HomeMy WebLinkAboutLWRP Section 2.0 Inventory & Analysis Draft April 1991TOWN OF SOUTHOLD
I~EC~IV~D
APR 1 9 1991
DRAFT LOCAL WATERFRONT
REVITALIZATION PROGRAM
SECTION 2.0 INVENTORY AND ANALYSIS
APRIL 1991
PREPARED BY:
CASHIN ASSOCIATES, P.C.
ENGINEERS - ARCHITECTS - PLANNERS
PLAINVlEW, NEW YORK
THE PREPARATION OF TI-~S REPORT WAS FINANCIALLY AIDED THROUGH A FEDERAL GRANT
(GRANT-IN-All) A~IIARO NO. NA-82-AA..O-CZ-O~) FROM THE OFFICE OF OCEAN AND
COASTAL ~ MANAGEMENT, NATIONAL OCEANIC AND ATMOSPHERIC ADMINISTRATION
~ THE COASTAL ZONE MANAGEMENT ACT OF 1972, AS AMENOED. THIS REPORT WA~
PI~PARED FOR THE NEW YOflK STATE DEPARTMENT OF STATE.
TOWN OF SOUTHOLD
LOCAL WATERFRONT REVITALIZATION PROGRAJ4
TABLE OF CONTENTS
SECTION 2
2.1
2.2
2.3
2.4
Inventory and Analysis
Orientation
2.1.1 Community Profile
2.1.2 Identification and Description
of LWRP Sub-Areas
Natural Resources and Existing
Environmental Conditions
2.2.1
2.2.2
2.2.3
2.2.4
2.2.5
2.2.6
2.2.7
2.2.8
2.2.9
2.2.10
2.2.11
2.2.12
Regional Geology
Topography
Soils
Groundwater Resources
Surface Waters
Surface Water Quality
Erosion and Flood Hazard Areas
Wetland Ecology
Upland Ecology
Significant Coastal Fish and
Wildlife Habitats
Critical Environmental Areas
Visual Quality
Land and Water Uses
2.3.1 Existing Land and Water Uses
and Existing Zoning
2.3.2 Water-Dependent and Water-Enhanced
Uses
Deteriorated and Abandoned Uses
Public Access and Recreation
Commercial and Recreational
Finfishing, Shellfishing, and
Aquaculture
Navigation Facilities, Maintenance
Dredging, and Spoil Disposal
Utilities and Infrastructure
Historic Resources
2.3.3
2.3.4
2.3.5
2.3.6
2.3.7
2.3.8
Analysis of Issues, Problems and
Opportunities
Paoe No.
2-1
2-1
2-10
2-12
2-12
2-14
2-16
2-20
2-28
2-34
2-58
2-79
2-92
2-95
2-118
2-120
2-130
2-151
2-155
2-158
2-170
2-184
2-190
2-199
2-204
TABLE OF CONTENTS (Cont.)
Paoe No.
List of Abbreviations
References
Appendices
Appendix A
Appendix B
Appendix C
Appendix D
Appendix E
Appendix F
Soils Profiles and Characteristics
Stormwater Outfalls and Runoff Problems
Inventory of Coastal Landforms
Inventory of Erosion and Flood
Protection Structures
Coastal Erosion Reconnaisance Study
Summary of Commercial Fishing Activities
in Mattituck Inlet/Creek
Fiqure No.
2-1
2-2
2-3
2-4
2-5
2-6
2-7
LIST OF FIGURES
Title
Regional Context
Sub-Area Boundaries
Generalized Geologic Cross
Section
Groundwater Contamination
Water Quality Classifications
and Coastal Erosion Hazard
Areas
Flood Hazard Areas
Significant Coastal Fish and
Wildlife Habitats and Critical
Environmental Areas
Follows Paqe
2-1
2-10
2-13
2-25
2-36
2-65
2-117
Map No.
1-I
2-1
2-2
2-3
LIST OF MAPS
Map Title
Coastal Area Boundaries
Existing Land Use
Existing Zoning
Natural Resources
Bound at
the Rear of
Section
1.0
2.0
2.0
2.0
Tab1 e No.
2-1
2-2
2-3
2-4
2-5
2-6
2-7
2-8
2-9
2-10
2-11
2-12
2-13
2-14
2-15
LIST OF TABLES
Title
Storm Drainage Outfalls
Town Drainage Improvement
Projects
Surface Water Quality
Classifications
Tidal Wetlands in Southold's
Coastal Zone
List of Endangered, Threatened,
Special Concern and Rare
Species of Plants and Wildlife
Found within Southold's Coastal
Zone
Typical Vegetation of Upland
Woodlands and Abandoned Fields
in Southold
Critical Environmental Areas
in the Town of Southold
Boat Moorings Regulated by
the Town
Zoning and Land Use Descriptions
Southold Town Parks
Town of Southold Boat Launch
Ramps
Southold Park District Parks
Trends in Shellfish Closure
Areas
Shellfish Harvesting in Southold
Records of Southold Shellfish
Habitats
Follows Page
2-33
2-34
2-36
2-80
2-84
2-93
2-119
2-131
2-133
2-159
2-159
2-15g
2-173
2-175
2-177
Table No.
LIST OF TABLES (Cont.)
Title
Follows Paqe
2-16
2-17
1989 Annual Finfish, Lobster and
Squid Landings from Peconic and
Gardiner's Bay
Summary of Suffolk County
Dredging Projects in the Town
of Southold
2-183
2-186
2-18 Southold Register of Landmark 2-202
Structures
SECTION 2
2.1 Orientation
2.1.1 Community Profile
The Town of Southold is located at the eastern extreme of Long
Island, at the end of the northern peninsula known as the North
Fork. Southold is the eastern-most township on the north fork and
is bordered to the west by the Town of Riverhead (Figure 2-1). The
Town is approximately 54 square miles in size with approximately
163 linear miles of coastline. Roughly 70 percent of the Town land
area lies within the coastal zone boundary. The Town is surrounded
by the Long Island Sound, Block Island Sound, Gardiners Bay, and
the Peconic Bays.
There are five islands that are located within the municipal
jurisdiction of the Town including: Fishers Island (approximately
3200 acres or 5 sq. miles in size); Plum Island (847 acres); Robins
Island {450 acres); Great Gull Island (25 acres); and Little Gull
Island (5 acres). Fishers Island is located 13 miles northeast of
Long Island and 3 miles south of the Connecticut coastline. Plum
Island and the Gull Islands are owned by the Federal government.
Plum Island, located 1/2 mile east of Orient Point, is utilized for
government research and access is restricted. Robins Island, an
undeveloped marine island, lies approximately one and one-quarter
miles southwest of Little Hog Neck, in the Town of Southold.
Historic Overview of Southold
The Town of Southold, considered the oldest English settlement in
New York State, was founded in 1640 by a group of Puritans from the
New Haven, Connecticut colony. At this time, the area was
considered a part of that colony. The Town of Southold, like most
other areas of Long Island, was inhibited by Indians. The Corchaug
Indians were well established in the Cutchogue area and other areas
2-1
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STATEN ISLAND
FEBRUARY 1991
"' S 0 5 I0 15
SCAt; IN r4~Icc.
FIGURE 2-1
CASHIN ASSOCIATES, P.C. REGIONAL CONTEXT
of the Town at the time these early settlers arrived. European
settlement, which brought disease, as well as the harsh and punitive
methods of the 17th Century law and custom, destroyed an Indian way
of life that had existed for thousands of years in a few decades.
The first settlers cleared fields for crops and raised livestock,
establishing an agricultural way of life that still exists today.
As the population increased, settlement spread beyond the Town
Creek area of what is now known as Southold hamlet, to Orient,
Mattituck and Cutchogue. Hashamomuck (Arshamomoque) become part
of the Town in 1662. The Indians who formerly occupied these lands
were pushed out; many of them were enslaved. The Indians possessed
great fishing skills and it is assumed that these skills were passed
on to the early settlers.
With more land available and trade established {and growing) with
New England and the West Indies, new crops such as flax and tobacco
were raised. Southold hamlet became established as an area for
shipping andashipbuildingindustryemerged. Brickmakinghadalso
become a well-established industry. As the years passed, the Town
endured the Revolutionary War, which brought with it much economic
hardship, and the area remained isolated and self-sufficient.
Town Creek was an area of early boating activity and home to ship
captains, mariners, and ship builders. Many long boats and cargo
vessels made port here. Much grain, flax, produce and horses were
shipped to New York City markets on boats from this area (Clarke,
lg65}. Southold Wharf was built in 1856 and was later renamed
Founders Landing. This became a busy stop for steamers making their
way to New England.
In 1838, the Village of Greenport was incorporated and rapidly
became a whaling center. This gradually transferred ship building
and shipping from the hamlet of Southold to Greenport. It wasn't
2-2
until 1844, with the advent of the railroad, that the Town really
changed. Isolation was ended and distant markets were brought
close. Land values rose, farming methods modernized, and the
Townspeople prospered. A more diversified economy was established,
which included a flourishing tourist industry and commerce. As
summer visitors were attracted to the area, boarding houses
flourished and hotels were constructed. Southold remained, however,
largely an agricultural community, with Greenport as the center of
the Town.
In the mid to late 1800's, as the whaling industry died out, other
industries connected with the water grew and prospered. The
Menhaden, striped bass, cod, bluefish and other fisheries, the
scallop, conch, and oyster industries, and fertilizer processing
plants which made agricultural fertilizers from fish, provided jobs
well-throughout the twentieth century. Most of these industries
continue today.
Over the years the farms changed hands and new crops and
agricultural activities were pursued continuing a thriving
agricultural industry. The first and second World Wars also
bolstered the ship building industry. The end of World War II
represented another turning point for the Town of Southold.
Improved transportation and communitication resulted in more rapid
and continued change and development.
Fishers Island
Fishers Island was originally discovered in 1614 by Adrian Block,
who gave this island its name. John Winthrop, Jr., was the first
titled owner of the Island. In 1641, Connecticut granted him
Fishers Island, and in 1644, he purchased it from the Pequot
Indians. Winthrop used the island as a business farm where sheep
were raised for food and wool. After Winthrop died in 1676, his
2-3
son Fitz-John installed a lessee farmer from England on the island,
who brought with him a system of cultivation which was continued
on the island for nearly two-hundred years. This farmer, William
Walworth, established farmland out of nearly 3,000 heavily forested
acres. Walworth and his family vacated the island nine years later
due to the threat of pirates. Fishers Island was owned by one
Winthrop family member after another until 1863, when ownership was
passed over to Robert R. Fox, and then to Edmund and Walton
Ferguson.
In 1783, brickmaking was established, using the vast amounts of
available clay, as the largest and only industry. This business
was discontinued in 1889. In 1870, a life saving station was
erected at the western end of the island, which overlooked the
waters between Fishers Island and Little Gull Island. The Race Rock
lighthouse, which is located approximately one mile west of Fishers
Island was constructed in 1878 as a navigational aid for travel in
The Race {an area of strong tidal action}. In the early lgO0's a
permanent Coast Guard Station was built on the east end of the
island.
In 1898, the Fergusons sold 216 acres on the western end of the
island to the Federal Government. This land was developed as Fort
H.G. Wright. This naval installation still exists today.
The 1890's brought a growing summer population and the construction
of the Fishers Island Yacht Club. Electricity was produced in 1899
using generators. The E.W. & W. Ferguson business was established,
which managed the Mansion House Hotel and Cottages, a ferry service,
and electricity, water and telephone enterprises. This business
was renamed the Fishers Island Farms in 1918. Following the death
of the Fishers Island Farms president in 1965, the business was
purchased and became the Fishers Island Utility Company which
continues ownership of the water, telephone and electrical
2-4
utilities. Today the ferry is operated by the Fishers Island Ferry
Commission.
Fishers Island has changed very little since the turn of the
century. With the exception of a school that was built in the
1970's to replace an outdated structure built in 1914, not much has
changed. Fishers Island is an area where great care is taken to
maintain and preserve its simple beauty and solitude.
Socioeconomic Overview
Since 1800, the permanent population of the Town has been increasing
by an average of 13.2 percent every ten years. The most significant
changes have been realized during the past 50 years. The 1990
population estimate for Southold was 19,396 persons, excluding the
Village of Greenport population of 2,462 persons {LILCO, June 1990).
This represents an approximate 14.8 percent increase over the
reported 1980 figure of 16,899, and an approximate 35.4 percent
increase since 1970. The respective 1990 population figures for
the various hamlets are shown as follows:
Census Census LILCO
Census Desiqnated Place 1970 1980 Est. Jan. ]990
Cutchogue - New Suffolk 2,718 2,788 3,082
East Marion - Orient 1,240 1,511 1,695
Fishers Island 462 318 300
Greenport, uninc. 1,682 1,571 1,900
Laurel 598 962 1,128
Mattituck 3,039 3,923 4,442
Peconic 835 1,056 1,309
Southold 3,749 4,770 5.540
Total 14,323 16,899 19,396
2-5
The census figures indicate that the population of the Town has
grown at an increasing rate over the past three decades. In fact,
during the past 50 years, the population has increased by over 60
percent {the population in 1940 was just over 12,000 persons).
Today, much of the heritage handed down over the past three and a
half centuries still remains. The major economic activities in the
Town still include agriculture, commercial fishing, and tourism and
recreation.
Agriculture is a dominant feature of the Southold economy. Farming
activities occupy more acreage in the Town than any other land use.
Although the amount of land used for agricultural p~actices has
remained relatively constant over the past twenty five years or so,
the nature of these practices has changed. Vineyards, horsefarms,
nurseries and vegetable farms have been replacing the once prominent
acreages of potatoes. The newer, non-traditional uses are proving
to be more economically feasible.
Commercial fishing is another major economic component. This
industry and its associated support facilities has have been a
source of employment in the Town for centuries. The commercial
fishing industry involves the taking of shellfish, a wide variety
of finfish, and lobsters from Town waters. The Peconic/Gardiners
Bay shellfishing industry is, in fact, of State-wide and national
importance. Commercial and commercial character businesses operate
out of Mattituck Inlet and Greenport. These commercial fishing
industries have resulted in extensive economic benefits for the
Town.
The commercial fisheries operating out of Mattituck Inlet include
12 to 15 commercial trawlers and 10 to 12 small lobster boats.
Mattituck Inlet supports four fish packing operations; including
two family-operated packing houses that have existed for several
2-6
years. These local fishing fleets operate exclusively in the Long
Island Sound and their catch is either sold locally or hauled to
the Fulton Fish Market in New York City.
The third major component of the Southold economy is recreation and
tourism. The Town has an abundance of recreational facilities, many
water-dependent in nature, and is a very popular area for seasonal
visitors. Summer (seasonal) motels, inns, cabins and cottages are
located throughout the Town. Many houses are also utilized as
second homes. The small, quaint, historic hamlets are an additional
attraction. Swimming, boating and sport fishing are major
recreational activities, particularly during the summer months.
The Town contains nine Town beaches, five County parks (three with
beaches), and two State beaches. In addition there are numerous
marinas and boat launch sites, which support a rapidly increasing
recreational boating industry. All indications show that recreation
and tourism will continue and become increasingly more important
in the future.
Mainland Southold contains eight small hamlets including (from west
to east): Laurel; Mattituck; New Suffolk; Cutchogue; Peconic;
Southold; East Marion; and Orient. There is also a small hamlet
or business center on Fishers Island. These hamlet areas each
contain small business districts and a post office, some are more
extensive in nature than others. The businesses that support the
tourist, agricultural, and fishing industries account for much of
the commercial activity in these hamlet areas. Marine commercial
areas, including boatyards, marinas, fishing stations, boating
supply stores, etc., are found throughout the Town along the South
shore. Heavy commercial activity in the Town includes distribution
centers and storage facilities. The hotel/motel and restaurant
industries also make up a significant portion of the Town's
commercial activity.
2-7
The largest general service areas in the Town (outside of Greenport)
are located inMattituckandSouthold. Cutchogue is also considered
acommunitycentral business district. Each of these areas includes
a variety of commercial uses such as retail, service, marine
commercial and, in some cases, light industrial uses. Each of these
three areas contains between 20 and 30 stores and businesses.
Commercial activities are also conducted in the smaller hamlet areas
and at establishments located along roadways located outside these
centers.
Industrial activity in the Town is very limited. Much of the Towns
industrially zoned land is used for agriculture or remains vacant.
Existing industrial activities include such uses as construction
contractors, freight transport and other transportation services,
wholesale business, and fish and agricultural processing plants.
Transportation Overview
The Town has a fairly sufficient, well established network of public
roads including 200 miles of Town road, 14 miles of County roads,
and 23 miles of State roadways. These roads are utilized by
commuters, residents, and visitors. The two major arterials that
run west to east, include: New York State Route 25, which extends
throughout the southern and central portions of the Town; and
Suffolk County Route 48, which extends throughout the northern and
central portions of the Town.
There are a large number of collector roads that run in a north-
south direction, providing access between the Long Island Sound and
the south shore bays. There are also many minor streets that give
immediate access to abutting properties.
2-8
In addition to the automobile-oriented travel, there are several
sources of public transportation. These include the Long Island
Rail Road, bus service, and ferry service. There are also three
small airports located within the local waterfront area.
The Long Island Rail Road has a branch which runs through the Town
of Southold, entering at the east end of the Town and terminating
in downtown Greenport. Southold is the last stop on the mainline
(single track) originating in Farmingdale with subsequent
connections to New York City (LIRR, January 1991). The railroad
travels generally through the center of the Town and is not
electrically powered. There are stations in the hamlets of
Mattituck and Southold, and the Village of Greenport. A fourth
station in Cutchogue was recently closed. Average commuter times
from Greenport to Penn Station in New York City is three hours,
and service is generally limited to daytime and early evening hours.
The frequency of service increases during the summer months. There
is no rail service between Greenport and Orient Point.
Suffolk County Transit operates bus service within the Town of
Southold. In recent months, bus service has been reduced to one
route, known as Route S92, which traverses the length of the Town
from the Riverhead border to Orient Point (SCT, January 1991).
There are several stops along this route throughout the Town, which
continues to other sections of eastern Suffolk County. Service is
limited to daytime and early evening operation. Sunrise Coach Line
offers daily commuter service from Greenport to Manhattan, 7 days
per week, averaging 3 departures per day. The company also offers
a local line traveling from Orient Point to East Hampton.
The Town of Southold is serviced by three different ferry companies
that carry both passengers and vehicles. In general, ferry service
is more frequent during the summer. The Cross Sound Ferry Service,
Inc. offers year round ferry service from Orient Point in Sub-Area
2-9
2.1.2
5, to New London, Connecticut, with limited restricted service to
Plum Island. The ferry terminal is located at the eastern terminus
of Main Road {SR 25). Access by ferry is also available via the
North Ferry Company, which is located off SR 25 in Greenport. This
company offers ferry service year round between the Incorporated
Village of Greenport, to State Route 114 on Shelter Island. In
addition, ferry service is provided by the Fishers Island Ferry
Company between New London, Connecticut and a terminal at Silver
Eel Cove on Fishers Island (Sub-Area 10). This service is available
year round for both passengers and vehicles.
