HomeMy WebLinkAboutMattituck Creek Watershed StudySuffolk County Department of Planning
MATTITUCK CREEK WATERSHED STUDY
PHASE I
INVENTORY OF EXISTING CONDITIONS AND
IDENTIFICATION OF DEVELOPb~NT OPPORTUNITIES
Table of Contents
Letter of Transmittal .........
Section 1 -
Section 2 -
Section 3 -
Section 4 -
Section 5 -
Section 6 -
Section 7 -
Section 8 -
Section 9 -
Section 10 -
Section 11 -
Section 12 -
Introduction ......
Development Issues and Problems.
Watershed Analysis ....
Zoning .........
Population Analysis .....
Land Available for Development
Dredging History . .
Marine Water Quality
Natural Resources.
Groundwater.
Land Management, .
Results of Phase I
Findings . . .
Opportunities. . .
Appendix A - Special Exception Uses ........
Appendix B - Management Strategy for Control of Off-Road
Vehicles in Coastal Areas ......
Bibiliography
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3
6
7
9
13
15
19
29
31
35
38
38
41
A-1
· B-1
C-1
Section 1 - Introduction
The Mattituck Inlet Advisory Committee acting on behalf of the Town
of Southold, requested assistance from the Suffolk County Dept. of Planning
in preparin~ alternative design proposals for areas located on Mattituck
Creek. The Director of the Planning Dept. responded to this request by
letter dated 10/24/80, describing the type of assistance to be rendered by
the Dept. This assistance was to include the preparation of conceptual plan
layouts for the use of the Committee in its formulation of a plan for the
management and future development of Mattituck Creek.
It was decided that the study would consist of two phases. This re- ...
port covers the work undertaken in Phase I - Inventory of Existing Condi-
tions and Identification of Development Opportunities. The report summarizes
the analysis of natural resources at the study site, the identification of
problems,.and the analysis of the sutt~bility of various areas for the accomo-
dation of different uses. Phase I concludes with a report of the findings,
recommendations and the identification of site planning and management oppor-
tunities. These are to be the subject of a review by the Committee and others.
Upon receipt of the Committee's recommendations, Phase II - Design Alternatives,
will be initiated. In Phase II, site plans will be prepared for a limited
number of key sites and uses recommended by the Committee.
The Committee has assisted the Dept. by providing natural resource in-
ventory data and descriptions of various development problems in the study
area. The Committee also organized a day-long field trip to the site on
1/21/81. The trip enabled the Dept. staff to familiarize itself with site
conditions and to interact with various officials and interested parties.
The scope of this study is limited to the Mattituck Creek watershed area
as delineated on the maps that accompany this report. The watershed in-
cludes the primary areas that contribute runoff to Mattituck Creek. The
total land area in the watershed is approximately 2,000 acres; the surface
area of I~ttituck Creek is about 150 acres.
References in this report are'made to the following eight maps:
Issues
Watershed Analysis
· Zoning
Land Available for Development
Natural Resources
Aldicarb Contaminatiop
Land Management
Opportunities
A set of color slides and color photographs of the maps will be provided
to the Committee under separate cover for its use.
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of East Mill Rd. The parcel requires certain safety improvements if public'
access to the creek is to be maintained at this location.
Long Creek has been modified to some extent because of Suffolk County
bridge construction activities, and dredging/drainage improvements. An old
spoil site is located at the head of Long Creek. The old bridge abutments
remain on Long Creek and have been a source of complaints from local resi-
dents who report that the abutments tend to trap debris.
The marina near Long Creek, now known as Matt-A-Mar Marina, has been
expanded to include boat storage and maintenance activities, giving rise to
concern about oil, grease, and paint residue entering the creek via runoff.
Boat anchorage is provided at the head of Mattituck Creek for resident and
transient vessels. It is suspected that the release of vessel sanitary waste
during summer contributes to water quality degradation at this location. An
equipment storage yard is located at the terminus of Ba3-view Avenue.
This collection of abandoned vehicles is not only an eyesore, but also a
potential source of oil contamination into the creek. In addition, a number
of storm drains that discharge directly into Mattituck Creek a~e believed to 'be
significant contributors to surface water quality degradation in the area.
Mattituck Creek is closed to shellfishing from the south shore of Howard's
Creek southward to the head of the creek..
Double docking appears to be a navigation safety problem in the vicinity
of the Mattituck Inlet Marina. A bulkhead line could be established at this
location to alleviate additional problems in the future.
There has been significant subdivision activity involving lands within
the watershed in the recent past. Six proposed subdivisions in the Mattituck
watershed have received approval or conditional approval from the Suffolk
County Dept. of Planning. Plans for three proposed subdivisions were returned
to the town for local determinatinon. Preliminary plans have been re-
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viewed for the "Sebastian's Cove" subdivision, which encompasses a signifi-
cant portion of the creek's remaining undeveloped shoreline. No formal
action has been taken on this subdivision. Six of the proposed subdivisions
are "minor" subdivisions, i.e., subdivisions having four lots or less. Ail
the proposed subdivisions contain lots of at least one acre. The following
subdivisions, which are numberically illustrated on the "Issues" map, have
been proposed:
Honeysuckle Hills
Conditional Approval
19 lots
Minor Subdivision
Conditional Approval
2 lots
3. Inlet East Estates
Approved
14 lots
Sebastian's Cove
Review of Preliminary Map
3 Sections Proposed for Development
Minor Subdivision
Conditional Approval
2 lots
Mifior Subdivision
Conditional Approval
3 lots
7. Minor Subdivision
Local Determination
3 lots
8. Minor Subdivision
Local Determination
4 lots
Heritage Harbor
Conditional Approval
10 lots
10.
Minor subdivision
Local Determination
3 lots
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Section 3 - Watershed Analysis
A topographic map of the Mattituck Creek area with a contour interval of
$ ft. and a scale of 1 inch a 400 ft. was used to delineate the boundary of the
creek watershed and to analyze drainage charactertistics. This information is
shown on the Watershed Analysis map.
The watershed boundary was delineated on the basis of the slope of the land,
direction of groundwater flow and natural surface drainage systems. The land
area within the watershed boundary is approximately 2,000 acres; this area serves
as the focus of this study.
Stormwater runoff from developed areas reaches Mattituck Creek either by
storm sewer systems, paved right-of-ways, or by overland flow. The direction of
flow is indicated by blue arrows on the map. Stormwater drain outlets to the
creek are also indicated.
The critical watershed for Mattituck Creek is indicated on the map in
yellow-green and green° The yellow-green areas indicate tidal wetlands, includ-
ing intertidal marsh, low marsh, high marsh, and formerly-connected tidal wet-
lands. The critical watershed area also contains the major swales leading to
the creek, streams and stream channels, the 100-year floodplain boundary, areas
of high stormwater runoff and sedimentation from upland sites, and specific
priority sites where stormwater biofiltration sites and recharge basins could be
located. These areas are shown in green.
The areas where such best management practices for stormwater treatment are
suitable are shown circled in blue. Susceptibility to water pollution and the
potential future adverse environmental impacts were also major factors in the
determination of the critical watershed boundary.
Section 4 - Zonin8
The map entitled "Zoning" shows the zoning classification of all uplands
located in the Mattituck Creek watershed. Zoning information was obtained
from Chapter 100 of the Code of the Town of $outhold, (1978).
The overwhelming majority (approximately 95%) of the acreage contained
within the Mattituck Creek watershed is zoned "A" Residential and Agricultural.
The permitted uses within this zone include one-family detached dwellings, not
to exceed one dwelling on each lot containing a minimum area of 40,000 square.
feet; co~mnercial agricultural operations, and buildings, structures and uses
owned and operated by the Town of Southold. Uses permitted by special excep-
tion by the Town of Southold Board of Appeals within this zone and the busi-
ness and industrial zones discussed below are listed in Appendix A.
The "B" Light Business District within the Mattituck Creek watershed is
limited to two areas located at (1) the head of Mattituck Creek, and (2) the
intersection of C.R. 27 and Cox's Neck Rd. Approximately 1.5% of the land area
within the Mattituck Creek watershed is zoned "B" Light Business. The permitted
uses within this zone include:
1. commercial agriculture operations
2. buildings, structures and uses owned or operated by Town of Southold
3. boarding and tourist houses
4. business, professional and governmental offices
5. banks and financial institutions
6. retail stores, including retail shopping centers
7. restaurants
8. bakeshops (for on-premises sale at retail)
9. laundromats and similar establishments
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- ISSUES
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~,HED ~LYSI~
~ MATTITUCK CREEK
- ZONING
MATTITUCK CREEK
· , · :......:~.' ~.' , ~.~?~
· ,~ ?o ,~,
t~
LANDS AVAILABLE
FOR DEVELOPMENT
MATTITUCK CREEK
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-NATURAL RESOURCES
MATTITUCK CREEK
i!, ALDICARB CONTAMINATION
MATTITUCK' CREEK~
MATTITUCK CREEK
,AND MANAGEMENT
OPPORTUNITIES '
i:, i~. MATTITUCK CREEK
10. personal service stores and shops
1!. marinas for the docking, mooring and accommodation of noucommerical
boats, including the sale of fuel and oil primarily for the use of
boats accommodated in such marinas.
