
that protects the safety, well-being, and general welfare of the public, the environmental
resources of the sState, and the continued use of transportation facilities.
9.111.11 Site solid and hazardous waste facilities to avoid potential degradation of coastal
resources.
Solid and hazardous waste facilities should not be located within the coastal area unless there is
a demonstrated need for waterborne transport of waste materials and substances. If the need
for a coastal location is demonstrated, preclude impairment of coastal resources from solid and
hazardous waste facilities by siting these facilities so that they are not located in or would not
adversely affect:
agricultural lands;
natural protective feature areas;
surface waters, primary water supply, or principal (sole-source) aquifers;
designated SCFWHignificant Coastal Fish and Wildlife Habitats;
habitats critical to vulnerable fish and wildlife species, vulnerable plant species, and rare
ecological communities;
wetlands.
Responsible Parties: Southold Town Solid Waste Management District, Fishers Island Waste
Management District
Possible Partnerships: New York State Department of Environmental Conservation