None of the three small airport facilities located in the LWA are
large enough to offer scheduled commercial flights. The Charles
Rose Air Field {Sub-Area 4) and Mattituck Airport {Sub-Area 9) are
privately owned, whereas Elizabeth Field on Fishers Island {Sub-
Area 10) is publicly owned.
Identification and Description of the LWRP Sub-Areas
The local waterfront area (LWA) of the Town of Southold is
extensive, covering both the north and south shores of the Town.
For the purposes of the inventory and analysis, and to facilitate
the required use and review of this document by Federal, State, and
local officials, the LWA has been divided into ten "sub-areas".
The boundaries of these ten sub-areas are shown in. Figure 2-2.
There are nine sub-areas on the mainland; four along the north shore
and five along the south shore. Sub-Area 10 incorporates Fishers
Island in its entirety. The ten sub-areas include the following:
Sub-Area I stretches east from the Town of Riverhead boundary
to Duck Pond Point, and includes the communities of Mattituck
Hills and Oregon Hills, as well as the northern reaches of
Mattituck hamlet;
2-10
(Not To Scale)
Area Outside
Coastal Boundary
Incorporated Village
o! Greenport
,FEBRUARY 1991
CASHIN ASSOCIATES, P.C.
SUB
FIGURE 2-2
- AREA BOUNDARIES
Sub-Area 2 extends east from Duck Pond Point to Horton Point,
and includes portions of the Peconic and Horton Neck
communities;
Sub-Area 3 extends east from Horton Point to Rocky Point, and
includes portions of the small communities of Hashamomuck Beach
and Stifling;
Sub-Area 4 stretches east from Rocky Point to Orient Point at
the end of the northfork, and includes portions of the East
Marion community and the Orient Point community;
Sub-Area 5 extends west from Orient Point to the eastern
boundary of the Incorporated Village of Greenport, and includes
the hamlets of Orient and East Marion;
Sub-Area 6 extends west from the western boundary of the
Incorporated Village of Greenport to Founder's Landing, and
includes the small communities of Hashamomuck and Biexedon;
Sub-Area 7 stretches west from Founder's Landing to Indian
Neck, and includes the hamlet of Southold and the small
communities of Reydon Shores, Bayview, Goose Neck, Laughing
Waters, and Indian Neck;
Sub-Area 8 extends west from Indian Neck to Downs Creek, and
includes the hamlets of Cutchogue and New Suffolk as we)l as
the communities of Nassau Point, Nassau Farms, East Cutchogue,
and Fleet Neck;
Sub-Area g extends west from Downs Creek to the boundary with
the Town of Riverhead, and includes the hamlets of Mattituck
and Laurel; and
2-11
· Sub-Area 10 is comprised solely of Fishers Island.
2.2 Natural Resources and Existing Environmental Conditions
2.2.1 Regional Geology
Long Island owes its origin to a succession of two glacial advances
and retreats that occurred over eleven thousand years ago during
the Wisconsin stage of the Pleistocene Epoch. The Island was shaped
by the accumulation and deposition of materials originally from the
north and transported south with each glacial advance.
As the glaciers began to recede and melt, their accumulated material
was deposited along the line of farthest advancement, forming ridge
like features commonly referred to as moraines. In addition, as
the glacial ice melted, streams formed and carried lightweight
material away from the moraine, thus establishing the glacial
outwash plain.
Southold's landscape is a product of the second major advance of
the Wisconsin Glacier. The second advance terminated along the
north shore, depositing the Harbor Hill Moraine and creating the
pronounced bluffs which span the Town's entire northern coastline.
The morainal deposits consist of stratified sands and gravels and
associated till. The till ranges from about 5 to 50 feet in
thickness and contains many boulders. Gaps along the morainal
ridgeline, occupied now by Mattituck Creek, Hashamomuck Pond, Dam
Pond and Plum Gut, represent areas where blocks of glacial ice were
partially buried and then melted after the retreat of the main ice
front (Crandell, USGS, 1963).
Following the second advance, the glacial ice melt carried sediments
south, establishing the outwash plain that makes up the interior
and southern coastline of the Town. The outwash is comprised
2-12
primarily of stratified sand and gravel. Many tidal creeks are the
result of the movement of meltwater from the retreating Wisconsin
Glacier. Laurel and Marratooka Lake are referred to as kettle hole
lakes and are attributed to large chunks of ice that broke loose
from the glacier, formed depressions in the newly laid, uncompacted
soil, and eventually melted. Figure 2-3 depicts a typical geologic
section through the north and south forks of Long Island near the
Town's western boundary.
A discontinuous layer of clay is exposed along the northern
shoreline in Orient, which is referred to as Gardiners Clay (Figure
2-3). A similar clay layer can be found on the western shoreline
of Robins Island. Another clay layer underlies the glacial outwash
sediments along most of the southern shoreline of Southold. This
layer ranges from 5 to 60 feet in thickness, and extends nearly to
the north shore west of the Village of Greenport (Crandell, USGS,
1963).
The Pleistocene morainal and outwash deposits contain the primary
source of fresh groundwater in the Town of Southold. This water
bearing unit, referred to as the Upper Glacial Aquifer, is underlain
by other glacial deposits containing saltwater. This is discussed
in greater detail in Section 2.2.4. The presence of a clay layer
in the outwash areas along the southern shoreline, helps to inhibit
saltwater intrusion into the Upper Glacial Aquifer (Szepatowski
Associates, Inc., February 1988}.
The Upper Glacial formation is underlain by the Magothy formation.
The Magothy formation is a Late Cretaceous deposit generally
consisting of lenses of clay, silt and clayey sand in its upper
sections and coarse sand and gravel in its basal portion. The
Magothy is the major source of public water supply in the towns of
Suffolk County west of Southold, but the Magothy is only available
2-13
4200
SEA
LEVEL 0
+200
0
-200
-200
- 400
'400
-600
- 800
-1000
- ;200
- 1400
- ~600
- ~8OO
DRAFT
- 600
"800
'lZO0
-1400
' 1600
- 1800
-2000
SOURCE SUFFOLK COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH SERVICES 1988
-2000
FEBRUARY 1991
CASHIN ASSOCIATES, P.C.
FIGURE 2-3
GENERALIZED GEOLOGIC CROSS-SECTION
for supply in the Town of Southold west of Mattituck Creek. East
of the Mattituck Inlet this aquifer contains saline groundwater.
Below the Magothy formation lies the Raritan formation of the Late
Cretaceous age (which occurred between 63 to 90 million years ago),
which consists of a Raritan Clay layer over a Lloyd Sand layer.
This Lloyd Aquifer contains only saltwater within the Town of
Southold. Bedrock of Precambrian age {approximately 600 million
years ago) underlies all other formations at depths exceeding $00
feet below sea level, and has no value as an aquifer.
The geologic history of the Town of Southold is responsible for the
development of agricultural and nautical activities. The glacial
outwash plain is composed of rich and fertile soil capable of
growing a wide variety of crops. In addition, the meltwater creeks
within the outwash plain support a wide variety of marketable
shellfish.
2.2.2 Topography
The topography of the local waterfront revitalization area {LWA)
of the Town is primarily a function of the glacial deposits
previously discussed in the Section 2.2.1. In summary, the Town's
geologic landscape is a product of the second major advance of the
Wisconsin Glacier. This advance terminated along the north shore
of the Town forming the Harbor Hill Moraine and the pronounced
bluffs which span almost all of the northern coastline. In
addition, the bluffs protect the inland portion of the Town from
coastal flooding. The glacial meltwaters carried sediment south,
forming an outwash plain. In general, this outwash plain exists
today as the flat inland landscape and irregular southern coastline.
The outwash plain generally supports the areas of prime agriculture
in the Town.
2-14
Topographic elevations in Southold range from sea level to 160 feet
above mean sea level (msl). Specifically, the highest elevations
are found within Sub-Area 1, along the bluff, in the western end
of the Town. The hamlets of Oregon Hills and MattituckHills {Sub-
Area 1) possess elevations of ]20 to 160 feet above msl,
respectively. This bluff spans the entire northern coastline of
the Town, gradually decreasing in height from west to east. In
several locations along the northern shoreline the bluff recedes
to sea level. This occurs at the Mattituck Inlet {Sub-Area 1),
Goldsmith Inlet (Sub-Area 2), Hashamomoque Pond (Sub-Area 3), and
Dam Pond {Sub-Area 4}. Most of the coastal bluffs have slopes
exceeding 50 percent and are subject to extreme soil erosion mostly
due to stormwater runoff, wind, and wave action.
The glacial outwash plain, which makes up approximately gO percent
of the Town's land area, lies directly south of the northern coastal
bluffs. This outwash plain has an average elevation under 50 feet
above msl and is characterized by low hills and gentle slopes. In
general, the landscape tends to slope in a southerly direction
towards the Peconic Bay coastline. Nassau Point {Sub-Area 8) is
the only location along the bay with topography similar to the
northern coastline. Steep, 60-foot bluffs and interior elevations
of up to 80 feet above msl, differentiate Nassau Point from the
characteristically flat bayfront environment.
Wet, low-lying lands are prevalent adjacent to nearly every creek,
inlet and/or pond within the Town. In addition, two significant
freshwater ponds, Marratooka Lake (Sub-Area 9) and Great Pond (Sub-
Area 2), lie within the coastal zone. Wet, low-lying areas are
prevalent along the northern edge of Long Beach Bay (Sub-Area 5),
West Creek and the Orient Point Causeway {Sub-Area 5), .and
Hashamomoque Pond (Sub-Area 6).
2-15
2.2.3
Fishers Island and Robins Island are the products of the same
glacial history as mainland Southold. Both Islands 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 almost five 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
lying land.
Soils
A complete listing of soils found within the Town of Southold LWA
is presented in Appendix A (USDA Soil Conservation Service, 1975).
Each soil has been rated as to its suitability for residential and
recreational development, vehicle accessibility, and its utility
for pipeline trench and septic field construction. The table of
soil profiles and characteristics in Appendix A contains a
discussion on the various potential uses and engineering properties
of these soils with respect to slight, moderate and severe
development limitations. Slight limitations are defined as being
relatively free from limiting soil properties or having limitations
that are easily overcome at a low cost. A rating of severe
indicates that the soil may require extensive modification or
specific engineering to overcome the soil limitations. It should
be noted that these solutions are generally expensive and often
impractical.
There are three broad categories of soils found within the coastal
zone of the Town of Southold. They are discussed as follows. It
is important to note that this information is generalized and an
accurate analysis of the soil at any given location would require
field investigations.
2-16
Carver-Plvmouth-Riverhead Association
Soils within this category include Carver and Plymouth sands {CPA,
CpC, CpE}, Plymouth loamy sand (PIA, PIB, PIC), Riverhead sandy loam
(RdA, RdB, RdC), as well as Plymouth gravelly loamy sand (PmB),
PmC3) and Riverhead very stony sandy loam (ReB, ReC). These soils
are remnants of the glacial moraine. Consequently, this soil
association is primarily located along the northern coastline of
the Town, within Sub-Areas I through 4.
All of the Carver, Plymouth, and Riverhead soils are deep, coarse
textured, and excessively drained. The topography generally
associated with these soils tends to be rolling, although it is not
uncommon to find them on the steep slopes along the northern coastal
bluffs. The Carver, Plymouth and Riverhead soils support a wide
variety of native vegetation including White Oak, Black Oak, Red
Oak, Scrub Oak, and Pitch Pine.
The soils in this association are highly desireable for development
due to their close proximity to water, rapid permeability, and the
wooded tendency and rolling nature of the topography where these
soils generally occur. However, steeper slopes within this soil
association have a high potential for soil erosion and are often
difficult to revegetate once the native vegetation has been removed.
Moderate to steep slopes in conjunction with a droughty soil
characteristic make much of this association poorly suited for
farming.
Haven-Riverhead Association
Soils within this category include Haven loam (HaA, HaB, HaC, He),
Riverhead sandy loam (RdA, RdB, RdC), Riverhead very stony sandy
loam (ReB, ReC) and graded Riverhead/Haven soils (RhB). In general,
this association makes up the glacial outwash plain located directly
2-17
south of the north shore bluff. Approximately 70 percent of the
inland and southern coastal areas of the Town {Sub-Areas 3 through
10) is made up of soils from this association.
Soils from the Haven-Riverhead Association are characteristically
rich, deep, well drained, moderately coarse in texture and nearly
level. These soils are commonly associated with level to gently
sloping topography and found along drainageways. As a result, the
Haven-Riverhead Association is highly suitable for agriculture and
consequently most of the areas covered by these soils have been
cleared of native vegetation to allow for active farming. Haven
loam soil with a slope of 0 to 2 percent (HaA) covers much of the
interior of the Town and has been assigned a capability unit 1
rating by the USDA Soil Conservation Service. This rating indicates
that this soil is well suited for the cultivation of all types of
agricultural crops commonly grown in Suffolk County. Concurrently,
soils within this association also offer few limitations for
construction and development, except on steeper topography {greater
than 8 percent slopes). This can create conflicts between
developers and proponents of farmland preservation programs.
Dune Land-Tidal Marsh-Beach Association
Soils within this association include Beaches (Bc), Berryland Mucky
Sand (Bd), Dune Land (Du), Muck (Mu) and Tidal Marsh (Tm), and are
primarily located adjacent to creeks, inlets, p~nds and in wetlands.
In general, these soils can be found in close proximity to every
large coastal waterbody within the Town of Southold. Beach soils
encircle nearly the entire coastline of the Town with the exception
of fringing tidal wetland areas, and intensely developed areas {such
as Kenney's Beach in Sub-Area 2}.
2-18
There are two distinct areas with dune formations in the Town of
Southold. The most extensive formation is the Pec~nic Dunes located
near Great Pond in Sub-Area 2. Dune Land is made up mainly of
evenly sized sand grains that have been piled up by coastal winds.
Vegetation is generally sparse. However, certain portions of the
dune regions in the Town are heavily wooded with pine. Structures
within dune areas are frequently subject to damage from coastal
storms. As a result, dune land is generally suitable only as
wildlife habitat or passive parkland.
Tidal marsh is found in close association with nearly every creek,
inlet, embayment and brackish-water pond in Southold. The larger
expanses of tidal marsh border Long Beach Bay (Sub-Area 5),
Hashamomoque Pond {Sub-Area 6), West Creek {Sub-Area 8), and Middle
Farms Pond {Sub-Area 10). Tidal marsh soils are not normally
inundated by daily tidal fluctuations, but are frequently subject
to flooding during stormy periods. Tidal marsh soils have an
organic surface layer which ranges from a few inches to several feet
in thickness. These soils typically support a heavy vegetative
cover of salt tolerant grasses and reeds. Tidal marsh soils are
not suited for farming or any form of development. In fact, many
state, federal and town regulations prohibit their disturbance or
alteration.
Beach soils are subject to continual wave action and are made up
of sands, gravels and cobbles. The beaches in the Town of Southold
vary greatly in size, shape'and composition. In general, the beach
along the north shore is composed of gravels, cobbles and large
boulders while the beaches bordering Peconic Bay are typically more
sandy. Beaches are not suitable for agriculture or development due
to their extreme exposure to wind and water. Shoreline hardening
structures, such as jetties, groins and bulkheads, may provide
short-term protection against shoreline erosion. However, in the
long run these structures tend to aggravate the existing beach
2-19
2.2.4
condition. The long-term cumulative effects of these structures
on the beach morphology should be carefully studied prior to
permitting construction.
Groundwater Resources
Most of the potable drinking water available for use in the Town
of Southold is contained within the Pleistocene deposit {laid down
over 11 thousand years ago) of the Upper Glacial Aquifer. The
deeper Magothy and Lloyd aquifers are predominantly saturated with
salt water. The fresh groundwater occurs in a series of irregularly
shaped lenses that are bounded laterally and at varying depths by
glacial deposits containing salty groundwater. Because the specific
gravity of fresh water is less than that of saltwater, the fresh
water tends to "float" above the saline waters in the aquifer.
These fresh groundwater lenses are virtually separated from each
other by major tidal creeks and embayments, thus creating distinct
"islands" of fresh groundwater. According to the U.S. Geological
Survey, there are six such islands or lenses below the mainland of
Southold occupying the following areas (Crandetl, USGS, 1963):
e areas west of Mattituck Creek;
e areas between Mattituck Creek and Hashamomuck Pond;
· areas between Hashamomuck Pond and Dam Pond;
e areas east of Dam Pond;
· Great Hog Neck; and
e Little Hog Neck.
These fresh groundwater lenses are relatively thicker towards the
middle of the mainland and thinner near the north and south
shoreline areas. This difference is significant, because the study
areas within the LWRP boundaries generally correspond to areas of
limited fresh groundwater supplies. The depth of fresh groundwater
in the Town maybe estimated by applying the Ghyben-Herzberg formula
2-20
which states that for every foot the land area extends above sea
level, fresh groundwater will extend approximately 40 feet below
sea level (Crandell, USGS, 1963).
Precipitation, which averages approximately 45 inches per year,
provides the only natural source of replenishment to the fresh
groundwater reservoir below mainland Southold. Part of this
precipitation flows overland to the surrounding coastal waters, part
is returned to the atmosphere via evapotranspiration, and part
percolates into the ground surface. A portion of the water which
infiltrates the soil eventually reaches the fresh groundwater
reservoir. USGS estimated the yearly groundwater recharge to be
approximately 9,400 million gallons, or an average of 26 million
gallons per day (Crandell, USGS, 1963}. Ideally, groundwater
pumpage could be allowed to approach this recharge rate. However,
fresh groundwater withdrawals must be kept well below this rate to
prevent saltwater encroachment into deposits which currently contain
fresh water.
Saltwater intrusion may occur where wells that are screened close
to the boundary between fresh and salt water are pumped heavily and
cause an upward or landward migration of the salt water. Where the
elevation of the land surface is low and relatively unprotected,
as along the south shore, salt water from high tides or storm waves
also may inundate the vicinity of wells and contaminate the fresh
groundwater by direct downward seepage. According to USGS, fresh
water can be drawn from wells or ponds almost everywhere on the
mainland, provided that: 1} the withdrawals are not too close to
the shoreline; 2) the screens of wells are not set too deeply below
the water table; and 3) heavy withdrawals are not concentrated in
small areas. Where these conditions are not fulfilled, salt water
encroachment is likely to occur. USGS recommends that new wells
should not be located within 1,000 feet of saline waters or within
300 feet of each other. Large diameter production wells may require
2-21
greater spacing. In addition, USGS suggests greater utilization
of field tensiometers (soil moisture meters) to regulate irrigation
and conserve water. The amount of available groundwater in Southold
is comparatively small, and all reasonable measures should be taken
to conserve the supply and to control withdrawal, especially during
periods of below normal precipitation (Crandall, USGS, 1963).