Areas zoned "B~i" General Business within the Mattituck Creek watershed
represent approximately 1Z of the total land area and are located along
(1) C.R. 27 near the head of Mattituck Creek, and (2) Mill Rd. adjacent to
Mattituck Greek. Although permitted uses within this zone are the same as
those permitted in the "B" Light Business District, more uses are permitted
by special exception hy the Board of Appeals in this district than in the
"B" Light Business District.
Areas zoned "C" Light Industrial within the Mattituck Greek watershed
account for less than 1% of the land area and are located (1) on the west side
of Mattituck Creek south of Mill Rd. a~d (2) adjacent to the LIRR tracks. Tbs
permitted uses within this zone include com~nercial agricultural operations,
and buildings, structures and uses owned and operated by the Town of Southold.
The only area zoned "C-i" General Industrial within the Mattituck Creek
watershed is located near the mouth of Mattituck Creek and represents approxi-
mately 1~ of the land area within the watershed; in the "C-I" District, build-
ings and premises may be used £or any lawful purpose, except that no building
and/er premises shall be used for dwelling, boarding and tourist home, hotel,
motel or tourist camp purposes.
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Section 5 - Population Analysis '..
Estimates of 1980 population and of saturation population were prepared
by means of a land use analysis. The number of existing and potential dwelling
units was calculated using a 1980 large scale aerial photograph that permitted
identification of developed and vacant parcels and facilitated comparison of
these parcels with existing zoning designations. Once the number of existing
and potential dwelling units was determined, an average household size factor
was applied to the dwelling unit count in order to estimate the existing popula-
tion and the additional population that could be accommodated in new units. This
potential population increment together with the population that could be accom-
modated in currently existing vacancies was added to the estimated 1980 peak
population figures.
The following paragraphs describe the ste.p-by-step procedure used in the
population analysis.
Step 1.
Step 2.
Step 3.
1980 Population Estimates
The Watershed boundary, U.S. census tract (C.T.) and enumeration
district (E.D.) boundaries, and Town of Southold zoning designations
were superimposed on a 1980 aerial photograph for study purposes.
The entire area lies within E.D.s 342T, 343T and 343U, in C.T.
1700.01. Since, however, the census tract and enumeration district
boundaries were.not contiguous with the ~atershed boundaries, the
Census data could not be utilized to calculate population estimates.
Using tax map information, developed residential parcels were identi-
fied and tabulated.
In order to estimate the number of vacant and occupied households, the
1980 Census vacancy rate, including units "vacant for sale or rent"
but not seasonal or "held for occasional use," was applied to the
Step 4.
Step A.
Step B.
total number of residentially developed parcels. By subtracting
the vacant units thus derived from the total potential units, the
nsm~ber of occupied and seasonal units was calculated.
Housing unit counts were multiplied by the appropriate 1980 pre-
liminary Census count average household sizes to obtain the 1980
population estimates.
Saturation ~opulation
Utilizing the information in Step 1 described above, vacant residential
and agricultural land parcels were identified.
A factor of one unit per 40,000 square feet, as required for Residential
"A" in the present zoning ordinance, was used to calculate the potential
dwelling units which could be accommodated on the vacant one to three
acre parcels. The computation of the potential yield of unsubdivided
land parcels greater than three acres in size was accomplished through
the application of a yield per acre factor (0.8 lots per acre for a
zoning lot size of 40,000 square feet as required in the watershed
area). This factor is derived from a table of factors representing
average values based on Long Island Regional Planning Board experience
with conventionally designed subdivision plats.
The saturation estimate is based on existing zoning, so that if land
were tu be zoned for a higher or lower density, or acquired for public
purposes, the saturation figure would have to be adjusted. Recent
observations suggest that the pattern of rezoniug on Long Island has
become relatively stable. Changes to a higher density are often off-
set by other changes to a lower density or by a land acquisition, thus
minimizing the impact of any change in the ultimate saturation calcula-
tion.
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Step C. Average household sizes, based on 1980 information, were developed
for the entire study area. These were applied to the unit counts
including currently vacant units, to estimate potential saturation
population estimates.
Step D. Potential housing and population counts were added to the figures
estimated for 1980. The resulting numbers represent saturation esti-
mates for the Mattituck Creek watershed.
The results of the population analysis are shown in Table 1. In 1980
the total seasonal and year-round population in the watershed area was 2,433.
A total of 784 seasonal and year-round occupied units were located in the area,
and there were 1,092 vacant lots in the watershed on property zoned for residen-
tial use. Based on existing zoning~ the saturation population for the watershed
area is 6,189 - an increase of 3,756 over the 1980 population level. The total
number of dwelling units increases to 1,876 under saturation development condi-
tions.
The 1980 population density for the watershed area as a whole is 1.2
people/acre. At saturation development, the population density would be 3.1
people/acre - appproximately a three fold increase.
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Table ! Population Analysis of the Mattituck Creek Watershed
~. Dwellin8 Units* Population Estimates**
1980 784 2,433
saturation 1,876 6,189
* Includes seasonal and "held for occasional use°"
**Includes seasonal
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Section 6 - Land Available for Development
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Residential uses dominate in the Mattituck watershed. The current
zoning ordinance mandates a minimum residential lot size of 40,000 sq. ft.,
or slightly less than one acre. Developable land in the Mattituck watershed
can be assigned to one of three categories: vacant plots Of less than two
acres scattered among existing residential development; parcels greater than
two acres; and parcels under individual commitment and/or included within
the agricultural district as provided for in the N.Y.$. Agricultural Districts
Act.
Based on current zoning, which requires a minimum lot size of 40,000 sq.
ft., a parcel of less than two acres cannot be subdivided, whereas one of
two acres or more has the potential for subdivision. Parcels smaller than
40,000 sq. ft. ~an be developed if their creation predates the zoning ordi-
artec. However, an owner of two or more contiguous substandard parcels may not
develop.each parcel separately but must conform to the existing zoning.
Farmers who own and operate a 10 acre or greater parcel of farmland are
eligible to place their farmland under individual commitment, and thereby re-
ceive an agricultural value assessment. The owner signs an eight year commit-
ment each year. If the owner fails to reflle a commitment form with the town
assessor, he loses eligibility for the agricultural value assessment but is
bound to the terms of the commitment for the remaining seven years. If the
owner converts land to non-agricultural use, he must pay a penalty equal to
twice the tax based on full value assessment of all the land under commitment
(not Just the land converted).
Farmers who own and operate a 10 acre or greater parcel of farmland can
form an agricultural district containing at least 500 acres, and thereby be-
come eligible for an agricultural value assessment. Several parcels of farm-
land within the ~ttituck Creek watershed are included within the agricultural
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district in the Town of $outhold. The agricultural district was created in
October, 1979 and has a duration of eight years. The owner of a parcel within
the agricultural district must apply to the town assessor for the agricultural
value assessment each year. However, if the owner converts land to non-sgricul-
tural use, he must pay a rollback tax of up to five years in value on the land
converted provided the owner has received the agricultural value assessment°
The map, "Lands Available for Development," is based on an analysis of
1980 aerial photography, a map of agricultural district properties, parcels
under individual co~nitment, and existing and proposed subdivision plats. This
map shows that over half of the watershed area (1,215 acres) is still available
for development. Developable land includes approximately 345 acres in the agri-
cultural district and/or under individual commitment, 211 acres of vacant plots
scattered among existing residential development, and 659 acres consisting of
parcels treater than two acres, which could be subdivided.
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Section 7 - Dred~in8 History
The history of dredging in Mattituck Creek recounts the story of a
port whose commercial potential was never realized. The natural inlet,
which was narrow, crooked, and only 2 ft. deep at low water, prevented
significant commerce from developing, although by the late 1800s a small
amount of fertilizer was received, and potatoes and other farm products
shipped. In 1890, in response to local requests the Army Corms oF Enmineers
first surveyed the creek for possible improvements that might facilitate
the provision of a cheap waterborne alternative to the Long Island Rail-
road for transportation to New York City; allow increased commerce with
Connecticut; and provide a harbor of refuge.
In 1896, the Congress approved the dredging of a seven ft. channel
and the construction of two jetties. Work on one of the jetties began in
1901. The first dredging occurred in 1907 and extended south to the mill
dam at Watervii~e, where East and West Mill Roads now end at the creek.
The dam closed the channel and a highway crossed over it; the tide gates
were usually kept closed to create slack high water in the upper basin;
when open, the highway practically closed the channel so that a rowboat
could not pass under it when the tide was more than half up. The dam
limited the tidal range in the upper basin to 1-2 ft., compared with the
4-5 ft. range at the inlet and Long Island Sound. Local interests were
required to replace the dam (and causeway) with a draw bridge, which they
did around 1914. The southern portion of the channel was dredged in 1914,
and the entrance was extensively dredged for maintenance purposes in 1921,
1923, and 1927 (see Table 2). Commerce, however, did not glow as expected,
in part because of the difficulties of maintaining the channel. During the
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early 1920's receipts and shipments in and out of P~ttituck by water were
still an order of magnitude less than the amount transported by rail.
By 1925, the costs of maintenance dredging and requests from local
interests prompted Congress to authorize another study of the creek. The
channel between the Jetties was shoaling rapidly after maintenance dredging;
project depths were available for less than one year, on the average, after
dredging. The shoaling was believed to be caused by heavy material (sand
and gravel) being driven into the inlet by the action of storms from the
northwest. Additional material was thought to be working its way around the
west Jetty due to longshore drift; ebb currents within the inlet were in-
sufficient to remove these shoals or prevent their accumulation. The pro-
posed solution was a 250 ft. extension of the west jetty to the 12 ft. contour
in the Sound; this improvement was completed in 1938.
Channel maintenance problems were not the only factor inhibiting com-
mercial development within the creek. Dockage space and storage facilities
were limited. The County maintained a 70 ft. bulkhead at the foot of Bayview
Avenue at which farm products were shipped, and James Rambo owned an open
pile pier at the extreme southern end of the creek at which farm products were
shipped and sand and gravel were received. When surveyed in 1928, however,
no oil companies expressed interest in establishing water deliveries of gaso-
line to Mattituck. Thus requests from local commercial interests in the late
1920's to increase the channel depth were rejected by the Corps, sinc~ the
benefit vs. cost of the project was already in question. Nevertheless, the
entrance channel was maintenance dredged in 1935, 1938, 1946, 1950, 1955, 1961,
and 1965 (see Table 2)° The shoaling rate at the inlet channel during this
period was on the order of 6,000-7,000 cubic yards per year.
By the mid 1960s commerce within the creek had changed, and shipments
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1922 Jun-Nov 1921 7* Shoals at entrance ee 13,&68 $),131 .~3 2.2
~rom 500'-1~00' ul~
en~ o[ vest Jett7
1923' Aug-Sept 1923 7' Entrance channel ** &9,500 $21,561 e* **
1928 Sap-Oct 1927 7* 1800' of e~trance ** 49,186 $23,721 .68 2.5
channel
1936 Nov 35-~4y 36 7' ** ** 50,785 S22,247 ,44 7.2 C
~939 Se~Nov 1938 7~ Entrance cha~ne~ ** 18,312 ~8,102 .~4 6.1
19~7 Se~Nov 19~6 7' Entrance channel On beach, east of 53,893 ~2,099 .78 18.0 C
~he cage Je~y (78,893)
1951 ~*~ov 1950 7* Entrance thane1 On beach, eas~ of 22,9~3 ~,~90 .62 1~.~ C
~e eas~ ~eccy
1956 Aug-Sap 1955 9~ ~crance chs~el ~ beach, e~sC of 3~,552 S30,292 .96 15.8 C.
the east Jetty (49,852)
Xf62 Aug-Sap 1961 9* Entrance c~nneX On beach, east of 43,550 $35,282 ,81 ~4.5 C
the e~s~ Jetty (89,662)
1966 Se~t 1965 7' Anchorage area a~ Upland disposal (~ev ~ork) $6~,070 $1.59 20.S C
upstream end of at ~ng Creek ~0,980
channel (71~026)
1966 Sap-Oct 1965 7* Lone Island Sound On beach, vest of 6,285 $7,288 $l.l& 3.1 C
to Old Hill Eoad the west. Jetty (12,396)
198~ Hay 9-25,1980 e* Entrance channel On beach, east of 2&.137 ** aa *a d~
the east Jetty
C¥ (cubic yards) ~aintenanee quantZty Zn parenthesis from Ken UlrZch, USAGE, H.Y. D~etrZct (vrttteu commmtctatton, X977).
Data not available
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now consisted almost entirely of petroleum products, including gasoline, fuel
oil, and asphalt. In response to requests from local interest, a 460 by 570 ft.
anchorage area at the head of navigation was dredged in 1965. The County of
Suffolk provided the 50% local matching funds requried by the Corps; an upland
spoil site on the south side of Long Creek was provided by the Town of Southold.
This spoil site was also used in 1967 when the County dredged Long Creek in order
to improve tidal flushing. The jetties were repaired around 1975; the last
maintenance dredging at the inlet occurred in May 1980, at which time approxi-
mately 24,000 Coy. of material were removed and deposited on the east side of
the inlet (see Table 2). Petroleum deliveries were discontinued in the early
1970's but were resumed briefly around 1978; oil terminal facilities on .the
creek have since been abandoned. Only a limited amount of fish and shellfish
products are presently landed.
Today the life blood of the creek is not commerce, but recreational
boating and the associated conm~ercial facilities. Marine commercial facilities
include 4 marinas (with a total of over 200 slips) and a waterside inn; a
public park with slips and a launching ramp is located at the head of the creek.
The Coastal Zone Management Plan developed by the Long Island Regional Planning
Board recommended that the existing channel be maintained by the Corps (and.
possibly deepened to 8 ft. or more) to provide a harbor of refuge, to support
the regionally significant recreational boating industry, and to enhance the
potential for expanded commercial fishing facilities°
Section 8 - Marine Water QualitZ ~.
This section is based upon published reports dealing with marine
water quality in the Long Island Sound region and data supplied by regula-
tory agencies. While Mattituck Creek has never been the subject of an in-
tensive water quality study, the general processes affecting water quality
trends in the creek can be inferred from the body of knowledge developed
from the study of similar water bodies at other locations. In this section,
use will be made of the various data in Table 3 describing the physical
aspects of Mattituck Creek.
Water Quality Considerations in Mattituck Creek
Basic to the discussion of marine environmental quality in Mattituck
Creek is the assumption that the abundance of dissolved oxygen is the factor
controlling marine life and basic chemical reactions. Therefore, anything
that decreased the dissolved oxygen results in a deterioration of environ-
mental quality._ Dissolved oxygen concentrations can be diminished by dis-
charge of oxygen-demanding wastes or indirectly by the discharge of nutrients
(phosphates and nitrates) that can cause an increase in the abundance of
phytoplankton or other algae that consume dissolved oxygen when they decompose.
Phytoplankton growth in estuaries is often limited by the availability
of essential nutrients. In north shore coastal waters, nitrogea is likely to
be the limiting element. As the concentration of nitrogen compounds in a bay
increases as a result of effluent discharge, stormwater runoff, or nutrient
rich underflow, plant growth may be stimulated. The amount of plant growth
is essentially controlled by the amount of nutrient added. Decomposing or-
ganic matter reacts with dissolved oxygen. When the rate of'oxygen consump-
tion exceeds the rate of supply, the dissolved oxygen may eventually be used up.
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Table 3 Mattituck Creek Fact Sheet
mean high tide area
mean Iow tide area
high tide volume
low tide volume
mean depth
mean tidal range
estimated shoreline length
estimated groundwater discharge
21 Sept. 1938 storm surge height
base flood elevation used in the
'National Flood Insurance Program
0.2 square miles
0.1 square miles
0.3 billion gallons
0.1 billion gallons
5.2 feet
4.9 feet
7.2 miles
5 million gallons/day
5.5 feet above mean high water
11 feet above mean sea level
2O
The process caused by excess nutrient discharges resulting in high levels
of productivity and subsequent depletion of dissolved oxygen is called
eutrophication.
A generalized picture of water quality changes in the region over the
course of a year can be constructed from data collected in Long Island Sound.
These trends are no doubt reflected in the waters of Mattituck Creek. The
surface and bottom water temperatures vary from 0° to 25°C (32° to 77°F).
The surface layers begin to warm in February and remain 2 to 3°C warmer than
the bottom waters dntil August or September when surface and bottom tempera-
tures are identical. Surface cooling and fall storms destroy this stable
condition. These seasonal changes in physical properties are mirrored in
changes in nutrient abaundance and dissolved oxygen concentrations.
Thus, after the onset of phytoplankton production, usually in the form
c.f an intense burst of growth known as a bloom in February and March, the
concentrations of nitrogen compounds (primarily nitrate) and phosphate in
~rface waters remain low during the summer. Low light intensity causes a
decline in phytoplankton production during the fall. Nutrient levels in the
bottom water are high because of the decomposition of organic matter. Winter
storms cause mixing of the nutrient-rich bottom waters with the surface water,
thus restoring high levels of nutrients in the entire water column.
Dissolved oxygen concentrations are depressed during the summer as
organic matter decomposes in the bottom waters. The stratification of the
waters with the warmest waters on top prevents resupply of dissolved oxygen
from the surface, from the atmosphere, or from photosynthesis. When the
waters are mixed in autumn, the dissolved oxygen concentrations in the bottom
waters increase markedly.
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In addition to the seasonal changes in Long Island Sound which are
inevitably impressed upon Mattituck Creek, changes in nitrate and nitrate
concentration occurring in the creek are also due to nutrient additions
from the watershed. Ammonia, is not common in Sound waters; therefore, it
appears that its abundance in the creek is primarily the result of the
decomposition of organic matter or the release of dissolved nutrients in
sediments.