The Suffolk County Department of Health Services {SCDHS) has
recently completed the Suffolk County Comorehensive Water Resoqrces
Manaqement Plan (1987), which addresses current groundwater
conditions and analyzes future water supply problems. Based on an
analysis of expected growth rates, water demands, consumptive use
rates, and recharge rates through the year 2020, the SCDHS has
determined that future development will not have a substantial
impact in terms of the quantity of groundwater that will be
available for the Town of Southold, except in the hamlets of Orient
and Orient Point. SCDHS suggests that tight land use controls over
future development are needed to ensure an adequate future water
supply in these two areas. Due to the relatively low density of
development in Orient, it may not be feasible to develop public
water supplies. Rather, other groundwater protection measures are
needed. SCDHS recommendations for the entire area of Southold are
contained in the analysis section of this document (Section 2.4).
In lg87, the Town of Southold designated two distinct areas of the
Town as Core Watershed Protection Areas {CWPA) based on their
hydrogeologic importance as groundwater recharge areas and their
environmental sensitivity. Both areas occupy the central mainland
portion of the Town, outside of the LWA boundaries. One area
contains portions of the hamlets of Mattituck and Laurel,
encompasses Laurel Lake and extends westerly in a narrow band to
the Riverhead Town boundary. The second area encompasses portions
of the hamlets of East Mattituck, Cutchogue and Peconic; bounded
on the west by Mill Lane, on the east by Peconic Lane, extending
2-22
approximately 500 feet south of the LIRR tracks, and loosely bounded
to the north by Oregon Road and the LILCO power lines (excluding
the Town Landfill) (McDonald, TOS, March 12, 1991).
Recently, NYSDEC had approved and designated the Town's CWPA's as
Special Groundwater Protection Areas (SGPA's). The western area
was incorporated into the Central Suffolk SGPA which encompasses
major portions of the Towns of Riverhead, Brookhaven and
Southampton. The eastern area was designated as the Southold SGPA.
SGPA's are defined by the New York State Department of Environmental
Conservation as significant, undeveloped or sparsely developed
geographic areas that recharge portions of the deep flow aquifer
systems. These undeveloped areas present a unique opportunity for
the Town to institute comprehensive, preventive management aimed
at avoiding the errors of improper facility siting which have
already occurred in most of the developed portions of the deep flow
recharge areas in western Suffolk and Nassau Counties. The Town
had initiated the comprehensive planning process for the CWPA's,
however, no final plan had been adopted. The Long Island Regional
Planning Board (LIRPB) is currently developing a Comprehensive Water
Management Plan for the SGPA's and will be coordinating with the
Town on future management recommendations. The Town expects that
a draft plan covering the Southold SGPA's will be completed during
1991 {McDonald, TOS, March 12, 1991).
Groundwater Oualitv
Although SCDHS does not anticipate significant future Town-wide
water Quantity problems, localized water supply problems may arise
during periods of prolonged drought. In addition, localized water
quality problems may occur due to the proximity of the salt water
interface and/or the presence of groundwater contamination.
According to the SCDHS, nitrate contamination is widespread in
Suffolk County. The Town of Southold is no exception, with a Town-
2-23
wide average nitrate concentration above 6 parts per million (ppm).
Nitrate concentrations in the Village of Greenport public water
supply periodically exceed the drinking water standard of 10 ppm.
SCDHS expects nitrate contamination to persist due to the continued
use of turf and agricultural fertilizers, and the disposal of septic
wastes through on-site subsurface disposal systems (SCDHS, January
1987). As discussed earlier, chloride contamination primarily
results from overpumping wells in areas with a limited depth to the
freshwater/saltwater interface in groundwater. To a lesser extent,
chloride loadings to groundwater can result from wastewater
disposal, road salt storage and application, and applications of
agricultural fertilizers containing potassium.
SCDHS has determined that synthetic organic chemicals pose the
greatest threat to groundwater quality and public health in Suffolk
County, followed closely by pesticide contamination. Synthetic
organic chemicals are included in such items as: solvents and
degreasers for paint stripping and the cleaning of equipment;
gasoline and other petroleum products; and commercial and domestic
cleaners, disinfectants and preservatives. Although SCDHS did not
cite any organic chemical contamination problems specific to
Southold, the use of cesspool cleaning products which contain toxic
organic compounds and leaking petroleum storage tanks are two common
County-wide concerns. Suffolk County Local Law 12-1980 was enacted
to prohibit the local sale of cesspool cleaning products that
contain certain toxic organic chemicals. This law does not,
however, preclude the purchase of these products in areas outside
the county (SCDHS, January 1987).
Contamination caused by leaks and spills of petroleum products is
expected to be adequately controlled by Article 12 of the Suffolk
County Sanitary Code, which requires the replacement of old,
underground petroleum storage tanks with new, specially-protected
tanks equipped with leak detection systems. Existing Federal,
2-24
State, and local regulations to control the handling and discharge
of synthetic organic chemicals, however, generally need to be
strengthened, with enforcement improved.
A pesticide of particular concern in the Town of Southold is the
toxic oxime-carbamate pesticide, known as aldicarb (trade name
TEMIC, produced by Union Carbide Corp.). TEMIC was used to control
the Colorado Potato Beetle and Golden Nematode in potato fields
during the years 1975 through 1979. At the time it was used,
aldicarb was considered incapable of leaching into the groundwater.
However, extensive groundwater sampling undertaken between 1979 and
1980 revealed extensive aldicarb contamination throughout the Town
of Southold. As can be seen in Figure 2-4, the zone of
contamination affects numerous areas within the coastal boundaries.
The New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) set a maximum
concentration of aldicarb in drinking water at 7 micrograms per
liter (~g/L). Samplings in the 1979-80 sampling survey showed
aldicarbconcentrations as high as 515 ~g/L. As a result, the U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency revoked its approval of the use of
aldicarb on Long Island in February of 1980 at the request of the
manufacturer. To mitigate the effects of aldicarb contamination,
the manufacturer installed activated charcoal filters on drinking
water supplies containing more than 7 ~g/L of aldicarb to bring
concentrations below 7 ~g/L.
By 1982, aldicarb had penetrated the upper glacial aquifer to a
depth of about 40 feet below the water table in most places. High-
capacity irrigation wells, which cause large water table drawdown,
have caused deeper penetration locally. Although aldicarb
concentrations are diminishing with time through degradation, the
pesticide will continue to move along groundwater flow paths and
deeper into the Upper Glacial Aquifer. The USGS estimates that
aldicarb will remain in the aquifer at concentrations above 7 ~g/L
2-25
0
Not To Scale
'~c:~HELTER
ISLAN£
FEBRUARY 1991
FIGURE 2-4
CASHIN ASSOCIATES, P.C. GROUNDWATER CONTAMINATION
until sometime between the years 1990 and 2030. As long as aldicarb
is in the groundwater system, it will travel deeper into the upper
glacial aquifer near the groundwater divide at a rate of 5 to 6
feet per year and will move from there, laterally along the
groundwater flow paths toward shoreline discharge areas. The travel
time of groundwater through the aquifer from the groundwater divide
to the shorelines (the greatest distance} ranges from decades to
centuries. Most of the aldicarb now in the system will probably
degrade to negligible concentrations of less toxic compounds before
it reaches the shorelines. Only the small amounts of aldicarb that
are now near the shorelines will reach the coastal waters before
decomposing (Soren and Stelz, USGS, 1984).
Although groundwater data for Robins Island is sparse, it is known
that a small lens of fresh groundwater is present. A single
residence currently occupies Robins Island (Crandell, USGS, 1963).
Ownership of the island is presently being contested. Should Robins
Island be considered for future development, a detailed
hydrogeologic investigation would be needed to determine the
reliability of the underlying freshwater aquifer to supply the
projected demands.
The freshwater portion of the Upper Glacial Aquifer on Fishers
Island is more extensive than Robins Island. In addition, 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 Draft Hvdroqeoloqic Report Conducted on Fishers
Island, New York (Groundwater, Inc., December 1989), the numerous
ponds on Fishers Island serve as the primary catchment and recharge
areas for the island. Groundwater recharge on Fishers Island was
estimated to be approximately 709 million gallons per year. Two
of the ponds receiving surface runoff, Barlow Pond and Middle Farms
2-26
Pond, are used as the primary source for Fishers Island water supply
(Szepatowski Associates, Inc., February 1988). Three small wells
were recently installed to service the Fishers Island water supply
area while improvements were being made to the surface water
treatment system. Due to a decrease in water demands during lggO,
these three wells continued to supply the entire demand even after
the treatment system was back in operating condition. SCDHS expects
this may continue through 1991 (Ponturo, SCDHS, January 4, lg91).
In addition, SCDHS expects that the combined source supply will be
sufficient to handle the projected water needs through the year 2020
(SCDHS, January 1987).
The SCDHS could not comment on the overall quality of the freshwater
resources below Fishers Island, except that no known contamination
exists in the immediate vicinity of the public supply wells.
Island-wide groundwater monitoring had been conducted during 1988
and 1989 by Groundwater Inc. (GI) of Higganum Connecticut, to
determine the presence of contaminants and zones of saltwater
intrusion {Juba, GI, February 2, 1991). Overall, GI determined
that groundwater quality is generally very good across the island,
however, several areas of concern were identified. Fishers Island
Country Club, which occupies the far eastern end of the island,
experienced elevated levels of chloride in wells during periods of
prolonged irrigation. Additionally, the Middle Farms area and
several smaller wells in close proximity to the coastal shoreline
experienced salt-water intrusion. High concentrations of iron and
chlorides, along with low levels of volatile organic compounds were
discovered in a monitoring well located downgradient of the
Pickett's Landfill, which is situated on the southern side of the
island, east of the military reserve. Further investigation would
be required to develop any conclusions about the existence and/or
extent of a leachate plume emanating from the landfill. The GI
report also identified elevated fecal coliform levels in the Island
Pond wetland system and linked its source to waterfowl populations.
2-27
2.2.5
Bacteriological data is generally lacking for other portions of the
island {GI, December 1989).
According to SCDHS, Fishers Island has not yet adopted watershed
regulations to protect their drinking water supplies. The Suffolk
County Planning Department is planning to initiate a study of the
ponds on Fishers Island and their tributary areas as part of a
Generic Environmental Impact Statement {GEIS). The GEIS is expected
to include recommendations concerning the storage of hazardous
materials within the watershed areas, land clearing controls,
maximum turf areas, and guidelines for septic tank/cesspool systems
(Ponturo, SCDHS, February 4, 1991).
Surface Waters
There are four large inland surface water bodies on the mainland
of Southold within the LWA. These include Marratooka Lake in
Mattituck (Sub-Area g), Great Pond in Peconic {Sub-Area 2), and
Marion Lake (Sub-Area 5) and Dam Pond (Sub-Area 4) in East Marion.
There are also several large ponds on Fishers Island (Sub-Area 10)
including Barlow, Brickyard Island, Middle Farms, Treasure and Beach
Ponds, and one large pond on Robins Island (Sub-Area 8).
Being situated at the extreme eastern end of Long Island, the Town
of Southold LWA contains expansive coastal waters. The mainland
of Southold is bordered to the north by the coastal waters of the
Long Island Sound and to the south by several major bays, harbors
and cove areas, including (listed in progression from west to each):
Great Peconic Bay, Little Peconic Bay, Cutchogue Harbor, Hog Neck
Bay, Shelter Island Sound, Southold Bay, Pipes Cove, Greenport
Harbor, Orient Harbor, Long Beach Bay, Little Bay and Gardiners Bay.
There are two major tidal inlets located on the northern shoreline
of the mainland, namely the Mattituck Inlet and associated Mattituck
Creek, and Goldsmith's Inlet. Even more numerous are the creeks
2-28
and tributaries which feed into the south shore coastal waters.
These are discussed separately under each receiving water body in
the following section. Robins Island is.situated between the south
shore coastal waters of Great Peconic Bay and Little Peconic Bay.
Fishers Island is located approximately 13 miles northeast of Orient
Point and 3 miles south of Connecticut. Fishers Island is
surrounded by Fishers Island Sound to the north and Block Island
Sound to the south.
Great Peconic Bay
Great Peconic Bay is bounded on the north by land areas within the
Towns of Riverhead and Southold, and to the south by lands within
the Town of Southampton. Great Peconic Bay has a surface area of
approximately 30 square miles and an average depth of 15 feet. The
mean tidal range is 2.5 feet. Seven creeks flow into Great Peconic
Bay from Sub-Area g in the Town of Southold including {listed from
west to east}: Brush's Creek, James Creek, Deep Hole Creek, Halls
Creek, Down's Creek, and West Creek.
According to the SCDHS unpublished Draft Brown Tide Study, the
groundwater and stormwater contributing area for the Great South
Bay includes the hamlets of Laurel and Mattituck in the Town of
Southold, and Jamesport in the Town of Riverhead (on the north fork
of Long Island), as well as Southport, Squiretown and Shinnecock
Hills in the Town of Southampton (on the south fork of Long Island).
The tributary areas are bounded on the north fork by the east-west
groundwater divide located midway between Sound Avenue {North Road
further east} and Main Road, and on the south fork bythe east-west
groundwater divide that follows the general direction of Sunrise
Highway.
2-2g
Little Peconic Bay
Little Peconic Bay is situated immediately east of Great Peconic
Bay with Robins Island located between these two major bays. Little
Peconic Bay has a surface area of approximately 22 square miles and
an average depth of 21 feet. The mean tidal range is 2.4 feet.
Seven creeks feed into Little Peconic Bay from the Town of Southold
including: Wickham Creek, East Creek, Mud Creek (and the associated
Haywater and Broadwater Coves), and Little Creek in Sub-Area 8; and
Richmond Creek, Corey Creek and Cedar Beach Creek in Sub-Area 7.
In addition, Wunneweta Pond outlets into Little Peconic Bay at
Nassau Point. The northern extent of Little Peconic Bay lying
between New Suffolk and Nassau Point is also referred to as
Cutchogue Harbor, and the water area located further eastward
between Nassau Point and Cedar Beach Point is known locally as Hog
Neck Bay.
According to the SCDHS unpublished Draft Brown Tide Study, the
groundwater and stormwater contributing area for the Little Peconic
Bay includes the hamlets of East Cutchogue, Peconic, Bayview and
Cedar Beach in the Town of Southold on the northfork, and the
hamlets of North Sea, Rose Grove, and a portion of Noyack in the
Town of Southampton on the southfork. The northern boundary of the
tributary area lies within the Town of Southold along the
groundwater divide, which is located approximately midway between
the North Road and the Main Road.
Shelter Island Sound
Shelter Island Sound takes on several different local names along
the southern shoreline areas of the Town of Southold. The
northwestern portion of Shelter Island Sound between Paradise Point
(Sub-Area 7) and Conkling Point (Sub-Area 6) is also referred to
as Southold Bay. Immediately northeastward, the water area located
2-30
between Conkling Point and Fanning Point {in the Incorporated
Village of Greenport) is known as Pipes Cove. Further eastward,
the water area located between the Village of Greenport and Shelter
Island is referred to as Greenport Harbor.
Shelter Island Sound has an average depth of 16 feet and a mean
tidal range of 2.4 feet. Six creeks discharge into the Shelter
Island Sound in the Town of Southold, including: Goose Creek,
Jockey Creek, and Town Creek in Sub-Area 7; Hippodrome Creek,
Hashamomuck Pond {Long Creek), and Moores Drain in Sub-Area 6; and
Sterling Creek {Basin) in the Incorporated Village of Greenport.
In addition, several tidal creeks located on Shelter Island and
within the Towns of Easthampton and Southampton outlet into the
Shelter Island Sound. The Main Road, which stretches through the
hamlets of East Marion and Southold, and the Village of Greenport,
marks the northern extent of the groundwater and stormwater
contributing area into Shelter Island Sound.
Gardiners Bay
Gardiners Bay includes the remainder of the south shore water areas
off the mainland of Southold {Sub-Area 5), reaching from Cleaves
Point in the west to Plum Island in the east. Within the Town
limits, portions of Gardiners Bay are referred to by three other
names, including: Orient Harbor, which lies north ofalinerunning
from Cleaves Point to Long Beach Point; Long Beach Bay {also
referred to locally as Hallocks Bay), which lies northeast of Browns
Point between the mainland and the Orient Beach State Park
peninsula; and Little Bay which is the easternmost extension of Long
Beach Bay. Narrow River drains into Long Beach Bay in the hamlet
of Orient Point.
2-31
The entire area of Gardiners Bay encompasses 76 square miles.
Gardiners Bay has an average depth of approximately 2] feet and a
mean tidal range of 2.5 feet. The hamlets of East Marion, Orient
and Orient Point lie within the groundwater and storm~ater
contributing area for Gardiners Bay. In addition, several hamlets
within the Town of Easthampton are tributary to Gardiners Bay.
Main Road marks the northernmost extent of tributary area within
the Town.
Fishers Island Sound and Block Island Sound
The oceanic waters of Fishers Island Sound and Block Island Sound
surround Fishers Island (Sub-Area 10) to the north and south,
respectively. The coastal shoreline of Fishers Island is rugged
and irregular, and contains a number of coves, harbors and beach
areas. Located from west to east on the northern shoreline, these
include: the inlet to Silver Eel Pond (which receives the Ferry
from New London, Connecticut), Hay Harbor, West Harbor, Chocomont
Cove, and East Harbor. Beaches are more numerous along the southern
shoreline, and include (from west to east): South Beach; Isabella
Beach; Chocomont Beach; and Barleyfield Cove. In addition, Island
Pond, which is located towards the interior of the island, has a
tidal opening on the south shore.
Development is concentrated at the far western end of Fishers
Island, especially surrounding the coastal areas of West Harbor,
Hay Harbor and Silver Eel Pond. West Harbor encompasses upwards
of 165 acres and has an average depth of approximately 3 feet near
the head of the Harbor and 10 feet at the mouth. Hay Harbor
encompasses approximately 60 acres and has an average depth of 7
feet. The tidal range of both harbor areas is about 2.5 feet.
Silver Eel Pond is a small tidal inlet of approximately 5.5 acres,
with an average depth of 14 feet.
2-32
Surface waters are often utilized as discharge points for stormwater
drainage outfalls. The New York State Department of Environmental
Conservation (NYSDEC) has identified the majority of the outfall
pipes which discharge into the Town's south shore creeks and coastal
waters. These are summarized in Table 2-1. This list is by no
means all-inclusive. NYSDEC conducted this inventory as part of
a "Shoreline and Pollution Source Survey" in conjunction with their
shellfish sanitation program. Shoreline areas bordering Great
Peconic Bay, Southold Bay, Greenport Harbor and the Long Island
Sound have not been surveyed under this program, presumably due to
the fact that these waters are not actively harvested for shellfish.
NYSDEC's efforts should be supported and supplemented by the Town
for the remainder of the shoreline areas, in the interest of
maintaining and enhancing surface water quality.