With more information than is now available, it should be possible to
construct a picture of the seasonal changes in the physical and chemical
properties of Mattituck Creek. Departures from the "norm" could then be
detected.
Circulation in Mattituck Creek
The classical pattern of estuarine circulation has been documented in
Long Island Sound and probably occurs to some extent in Mattituck Creek.
Tidal currents generally dominate water circulation in bays and obscure the
estuarine circuiation. Careful measurement of tidal currents in estuaries
reveals that the ebb currents start earlier, persist longer, and generally
have higher speeds at the surface than near the bottom. Conversely, flood
currents dominate near the bottom. When these tidal currents are averaged,
the estuarine circulation is usually obvious as a net seaward movement near
the surface, and a net landward movement near' the bottom.
In coastal bays and creeks, particles in the near-bottom waters are
moved landward because of estuarine circulation. Thus, particles can move
from the Sound into Mattituck Creek. In general, these particles are de-
posited near the landward end of the bottom layer (sometimes called a salt
wedge because of its general shape). Particles settling out of the surface
layers are likely to have the same fate; namely, deposition near the head of
the creek. Larger particles carried by streams or runoff to the creek will
usually be deposited in this same area.
Because of the effect of estuarine circulation on particles, any dis-
solved substance that is not involved in biological activity, such as common
salt, will tend to move with the surface waters, becoming more dilute and
dispersed as the surface layers flow seaward. The substance is not retained
in the estuary.
Nutrients and other substances that are used by organisms tend to
accumulate in bays. Nutrients are assimilated by organisms growing in
waters and are.incorporated into cell matter or skeletons. When theae or-
ganisms or their predators die, they sink to the bottom and decompoae.
Nutrients released to the near-bottom waters move landward. Eventually, the
nutrients return to the surface layers and the cycle begins again. Thin
process is not completely efficient. Some nutrients escape with the
waters. Others are deposited and remain with sediments where they are
ally buried.
In short, the circulation pattern in bays and creeks may not dilute
disperse wastes containing particles or nutrients. Because of the
circulation, both tend to be trapped in such areas.
Water circulation in Mattituck Creek is dominated by the t~des.
water discharge (direct stream runoff plus ground water seepage) ~s ~!
compared to the total volume of the creek. Therefore, the c~rcu]a~i~ ~
basically an exchange of water between creek and Sound. During each
period (12.4 hours) a volume of water equal to the tidal prism (hiZ~
volume minus low tide volume) of the creek is exchanged with th~ w,t~-
Long Island Sound. The tidal prism of Mattituck Creek is 0.~ bl~ t~
One measure of the amount of time required to flush a d~s~O~v~
from a bay can be obtained by dividing the mean bay volume by the ~
ibis is defined as the tidal residence time of salt water in the bay.
Flu~h£ng times calculated by tidal prism theory are based on the following
.,~umpttons: (1) that flood tide waters are completely mixed with the
~'~tur In the bay at the previous low tide, and (2) that ebb tide waters do
~:~,[ return to the bay during the next flood tide. Since complete mixing
!~,:; mot occur, flushing times based on tidal prism theory are, at best,
.?r~×imations of estuarine dilution.
'he tidal residence time for the creek has been calculated to be 0.6
,~..-'. ~r about 14 hours. This suggests that tidal flow between the Sound
~;~.: the creek as a whole is unrestricted. It does not, however, provide any
~::!.~r'~a~ion about isolated portions of the creek, which usually have much
· .,r t~dal residence times owing to their restricted connections with the
-"~ portion of the creek.
Another measure of circulation is apparent fresh-water displacement
ti:'~e. The fresh water that enters a bay from various sources is mixed with
Ibc seawater of Long Island Sound. If a steady state is assumed, the fresh-
~.~t~'r discharge per tide equals the rate at which fresh water enters the bay.
The fresh-water volume in the bay divided by the fresh-water discharge per
tide gives an apparent fresh-water displacement time. The flushing time of
the pollutant is identical to the time required to remove the accumulated
volume of fresh water in the bay. Fresh-water volumes can be determined on
the basis of surface salinities at the head and mouth of the bays. The fresh-
water displacement time for Mattituck Creek was calculated to be 5.6 days.
Sediment Deposits
Bays, harbors and creeks along the north shore of Long Island function
as sediment traps of varying efficiency~ Particles originating inside a creek,
24
r ,-arried there from outside by tidal currents, are likely to be trapped
-~t~,in the creek. Tidal currents are weaker toward the head of a creek,
.,~ t!w~t ebb currents may not be strong enough to scour and suspend the
~rric]em deposited by the preceding flood and slack water., Furthermore,
· .. ~.~nclward flow along a creek bottom acts to retain particles within the
:....k. Sheltered from waves, the sediments deposited near the head of a
.re typically of a finer grain than those accumulating near the creek
--~,c,~. As a general rule, a bay or creek with restricted flow is a
"'~ediment trap than one with unrestricted flow.
-'.l~,~lg the Sound shoreline, bluff erosion is a major source of sediment.
.rtituck Creek there is evidence of active sediment transport from west
,.;t along this portion of the Sound shoreline; sediment has accreted
~he long-term west of the mouth of Mattituck Creek. Another natural
· ~'~, of sediment would be materials carried in suspension by tidal currents
.:':o the creek, where the particles settle out in the quiet waters or in ad-
~i~llng tidal marshes.
In the absence of large natural sediment supplies, man-controlled sedi-
· ~eut sources dominate in the interior portions of the creek. Erosion of
building sites denuded of vegetation is most likely a significant local
source. Material spilled from sand/gravel barges was probably an important
sediment source in the past. Solids are contributed by stormwater runoff
and storm drains that discharge to the creek. Intermittent dredging activi-
ties can also be a significant cause of turbidity and subsequent siltation.
Review of Available Water Quality Data
Most of the b~ttituck Creek has been classified by the State of New York
as "SA," indicating that sbellfishing for market purposes and primary and
· 25
secondary contact recreation are the best usages for these waters. That
portion of Long Creek west of the County bridge has been classified as "SC,"
indicating that this area is best suited for fishing and all other usages
except bathing and shellfishing for market purposes. The tributaries to
the creek have been classified as "C" waters. These waters are to be used
for fishing and other uses except primary contact recreation or as a source
of water supply for drinking, culinary or food processing purposes. The
Suffolk County Department of Health Services was contacted to ascertain the
availability of any water quality survey data collected by this agency in
Mattituck Creek. Some nutrient and coliform data were collected at a
limited number of stations located in the creek in 1970, 1972, 1973, 1974,
and 1975. However, the scope of sample coverage was inadequate (usually
only one station was sampled) and the format of reporting the data was not
consistent. From this data, ~t cannot be determined with any confidence
whether or not sections of the creek are receiving excessive nutrient loads.
Elevated nitrogen levels are suspected, however, in the extreme southern
portion of the creek.
Water quality data collected by the N.Y.S. Dept. of Environmental
Conservation (DEC) in 1967, 1968, 1969, 1970, 1972, 1973, 1974 and 1976 for
the purposes of certifying marine waters for the taking of shellfish for
human consumption were reviewed. The following statements are based on DEC
survey reports.
1. The observed salinity range for the creek was 24 to 28 parts per
thousand ~ the same salinity range found in adjacent Long Island
Sound waters. It appeared that fresh water entering the creek
from various small tributaries had only a minimal effect on
salinity levels.
2. Mattituck Creek serves as a major anchorage and refueling st~p
for pleasure craft utilizing the easterm end of Long Island Sound.
Partially burned fuel from boats, spillage from refueling operations,
the discharge of sanitary boat waste, and stormwater runoff were
identified as potential sources of pollution.
The effectiveness of subsurface waste disposal systems that were
utilized by various establishments located along the shoreline was
questioned because the water table at these locations is very close
to ground level.
&. Coliform bacteria levels in waters at the head of the creek ex-
ceeded the standard established for certification of shellfish areas.
Correlation of data with meteorological conditions indicated that
rainfall and its associated stormwater runoff caused the most serious
degradation of water quality. Total coliform counts generally in-
creased an order of magnitude after a significant rainfall. There-
fore, water quality during rainy periods was considered the "worst
condition" as compared to that occurring during fair weather.
5. The elevated total coliform counts found at the head of the creek
were "most probably caused by naturally occurring organisms being
carried from the adjacent farmlands to the creek by runoff."*
This conclusion was substantiated by the failure to identify by
field survey any direct source of fecal contamination to the creek,
and by the iow fecal coliform levels detected in the area.
At present, about one quarter of the total creek - 30 acres - is closed for
the taking of Shellfish. Bathing, however, is not prohibited in any portion
of the creek.
~ N.Y.S. Dept. of Environmental Conservation, Mattituck Inlet Shellfish
Crowing Area #30 1974 Survey Report, p. 4.