In 1986 and 1987, the Town conducted a detailed investigation of
the outfall pipes and street ends which contribute stormwater
directly into the Town's tidal creeks, embayments and freshwater
impoundments. These have been categorized according to their
receiving waterbody and separated into their respective State,
County and Town jurisdiction. The inventory and priority listing
appears in Appendix B. The listing also contains recommendations
for eliminating direct discharges or improving runoff water quality
prior to discharge. The Town has selected the following waterbodies
as top priority for any proposed drainage improvements: Mattituck
Creek, Hashamomuck Pond, Town Creek, Jockey Creek, Goose Creek,
Corey Creek, Cutchogue Creeks {including East, Mud, and Haywater
Cove), and Hallocks Bay. These waterbodies represent the primary
shellfishing areas in the Town of Southold, according to local
baymen {Cusak, Town of Southold, November 6, 1986 and February 9,
1987).
2-33
TABLE 2-1
STORM DRAINAGE OUTFALLS
Sub-Area
1
1
2
2
3
4
5
5
5
5
Location
Long Island Sound
Mattituck Creek
Long Island Sound
Goldsmiths Inlet
Long Island Sound
Long Island Sound
Narrow River
Orient Harbor
Dam Pond
Spring Pond
Greenport Harbor
Pipes Cove
Hashamomuck Pond
Town Creek
Jockey Creek
Goose Creek
Southold Bay
Cedar Beach Creek
Pipe
Diameter Number
--- None
4" 1
12" S
18" 2
24" 1
36" 2
--- None
Unknown 1
V. Greenport S.T.P. Outfall
--- None
12" 2
24" I
12" 2
10" 1
6" 1
3" Weep Holes 15
3" Weep Holes 3
4" 2
6" 1
4" 1
6" 1
12" 2
24" 1
36" 1
4" 10
2" 1
4" 6
12" 1
12" 3
4" 3
6" 2
8" 1
12" g
48" 1
B" 1
12" 3
Paved Concrete 2
Ditches
12" 1
Unknown (discharged 1
Seawater from
Southold Harine
Science Center)
Pipe
Sub-Area Location Diameter Number
7 Corey Creek 1" 1
3" 3
6" 1
12" 2
36" 3
7 Richmond Creek --- None
7 Hog Neck Bay 18" 1
8 Little Creek --- None
8 Wunneweta Pond 4" 1
6" 2
12" 1
8 Horseshoe Cove --- None
8 Broadwater Cove 12" 1
8 Haywater Cove --- None
8 Mud Creek Unknown 1
(Wetland Drain)
10" 2
8 East Creek 12" 1
18" 2
8 Wickham Creek 12" 1
8 West Creek 10"
12" 2
9 Downs Creek 12" 1
9 Halls Creek 12" 1
g Deep Hole Creek 3" 1
4" 1
12" 5
18" 3
9 James Creek 36" 1
9 Hortons Creek 24" 1
9 Brushs Creek 12" 1
10 Hay Harbor --- None
10 West Harbor (Survey Incomplete)
*Note:
Although Greenport Harbor lies outside of LWRP boundaries, local
influences on water quality will affect neighboring waters within
LWRP boundaries.
Source: NYSDEC, Current Shoreline and Pollution Source Surveys, various dates.
The Town has contacted the New York State Department of
Transportation {NYSDOT) and the Suffolk County Department of Public
Works {SCDPW) in order to initiate State and County drainage
improvement programs. In addition, the Town Highway Department has
already completed six drainage improvement projects. These are
listed in Table 2-2. To date, all Town projects have been
accomplished using Town personnel and equipment under the normal
Highway budget. The Town is currently seeking additional Federal
Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA} funds to cost-share a major
drainage improvement project during 1991. In cooperation with
Cornell University, Cooperative Extension and the USDA Soil
Conservation Service, the Town is proposing to establish an
artificial wetland/filtration system off of Hobart Avenue, at the
head of Town Creek {Sub-Area 7) {Jacobs, Town Highway Department,
February 26, 1991).
The quality of surface waters is affected by the land uses within
the respective contributing watersheds or tributary areas. The
quality of a water body or waterfront contained within the LWA is
also dependent upon land uses that may occur outside the confines
of the study area boundaries and the Town's jurisdiction. This may
undermine any Town-initiated improvement programs, unless the Town
can reach cooperative agreements with the neighboring Villages or
Towns that lie within the same tributary area. This goal of
protecting or improving surface water quality in cooperation with
neighboring municipalities is the major goal of the USEPA's National
Estuary Program.
2.2.6
Surface Water Quality
Overall, the water quality of the open coastal waters of the Long
Island Sound and the major bay areas surrounding the Town of
Southold is generally good. According to the SCDHS unpublished
Draft Brown Tide Study, this is due primarily to the oceanic effect
2-34
· · · · · ·
TABLE 2-2
TOWN DRAINAGE IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS
Sub-Area
1
6
7
Location
Bayview Avenue;
western shoreline of
Mattituck Creek
Intersection of Kenney's
Road at Dogwood Lane
Intersection of Colony
Road at Bayview Avenue
Minnehaha Boulevard;
western tributary of
Corey Creek
7 Cedar Drive
8 End of Nassau Point
Road
8 Pequash Avenue
Work Performed
2 catch basins and
leaching pools installed
in gravel trench at road
end.
I catch basin and leaching
pool installed in gravel
trench.
2 catch basins and leaching
pools installed in gravel
trench; and closed off
existing outfall pipe.
g catch basins and leaching
pools installed in gravel
trench.
Proposed for ]ggl:
Installation of 2 catch
basins and leaching pools
in gravel trench at road
end.
2 catch basins and leaching
pools installed in gravel
trench at road end.
1 catch basin and leaching
pool installed in gravel
trench.
Water Body
Affected
Mattituck Creek
Great Pond
Hashamomuck Pond
Corey Creek
Goose Creek
Little Peconic Bay
Cutchogue Harbor
Source: Jacobs, Town Highway Department, January 24, 1991.
of flushing rates and the extent of water mixing which acts to
disperse contaminants and minimize water quality impacts. However,
surface water quality has been degraded at the heads of shallow,
sluggishly circulating inlets, embayments and specific inshore
areas in the Town of Southold. Many of these embayments were
formerly the most productive shellfish areas. However, recent
changes to surface water quality has impacted this resource. It
should be further noted that these embayments exchange waters with
larger open coastal waters.
Discharge standards and water quality classifications have been
assigned by NYSDEC to all the surface waters in the Town of
Southold, pursuant to Title 6, Chapter 10 of the Codes, Rules and
Regulations of New York State (NYCRR}. These classifications set
discharge standards and are not necessarily indicative of existing
water quality conditions. Water quality classifications are
summarized in terms of their best usage, as follows:
Marine waters are classified as SA ($hellfishing for market
purposes and primary and secondary contact recreation), SB
{primary and secondary contact recreation and any other use
except for the taking of shellfish for market purposes), SC
(fishing, fish propagation, primary and secondary contact
recreation even through other factors may limit the use for
that purpose}, and SD (all waters not primarily for
recreational purposes, shellfish culture or the development
of fish life and because of natural or man-made conditions
cannot meet the requirements of these uses). Primary contact
recreation includes such activities as swimming, diving, water-
skiing, skin diving and surfing. Secondary contact recreation
includes activities where contact with the water is minimal
and ingestion of water is not probable, such as fishing and
boating.
2-35
Fresh surface waters are classified as A or AA (water supply
for drinking or food processing), B (contact recreation and
other uses except water supply and food processing), C (fishing
and other uses except water supply, food processing and contact
recreation, and D (secondary contact recreation but not
suitable for propagation of fish).
Table 2-3 lists the water quality classifications assigned by
NYSDEC for the surface water bodies found within the Town of
Southold. Figure 2-5 can be used to cross-reference the
location of each water body listed. The major coastal waters
surrounding the Town of Southold, including eastern Long Island
Sound, Great Peconic Bay, Little Peconic Bay, Shelter Island
Sound and Gardiners Bay, are all classified as SA. In
addition, the large tidal creeks which outlet into the Long
Island Sound or the south shore waters are predominately
classified as SA. A limited number of smaller south shore
embayments and tidal creeks are classified as SC. These are
generally surrounded by residential development or harbor
marinas. Inlet Pond and Munns Lake, located on the northern
shoreline, are classified as SD. The freshwater tributaries
which feed into the tidal creeks and coastal shorelines are
predominately classified as C.
Although the coastal waters may be classified as SA, many of
the same water bodies are not certified for direct market
harvesting of shellfish. By classifying waters as SA, 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. Rather, NYSDEC in cooperation with
the Suffolk County Department of Health Services (SCDHS) and
local conservation groups, routinely monitors surface water
quality to determine if shellfish taken from the waters would
2-36
APRIL 1991
0
I
I
!
!
LEGEND
SUB-AREA 1
Q (LONG ISLAND SOUND)
SUB-AREA 9
Q (GREAT PECONIC BAY)
DESIGNATED COASTAL
EROSION HAZARD ZONES
CROSS REFERENCE NUMBER
DESIGNATION~ WITH TABLE 2-3
I
I
SUB-AREA 2
SUB-
AREA 8
(~ (LITTLE PECONIC BAY)
SUB-AREA 7
t
FIGURE 2-5
CASHIN ASSOCIATES, P.C.
SURFACE WATER QUALITY CLASSIFICATIONS
AND COASTAL EROSION HAZARD AREAS
SUB-AREA 3 I SUB-AREA 4
1
I
· I
SUB-AREA 5
(~ (ORIENT HARBOR)
SUB-AREA 6
(~ (GARDINERS BAY)
INSET
LEGEND
DESIGNATED COASTAL
EROSION HAZARD ZONES
CROf, S REFERENCE tlUMBER
DESIGNATIONS WITH TABLE 2-3
APRIL 1991
CASHIN ASSOCIATES, P.C.
FIGURE 2-5
SURFACE WATER QUALITY CLASSIFICATIONS
AND COASTAL EROSION HAZARD AREAS
TABLE 2-3
SURFACE WATER QUALITY CLASSIFICATIONS
Note: This table can be cross-referenced with Figure 2-5.
Reference NYSDEC
Number Water Body Classification
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
2O
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
3O
31
32
33
34
35
36
Long Island Sound
Mattituck Creek, mouth
Mattituck Creek, upper
Mattituck Creek, tributaries
Goldsmith Inlet
Great Pond
Lily Pond
Inlet Pond
Dam Pond
Munn Lake
Great Peconic Bay
Brushs Creek, tidal portion
Brushs Creek, freshwater
Horton Creek, tidal
Horton Creek, freshwater
James Creek, tidal
James Creek, freshwater
James Creek, tributaries
Marratooka Lake
Deep Hole Creek
Halls Creek
Halls Creek.
Downs Creek.
Downs Creek.
West Creek.
West Creek.
West Creek.
tidal
freshwater
tidal
freshwater
mouth
tidal
freshwater
Little Peconic Bay {including
Cutchogue Harbor & Hog Neck Bay}
Schoolhouse Creek
Wickham Creek
East Creek, Mud Creek, Haywater
& Broadwater Cove
Wunneweta Pond & Lagoon
Little Creek
Richmond Creek
Corey Creek
Cedar Beach Creek
SA
SA
SC
C
SA
A
C
SD
SA
SD
SA
SC
C
SC
C
SA
SC
C
A
SA
SA
C
SA
C
SA
SC
C
SA
SC
SA
SA
SA
SA
SA
SA
SA
Reference NYSDEC
Number Water Body Classification
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
48
49
5O
51
52
53
54
55
Shelter Island Sound (including
Southold Bay, Pipes Cove &
Greenport Harbor) Goose Creek
Jockey Creek, below bridge
Jockey Creek, above bridge
Town Creek
Hippodrome Pond
Budds Pond
Hashamomuck Pond
Conkling Point, embayment
Moores Drain, tidal
Moores Drain, freshwater
Sterling Basin
Gull Pond
Gardiners Bay (including Orient
Harbor, Long Beach Bay & Little
Bay)
Spring Pond
Marion Lake, northeast of bridge
Marion Lake, southwest of bridge
Unnamed embayment
Narrow River
SA
SA
SA
SC
SA
SC
SC
SA
SC
SC
C
SA
SC
SA
SA
SA
SC
SA
SD
Source: Title 6, NYCRR, Part 924, June 30, 1988.
be safe for human consumption. This is discussed in further
detail in Section 2.3.6.
Contamination of surface waters is caused by non-point source
pollution from stormwater runoff and failing septic systems,
and point-source pollution from sewage treatment plants, boat
discharges, duck farms, landfills, etc. Stormwater runoff
typically carries such contaminants as: sand and silts,
metals, oils, chlorides and deicing materials from paved
roadways; nitrogen and phosphorus in fertilizers; pesticides;
household chemicals; nitrates, bacteria and viruses from septic
systems, and waterfowl and livestock wastes; refuse from
residential and commercial developments; and spillage from the
improper storage and handling of toxic and hazardous materials.
Boats and marinas are also sources of pollutants to coastal
waters, contributing oily wastes from bilgewater and marine
engines, and untreated human waste. The Greenport Village
sewage treatment plant outfall is the only major point source
of pollution discharging into the Town's coastal waters. This
is discussed in further detail later in this section under the
Eastern Long Island Sound.
NYSDEC water quality classifications are tied to specific
discharge standards. The parameters applicable to fresh
surface waters include: coliform bacteria concentrations {both
total and fecal), pH, total dissolved solids and dissolved
oxygen levels (DO). Saline water quality standards also relate
to coliform bacteria concentrations (both total and fecal},
and DO, as well as levels of toxic wastes and deleterious
substances. Adequate DO concentrations are necessary for
sustaining shellfish and finfish populations. The presence
of coliform bacteria in surface waters serves as an indicator
of potentially pathogenic contamination due to human or animal
waste.
2-37
In 1988, NYSDEC conducted an inventory of surface waters in
New York State to identify those whose best usage has been
impaired by water quality degredation. These impaired water
bodies were then ranked as high, medium or low in priority as
a guideline for setting future State program workloads and
Federal grant applications. In order to establish the priority
rankings, several elements were analyzed, including: the
current water quality classification and the severity of the
problem; the flow rate; the relative uniqueness and degree of
public access {for freshwater segments); the type of resources
affected; the causes of the problem {i.e., pollutants
involved); and the uses which were affected.
In April of 1988, NYSDEC issued a Priority Problem List which
included three waterbodies in Southold, all rated as "high"
priority, including Goldsmith Inlet, Hashamomuck Pond, and
Mattituck Inlet. In each case, the problem severity was rated
"severe" and the impaired use of these SA classified waters
was shellfishing. Urban runoff and on-site septic systems were
identified in all cases as the primary cause of the problem,
with boat pollution listed as an additional source for
Mattituck Inlet.
During 1989, NYSDEC refined the Priority Water Problem List
with input from the State Soil and Water Conservation Committee
and local Soil and Water Conservation Districts. Waterbodies
with deteriorated water quality were re-evaluated in order to
determine if the classified "best usage" was either precluded,
impaired, stressed or threatened in order to be regarded as
a problem. These categories are defined as follows:
Precluded:
Water quality and/or associated habitat
degradation precludes, eliminates or does
not support a classified use; natural
2-38
ecosystem functions may be
disrupted. This category is
most severe impacts.
significantly
used for the
· Imoaired:
Water quality and/or habitat characteristics
frequently impair a classified use. Also
applied when the designated use is supported,
but at a level significantly less than would
otherwise be expected. Natural ecosystem
functions may be disrupted. These waters
have severe impacts.
· Stressed:
Reduced water quality is occasionally evident
and designated uses are intermittently or
marginally restricted; natural ecosystem may
exhibit adverse changes. These waters have
moderate impacts.
· Threatened:
Water quality presently supporting designated
use and ecosystem experiencing no obvious
signs of stress; however, existing or
changing land use patterns may result in
restricted usage or ecosystem disruption.
These waters have the least impacts.
As a result, eight waterbodies in the Town of Southold are
currently on the NYSDEC Nonpoint Source Water Quality
Assessment List. Copies of the NYSDEC draft assessment sheets
are included in Appendix A and the results are summarized as
follows.
2-39
Sub-Area Water Body Impaired Usaqe
1 Mattituck Inlet
2 Goldsmith Inlet
Greenport Sterling Basin
6 . Hashamomuck Pond
7 Southold Harbor
8 Cutchogue Harbor
g Marratooka Pond
10 West Harbor
Precluded for Shellfishing
Impaired for Shellfishing
Precluded for Shellfishing
Precluded for Shellfishing
Impaired for Shellfishing
Precluded for Shellfishing
Threatened for Finfish
Survival
Precluded for Shellfishing
The harvesting of shellfish for consumption is the primary use
which has been impacted in these waterbodies. It can be
concluded from the assessment sheets {Appendix A) that the
primary inputs of non-point source pollution include urban and
stormwaKer runoff and pathogens, and to a lesser extent,
nutrients, sediments, waterfowl wastes and boat pollution.
The Long Island Comprehensive Waste Treatment Management Plan
(208 Study) identified stormwater runoff as the major source
of bacterial loadings to surface waters {LIRPB, July lg78).
According to the SCDHS unpublished Draft Brown Tide Study,
stormwater runoff accounts for at least 93 percent of the total
and fecal coliform discharges into the Peconic Bay system.
High coliform bacteria concentrations, associated with
stormwater runoff, have resulted in both seasonal and year-
round closures of certain estuarine waters in the Town of
Southold for shellfish harvesting. {This is discussed in
greater detail in Section 2.3.5.)
As part of their Shellfish Sanitation Program, NYSDEC has
completed shoreline surveys and annually updates Bacteriologic
Water Quality Evaluations for nearly every tidal creek and
coastal water surrounding the Town of Southold. Tidal waters
which support shellfish harvesting are the highest priority
areas. However, NYSDEC staff has indicated that Sanitary
Surveys will eventually be completed for all coastal areas
2-40
(Davidson, NYSDEC, January4, 1991). The results of their 1990
sampling program, along with pertinent information contained
within the SCDHS unpublished Draft Brown Tide Study and the
interim draft of the Long Island Sound Study, for specific
surface water bodies, are discussed as follows:
Eastern Lono Island Sound
According to the Long Island Sound Study, the primary factors
contributing to water quality problems throughout the Sound
include: municipal and industrial discharges; urban stormwater
runoff; combined sewer overflows; in-place pollutants
(contaminated sediments); oil and hazardous material spills;
nonpoint-source inputs generated by activities such as
construction, and agriculture; landfill leachate; dredge spoil
disposal; excessive water use; complex ground, surface, and
saltwater intrusion; and thermal discharges. These factors
primarily effect areas in Queens County, Nassau County, and
the western portion of Suffolk County. The eastern waters of
the Long Island Sound are more oceanic in nature than the
western waters, and water quality exhibits little, if any,
impairment problems. There is, however, a fishing advisory
in effect for all marine waters in the Long Island Sound. The
State recommendations are to eat no more than one meal per
month of Striped Bass taken from Southold's waters, and no more
than one meal (one-half pound) per week of Bluefish and
American Eel, in order to reduce intake of polychlorinated
biphenyls {PCB's). In addition, women of childbearing age,
infants, and children under the age of 15 are advised to avoid
eating Striped Bass entirely.