An interoffice memorandum prepared in 1966 by the Marine Fisheries
5,~itarian of the N.Y.S. Conservation Dept. indicated that extensive
,~rvd;',%ng operations conducted in Mattituck Creek in the early 1960's
"rc~t~lted in such a serious depletion of shellfish that local baymen and
r~.~;~d~nts report that it is impractical to try and harvest shellfish for
,'~,mmercial purposes from any areas in the creek."* Reference was made
ro the fact that previously, the creek had produced quantities of hard
cl.~:~,~ that supported a limited corm~ercial fishery. Since the creek at
~!~t time no longer supported substantial quantities of shellfish, it was
l~ted as "non-productive" by the State. It was pointed out, however, that
th~ ~rea could again become productive depending upon the success of new
clam sets.
* Quentin R. Bennett, Marine Fisheries Sanitarian to David H. Wallace,
Director N.Y.S. Conservation Dept., 22 June 1966.
I
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Section 9 - Natural Resources
Natural resources include the following physical and biological
environmental resources: dunes, beach, bluffs, surface waters, forests,
wetlands, farms, oldfield$, maritime vegetation spoil sites where suc-
cessional vegetation occurs or is developing, and prime wildlife areas.
The ~attituck Creek watershed has a rich diversity of natural environmental
resources within its tidal wetlands and coastal uplands with close associa-
tions between the two ecosystems (See map entitled "Natural Resources.").
Farmlands (cultivated lands) exist both to the west and east of the creek
with bluff and dune formation on Long Island Sound.
Prime wildlife areas were identified for the 'land within the boundaCy.
Prime wildlife areas include those sites that contain sizeable areas
of diverse vegetation with sufficient protected habitat. One of the Prime
Wildlife Areas within this study area is located along the Northeast sec-
tion of the creek. Another area of importance to breeding wildlife popu-
lations exists on the tidal marsh island owned by the Town of Southold in
the middle of the southern end of the creek. A third area, the shore and
uplands of Long Creek, is located in the eastern side of the study area.
The identification of these areas was based upon staff analysis and on in-
formation pertaining to Prime Wildlife areas contained in the NYS Depart-
ment of Environmental Conservation, Division of Fish and Wildlife report,
Areas of Particular Concern to the Preservation and Maintenance of Fish and
Wildlife Populations in the Coastal Zone of Lon~ Island (1976).
The saltwater wetlands (intertidal marsh, high marsh and formerly
connected tidal wetlands) were identified from the NYS Department of Environ-
mental Conservation's Tidal Wetlands Aerial Photograph Maps (1974).
'29
Dredge spoil areas were also identified from this map series. Areas of
maritime flora, those areas that have some vegetative type of low shrub-
like growth specifically associated with tidal or shore areas, and duae
and bluff lines were identified by aerial photographic interpretation.
Sandy areas which were adjacent to.coastal areas, wetlands and maritime
flora were classified as beach. Channel boundaries and depths were deter-
mined from the U. S. Army Corps of Engineers' survey of Mattituck Harbor
(1975).
Farmland and oldfields were identified from aerial photographs. The
farmland category included lands primarily in agricultural use (cleared
land, furrow marks); the oldfield categories are those areas that either
have not been in agricultural u~e for some time or have been partially
cleared, with no apparent use. Areas of residential, industrial or com-
mercial use and boating or recreational areas were designated as developed,
and were classified as such.
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30
Section 10 - Groundwater
The hydrogeologic conditions found on the North Fork of ~ng
play a critical role in the ability of the area to acco~ate ~re {~-
tensive land use and population increases. Local groundwater
and quality are crucial limiting factors on the nature and extent of
ment in any area that is virtually devoid of surface water resource~
able to "import" from elsewhere. Available groundwater supply l~
the extremely shallow aquifer found on the North Fork and by an ann,.,1
natural recharge of about 15 inches of precipitation per year.
The potable groundwater resource of the North Fork lies almost exclu-
sively within the upper glacial aquifer. Naturally occurring saltwater is
found in the deep aquifers below the North Fork. Thus, tapping the duepcr
aquifers as a solution to both water quality and water supply problcms is
not a viable alternative on the North Fork as it has been in western I.on~: Island.
The water table elevations on the North Fork are quite low, ranging from
sea level to 10 ft. above mean sea level. Three salt water inlets (Mattituck
Creek, Hashamomack Pond, and Dam Fond) and adjacent marshlands and inlets
divide the North Fork into four partially or completely separate island-like
hydrological areas.
The first of these hydrological areas stretches from the western boundary
of the North Fork to Mattituck Creek. This is the area of highest water
levels on the North Fork with an elevation of 10 ft. above mean sea level in
the central portion. In general, the water table aquifer on the North Fork
decreases in elevation toward the east and towards both shores. The next
hydrological area to the east, bounded by Mattituck Creek and Hashamomack
Pond, has a high water table elevation of only 6 ft. above mean sea level.
The two easternmost areas of the Fork, between Hashamomack Pond and Dam Pond
31
and from Dam Pond to Orient Point continue this trend with highest water table
elevations of only 4 ft. above mean sea level.
These water levels have significance with regard to groundwater quality
and development on the North Fork. The natural low groundwater heads indi-
cate that an extremely limited amount of pumpage can take place on the Fork
before serious salt water encroachment will occur. The high water table
elevations within most of the Mattituck watershed do not exceed 3 ft. above
mean sea level.
The highly permeable soils found on the North Fork not only allow for
rapid groundwater recharge, but also permit relatively rapid transport of
surface pollutants to the upper glacial aquifer. Significant pollution dis-
charges could remain largely unchanged in concentration within the upper
glacial aquifer for years because of the very slow flow of groundwater. Con-
taminants entering the groundwater system near the center of the four hydro-
logical areas on the North Fork tend to remain in the ground water much
longer than those entering near the shoreline. Current groundwater quality
problems existing on the North Fork stem in part from high concentrations of
chlorides, nitrates and pesticides.
High chloride concentrations on the North Fork due to naturally occurring
malty groundwater or salt water intrusion are found in several near-shore
areas. The North Fork is surrounded on three sides by salt water and its
fresh water supply is thus in contact with salt water along the entire peri-
meter of the Fork. As stated earlier, salt water also occurs beneath the
fresh water, with the fresh water floating on the salt water body. It is
primarily the pressure nf the fresh water column that determines the level
and location of the salt water body. Thus, decreasing this pressure through
extensive pumping could cause both lateral and vertical salt wster eucroachment.
32
?he a~sumed salt water interface elevation ranges from near sea level
_: :'.e ~]~a~-shore areas and in the vicinity of the salty surface water bodies
~C0 ft. below sea level in the center of the western part of the Fork. The
;c:fcr i5 Eenerally shallower towards the east along the Fork°
fha. !~roundwater under a large portion of the North Fork that is used for
.r-i::~ contains excessive concentrations of nitrates from agricultural ferti-
· . r.:. Specifically, these areas are located in the northern half of the
, ~he east and west of Mattituck Creek and in the extreme eastern end
~.~rk near Orient Point. Domestic septic tanks and cesspools do not
Lo be a source of excessive nitrates at the present time.
:;,~ pesticide aldicarb, which is a highly toxic carbamate pesticide man-
~'~rcd by the Union Carbide Corporation under the trade name of Temik~ was
· t~,d in groundwater in eastern Suffolk County in August of 1979. The
vv reliance of Temik by potato farmers to control the golden nematode and
~'olorado potato beetle and the consequent groundwater contamination led to
conduct of an extensive monitoring program by the Suffolk County Department
· : Health Services to determine extent and severity of the aldicarb problem.
Qver 8,000 water samples were collected and tested from East End wells.
'Fhe results of the analysis indicated that water from approximately 13% of the
wells exceeded th~ recommended guidelines of 7ppb; and, from another 13% of
the wells contained traces of aldicarb ranging from 1 to 7 ppb. Of the 984
wells in the Mattituck area that were sampled for aldioarb contamination, 121
wells (12.3%) had concentrations of aldicarb in excess of 7 ppb and an equal
number of wells had concentrations of aldicarb between 1 and 7 ppb. The map
entitled, "Aldicarb Contamination Recorded Within Private W611s," shows the
approximate location of private wells within the Mattituck Creek watershed
that contained concentrations of aldicarb. As a result of the findings,
33
Union Carbide offered to install granular activated carbon filters in'
those homes whose water supply contained levels of aldicarb contamination
above the recommended guidelines. Filters have been installed in over
1,000 homes. The treatment units are effective in removing the aldicarb
from the water supply. Although this'action alleviated the immediate pro-
blem by providing potable water of acceptable quality to the affected com-
munities, it can only be considered as an interim solution to a long term
problem of groundwater contamination by pesticides such as aldicarb.
34
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Section 11 - Land Manasement
Future development within the watershed should be subject to review to
determine impacts upon the quality of creek waters, limited groundwater supply,
and existing development. The To~ of Southold can protect marine water qual-
ity, preserve §rovnowater supply, maintain open space and protect wildlife
habitat by implementing the management strategies developed for use in con-
Junction with the land classifications found on the "Land Management" map.