Several potential pollutant sources have been identified by
NYSDEC which may impact the water quality in eastern Long
Island Sound. As in the smaller embayments, certain areas of
2-41
the sound may be affected by runoff from the shore, boat
traffic, leachate from malfunctioning in-ground sewage
treatment systems, or discharge from shoreline drain pipes.
The large area of the sound, and the large volume of water
flowing through the Sound can dilute and mitigate the effects
of these pollution sources. However, there are two tributaries
of Eastern Long Island Sound which may adversely affect the
water quality in local areas of the Sound: Mattituck Creek
and GolUsmith Inlet. Both of these areas are designated as
uncertified for the harvest of shellfish for most of the year.
Most of eastern Long Island Sound is certified for shellfish
harvesting. The certified area supports a small number of
dredge boats which harvest surf clams. Approximately 300 acres
of the eastern Long Island Sound surrounding the outfall of
the Incorporated Village of Greenport's Sewage Treatment Plant
(STP), are uncertified. The closed area includes water in the
Long Island Sound within a half-mile radius of the outfall.
The State Pollution Discharge and Elimination System (SPDES)
permit issued for the Greenport STP allows a discharge of 0.5
million gallons per day (MGD) of secondarily treated waste-
water. According to NYSDEC, this plant has operated in
violation of the SPDES permit in the past. However, the STP
operators did take steps to bring the plant into compliance
(Watt, SCDHS, February 4, 1991). Monthly Discharge Monitoring
Reports are submitted to NYSDEC and any violations of the
discharge permit are recorded. Copies of these reports are
on file in the NYSDEC Water Unit Office.
Mattituck Inlet and Creek
The shoreline of Mattituck Creek is moderately developed and
contains several summer bungalows which are vacated during the
2-42
winter. Al1 residences bordering the creek dispose of
wastewater through on-lot subsurface leaching poo]s. There
are four marinas located on Mattituck Creek including: Matt-
A-Nar, Mattituck ]n]et Marina, Nattituck Fishing Station, and
Petersen's Pier. Only one of these, the Matt-A-Mar Marina,
contains a pump-out station, which is provided free of cost
to seasonal patrons, and at a fee of ten do]Jars for transient
boaters. Restroom and shower faci]ities are provided at the
Matt-A-Mar and Mattituck Inlet marinas, and these discharge
into private cesspools. Commercial fishing boats, as we]] as
private recreational boats, are docked in Mattituck Creek ail
year long.
As discussed in Section 2.2.5, there are several storm drainage
outfalls that empty into Mattituck Creek. In addition, several
streets terminate at the creek shoreline allowing rainfall
runoff to enter directly into the creek. NYSDEC has also
documented that waterfowl congregate on the creek, especially
in the sheltered portions during the winter months.
The water quality of the Mattituck Creek is affected byseveral
pollutant sources, including: marinas, illegal discharges from
holding tanks of boats, potential loadings from on-lot septic
disposal systems, and {as discussed above) runoff from
residential and street areas, and high concentrations of water
fowl. During the winter there are fewer pollution sources due
to the fact that the recreational boating season ends, two
marinas close, and summer residents leave the area. Due to
high fluctuations in water quality, the waters of Mattituck
Creek and Inlet are generally closed (uncertified) to shellfish
harvesting, except at specific times during the winter when
water quality improved adequately to permit a conditional
harvesting program. The SCDHS unpublished Draft Brown Tide
Study rated Mattituck Inlet as "severe" on the NYSDEC Priority
2-43
Water Problem List for 1988. In addition, the June 1990 NYSDEC
Nonpoint Source Water Quality Assessment List indicates that
the waters of Mattituck Creek have been severely impacted by
non-point source pollution to the point that the harvesting
of shellfish from these waters is precluded.
Goldsmith Inlet
Goldsmith Inlet is actually a small pond which opens to the
Long Island Sound through a narrow inlet. The seven homes
which border the inlet on the western side are located within
50 feet of mean high water. Each home is serviced by an on-
lot subsurface sewage disposal system. The eastern shoreline
borders the vacant, wooded Suffolk County Park. Large numbers
of waterfowl have been observed by NYSDEC utilizing the inlet
waters.
According to NYSDEC records, Goldsmith Inlet generally has high
coliform bacteria levels. A stream which discharges into the
southern end of the inlet, as well as overflows from Autumn
Pond located to the west of the inlet, have been identified
as primary pollution sources by NYSDEC. In addition, non-
point sources from road runoff and faulty septic systems may
potentially impact water quality. The NYSDEC Nonpoint Source
Water Quality Assessment sheet (included in Appendix A)
indicates the sources of pollution and a description of the
problem. Goldsmith Inlet is seasonally uncertified for
shellfish harvesting, therefore, the inlet waters are closed
for shellfish harvesting most of the year, except during the
winter when the water quality improves. During the period from
December 15 through March 31 (both dates inclusive), Goldsmith
Inlet is open to shellfishing.
2-44
Orient Harbor
According to NYSDEC, Orient Harbor is essentially free from
significant sources of contamination and the majority of the
area is certified for shellfish harvesting. Residences are
generally located over 50 feet from the mean high water level.
All homes are serviced by subsurface septic disposal systems,
which reportedly function properly according to NYSDEC field
reports. Many of these homes are vacated during the winter
months. The area surrounding Long Beach Bay and Little Bay
is largely undeveloped with no apparent pollution sources.
There are three marinas within the coastal waters of Orient
Harbor, namely the Orient Wharf Company, the Orient Yacht Club,
and the Narrow River Marina. None of these marinas provide
pump-out facilities. The Orient Yacht Club has a restroom
facility which drains into an on-site cesspool located in close
proximity to the shoreline. This facility represents a
potential source of water contamination.
Dam Pond and Spring Pond are tributary to Orient Harbor. The
majority of the homes on Spring Pond are located within 150
feet of mean high water, and closer on Dam Pond. According
to NYSDEC reports, neither pond experiences any elevated
coliform bacteria levels.
GreenDort Harbor and Shelter Island Sound
Although the Incorporated Village of Greenport lies outside
the Southold LWA, the coastal waters of Greenport Harbor are
discussed because of their potential impacts on the adjacent
waters that are under the Town's jurisdiction. Greenport
Harbor is defined as the area of Shelter Island Sound situated
between Fanning Point and the rock jetty at Young's Point.
2-45
Water quality in the Shelter Island Sound is greatly influenced
by the developed areas within and adjacent to the Incorporated
Village of Greenport and in the Town of Shelter Island.
Although most of the open coastal waters in Shelter Island
Sound are certified for shellfishing, there is one large
permanent closure area surrounding the outfall of the Shelter
Island Property Owner's Corporation sewage treatment plant.
This closure area extends from the North Ferry dock on Shelter
Island westward to Fanning Point, then northward to the Long
Island Railroad dock in Greenport, and then southeastward to
Chequit Point on Shelter Island. In addition, there are
several other smaller uncertified areas encompassing the
numerous marinas located in Greenport Harbor. The tidal inlet,
known as Sterling Basin, is also closed to shellfish
harvesting.
The shoreline of Greenport Harbor is well developed and
supports condominiums, restaurants, several marinas and private
docking facilities, ship building and contracting companies,
and seafood processors. All of the residences and businesses
in the Village of Greenport are connected to the Greenport
STP. There is no local subsurface disposal of sewage in this
area. As discussed earlier, the outfall of the sewage
treatment plant is located in Long Island Sound.
NYSDEC reports that Claudio's Marina in Greenport provides a
'fueling station, restrooms and showers. However, no other
docking facility provides a pump-out station. Overnight stays
aboard boats are allowable in the area and may present a
potential source of non-point pollution. NYSDEC has found
elevated total and fecal coliform bacteria levels in water
samples taken from the boat basin near the Cooper Processing
Company. NYSDEC has identified the narrow inlet of Sterling
Basin as a point source contributing pollution to Greenport
2-46
Harbor. However, a detailed water quality investigation has
not yet been completed for this area.
Pioes Cove and Shelter Island Sound
Pipes Cove is a small bay in Shelter Island Sound which is
located immediately southwest of Greenport Harbor between
Fanning Point and Conkling Point. Nearly the entire shoreline
is occupied by residential lots, with homes located between
30 and 75 feet of mean high water. With the exception of the
condominium developments near Fannings Point which are hooked
into the Greenport STP, the remaining residences are serviced
by on-lot subsurface sewage disposal systems. These systems
pose a potential source of water contamination should they
malfunction.
Moores Drain, a creek which drains the low-lying areas from
Silver Lake in Greenport to Pipes Cove, has reportedly shown
elevated levels of total and fecal coliform bacteria especially
following excessive (greater than 6 inch) rainfalls. The
coastal waters of Pipes Cove are certified for shellfish
harvesting. However, Moores Drain and the associated wetland
are currently being investigated by NYSDEC to determine if
seasonal closure is warranted.
Southold Bay and Western Shelter Island Sound
Water quality within the western portion of Shelter Island
Sound and Southold Bay is generally good, and these open
coastal waters are certified for shellfish harvesting. The
only exception being waters within marina areas which are
closed seasonally to shellfish harvesting as well as the tidal
waters of Mill Creek and Hashamomuck Pond {discussed
separately).
2-47
Development along the shoreline of Southold Bay and western
Shelter Island Sound is primarily residential, with a
concentration of marinas and restaurants in the areas
surrounding Budds and Sage Ponds. Of the six marinas located
along this waterfront, only two have pump-out facilities
(Goldsmith's Boat Shop and Brick Cove Marina) and two of the
marinas allow overnights on-board (Albertson's Marina and Port
of Egypt Marina). Shellfish harvesting within and adjacent
to marinas is prohibited by NYSDEC except in certain marinas
that close for a portion of the year. This is to prevent
possible fecal contamination due to the discharge of
inadequately treated or untreated sewage from the holding tanks
of boats docked at the marinas.
Homes are generally located within 200 feet of mean high water
(MHW) on Southold Bay and within lO0 feet of MHW on western
Shelter Island Sound. Some residences have separate beach bath
houses on the property, which are typically located closer to
the shoreline. All homes and bath houses are serviced by
subsurface sewage disposal systems. Although none were
identified during NYSDEC's 1990 survey, malfunctioning septic
systems pose a potential threat to water quality in the Shelter
Island Sound. In 1987 there was an emergency closure of Budds
Pond due to sewage leaking out of cesspools which service the
Terning Point Inn motel. Reportably, the problem has since
been corrected.
According to local residents, there is a subsurface clay layer
which underlies the area of Port Egypt surrounding Budds Pond
and extending northeast to Sage Pond. This clay layer can
prevent the downward percolation of water through the soil.
Water may flow over the surface of the clay layer until it
intercepts surface waters. In the event of a malfunctioning
subsurface sewage disposal system, leachate from the system
2-48
may eventually reach certified shellfish harvesting waters.
Currently, the waters of both Budds Pond and Sage Pond are
seasonally certified for shellfish harvesting during the period
of November I through May 14.
Mill Creek and Hashamomuck Pond
There are approximately 93 homes surrounding the shoreline of
Hashamomuck Pond. The majority of these homes are seasonal
and many have associated floating docks or private moorings
for family boats. Each home is serviced by on-lot subsurface
septic disposal systems. There are no marinas in the Pond or
the Mill Creek area. Roadway runoff from County Route 48
enters directly into the northern end of Hashamomuck Pond.
This non-point source coupled with leachate from residential
septic systems, has been identified by NYSDEC as the primary
sources of contamination to the Hashamomuck Pond system.
According to NYSDEC, the SCDPW has completed the preliminary
engineering designs for a major drainage improvement to
eliminate the direct discharge of stormwater runoff from Middle
Road {CR 48) into Hashamomuck Pond {NYSDEC, Shoreline and
Pollution Source Survey, December 1988). This major capital
project consists of two phases, the first of which is scheduled
to commence in 1991. The first phase includes the installation
of a series of leaching pools off CR 48 to intercept runoff
and allow contaminants to settle out of stormwater before it
reaches a tributary which feeds into Hashamomuck Pond. The
second phase includes the construction of a recharge area
upstream of the tributary. This second phase has been held
up due to monetary constraints and difficulties involved with
land acquisitions. The SCDPW expects to complete the second
phase following allocations of the 1994 Suffolk County Capital
Budget (LaValle, SCDPW, February 26, 1991).
2-49
Water quality in Hashamomuck Pond is greatly affected by
rainfall and runoff. Under dry weather conditions, Hashamomuck
Pond water quality reaches that of a certified area. However,
following heavy rainfalls (greater than 0.30 inches recorded
within a 24-hour period) the water quality rapidly
deteriorates. NYSDEC is currently considering a conditional
shellfish harvesting program. However, the waters of
Hashamomuck Pond and Mill Creek are still classified as
uncertified. Similar to Mattituck Creek (which was discussed
earlier), the SCDHS unpublished Draft Brown Tide Study has
rated the waters of Hashamomuck Pond as "severe" on the NYSDEC
Priority Water Problem List for 1988. In addition, the June
1990 NYSDEC Nonpoint Source Water Quality Assessment List
indicates that the waters of Hashamomuck Pond have been
severely impacted by non-point source pollution to the point
that the harvesting of shellfish from these waters is
precluded.
Tributaries to Southold Bay
There are three major tributaries to Southold Bay; namely,
Town Creek, Jockey Creek, and Goose Creek. All three creeks
are surrounded by residential development, with homes located
between 150 to 200 feet within mean high water. All homes are
serviced byon-lot subsurface septic disposal systems. During
their 1988 shoreline survey, NYSDEC did not identify any
malfunctioning septic systems. The storm drainage outfalls
which discharge into these creeks are sumaarized in Section
2.2.5, Table 2-1. It is worthy to note that a marina is
located on each of these creeks, and that none of these marinas
provide pump-out facilities.
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Town Creek, Jockey Creek, and Goose Creek are all seasonally
certified for shellfish harvesting. The opening/closure dates
vary for each creek or portions of each creek. Details on
shellfish harvesting dates are discussed in Section 2.3.5.
The Town of Southold Conservation Advisory Council (CAC) has
recently {September 1990) initiated an Adopt-a-Creek program
as a grass-roots effort to improve the water quality of
Southold's tidal creeks. The CAC recognized that many of the
tidal creeks which are currently open only seasonally for
shellfish harvesting, used to be open year-round. Many of
Southold's transient residents cannot partake in recreational
shellfish harvesting activities because most of the seasonal
closures occur during the peak summer months.
The CAC has chosen Goose Creek as a pilot area for their Adopt-
a-Creek program, and has coordinated with NYSDEC in collecting
water quality samples. Education is the major thrust of the
Adopt-A-Creek program. The CAC has contacted all of the
residents surrounding Goose Creek to solicit volunteers, and
conducted an initial seminar to inform residents as to what
they can do to improve the water quality of Goose Creek. The
CAC expects to utilize the Suffolk County Community College
Marine Science Facility at Cedar Beach Park to conduct future
educational programs and to run their own water quality testing
program.
Little Peconic Bay
According to the SCDHS Unpublished Brown Tide Study, the
coastal waters of Little Peconic Bay are characterized by
excellent dissolved oxygen (DO) levels, low dissolved nitrogen
and phosphorous concentrations, and a uniform distribution of
nutrients. This is due primarily to the mixing effects of good
2-51
tidal exchange between the waters of Little Peconic Bay and
the open ocean. Currently, the coastal waters of Little
Peconic Bay and the tidal tributaries including {listed from
west to east) Wunneweta Pond, Little Creek, Richmond Creek,
Corey Creek, the two unnamed ponds, and Cedar Beach Creek are
all certified for shellfish harvesting.
There are several pollution sources which may impact the water
quality of Little Peconic Bay. As in the smaller bays, tidal
creeks, and ponds, the bay may be affected by runoff from the
shore, boat traffic, leachate from malfunctioning subsurface
sewage disposal systems, and discharge from stormwater drainage
outfalls. The large area of the bay and the volume of water
flowing through the bay usually can dilute and mitigate the
effects of these pollution sources.
There are several tributaries of Little Peconic Bay which, if
polluted, may adversely affect the water quality of large areas
of the bay. They include Wunneweta Pond, Little Creek, Corey
Creek, Richmond Creek, and Cedar Beach Creek, Cutchogue Harbor
and two small ponds which also discharge into the bay.
Cutchogue Harbor and its tributary tidal creeks are discussed
separately.
Currently, there are no industrial or commercial areas on the
shoreline of Little Peconic Bay. There are also no active
marinas operating on the bay. The shoreline development is
strictly residential. There are approximately 165 houses on
the northern shoreline of Little Peconic Bay, and all have
subsurface sewage disposal systems. There was no evidence of
any malfunctioning septic system during NYSDEC's 1989 shoreline
survey of the area. However, NYSDEC did find domestic animal
wastes in several spots on the shore of the bay. In the event
2-52
of rainfall runoff this can be washed into the bay
contribute to fecal coliform contamination of the area.
Cutchoque Harbor
and
Cutchogue Harbor occupies the northwestern corner of Little
Peconic Bay. Five tidal creeks discharge directly into
Cutchogue Harbor including (listed from west to east)
Schoolhouse Creek, Wickham Creek, East Creek, Mud Creek,
Ha~q~ater Cove, and Broadwater Cove.
Cutchogue Harbor is well developed with residential housing.
Homes are found between 50 and 150 feet of the mean high
waterline along nearly the entire shoreline of Cutchogue
Harbor, and along the shorelines of many of the creeks that
are tributary to the harbor. All of the homes are serviced
by on-lot subsurface septic disposal systems. During NYSDEC's
1990 shoreline survey, none of these septic systems were found
to be malfunctioning. Agricultural land uses bordering East
Creek may potentially contribute sediments, fertilizers, animal
wastes, agricultural by-products or pesticides in stormwater
runoff following excessive rainfalls. NYSDEC's 1990 water
sampling results indicated elevated fecal and total coliform
bacteria levels in East Creek and high levels of fecal coliform
bacteria in Mud Creek. Due to poor water quality, Schoolhouse
Creek and East Creek have been designated as uncertified areas
and shellfish harvesting is prohibited all times of the year.
Schoolhouse Creek was the first portion of Cutchogue Harbor
to be closed to shellfish harvesting in 1988, until 1990 when
East Creek was closed. NYSDEC is closely monitoring water
quality in Mud Creek as well, to determine if further
deterioration will warrant a closure in this area.
2-53
There are three marinas within Cutchogue Harbor. These
include= the New Suffolk Boatyard and Marina on Schoolhouse
Creek; the Boatman's Harbor Marina at the mouth of Wickham
Creek; and the Broadwater Cove Marina at the northwestern
corner of Broadwater Cove. None of these marinas provide pump-
out stations. Overnight stays are allowed on-board boats
docked in the Boatman's Harbor Marina.
The National Shellfish Sanitation Program (NSSP) recognizes
marinas as possible sources of fresh fecal contamination due
to the discharge of untreated or improperly treated sewage from
the holding tanks of some docked boats. The NSSP recommends
the classification of marinas as seasonally or conditionally
certified so as to prevent the harvest of potentially
contaminated shellfish. Since 1989 Boatmen's Harbor Marina
and Broadwater Cove Marina were designated by NYSDEC as
seasonally uncertified during the period of May 15 through
October 31. This is the period when the marinas are most
active; during the winter months the marinas are closed.
Great Peconic Bay
According to the SCDHS unpublished Draft Brown Tide Study, the
waters of Great Peconic Bay characteristically exhibit good
water quality. Point source inputs to Great Peconic Bay are
generally less important contributors to overall system water
quality than for coastal waters located further west in
Flanders Bay. This is due to a relative decrease in
contaminant loading, increased tidal exchange with Gardiner's
Bay and Block Island Sound, and the geometric and bathymetric
characteristics which are particular to Great Peconic Bay.
Similar to Little Peconic Bay, the waters of Great Peconic Bay
are generally well mixed, exhibit high DO levels and a uniform
distribution of nutrients. Coliform bacteria levels in the
2-54
coastal waters of Great Peconic Bay are usually within state
standards permitting shellfish harvesting. Dissolved nitrogen
levels in Great Peconic Bay are generally very low, except
occasionally during ebb tide when nutrient laden waters from
Flanders Bay and freshwater tributaries cause higher nitrogen
concentrations to occur. Non-point source inputs, including
stormwater runoff, on-lot subsurface sewage disposal, and boat
wastes, are identified by the SCDHS unpublished Draft Brown
Tide Study as the primary sources of pollution in Great Peconic
Bay.
During 1985, 1986, and 1987 a proliferation of algae in
Flanders Bay nearly eradicated one of the most productive Bay
Scallop areas in the State. According to NYSDEC staff, these
algae are commonly present in mass or in small areas in the
coastal waters off Long Island; however, no deleterious blooms
have occurred in the recent past {Laporta, NYSDEC, January23,
1991). These algal blooms, also commonly known as the "brown
tide", have affected the waters of Great Peconic Bay, Little
Peconic Bay, and the waters around Shelter Island and
Gardiner's Island. In addition to the Bay Scallop, a large
sea snail known as Conch, and several species of small bait
fish seem to have been affected. Suffolk County has received
State and Federal grants from NYSDEC and the USEPA to conduct
a multi-year study to determine the cause of the algal blooms.
The SCDHS unpublished Draft Brown Tide Study links the brown
tide phenomenon to a decrease in water quality resulting from
bacterial contamination in stormwater runoff and septic
discharges from boats.
There are seven major tributaries of the Great Peconic Bay
which, if polluted, may adversely impact the water quality in
the coastal portion of the bay. These include West Creek,
Downs Creek, Halls Creek, Deep Hole Creek, James Creek, Horton
2-55
Creek, and Brushs Creek. Due to poor water quality resulting
from non-point source pollution, Brushs Creek is uncertified
for shellfish harvesting. Homes bordering on the western
shoreline of Brushs Creek, within 200 feet of mean high water,
all are serviced by on-lot subsurface septic disposal systems
(Laporta, NYSDEC, January 23, 1991}. This is presumably a
factor in the degradation of the creek water quality. The
waters of James Creek are seasonally uncertified during the
peak months of boating activity, between April 1 through
December 14. Two marinas are located on James Creek --
Strong's Mattituck Marina and the Village Marina of Mattituck.
The remaining tributaries are currently certified for shellfish
harvesting; however, water quality is being closely monitored
by NYSDEC to determine if seasonal closures are also warranted
for Deep Hole Creek, Halls Creek and Downs Creek.
Fishers Island Sound and Block Island Sound
Fishers Island is surrounded by Fishers Island Sound to the
north and Block Island Sound to the south. NYSDEC has taken
water quality samples in both coastal waters, but lacks
sufficient data to make a positive determination with regard
to shellfish harvesting. For this reason, NYSDEC must
administratively classify the coastal waters of Fishers Island
Sound and Block Island Sound as uncertified. Preliminary
information indicates that the overall water quality of Fishers
Island Sound and Block Island Sound appears to be good. In
one instance, however, the water quality of Fishers Island
Sound did deteriorate after an extremely heavy rainfall.
NYSDEC suspects that contaminated discharges from the Thames
River and New London Harbor in Connecticut may have an impact
on the water quality on the western end of Fishers Island after
a heavy rainfall {Davidson, NYSDEC, November 1989}.
2-56
NYSDEC has conducted more detailed water quality evaluations
within the coastal waters of West Harbor and Hay Harbor,
located off the extreme northwestern shoreline of Fishers
Island. Due to the fact that the shoreline is rugged and rock
bound, waterfront activities are concentrated around these
harbors and two swimming beaches on the south side of the
island. With the exception of the harbor areas and an inlet
located farther west, known as Silver Eel Pond, the overall
water quality off the north shore of Fishers Island is
reportably very good. Water quality deteriorates during the
summer boating season within the harbor areas. This is due
to the fact that there are very few facilities or services
ashore Fishers Island, which forces weekend sailors to stay
aboard overnight. Although there are two marinas, a yacht club
and mooring areas in West Harbor, no pump-out facilities are
available to service the boats. NYSDEC has determined that
transient boats are the primary source of pollution in the
coastal waters off Fishers Island.
The shoreline of West Harbor is densely developed with
residences, fishing docks, businesses, and two marinas. In
contrast, the area surrounding Hay Harbor is strictly
residential. Because there is no community sewage treatment
plant on Fishers Island, all developments must discharge septic
wastes through subsurface disposal systems. Although none were
identified as malfunctioning by NYSDEC during their 1988-1989
field surveys, such systems could potentially affect coastal
water quality. During a 1985 field survey, NYSDEC identified
two point sources of pollution: raw sewage from a sewage
collection system servicing an old military base that was being
discharged through an outfall pipe into Fishers Island Sound,
near the inlet of Silver Eel Pond; and a storm drainage system
near the Mobil fuel dock in West Harbor that was found to
contain raw sewage. According to the Suffolk County Department
2-57
of Health Services (SCDHS), the first point source was recently
remediated by the installation of a series of septic
tank/leaching pool systems to treat and dispose of wastewater
generated by the military base (Watt, SCDHS, January 4, 1991).
NYSDEC could not confirm whether the second point source at
the Mobil fuel dock was remediated, however, and further
investigation is warranted (Davidson, NYSDEC, January4, lggl).
Due to the impacts of summer boat traffic, the waters in West
Harbor are seasonally closed to shellfish harvesting during
the period May 15 through October 31. In addition, coastal
waters within one mile of Fishers Island between the western
entrance to Hay Harbor and the westernmost tip of Race Point,
including Silver Eel Pond, are closed to shellfish harvesting
year-round (uncertified).
2.2.7 Erosion and Flood Hazard Areas
A. Coastal Landforms and Processes
Coastal landforms include beaches, bluffs, dunes, wetlands,
and nearshore areas. These landforms and the vegetation
thereon, act as natural protective features that buffer and
protect inland areas from the erosive action of wind, water,
and storm-induced high water. These features act to absorb
wave and wind energy generated on open waters. The coastal
landforms located within the Town of Southold LWA, and
processes affecting these landforms, are described below. A
complete inventory of the coastal landforms in the Town is
contained in Appendix C and illustrated on Map 2-3.
2-58
Beaches
Beaches are zones of unconsolidated material extending landward
from the mean low water line to the place where there is a
change in material or physiographic form such as a zone of
permanent vegetation, or a zone of dunes, or a bluff (MSRC,
June 1973). Beaches are shaped and supplied by a complex
system of waves, tides and currents. These actions combine
to create littoral drift. Littoral drift is a dynamic process
that promotes the transport of sand and sediment along the
shoreline. The direction and rate of littoral transport
depends mainly on the angle of wave approach and the wave
energy at the shore. Shoreline wave energy is dependent upon
the wind characteristics of the area. Other factors
influencing littoral drift include the availability of sediment
and grain size distribution {Saville and Watts, 1969). Long-
term changes in the formation and configuration of beaches are
affected by regional geomorphology and the type of available
beach material. Short-term periodic changes {daily and
seasonal) are the result of the quantity of beach material
available and the characteristics of waves, tides, and currents
supplying energy to the shoreline. Beaches remain stable only
in areas where the supply of material brought into the littoral
zone is equal to that removed.
Beaches protect inland areas from erosion by absorbing wave
and wind energy that otherwise would be expended on the toes
of the bluffs or dunes. Beaches that are high and wide protect
interior shorelands from erosion more effectively than beaches
that are low and narrow. Beaches also act as a reservoir of
sand for dune and sandbar formation.
Beaches rim almost the entire coastline of Southold with the
exception of some tidal wetland areas, or more intensely
developed stretches such as Kenney's beach {Sub-Area 2) where
erosion of the shoreline has reduced the extent of the beach.
2-59
The largest stretch of coastline without a beach is the north
shore of Long Beach Bay (Sub-Area 5), which consists primarily
of tidal wetlands. Southold~s beaches vary greatly in size,
shape and composition. In general, the beach along the north
shore {Long Island Sound) is composed of gravel, cobble and
large boulders, while the beaches along the bays are generally
more sandy.
Bluffs
Bluffs are promontory features located along the shoreline or
projecting into a surface water body. These steeply-sloped
headlands are composed of sediments such as clay, sand, gravel
or erodiblerockformations. Unlike cliffs, that are composed
of relatively stable rock material, bluffs are easily
susceptible to the erosive action of adjacent surface waters.
Stable bluffs are characterized by gradually-sloping faces,
heavy vegetative cover, and wide protective beaches.
Bluffs protect interior shorelands by absorbing the often
destructive energy of open waters. Bluffs are of their
greatest value during times of storm-induced high water.
Bluffs are also a source of dispositional material for beaches,
consequently allowing them to widen through the production of
the sand and sediment by-products of erosion, which are carried
by littoral transport and wind. The most prevalent causes of
bluff erosion are toe scour by wave action, surface runoff,
and drainage and infiltration problems that lead to slope
failure (USACOE, 1981}.
Bluffs are a common coastal land form along the north shore
of the Town, stretching east from Mattituck Hills (Sub-Area
1) to Orient Point {Sub-Area 4). Bluffs are found on the south
shore on the east side of Nassau Point in Sub-Area 9, on the
2-60
eastern and western shores of Robins Island (Sub-Area 8), and
generally along the southern and eastern shores of Fishers
Island (Sub-Area 10). The bluffs are remnants from the advance
of the Wisconsin Glacier and are composed of glacial till, and
in some areas such as Horton's Point, clay outcrops which are
more resistant to erosion. The bluffs in Southold have steep
faces and narrow beaches, and although they tend to be well-
vegetated, the prominent plant species only act to retard the
rate of erosion.
The highest bluff elevations are found along the north shore
at the western end of the Town. These elevations gradually
diminish to the east, toward Orient Point, where low bluffs
and scattered hills are found. A peak elevation of 160 feet
above mean sea level (msl) is found at Mattituck Hills (Sub-
Area 1). Many of the bluffs have slopes in excess of 50
percent, which are subject to erosion at an average rate of
1.5 feet per year (McClimans, USDA-SCS, lg70). A severe storm,
however, can rapidly increase rates of erosion (2 feet or more
in a matter of hours), as was evidenced at Hortons Point in
1985, after the Hurricane Gloria storm event.
Dunes
A dune is a hill or ridge composed of loose, windblown {or
artificially placed) material; primarily sand of the same or
similar grain size. Like bluffs and beaches, dunes act to
buffer inland areas from wind and wave action. Dunes provide
the greatest protective value during conditions of storm-
induced high water. The protective value of dunes is
especially great because they generally protect some of the
most biologically sensitive areas, as well as developed coastal
areas. Although sand dunes offer substantial protection during
severe storms, they are not effective protection from gradual
2-61
long-term erosion. A large dune may initially offer
substantial storm protection on a site, but if located in an
area of high erosion, it may lose its protective ability as
it is slowly washed or blown away.
The two primary protective functions of dunes are the
prevention of wave overtopping and the storage of sand for the
rejuvenation of beaches and other natural protective features
{NCPI, December lg88}. Healthy, effective dune systems require
well-established vegetation. High vegetated dunes provide far
greater protection than low, unvegetated features.
There are two areas in the Southold LWA with dune formations.
The most extensive formation is the Peconic Dunes, located on
the north shore in Sub-Area 2. The Peconic Dunes extend
eastward from Goldsmith County Park along approximately 1.5
miles of coastline, and are over 1,000 feet wide in some
places. A large portion of this dune system is contained with
Peconic Dunes County Park. This dune system is composed of
both primary and secondary dune formations, and represent a
unique scenic and natural resource.
The second area containing dunes is Orient Beach State Park
in Sub-Area 5. This park has a number of small dune formations
scattered throughout. These dune formations are protected as
part of the State park system. In addition, a large extent
of this park has been designated as a National Natural Landmark
under the auspices of the U.S. Department of Interior, and is
thereby protected.
Tidal Wetlands and Nearshore Areas
Tidal wetlands are found in close association with nearly every
creek, inlet and pond in the Town. The most extensive areas
2-62
of tidal wetlands are found on the northern shoreline of Long
Beach (Hallocks) Bay, along West Creek, on Hashamomuck Pond,
and in the vicinity of the Orient Point causeway {see Section
2.2.8 for a more thorough discussion of tidal wetlands).
Tidal wetlands protect shoreline areas from flooding and
erosion by absorbing the energy of approaching waves and
trapping sediment that is being carried along by currents.
These shore protection qualities are particularly important
when the wetland fronts a sandy beach or other area where
erosion is to be prevented. While wetlands do not provide
full protection, they may at least, partially dampen wave
action and allow for less costly and massive back-up protection
{USACOE, 1981).
Nearshore (or foreshore) areas include the underwater lands
beginning at the mean low water line and extending to the point
where mean low water is 15 feet in depth, or to a distance of
1,000 feet from the mean low water line, whichever is greater.
Nearshore areas dissipate a substantial amount of wave energy
by causing waves to break or collapse before reaching inland
areas such as beaches, dunes or bluffs. Nearshore areas also
function as seasonal reservoirs of sand, gravel and other
unconsolidated material that is returned to beaches, dunes and
other inland areas. Generally, nearshore areas vary in
configuration based on such factors as wave direction, energy,
frequency and seasonality. The characteristics of nearshore
areas {known as foreshore areas on the Sound) also vary based
on location. Nearshore areas on the south shore bays differ
from the coastal areas on the Sound, due to the abundance of
wetlands, and reduced extent of beaches.
2-63
Coastal Barriers
Coastal barriers or barrier islands are defined as depositional
geologic features which consist of unconsolidated sedimentary
materials subject to wave, tidal, and wind energies {LIRPB,
October 1984). These features are generally located off the
coastline, running parallel to the coast. These landforms
protect the mainland aquatic habitats and natural protective
features from direct wave attack by dissipating a large amount
of the wind, wave, and tidal energies received off the open
waters. Associated wetlands, marshes, estuaries, inlets, and
near shore waters are also included in the definition of
coastal barriers. The only coastal barriers located in the
Southold LWA are found off the southwest coast of Fishers
Island {Sub-Area 10) and in Orient Beach State Park {Sub-Area
5).
B. Flood and Erosion Hazard Area Regulations
Flooding and erosion are problems of local, regional,
statewide, and national concern. Development in erosion and
flood-sensitive areas is currently regulated by a variety of
local, State, and Federal programs and legislation. These
include the National Flood Insurance Program administered by
the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the local
regulations established pursuant to the FEMA program, the
Federal Coastal Barrier Resources Act {CB~), and the New York
State Coastal Erosion Hazard Areas Act (Article 34 of the New
York State Environmental Conservation Law) and accompanying
regulations and area maps. These local, State and Federal
regulations are discussed below.
2-64
1. The National Flood Insurance Program
The Federal Government enacted the National Flood Insurance
Act of 1968 to provide flood insurance protection to
property owners in flood-prone areas. This legislation
was amended by the Flood Disaster Protection Act of 1973
to require the purchase of flood insurance as a condition
of receiving any form of Federal or federally-related
assistance for acquisition or construction purposes. This
applies to permanent and movable structures located within
identified special flood and erosion hazard areas.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency developed a series
of flood insurance rate maps {FIRM) for all coastal
communities, which indicate the boundaries of flood plains
and identify flood elevations. The FIRM maps delineate
zones of special flood hazard and coastal high-hazard
areas. Flood elevations are determined by changes in
ground elevation, vegetation and natural features. This
information is used to subdivide these flood zones into
specific flood potential or hazard areas. As defined by
the FEMA, areas of special flood hazard (also known as A-
zones or the lO0-year floodplain) are areas within a
community that are subject to a one-percent or greater
chance of flooding in any given year, or to a flood that
would be exceeded in severity only once every one-hundred
years on average. Coastal High-Hazard Areas (V-zones) are
defined as areas with special flood hazards associated with
high-velocity waters generated by tidal surges and
hurricane wave wash. V-zones are located seaward of the
A-zones and both zones are contained within the 100-year
floodplain. The A-zones and V-zones for the Town of
Southold LWA as indicated on the FIRM maps are shown in
Figure 2-6.
2-65
SUB-AREA 9 I
!
!
SUB- SUB-AREA 7
LEGEND AREA 8
~A ZONE - 100
~V ZONE -
AREAS
WAVE
YEAR FLOOD PLAIN
SUBJECT TO HIGH
ACTION
VELOCITY
SOURCE: FEMA NATIONAL FLOOD INSURANCE PROGRAM
APRIL 1991
CASHIN ASSOCIATES, P.C.
MAPS
FIGURE 2-6
FLOOD PLAINS
SUB-AREA 3 I SUB-AREA 4
'1
·
! SUB-AREA 5
SUB-AREA 6
APRIL 1991
CASHIN ASSOCIATES, P.C.
LEGEND
~A ZONE - 100 YEAR FLOOD PLAIN
[~V ZONE - AREAS SUBJECT TO
HIGH VELOCITY WAVE ACTION
SOURCE: FEMA NATIONAL FLOOD It~SURANCE
PROGRAM MAPS
FIGURE 2-6
FLOOD PLAINS
The National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 was enacted to
provide previously unavailable flood insurance protection
to property owners in flood prone areas. This Act was
amended in 1973 to include flood-related erosion
protection. The Flood Disaster Protection Act of 1973
required the purchase of flood insurance as a condition
of receiving any form of Federal or federally-related
financial assistance for acquisition or construction
purposes with respect to insurable buildings and mobile
homes situated within an identified special flood,
mudslide, or flood-related erosion hazard areas. The Act
further required that to qualify for the sale of federally-
subsidized flood insurance a community must participate
in the flood insurance program (FEMA, October lg8g).