Site development guidelines can be prepared for use by the Town in its over-
sight of lot development. Minimum standards for site development can be
enforced through inclusion in Town requirements for the issuance of building
permits and certificates of occupancy.
This section discusses measures that can be employed to minimize adverse
environmental impacts related to development located within the four categories
shown on the Land Management map. The four categories include:
Critical Watershed (shown in grass green and dark green on map),
Primarily Undeveloped Properties (shown in yellow-green),
Prime Farmland (shown in beige), and
Developed Areas (shown in yellow-gold).
Critical Watershed* - The critical watershed area depicted on the Land Manage-
ment map includes developed areas, undeveloped areas and the following resouces:
tidal wetlands, low marsh, high marsh, major swales leading to the creek,
stream chanmels and the 100 year-floodplain (defined as land areas with a one
percent chance of being inundated with water in any given year). It is the
area that directly contributes stormwater runoff and sediment from various
*When a property overlaps one or more of the above categories,
Critical Watershed, Prime Farmland, etc., the recommendations
for each category apply to that portion of the site within
that category as indicated on the Land Management map.
35
upland sources to the creek and iocludes priority sites where stormwater
filtration and recharge basins should be located. The sites where the depth
to the water table is shallow will require special controls to minimize im-
pacts on the water quality of the creek, as well as danger from flooding.
The basic concept for this zone is conservation, which allows for controlled,
minimal development and for preservation. The tidal wetlands, the relatively
undisturbed areas immediately adjacent to the creek, the major swales reachiog
the creek, and the dunes at the north of the study site should be preserved.
Ail other properties within the area are in the conservation category.
Developed properties already exist within the critical watershed area.
The recommendations for developed properties 'include maintenance of existing
natural vegetation, limitation of the creatioa of additional lawn area, and
minimizatiom of stormwater runoff.
Limiting factors such as availabl& potable water and the need to minimize
additional impacts upon Mattituck Creek must be considered in determining the
nature and location of future growth on the undeveloped %aed area within the
critical watershed. Future pumping from new wells'within this critical water-
shed area cam result in increased salt water intrusion and loss of nearby
wells. The issuaace of building permits for development of the vacant pro-
perties within the critical watershed area should be contingent upon the sub-
mission of detailed site plans indicating measures designed to mitigate adverse
impacts. Issuance nfa Certificate of Occupancy should be contingent upon the
installation of permanent stormwater and erosion control measures at the site.
Certain properties within the critical watershed area should be acquired
for natural or structural stormwater control measures. Measures are needed to
prevent flood damage to dwellings located within the 100 year-floodplain.
Developed Areas - These areas include developed parcels located outside the
36
critical watershed boundary. The recommendations for these properties include
reduction of fertilizers, herbicides and pesticides use, elimination of excess
lawn area, and maintenance of natural vegetation.
Primarily Undeveloped Properties - The lands included in this category require
conservatioo measures to protect grodndwater and the water quality of the creek.
These areas also contain prime farm soils that should be conserved. The erosion
potential of these lands is relatively high and development proposals should
include erosion control measures. The approval of subdivision plats and the
issuance of building permits should be contingent upon presentation of evidence
that plats or site plans have been designed so as to minimize undesirable en-
vironmental impacts. The issuance of a Certificate of Occupancy should be con-
tingent upon satisfactory installation of stormwater and erosion control measures.
Prime Farmland - It is recommended that the prime farmlands remain in farmland
use. If a property contains both prime farm soils and other farm soil acreage,
development, if it occurs, should be located on the least productive soil.
37
Section 12 - Results of Phase I
FINDINGS
Development problems at Mattituck Creek involve questions of public
nccess, facility development and the relationship of facility use to
,~nvironmental quality and resource degradation. The Town of Southold is
facing immediate development issues concerning the use of tidal wetlands
~:nd sites previously used for industrial purposes. The environmental
q~ality of Mattttuck Creek could be adversely impacted depending upon the
type and extent of new development along the shoreline areas of the Creek.
:~n~ development in the upland portions of the watershed and higher levels
,ff usage of creek waters for boating activity could exacerbate the existing
water quality problem in the southern portion of the creek.
The Mattituck Creek drainage basin encompasses 2,000 acres of upland
area. Ten subdivisions located within the watershed involving 63 lots for
residential development are now at some stage of the planning review process.
Within the watershed there are 345 acres of land under individual commitment
and/or included within the agricultural district, 211 acres of vacant plots
scattered among existing residential developments, and 659 acres of land con-
sisting of parcels greater than two acres which could potentially be subdivided.
These lands, totalling over 1,200 acres, could be subject to development in the
future.
Most of the land in the watershed is zoned Residential and Agricultural.
However, significant areas along the creek shoreline have been designated as
Light Business, General Business, Light Industrial and General Industrial.
The wide array of uses permitted in the latter categories is regulated pri-
marily by special exception permit procedures.
38
The 1980 estimated total seasonal and year-round population in the
watershed is 2,433. A total of 784 seasonal and year-round occupied units
are now located in the watershed area. The 1980 population density for
the watershed as a whole is 1.2 people per acre. Based on the existing zoning,
the estimated saturation population for the watershed is 6,189. The total
number of dwelling units could increase to 1,876 under saturation develop-
ment conditions. The estimated population density would be 3.1 people per
acre.
Growth in the Mattituck Creek watershed is groundwater limited. Ground-
water pollution from nitrates, saltwater intrusion and pesticides has al-
ready necessitated the closure of private water supply wells within the
watershed. Future growth within the watershed should be limited/controlled
to assure the continued viability of the local groundwaters for potable
water supply. An intensive groundwater quality/quantity study has not been
completed for the Mattituck Creek watershed.
Water quality in Mattituck Creek is primarily impacted from nutrients
and other pollutants carried in stormwater runoff and from septic tanks
located in the critical watershed area that directly borders the creek. Farm-
land, roads, and lawns are believed to be the primary sources of the pollut-
ant loadings from stormwater runoff. Existing pollutant loadings in several
locations need to be reduced so that water quality in the southern portion
of the creek can be improved. Future development within the critical water-
shed area can result in further degradation of the water quality of Mattituck
Creek, an~ therefor~ additional development controls are needed to minimize
further impacts upon the creek.
The Mattituck Creek has a rich diversity of natural resources including
prime agricultural soils, tidal wetlands and prime wildlife areas. Develop-
ment, if allowed to occur, would threaten'certain of these resources.
39
An intensive water quality study has never been made for Mattituck
Creek. Genera]. water quality conditions in }~ttituck Creek can only
be described in qualitative fashion. The general features of eetuarine
circulation cause the creek to act as a sediment (and pollutant) trap.
Tidal circelation in the creek may~not dilute and disperse nutrients and
particulate pollutants. As a result, runoff constituents, including
coliform organisms, tend to be retained in the head of the creek and its
tributaries. Intermittent dredging activities, erosion of building sites,
and stormwater runoff can lead to siltation in various portions of the creek.
Available water quality data is insufficient to determine whetber or not
the creek is receiving extensive nutrient loadings. At present, about 1/4
of the creek area is closed to shellfishing. Bathing is not prohibited in
any portion of the creek. Stormwater runoff is probably the main source of
coliform pollution; other potential sources include underflow from sub-
surface waste disposal systems and sanitary waste from boats.
Since the beginning of the 20th century, the inlet at Mattituck Creek
has been stabilized and periodically dredged by the Corps of Engineers. Federal
dredging authorization was predicated on the desire to improve waterborne
commerce in Mattituck Creek. More recently, an anchorage was provided for
recreational boats. Given the significance of this creek as a harbor of
refuge between Pt. Jefferson Harbor and Orient Point, it can be expected that
the Corps of Engineers will continua to dredge tn nro~ect di~ension~ as
conditions dictate.
At the present time, no commercial fisheries exist in the creek, al-
though the creek does support a large amount of recreational fishing.
40
OPPORTUNITIES
Development in the Mattituck Creek watershed is groundwater limited.
Unconstrained development should not continne unless the consequences of
such development - the problems and costs associated with the effect of such
development on both the quality and quantity of the water supply - are ac-
ceptable to the p~ople in the Town of Southold. The alternative is to limit
development and preserve water until additional sources of water supply are
available. It is assumed that public water from the main portion of Long
Island west of Riverhead will not be available to the Town of Southold within
the foreseeable future.
The location of the various development opportunities are shown on'the
nmp entitled, "Opportunities."
Oppo~u~v~ty #I - Re-Use o4 t/re Industrial Area Adjace~ to ~latt~tuck I~let.
The industrial area consists of six parcels encompassing 13.6 acres. It
is located entirely in the Critical Watershed, and groundwater supplies on-site
are extremely limited. The phase out of various industrial uses in the area
provides an opportunity for land reclamation and the establishment of other
uses along this portion of the creek shoreline. The area could accommodatea mix
of recreation, marine recreation, marine commercial and various public uses,
and as such, the zoning classification of these parcels should be modified to
reflect less intensive use. This includes the 3.4 acre parcel that is o~med by
Northville Industries, which is used for dockage and the storage of equipment
utilized in the maintenance and operation of its off-shore oil terminal. Use of
this parcel in support of the Northville terminal should, however, be allowed in
the future as a non-conforming use.
41
}~ttituck Inlet offers the only safe harbor on the north shore between
Orient Point and blt. Sinai Harbor. Accordingly, a commercial marina on part
of the industrial area could prove an attraction for pleasure boats. The lo-
cation of the marina could be enhanced by the provision of a private water
taxi service from the marina to the head of the creek. From there, the vis-
itors could walk to Mattituck's main commercial area to shop, dine or sightsee.
A marina at the Inlet entrance could result in increased traffic on the
two roads (Naugles and Luther's Breakwater Roads) providing access to the
Inlet area. However, the presence of a reliable water taxi service might re-
dsce the potential traffic increase by encouraging use of the creek itself.
Pnblic uses of the industrial area could include provision of park facili-
ties that are compatible with those on the adjacent Mattituck Park District
property, and the establishment of a public safety oriented facility, such as
a Coast Gnard auxilliary unit.
0ppo~t~u~ty #2 - Improvement of ~laf~tituck P~k District Prope/~ty on Lon~.
l~and Sound E~t o~ Mat~btuck I~et.
This site provides an opportunity to improve public access and to protect
adjacent environmental resources. The temporary unimproved access road be-
tween Bailie Beach Road and the east jetty should be abandoned, regraded and
planted for stabilization purposes. A portion of the area occupied by this
road should be utilized as a parking facility. Other facilities for the public
could be accommodated at this site as required in the fsture. There is a need
to improve control of beach access by off-road vehicles (ORV) in this general
location. A management plan for limiting ORV use could be implemented by the
town and the Mattituck Park District. Suggested guidelines for ORV use are
lncluded in Appendix B of this report.
42
0ppo,~tu~y #3 - Imlarov~,e~t e~ Mattituck Pa~k Dist~'.~t Property on Lon~
Island Sound We~t o~ Ma~uck Inlet,
Use of this site for recreational purposes and preservation of environ-
mental values can be fostered through site design and improvements. Site
planning for the site should be done in conjunction with the re-use of the
adjacent industrial area.
Opport~bty #4 - Town o~ Southold Proper~y Adjace~t to Ma~tituck Pa~k
Dist~ict Lands ~t the Head o~ the Creek.
This parcel should be improved for the expansion of adjacent park uses
and for the enhancement of the scenic corridor that is visible from County
Road 27.
Oppo~u~ity #5 - Sto~er Runoff Control Sit~.
Seven sites have been identified as suitable for various types of runoff
control projects involving biofiltration, flow attenuation, etc., which will
be necessary to improve the water quality of }~ttituck Creek and to prevent
further degradation of water quality as vacant lands in the watershed area
are developed. In addition, the natural swale areas which drain into the creek
need to be preserved to prevent degradation of marine water quality. The swale
at the head of Long Creek, should be preserved to as great an extent as possible
in order to protect the prime wildlife habitat found there.
Oppo~tu~ty #6 - Aeq~i~on of T2~ I~et~ds.
~¢o privately owned tidal wetland parcels, together encompassing about
30 acres, are located along the northeast portion of the creek shoreline. Both
parcels have been slated for acquisition by the NYS Dept. of Environmental Con-
servation under its tidal wetlands acquisition program. Title to these parcels
sho~lld be secured by the State as soon as possible.
0ppor~uni~y ~7 ~ Rcdttce F~tt~e Dcve~o~men~ Im~a~s ~ S~.6~Et, e Ar~s
~o.~ St~a§Ic ~.o;t Stand~td Subdivision.
The study'identified six areas where future development of standard
subdivisions would result in irreversible environmental impacts upon the
resources of the study area. The six sites require special siting of
structures, roads, lawns, septic tanks and stormwa~er drainage systems so
that prime agricultural lands, natural drainage systems, woodland and other
sensitive areas can be protected. The subdivision of the individual build-
Sng lots can be done in a manner ~o minimize environmental impacts and to
protect the natural resources, while also protecting the scenic quality of
the area. Clustering of development on the lar~er parcels also provides an
opportunity to preserve the resources identified above while at the same time
allowing for environmentally acceptable growth. It should be noted that a
developer realizes the same yield on his property when clustering, however,
the spatial arrangement of structures is modified in order to maintain emviron-
memtal val~es. Both techniques can ~e used to maintain prime farmlands and to
provide a buffer zone separatimg the tidal wetlands and creek shorelin~ from
future development in the upland area, from south of Mill Rd. north to Bail~e
Beach Rd.
0ppo~a~L~y ~8 - Pr~se~vm~ion of PrO~ AgricuLtural Lands.
Preservation of approximately 490 acres of prime agricultural lands
(identified on the basis of prime agricultural soils) in the watershed as well
as other areas in the Town of Southold should be asststed through changes in
zoning classification. A special overlay district should be created by the
Town of Sonthold that would include all those areas within the Town containing
prime agricultural soils. Ail land within this overlay district currently
zoned Residential/Agricultural (40,000 sq. ft.) should be upzoned in
accordance with one of the two following options:
1. one and one-half acre (60,000 sq. ft.) zoning with mandatory
clustering to be imposed at the discretion of the Town; 65% of
the acreage tn remain as open space and 35% to be developed.
2. two acre (80,000 sq. ft.) zoning with mandatory clustering to be
imposed at the discretion of the Town; 75% of th'e acreage to
remain as open space and 25% to be developed.
These options would not only preserve the prime agricultural soils,
.,~ would also result in significant decreases in the saturation population
f the watershed. Under option~one, tlle population of the watershed would
~' 5,334 - a reduction of 13.8% (855 people) from the saturation population
'~,!89 people) under existing zoning. With option two, the population would
:e 5,040 - a reduction of 18.6% (1,149 people).
-'i~po,~u~y #9 ~ Old B~id~e Landin~ at ~ll Road.
This site should be improved to provide for public access, e.g. scenic
overlook with benches, and shoreline fishing.
Oppo~tu~y #10 - Protection o~ ~he Creek.
Under State law, townships have the authority to regulate boating activi-
ties within a distance of 1,500 ft. from shore (NYS Town Law, Article 9, Sec-
tion i30, subsection 17). Therefore, the Town of Southold has authority to
develop a navigation ordinance, which could include such things as the estab-
lishment of no wake zones, mooring areas, etc. Enforcement of this ordinance,
especially during tile summer boating season at Mattituck Creek and other town
waterways might require additional town staff. Routine waterway patrols would
provide a means for surveillance and reporting of illegal shellfishing, pollu-
tion, dumping or construction activities.
45
Surveillance of environmental quality in Mattituck Creek shot~id be
~itiated and maintained. A most valuable cost-effective procedure appears
:,.~ be n detailed water quality survey in December, when nutrient concentra-
;~v~s are usually at a maximum, the waters are well mixed, and biological
.,.tivity is at a minimum. This would provide a basis for year-to-year
,,:-:parisons of environmental quality in the creek. Surveillance should be
~i~ued during JL~ly, August and September when environmental problems are
'~2. iy to be most conspicuous. These surveys should include measurements of
.~vients such as ammonia, nitrate, possibly ureas as well as measurements of
. : dissolved oxygen concentrations in surface and bottom waters. Depending
· ',a the availability of funds, the sediment deposits in the creek should be
· ,,:~yzed to determine which areas have been most affected by runoff, etc. in
:~... past. Sediments should be studied at regular intervals (3-5 years) in
~'~!er to monitor long-term changes.
The volume and composition of stormwater runoff from roads and urban
~rcas should be monitored to ascertain the magnitude of nutrient and other
pollutant additions from this source to the creek. In this way the major
stormwater pollution sources can be identified. Based upon the monitoring
data, it will be possible to evaluate the effectiveness of runoff control
projects and to prioritize their implementation.
Studies should be made of fish kills, "red tides," and debris strandings
to evaluate probable causes. A publicized telephone reporting service for
citizens of the town observing unusual occurrences, such as "red tides" and
fish kills, would be valuable. It is important to determine whether these
highly visible (snd often obnoxious) environmental problems are increasing in
frequency or affecting wider areas.
46
Eroding shorelines and upland areas should be stabilized to minimize
sediment transport to the creek and the need for maintenance dredging,
Debris and construction equipment now stored at a site adjacent to
Bayview Ave., should be removed.
47
.,!
APPENDIX A
Uses permitted within "A" Residential and Agricultural zone by special
exception by the Town of Southold Board of Appeals include:
1. two family dwellings, conversion of existing buildings and new con-
struction, not to exceed one such dwelling on each lot containing
a minimum area of 80,000 square feet
2. places of worship
3. private educational institutions
4. libraries, philanthropic, eleemosynary or religious institutions,
hospitals, nursing and rest homes or sanitaria for general medical
care, but excluding facilities for the treatment of all types'of
drug addiction
5. public utility rights-of-way as well as structures and other instal-
lations necessary to serve areas within the town
6. fraternity houses, golf courses and annual membership clubs
7. children's recreational camps organized primarily for seasonal use
8. labor camps
9. boat docking facilities for the docking, mooring or accommodation of
no mQre than two noncommercial boats other than those owned and used
by the owner of the premises for his personal use
10. veterinarian offices and animal hospitals
11. cemeteries
12. stable and riding academies
13. funeral homes and undertaking establishments
Uses permitted within the "B" Light Business District by special exception
by the Board of Appeals include:
1. all those uses permitted by special exception by the Board of Appeals
'A-1
Appendix A (cont'd)
in the "A" Residential and Agricultural District, with the exception
of two f~mily dwellings.