Communities not participating in the program would face
restrictions on the aforementioned Federal financial
assistance. For the community to enter the program,
detailed FIRMs must be completed, and the local officials
must enact regulations that require all new or
substantially improved structures located in flood hazard
areas to be built in accordance with the Federal floodplain
management criteria {LIRPB, October 1984).
The Town of Southold participates in the National Flood
Insurance Program. In accordance with the basic FEMA
requirements, the Town adopted Chapter 46 of the Town Code
-- The Flood Damage Prevention law. This law contains
standards for the regulation of all development or
redevelopment in A-zones and V-zones. Any such development
must conform with these standards.
The V-zone area in the Town of Southold generally extends
along the entire coastline with the exception of a seven-
mile stretch located between Cedar Beach Point {Sub-Area
2-66
7) and the eastern shores of Pipes Cove (Sub-Area 6). This
is due to the proximity of Shelter Island, which provides
protection in this area from storm surges and hurricane
wave wash. Orient Point State Park and the lands bordering
Long Beach Bay have been identified as high exposure areas
and they are assigned a higher flood elevation under the
V-zone designation. Within the Town, the A-zone generally
includes all creeks, ponds and wetlands, extending between
200 and ],000 feet inland from the edge of these areas.
Hashamomuck Pond, Truman Beach/Dam Pond, and Long Beach
Bay are surrounded by extensive low-lying areas which
commonly flood, justifying a higher flood elevation under
the A-zone designation for these areas.
2. Coastal Barrier Resources Act
In October of 1982, Congress passed the Coastal Barrier
Resources Act (CBRA) which established the Coastal Barrier
Resource System. The CBRA prohibits federal expenditures
for the development of these areas, or portions thereof
which are not presently developed, including grants, loans,
loan guarantees, and flood insurance. This act advances
the philosophy that the risk of new private development
in these hazardous areas should be borne by the private
sector and not underwritten by the Federal government
{LIRPB, October 1984). To be eligible for consideration
as a designated coastal barrier unit, an area must be a
coastal barrier, it must be undeveloped, and it must not
be otherwise protected.
The Department of the Interior recommends that all
undeveloped, unprotected coastal barriers and associated
aquatic habitat along the Atlantic coastline in New York
be added to the Coastal Barrier Resources System (CBRS).
2-67
The DOI also recommends that otherwise protected,
undeveloped coastal barriers be excluded from the CBRS.
However, if any otherwise protected, undeveloped coastal
barrier is ever made available for development that is
inconsistent with the purposes of the CBRA, it must then
be automatically included in the CBRS.
The only coastal barrier unit in the Southold LWA that has
received CB~designation is the Fishers Island Barriers,
located off the southwest coast of the island, facing Block
Island Sound. There are nine additional sites that are
under review for possible designation under the CBP~A.
These areas include Plum Island, an additional area of
Fishers Island barriers, Pipes Cove, Conkling Point,
Southold Bay {including Goose Creek, Jockey Creek and Town
Creek), Hog Neck Bay (including Richmond Creek and Corey
Creek), Broadwater Cove, Downs Creek and Robins Island.
3. Erosion Hazard Areas
In 1981, the New York State Legislature passed the Coastal
Erosion Hazard Areas Act {ECL Article 34), as the principal
law governing erosion and flood control along the New York
State coastline. The purpose of Article 34 is to minimize
or prevent damage and destruction to property and natural
resources from flooding and erosion, due to inappropriate
actions by man, through the establishment of standards and
administrative and enforcement requirements. This coastal
hazard mitigation legislation is implemented through the
issuance of permits for development and other land use
activities in designated erosion hazard areas (LIRPB,
October, 1984).
2-68
Erosion hazard areas are defined as land and/or water areas
containing natural protective features (such as bluffs,
dunes, beaches, nearshore areas or wetlands) and those
areas located landward of natural protective features
which have shorelines receding at a long-term annual
recessive rate of one foot or more per year (structural
hazard areas). Erosion hazard areas are identified on
Coastal Erosion Hazard Area maps prepared by NYSDEC. Once
these maps are completed, local governments have the option
to adopt a State-approved model coastal erosion ordinance
which incorporates the standards outlined in the CEHA
regulations. Shouldamunicipalitychosenot to establish
such a program, regulatory authority will revert to County
and then the State. The Town of Southold opted not to
adopt such a local law.
Erosion area permits must be obtained from NYSDEC for
redevelopment, new construction, erosion protection
structures, public investment, and other land use
activities within the designated coastal hazard areas.
Approval is contingent upon compliance with established
standards, restrictions and requirements; however,
conditions can be attached to the permit, if deemed
necessary. The proposed regulated activity must meet the
following general standards:
· it must be reasonable and necessary, relative to
alternative sites and the necessity for a shoreline
location
· it must not aggravate erosion
· it must prevent or minimize adverse effects on natural
protective features, erosion protection structures
or natural resources.
2-69
Furthermore, the regulations delineate restrictions on
certain land use activities (ECL Article 34, Section
505.8). Specific restrictions are delineated for
activities in nearshore areas, on beaches, on bluffs, and
on primary and secondary dunes. Regulated activities
include:
· dredging, excavating and mining;
· construction, modification or restoration of docks,
piers, wharves, groins, jetties, seawalls, bulkheads,
breakwaters and revetments;
· beach nourishment;
· vehicular traffic; and
· the creation of pedestrian passages.
Activities generally not requiring a permit include
planting, sand fencing, and the erection of private
elevated stairways.
NYSDEC has designated the entire north shore of the Town
of Southold {Sub-Areas 1, 2, 3 and 4) as a Coastal Erosion
Hazard Area. The regulated area begins at the waters edge
and extends between 100 and 300 feet inland. On the south
shore of the Town, the NYSDEC designations include Orient
Point, Orient Point State Park, and a stretch of land that
extends between 50 and 150 feet inland from the eastern
side of Gull Pond to Peter's Neck Point {all three
designated areas are located in Sub-Area 5). Coastal
Erosion Hazard Areas are shown on Figure 2-5 (which follows
page 2-36).
2-70
C. Erosion and Flood Protection Structures
Coastal erosion is defined as the loss or displacement of land
area along the shoreline due to the natural action of waves,
currents, tides, wind-driven water, waterborne ice, or other
impacts of storms. Erosion also includes the impacts to
natural and developed coastal areas caused by the action of
wind, runoff of surface waters, or groundwater seepage.
Development has often been sited in areas that are subject to
damage or loss due to erosion. As a result, man-made erosion
and flood protection structures have been installed throughout
the coastal area in the Town of Southold to prevent or mitigate
these problems, as well as in some cases, strictly for
aesthetic purposes. However, due to improper design,
construction, and maintenance, these structures often disrupt
natural processes, and exacerbate erosion.
Erosion and flood protection structures fall into two
categories including: structures that are constructed parallel
to the shoreline such as seawalls, breakwaters, bulkheads, and
revetments; and structures that extend perpendicular from the
shoreline such as jetties and groins. In addition, other non-
structural means of erosion protection include development
design standards, beach nourishment programs, sand fencing,
and vegetative plantings.
Bulkheads, seawalls, breakwaters, and revetments are parallel
structures used to provide specific shoreline support and
protection against flood-induced erosion and wave action. The
terms bulkhead and seawall are often used interchangeably,
however, they are utilized for different purposes. Bulkheads
are retaining walls whose primary purpose is to hold or prevent
soil from sliding while providing protection from wave action.
Seawalls are structures whose primary purpose is to protect
2-71
the backshore from heavy wave action (USACOE, 1981). Seawalls
are not generally required in sheltered waters. A revetment
is a structure that is constructed on a slope to protect it
and adjacent uplands against wave scour. It depends on the
underlying soil material for support, so it must be built on
a stable slope. Revetments primarily protect the land located
immediately behind them. Breakwaters are structures that are
placed offshore to dissipate the energy of waves approaching
the shoreline, and form a protected shadow zone on their
landward sides. Breakwaters can be fixed or floating,
depending on their location and intended use.
Parallel structures are usually successful in protecting
backwater inland areas from flooding and erosion. However,
in the process, these devices tend to accelerate the erosion
of adjacent shoreline areas. Bulkheads, seawalls, breakwaters,
and revetments can generally damage adjacent shoreline areas
in two ways.
Bulkheads, seawalls, breakwaters, and revetments tend to
stabilize shoreline areas. Consequently they alter or
block the supply of sand eroding from updrift dunes and
bluffs that is transported to adjacent shoreline areas by
littoral drift. In some instances, this causes the
adjacent shoreline areas, which are eroding under the same
natural processes as the updrift areas, to loose sand
faster than it can be replaced.
Bulkheads, seawalls, and revetments deflect wave energy
in a manner that accelerates the rate of adjacent shoreline
erosion. During periods of flooding and high wave action,
dunes and wide beach areas dissipate the wave energy
gradually and over a large area. When in contact with a
parallel structure, however, this wave energy is deflected
2-72
creating a scouring and stripping effect on the beach areas
located seaward of the structure. Over time, repeated
storm wave action can pull more sand from the base of the
structure until the adjacent seaward beach area is
eliminated, and there is water at the base of the erosion
protection structure at all times.
Perpendicular erosion and flood protection structures are
designed to alter the natural oceanic processes that create
littoral drift. Attempts to stabilize a beach by altering
the longshore or littoral drift may appear successful at
first, but over time, it becomes apparent the problem has
been merely shifted downdrift. By preventing the natural
flow of sand and consequently cutting off the sand supply
for beaches downdrift, these structures tend to solve the
problem locally but create or exacerbate the problem
somewhere else.
Groins, the most commonly-used device, are wall-like
structures measuring two to eight feet in height, and are
generally made of stone, steel or wood. Groins are
constructed perpendicular to the shoreline, projecting into
the water. Used singly or in groups known as groin fields,
they trap or retard the long shore movement of sand,
subsequently widening the beach on the updrift side of the
structure. In theory, if properly designed, the use of
groins will cause the shoreline to rotate and align itself
with the crests of the incoming waves, gradually decreasing
the angle between the waves and the shore. In turn, the
longshore transport rate (or rate of littoral drift) will
decrease and the shoreline will stabilize. The proper
design of a groin must take into account certain oceanic
and geomorphic factors such as the shape and profile of
the beach, currents, and wave angle.
2-73
Groins are very successful sand traps and consequently
result in erosion problems on the downdrift side of the
structure. The sand fillets that collect on the updrift
side of the groin act as protective buffers. Storm waves
attack these accumulations first, before reaching the
unprotected backshore. Once the updrift fillet is
completed formed, the sand will pass around or over the
groin to the downdrift shoreline, but at a slower rate.
This usually necessitates the use of additional groins
downdrift of the original groin (thus the creation of groin
fields) to minimize downdrift damage and limit erosion and
rebuild the beach at the groin's shoreward end.
Jetties are constructed similar to groins but are located
parallel to an inlet. Like groins, these structures alter
the littoral drift, usually resulting in the same
consequences.
The erosion protection structures found within the Southold
LWA includes groins, jetties and bulkheading. An inventory
of these structures in contained in Appendix D. Several
jetties have been constructed along the shoreline, mostly
along the south shore of the Town in Sub-Areas 6, 7 and
8. There are a large number of groins located throughout
the coastal area; constructed of stone, wood or metal.
A high density of wood and metal groins are found in Sub-
Areas 7, 8 and 9, also on the south shore.
Much of the coastline in the Southold LWA is bulkheaded.
In general, most of the inlets and creeks, particularly
on the south shore have bulkheading along over 20 percent
of their shoreline.
2-74
Along the north shore of the Town, much of the accelerated
beach erosion is due to the presence of two jetties and
one groin. The Mattituck Inlet Jetty (Sub-Area 1) is
causing the site immediately east of the structure to
narrow by over two feet per year. This jetty has caused
the beaches directly to the east to narrow byover two feet
per year, and has subjected the shoreline bluffs that span
the area to more intensive wave attack. As a result of
this beach erosion, the toe of the bluff at Duck Pond Point
{Sub-Area 2) has become more vulnerable to wave action.
Here again, waterfront property owners installed wooded
bulkheading to stabilize the bluff. This bulkheading has
consequently accelerated the rate of immediate beach
erosion, compounding the effects of the jetty in the area
of the point. The overall erosion problem in the area from
Duck Pond Point to Goldsmith Inlet is intensified because
the bulkheading also disturbs the natural supply of sand
to the beaches located further east of the point. As
bluffs naturally erode, they provide a steady source of
sand and sediment for downdrift beach nourishment. This
has resulted in impacts to the beaches toward Goldsmith
Inlet.
The most serious beach erosion problem lies in Sub-Area
2, due to the construction of the Goldsmith Inlet Jetty
and the Bittner Groin. Erosion has been so severe along
Kenney's Beach and between Duck Pond Point and Horton Point
that the Town requested NYSDEC to conduct a coastal erosion
reconnaissance study in 1987 {Appendix E) to evaluate the
problem. This study was very general in nature, however,
it provided sufficient evidence of erosion damage to
justify the preparation of a more extensive erosion
feasibility study. The purpose of the erosion feasibility
study is to document historical erosion problems and to
identify and evaluate both structural and non-structural
2-75
potential methods of mitigation. There has not been any
action or further research undertaken since the initial
1987 report, although NYSDEC recommended that the Town
authorize additional study of this area.
Horton Point, at the eastern end of Sub-Area 2, on the
north shore, is experiencing more rapid bluff erosion.
However, the cause of erosion problems in this area extend
beyond the effects of man-made erosion protection
structures. The Horton Point bluff has no man-made
protection (i.e., bulkheading), and the beach is not wide
enough to provide adequate protection from wave action.
Accordin9 to an Army Corps. of Engineers report (MSRC, June
1973), the shoreline in this area is receding at an average
rate of 1.2 feet per year.
In addition to the erosion effect of wave action,
stormwater runoff is a problem at this point. Lighthouse
Road is a steep roadway that provides access to the Horton
Point Lighthouse and museum. It also provides access to
a stairway that leads down the face of the bluff. During
a storm event, runoff and overland flow is channeled down
this roadway and over the crest of the bluff. This
uncontrolled drainage acts to strip away layers of sediment
from the bluff face, adversely impacting the vegetation
which provides protection to this area. lhis type of
erosion action can lead to slope failure. This problem
is prevalent in other areas on the north shore where the
local roadways are located upgradient of areas with bluffs,
but down gradient of higher ridge areas. These roadways
usually lack sufficient right-of-way to allow for the
installation of proper drainage structures. The existing
catch basins, therefore, overflow as stormwater runoff
streams down hill toward the Sound, at a rate which exceeds
2-76
their capacity. Mitigative action is required to prevent
the runoff from reaching these bluff areas.
Similar to the soundfront, much of the erosion along the
bay is due to man-made erosion protective structures.
Instead of jetties and groins causing the problem, in this
case, problems have been caused by the construction of
privately-owned bulkheads. The shoreline in Sub-Areas 6,
7, 8 and 9 are up to 60 percent bulkheaded. Bulkheads
along channels and tidal creeks interfere with the littoral
process of sediment transport. Therefore, bulkheaded
inland areas cannot provide the bayfront beaches with
sediment at the same rate that the tides and currents carry
sediment away. Since this stretch of shoreline is so
heavily bulkheaded, it can be assumed that gradual
narrowing of these beaches will continue (although no hard
data has been collected to support this assumption).
Stretches of beach along the eastern side of Nassau Point
{Sub-Area 8) have already eroded to the point that there
is water at the base of the bulkhead at all times.
Presently, most of the bayfront beaches are currently in
satisfactory condition. However, this narrowing process
may eventually place developed inland areas in jeopardy.
In addition to bulkheads, there are also a high number of
groins and jetties found along the south shore. Sub-Area
9 is approximately 60 percent bulkheaded, and has a rate
of approximately 9.5 sturctures per 1000 linear feet of
coastline. The average number of perpendicular structures
per 1,000 feet of coastline for the south shore as a whole
is approximately three. The same figure for the north
shore is approximately 0.5 structures per 1,000 linear
feet. With such extensive amounts of the shoreline
bulkheaded {including large areas along many of the creek
2-77
corridors), and such a high number of perpendicular
structures located along the coast, it is a safe assumption
that the natural erosion processes would be disrupted.
Areas of particular concern on the south shore include
portions of Sub-Area 6 (which is 36.7 percent bulkheaded
and heavily developed in some areas), where beach erosion
is occurring at an accelerated rate. There is also a
problem along the eastern side of Nassau Point in Sub-Area
8, where there exists an area of bluffs that stand over
50 feet in height. The toe of these bluffs is almost
completely bulkheaded, disrupting the natural beach
nourishment process in this area. Over the past 76 years
the beach along the eastern side of Nassau Point has been
drastically narrowed. Some areas have water at the base
of the bulkhead at all times, indicating a complete loss
of the beach area.
Existing erosion problems in the Town are complicated by
the potential for flooding. Most of the Town's flood prone
areas are located along the bayfront. The numerous creeks
and inlets that are tributary to the bay are designated
as A-Zones (lO0-year floodplains). Certain areas, as shown
on Map 2-3, along the south shore and the entire north
shore coastline, are also designated V-Zones. Although
relatively high bluffs border the Sound in many north shore
areas, there are five low-lying areas including Mattituck
Creek (Sub-Area 1), Goldsmith Inlet and Great Pond (Sub-
Area 2), Hashamomuck Beach (Sub-Area 3), Truman Beach and
Dam Pond (Sub-Area 4), and Mulford Point (Sub-Area 4), that
are located in the lO0-year flood plain. During storm
events, flood waters have inundated these low-lying areas.
The Town of Southold has been hit by approximately ten
severe storms since 1938. These storms generated
significant tidal surges and accelerated erosion rates.
2-78
These storms have also caused considerable property damage.
The Hashamomuck Beach, Kenneys Beach and Inlet Pond areas
on the north shore are also NYSDEC designated coastal
erosion hazard areas (see Figure2-5). This is significant
because there is a lot of housing located in these areas
that is prone to property damage in the event of a storm.
Wetland Ecology
Wetlands within the Town of Southold have been classified by NYSDEC
as either tidal or freshwater, based on the vegetation they support.
The type of vegetation is largely determined by the salinity of the
surface water and the degree of inundation. The depth of water and
the predominance of certain vegetative species serve as indicators
to help distinguish between different types of wetlands. The tidal
marshes found within the Town of Southold consist of five major
types:
High marsh or salt meadow - the uppermost tidal wetland zone
usually dominated by salt meadow cordgrass (Spartina ~atens),
and saltgrass {Distichlis spicata); designated by HM on NYSDEC
inventory maps.
Intertidal marsh - the vegetated zone generally lying between
the average high and low tidal elevation, usually dominated
by smooth cordgrass (Spartina alterniflora}; designated by IM
on NYSDEC inventory maps.
Coastal shoals, bars and flats the zone which is not
vegetated and is covered by water at high tide, and is either
exposed or covered by a maximum of one foot of water at low
tide. Designated by FM on NYSDEC inventory maps.