2. hotels and motels
3. tourist camps
Uses permitted within the "B-i" General Business District by special ex-
xon by the Board of Appeals include:
all those listed under the "B" Light Business District
2. places of amusement
3. fishing stations
4. public garages, gasoline service stations, (including partial self-
service stations) and new and used car lots
5. cabinet shops, carpenter shops, electrical shops, plumbing shops,
furniture repair shops and bicycle and motorcycle shops.
Uses permitted within the "C" Light Industry District by special exception
!.~. ~he Board of Appeals include:
1. industrial uses, including manufacturing, assembling, converting,
altering, finishing, cleaning or other processing, handling or stroage
of products or materials, involving the use of only oil, gas or
electricity for fuel
2. research, design and development laboratories; office buildings
3. wholesale storage and warehousing
4. building contractors' yards
5. public utility structures and ~ses
6. newspaper and printing establishments
7. bus and truck terminals (garages, parking facilities, loading docks, etc.)
8. food processing and packaging plants
A-2
Appendix A (cont'd)
9. marina for the docking and mooring of all types of boats.
10. launching facilities
11. ferry terminals
12. yacht clubs; charter fishing docks
13. eating and drinking establishments
14. retail sales of boats and marine items
15. boat building; boat servicing; boat storage facilities
16. yards for sale and storage of fuel and building materials
The uses listed below are permitted within the "C-l" General Industrial
District only by special exception by the Board of Appeals:
1. abattoirs
2. acetylene gas manufacture or gas manufacture from coke, petroleum
or from any other storage thereof
3. acid manufacture
4. ammonia, bleaching powder or chlorine manufacture
5. arsenal
6. asphalt manufacture and asphalt mixing plants
7. blast furnace
8. cement, lime, gypsum or plaster of paris manufacture; ready-mix
or bulk concrete plants and block manufacturing
9. coke ovens
10. crematories
distillation of bones
12. dwellings, all types
13. explosives manufacture or storage
14. fat rendering
15. fertilizer manufacture
A-3
Appendix A (cont'd)
16. fireworks manufacture
17. 5arbage, offal or dead animals reduction or dumping
18. glue, size or gelatin manufacture
19. gunpowder manufacture or storage
20. automobile wrecking yards and all other junkyards
21. oilcloth or linoleum manufacture
22. oil, rubber or leather manufacture
23. ore reduction
24. paint, oil, shellac, turpentine or varnish manufacture
25. paper and pulp manufacture
26. petroleum refining, 'storage tanks.
27. potash works
28. rolling mill
29. rubber or gutta-percha manufacture
30. saltworks
31. sauerkraut manufacture
32. shoeblacking or stove polish manufacture
33. smelting
34. soap manufacture
35. stockyards or slaughterhouses
36. stone mill or quarry
37. structural steel or pipe works
38. sulfuric, nitric or hydrochloric acid manufacture
39. sugar refining
40. tar distillation or manufacture
41. tar roofing or wgterproofing manufacture
42. tallow, grease or lard manufacture
A-4
Appendix A (cont'd)
43. tanning, curing or storage of rawhides or skins
44. tobacco (chewing) manufa'cture or treatment
45 vinegar manufacture
46. yeast plant
47. airports and airfields.
Where a use is permitted in any use district only as a special mxception by
the Board of Appeals, such use is not permitted in a "C-I" District except as a
special exception by the Board of Appeals.
A-5
APPENDIX B
Manage2~e~ SC~cc~e~at,( for Con,~o~ o~ O~f~-Road Vehicles in Coas~a~ A~¢as
Off-road vehicle usage in coastal areas should be monitored by the
relevant authorities to determine the commercial, residential and recre-
ational needs for such usage, the levels of off-road vehicle travel by
coastal area, the existence of comflicts with other users of these areas,
and existing as well as potential damage to coastal resources that can be
attributed to off-road vehicles. This information should be used to de-
velop programs for managing off-road vehicle use that are consistent with
the philosophy and objectives of utilizing the coastal areas in question.
The programs should include appropriate regulations and penalties that are
adequately enforced.
Recommendations for minimizing the environmental impacts of off-road
vehicle travel include the following:
a. Close sensitive areas along coastal bays and lagoons (salt marshes
and sand flats) to vehicle traffic. Primary dunes should be off
limits to vehicle and pedestrian traffic.
b. Establish and control necessary vehicle access points to the beach
so as to maintain the primary dune elevation. Build wooden ramps
at all vehicle crossings. Washovers and low points in the primary
dune should be revegetated and/or snow fenced in order to build up
these areas and prevent vehicle intrusion.
c. Limit vehicle traffic in back dune areas to well-defined trails.
These trails should be marked with borders of shrubbery, fences,
posts, etc. in order to prevent vehicle departures'into vegetated
areas. The trail layout should avoid existing and potential blow-
out sites and should be d~signed to minimize potential environmental
damage while serving the needs and desires of the users of the area.
B-1
d. Monitor trails and dune crossings. If a site exhibits continued
deterioration, the trail and/or dune crossing at this site should
be relocated.
e. Limit off-road vehicle travel on the beach to the area between
the seaward base of the dune and the low tide mark. New drift
lines forming at the base of the dunes should be off-l~mits to
vehicle travel.
f. Prohibit vehicle access to the beach during periods of extreme
high tide and active erosion of the beach in order to prevent
vehicle intrusion on dune flanks.
g. If warranted, close dangerous sections of the beach to traffic,
In such instances adequate by-pass routes should be provided.
h. Identify nesting areas of least terns and other colonial birds
with clearly marked signs. Vehicle and pedestrian traffic within
these areas during the breeding and nesting season from May 1st
to September 1st should be prohibited. Signs calling attention to
the colonies should be posted at least 100 ft. from colony peri-
meters warning pedestrians and vehicles not to approach any closer.
B-2
BIBLIOGIOkPHY
Division of Marine and Coastal Resources, N.Y.S. Conservation Dept.
Mattituck Inlet Shellfish Growin~ Area #30 Survey Report of 1969.
Ronkonkoma, N.Y. 19 February 1970.
Reappraisal and survey reports for 1972, 1974, 1975 and 1976 were al-
so consulted.
Ceraghty and }~ller, Inc. ~d__rq.se~logy~ Water Supply and Water Quality of
the North Fork of Lon$ Island~. Ne~ ~or~. Port Washington, N.Y.:
Nassau-Suffolk Regional Planning Board. 1978.
Gross, M.G., Davies, D.S., Lin, P.M. and Loeffler, W. Characteristics and
Environmental Quality of Six North Shore Bays, Nassau and Suffolk
Countiq~ .Lon~ Island~ New York. ~rine Sciences Research Center
Tech. Report Series #14. SUNY at Stony Brook. 1972.
Malcolm Pirnie Engineers. Investigation of Water Resources in the Town of
Southold, Suffolk County~ Lon~ Island, New York. White Plains, N.Y.:
N.Y.S. Office of Planning,Coordination, 1967.
Suffolk County Dept. of Health Services, ~rine Bathing Water Monitoring
Section. Water quali~y data sheets for samples taken in Mattituck
Creek in 1970, 1972, 1973, 1974 and 1975.
Suffolk County Dept. of Health Services, Water Quality Unit. Annual
Narrative Report. Hauppauge, N.Y.: January, 1981.
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, New York District. Environmental Assessment:
Maintenance Dred$in~ of Mattituck Harbor. June, 1976.
U.S. Congress. House. Annual Re~ort of the Chief of Engineers~ U.S. Army,
Part 1. H. Doc. 2922, 52nd Cong., 1st sess., 1891-1892.
U.S. Congress. House. Annual R~.por~ of the Chief of En~ineers~ U.S. Army.
H. Doc. 8 (9134), 71st Cong., 1st sess., 1929.
U.S. Congress. House. Report of the Chief of En~ineers~ U.S. Army~ 1965.
H. Doc. v. 10-1, 89th Cong., 2nd sess., 1965.
Woodward-Clyde Consultants. A_p_~se~m.egt..of O~h~.drologic Conditiot~s~ North
Fork and Shelter Island~ Long Island, New York. Denver, Colorado:
'1977. Report prepared for Nassau-Suffolk Regional Planning Board.
Zaki, Mahfouz H. "Toxic Contaminants of Groundwater in Suffolk County."
Paper presentcd at the Long Island Regional Planning Board Seminar on
Protection of Groundwater from Toxic and Hazardous Material, Hauppauge,
N.Y.: 17 November 1980. (in-press)
C-1