2-79
Littoral zone - the zone of open water with a maximum depth
of six feet measured from mean low water elevation; designated
as LZ on NYSDEC inventory maps.
Formerly connected tidal wetlands - includes wetlands which
have been partially blocked from receiving normal tidal flows,
or are in the process of being shut out. The original
vegetative community still dominates, although the zone may
also support a stand of common reed (Phraqmites communi~);
designated as FC on NYSDEC inventory maps.
Table 2-4 lists the dominant plant species occurring in each tidal
wetland located in the Town's south shore coastal areas.
NYSDEC does not distinguish between freshwater wetlands on the basis
of vegetative cover types. However, the presence of several
vegetative species are fairly good indicators of the occurrence of
freshwater wetlands and may typically be found in the Town of
Southold, including: wetland trees such as Red Maple (Acerrubrum),
Willows {Salix spp.), Swamp White Oak (Quercus bicoloK}, Silver
Maple (Acer saccharinnum) and Black Gum or Tupelo (Nyssa sylvatica);
wetland shrubs including Alders (Alnus spp.}, Buttonbush
(Cephalanthus occidentalis), Sweet Pepperbush (Clethra alnifolia),
Spicebush (Lindera benzoin), Leatherleaf (Chameadaphne calyculata),
and Highbush Blueberry {Vaccinium corymbosum); wet meadow species
such as Rushes (Juncus spp.), Sedges (Carex spp.); and various
emergent and submerged plants including Cattails (Typha spp.),
Arrowheads (Saqittaria spp.}, Loosestrife (Lvthrum spp.) and
Waterlilies (Nymphaea spp.).
The locations of State-designated tidal and freshwater wetlands are
indicated on Map 2-3. These locations are provided for general
planning purposes only, and should not be construed at legal
boundaries. The exact boundaries of tidal wetlands must be
2-80
· · · · ·
TABLE 2-4
TIDAL WETLANDS IN SOUTHOLD'S COASTAL ZONE
Sub-Area
9
9
9
9, 8
8
8
8
8
8
7
7
Location
Brushs Creek
James Creek
Deep Hole Creek
and unnamed Creek
Downs and West Creeks
Cutchogue Harbor
and Wickham Creek
Robins Island
Cutchogue Harbor
East and Mud Creeks
Haywater and
Broadwater Coves
Wunneweta Pond
Little Creek
Richmond Creek
Corey Creek
# of
Acres
14
12
27
150
40
19
98
3
23
16
13
Dominant Species
Spartina alterniflora
Spartina alterniflora
Spartina alterniflora
Phragmites communis
Spartina alterniflora
Spartina alterniflora
Distichlis spicata
N.A.
Spartina alterniflora
Spartina alterniflora
Spartina alterniflora
Spartina alterniflora
Spartina alterniflora
Tributary
Area
Great Peconic Bay
Great Peconic Bay
Great Peconic Bay
Great Peconic Bay
Little Peconic Bay
Great Peconic Bay
Little Peconic Bay
Little Peconic Bay
Little Peconic Bay
Little Peconic Bay
Little Peconic Bay
Source: Unpublished Draft: Brown Tide Comprehensive Assessment and Management Program, SCDHS.
TABLE 2-4 (Cont.)
TIDAL WETLANDS IN SOUTHOLD'S COASTAL ZONE
Sub-Area
7
7
7
7
Location
Cedar Beach
Paradise Point
Reydon Shores
Goose Creek
# of
Acres
26
3
5
3O
7 Jockey and Town 7
Creeks
6 Hippodrome Creek 5
6 Hashamomuck Pond 37
6 West of Pipes Cove !
6 Pipes Cove 3]
6 Conkling Point 8
6 East of Pipes Cove 14
Dominant Species
Spartina alterniflora
Spartina alterniflora
Spartina alterniflora
Spartina alterniflora
Phragmites communis
Spartina alterniflora
Oistichlis spicata
Spartina alterniflora
Spartina alterniflora
Spartina alterniflora
Spartina alterniflora
Spartina patens
Distichlis spicata
Spartina alterniflora
Spartina alterniflora
Tributary
Area
Little Peconic Bay
Shelter Island ~
Shelter Island Somd
Shelter Island Sound
Shelter Island
Shelter Island Sound
Shelter Island Sound
Shelter Island ~
Shelter Island Sound
Shelter Island ~
Shelter Island Sound
Source: Unpublished Draft: Brown Tide Comprehensive Assessment and Management Program, SCOHS.
TABLE 2-4 (Cont.)
TIDAL WETLANDS IN SOU?HOLD'S COASTAL ZONE
# of
Sub-Area Location Acres
5 Gull Pond and 6
Stifling Creek
5, 4 Dam Pond and 43
Orient Causeway
5 Orient Beach 103
State Park
5 Long Beach Bay 264
Dominant Soecies
Spartina alterniflora
Spartina alterniflora
Spartina patens
Distichlis spicata
Spartina patens
Distichlis spicata
Tributary
Area
Shelter Island So~m~d
Shelter Island Sound
Gardiner's Bay
Gardiner's Bay
Source: Unpublished Draft: Brown Tide Comprehensive Assessment and Management Program, SCOHS.
identified by a wetland specialist in conformance with the State's
tidal wetland maps and shown on individual property surveys. Exact
field boundaries of freshwater wetlands must be flagged by NYSDEC
personnel, or by a wetland specialist and verified by NYSDEC on a
site-by-site basis. As can be seen on Map 2-3, there are a few
areas where State-designated tidal wetlands overlap with State-
designated freshwater wetlands. These occur principally on Fishers
Island in the area of Island Pond, as well as in three smaller
wetland areas; and on the Town's mainland near the Arshamonaque
wetland system (sub-area 6) and in several smaller wetland areas
surrounding the Village of Greenport. Any activities proposed in
these wetland systems will require approvals and permits from both
the NYSDEC Bureau of Marine Habitat Protection (for tidal wetlands)
and the NYSDEC Bureau of Environmental Protection {for freshwater
wetlands) until the State officially adjusts the boundaries by mid
1992 {Fishman, NYSDEC, March 8, 1991).
Numerous freshwater wetlands have been identified within the Town,
which have not yet been incorporated onto the NYSDEC freshwater
wetland inventory maps. During 1989, the Town conducted an
extensive inventory of freshwater wetlands utilizing 1988 aerial
photographs, topographic information and limited field inspection.
All fresh surface water impoundments were included regardless of
size and characteristic vegetation. These freshwater wetland areas
have been identified and compiled onto copies of Town tax maps.
Many of the wetlands still require field verification. The Town
has not yet evaluated the relative importance of each wetland area
or developed criteria for their best use and/or protection (McMahon,
Town of Southold, February 14, 1991). The analysis portion of the
Town freshwater wetland inventory should be completed and tied into
Chapter 97 of the Town Code which regulates wetlands.
The Town of Southold has two ordinances which regulate activities
within tidal and freshwater wetlands. These include Chapter 97 of
the Town Code which regulates wetlands and Chapter 32 which
2-81
regulates Boats, Docks and Wharves. Chapter 97 controls the removal
and/or deposition of material within wetlands as well as the
construction or alteration of all structures in wetlands. Prior
to the commencement of any such activities, an applicant must first
obtain a permit from the Town Board, as well as a written statement
from the Town Trustees. Based upon the Town's definition of
freshwater and tidal wetlands, Chapter 97 controls a smaller area
than that controlled under the State Freshwater Wetlands Act {ECL
Article 24}, and Tidal Wetlands Act {ECL Article 25). Pursuant to
Article 24, NYSDEC has the authority to regulate both the wetland
areas, as delineated on the State freshwater wetland maps, as well
as a lO0-foot adjacent buffer area. Under Article 25, NYSDEC
controls activities within the mapped tidal wetland areas and
generally within a300-foot adjacent buffer area. In contrast, the
Town regulates both freshwater and tidal wetlands plus a 75-foot
adjacent buffer area, which is described in Chapter 97 as being
inclusive of the official wetland areas.
Under Chapter 32 of the Town Codes, the Board of Trustees is
authorized to control actions which may affect the Town's underwater
lands; such as the placement of piles, piers, buoys, docks,
bulkheads or other structures, and the placement or removal of sand,
gravel and bottom sediments. In order to conduct such activities,
an applicant must first obtain a permit from the Town Trustees, and
may also be required to obtain a wetlands permit from the Town Board
if the activity is to take place in any wetland area.
Both tidal and freshwater wetlands are valuable natural resources
which should be preserved. Wetlands serve many ecological and
environmental functions including: food production; wildlife
habitat; flood, storm and hurricane protection; sedimentation
control and filtration; contaminant uptake; education and research;
open space; and aesthetic appreciation. In many instances, inland
freshwater wetlands serve the vital function of recharging
2-82
groundwater reservoirs while filtering out potentially harmful
substances from stormwater. Wetlands are part of a complex
ecological system which is comprised of marine surface waters, fresh
surface waters, groundwater, wetlands, and adjacent uplands. There
are a number of interactions between and among the components in
this network which must be considered. The alteration of any one
component can result in changes to other components. For example,
the reduction of shoreline wetlands decreases the natural filtration
or buffering capacity of a water body to assimilate sediment and
nutrient loads.
In the past, many wetlands have been filled or dredged for
agricultural purposes or development. In addition, wetland fringes
have been replaced by bulkheading. Development within adjacent
upland areas may also impact wetland systems via alterations of
natural drainage patterns or the introduction of contaminants from
stormwater runoff. Details on disposal of stormwater runoff and
drainage outfalls are discussed in Section 2.2.5. Wetlands
protection must continue to receive a high priority.
Wetlands within the Town's coastal zone support a wide diversity
of avian species, including both resident populations and migratory
birds. This is due primarily to the fact that the Town is situated
within the Atlantic Flyway - a major eastern bird migration route.
The types of birds occurring in the Town's coastal zone include
shorebirds, wading birds, raptors, waterfowl, and perching birds.
Birds which often breed within the coastal zone during the late
spring and summer include herons (yellow-crowned and black-crowned
night herons), great and snowy egrets, osprey, glossy ibises,
clapper rails, gulls, terns {least and common) and piping plovers.
Non-breeding birds which may be sighted during the summer include
double-crested cormorants, oldsquaws, and white-winged scoters.
2-83
A large number and variety of birds are present in Southold during
the winter, especially in Orient Beach State Park, Cedar Beach,
Nassau Point, Robins Island and Fishers Island. The species present
include loons, grebes, cormorants, swans, mallards, black ducks,
scoters, and mergansers, along with some hawks (sharp-shinned, red-
tailed, and rough-legged), kestrels, and merlins. Other birds
common at this time of year include gulls (great black-backed, ring-
billed, herring and Bonaparte's) and owls (screech, great-horned
and short-eared). More details are provided under each Significant
Coastal Fish and Wildlife Habitat discussion in Section 2.2.10.
NYSDEC lists species of wildlife that are endangered, threatened
and of special concern in New York State. Table 2-5 contains a
list of both plant and animal species which appear on NYSDEC's file
maps for endangered, threatened and special concern species. Many
of these species are found within the State-designated Significant
Coastal Fish and Wildlife Habitats discussed in Section 2.2.10.
Of those native species considered "endangered" {i.e., in danger
of extirpation or extinction in New York), the tiger salamander and
the least tern can be found within the Town's freshwater and tidal
wetland areas. Of those native species considered "threatened"
{i.e., likely to become an endangered species within the foreseeable
future in New York}, osprey, northern harrier, piping plover and
common tern may be found in tidal wetland areas.
NYSDEC lists a third category of "special concern" species which
are not yet considered endangered or threatened, but for which
documented concern exists. The species of special concern which
inhabit the Town's wetland areas include: the spotted salamander,
spotted turtle, diamondback terrapin, upland sandpiper, and the
short-eared owl {Szepatowski Associates, Inc., April 1987).
The tidal and freshwater wetlands which occur in each of the ten
study areas are discussed as follows (see Map 2-3). The majority
2-84
TABLE 2-5
LIST OF ENDANGERED, THREATENED, SPECIAL CONCERN AND
~RE SPECIES OF PLANTS AND WILDLIFE FOUND WITHIN
SOUTHOLD'S COASTAL ZONE
PLANTS
Long's Bittercress
Cut-leaved Evening Primrose
Dwarf Plaintain
Few Flower Nutrush
Lespedeza
Creeping St. John's Wort
Rose Coreopsis
Drowned Horn Rush
Tick-Trefoil
Angelica
Silverweed
Golden Dock
Red Pigweed
Orange Fringed Orchis
Sedge
Bushy Rockrose
Silvery Aster
Pink Wild Bean
Virginia Flase Gramwell
Seabeach Knotweed
Cranefly Orchid
Cat Tail Sedge
Pearlwort
Scotch Lovage
Red Milkweed
Coastal Goldenrod
WILDLIFE
Tiger Salamander
Least Tern
Osprey
Piping Plover
Common Tern
Northern Harrier
Spotted Salamander
Spotted Turtle
Diamondback Terrapin
Eastern Hognose Snake
Common Nighthawk
Eastern Bluebird
Cardamine lonqii
Oenothera laciniata
Plantaqo ousilla
Scleria oauciflora var. carolinian~
Lesoedeza
Hvoericum adoressum
Coreoosis rosea
Rhvnchosoora inundata
Desmodium ciliare
ADelctrum lucida
Potentilla anserina ssp.
Rumex maritimus
Chenooodium rubrum
Platanthera ciliaris
Carex
Helianthemum dumosum
Aster concolor
Stroohostvles umbellata
Onosmodium virqinianum
Polvoonum olaucum
Tipularia discolor
Carex twhina
Saqina decumbens
Liqusticum scoticum
Asclepias rubrR
Solidaqo elliottii
Ambvstoma tiorinum (E)
Sterna albifrons (E)
Pandion haliaetus (T)
Charadrius melodus (T)
Sterna hirundo (T)
Circus cvaneus (T)
Ambvstoma muculatum (S)
Clemmvs quttata (S)
Malaclemvs terraoin (S}
Heterodon :latvrhinos {S)
Chordaeiles minor (S)
Sialia sialis (S)
TABLE 2-5 (Cont.)
LIST OF ENDANGERED, THREATENED, SPECIAL CONCERN AND
RARE SPECIES OF PLANTS AND WILDLIFE FOUND WITHIN
SOUTHOLD'S COASTAL ZONE
WILDLIFE {Cont.}
Grasshopper Sparrow
Vesper Sparrow
Double-crested Cormorant
Black Skimmer
Ammodramus savannarum (S)
Pooecetes qramineus (S)
Phalacrocorax auritus (R)
RvnchoDs niqer (R)
NOTE:
(E) ~
(T) =
(s) =
(R) -
Species listed as Endangered in NYS
Species listed as Threatened in NYS
Species listed as Special Concern in NYS
Species listed as Rare in NYS
Sources:
{1} NYSDEC, Natural Heritage Program Maps, March 1988.
(2) Schneider, N.Y. Natural Heritage Program, February 25, 1991.
of the information presented is compiled from the Town's Freshwater
Wetland Inventory (1989), a graduate thesis which studied the
coastline of Southold {Dobriner, 1990}, and a 1972 publication
entitled "The Marine Wetlands of Nassau and Suffolk Counties, New
York," prepared by the Marine Sciences Research Center at SUNY-
Stony Brook. At the time of this 1972 survey, a total of 1,091
acres in the Town consisted of tidal wetlands. The survey
identified 34 individual tidal wetland areas, the majority of which
were dominated by smooth cordgrass (SDartina alterniflora). Most
of these wetlands also supported varying amount of Common Reed
(Phraomites communis).
Sub-Area
Extensive tidal marshes (upwards of 45 acres) fringe the shoreline
of Mattituck Inlet and Creek. The wetlands support both intertidal
and high marsh vegetation, and the creek itself is classified by
NYSDEC as littoral zone. Smooth cordgrass (Spartina alterniflora)
dominates the marsh vegetation. There are also areas of dredge
spoil located within this wetland system.
As discussed in Section 2.2.10, the tidal wetlands associated with
Mattituck Creek and Inlet are fairly undisturbed and highly
productive in terms of providing habitat for a variety of wildlife,
shellfish and marine finfish. Reportably, two threatened wildlife
species, the osprey and piping plover, have been known to nest
within the wetland and the adjacent beach areas.
Sub-A~ea ~
A narrow fringe of tidal marsh borders the eastern edge of Goldsmith
Inlet in Sub-Area 2. Further east, patches of freshwater wetland
vegetation fringe the eastern side of Great Pond (Dobriner, 1990).
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Sub-Area 3
Except for a small brackish-water pond located in Inlet Point County
Park, this sub-area does not contain significant wetland areas
(Dobriner, 1990).
Sub-Area 4
Sub-Area 4 contains a portion of a fairly large (45 acre total)
tidal wetland system. The Orient Causeway (which is the local name
for SR 25 between the hamlets of East Marion and Orient) bisects
this wetland system into a smaller northerly portion contained in
Sub-Area 4 and a larger southerly portion contained in Sub-Area 5.
The wetlands in Sub-Area 4 include the littoral zone and mudflats
in Dam Pond, and the adjacent intertidal and high marsh areas. The
northern end of Dam Pond is bordered by beach; the remainder is
fringed by intertidal marsh vegetation which is dominated by Smooth
Cordgrass (Spartina alterniflora). Limited pockets of high marsh
occur adjacent to the intertidal marsh and border the Orient
Causeway {Szepatowski, February 1988).
Sub-Area 5
Sub-Area 5 contains the largest tidal wetland system on the mainland
of Southold. At the time of the 1972 survey conducted by the Marine
Sciences Research Center in Stony Brook, the tidal wetlands on the
northern shoreline of Long Beach Bay and those within Orient Beach
State Park encompassed approximately 370 acres. Saltmeadow
cordgrass {Spartina patens) and Saltgrass (Distichlis snicata)
dominate the high marsh vegetation in this wetland system. The high
marsh areas are interspersed with lower-lying intertidal marshes
and mudflats.
2-86
The wetlands along the north side of Long Beach Bay are primarily
high marsh zones, edged with narrow bands of intertidal marsh along
the bay. Long Beach Bay itself has been classified by NYSDEC as
a coastal bar or mudflat. On the west side of the bay, along the
Brown's Point peninsula, most of the wetlands are considered high
marsh with only narrow bands of intertidal marsh. In the Peter's
Neck area, which is near Orient Harbor, most of the marsh area has
been classified as a formerly connected tidal wetland (Szepatowski,
February 1988).
The relatively undisturbed and expansive tidal wetlands which border
Long Beach Bay have been jointly designated by NYSDEC and New York
State Department of State (NYSDOS) as a Significant Coastal Fish
and Wildlife Habitat. This is discussed in further detail in
Section 2.2.10. These tidal wetlands support one of the largest
concentrations of nesting areas for the osprey in New York State,
and provide feeding and wintering areas for a large number and
diversity of migratory waterfowl and wading shorebirds.
Another smaller tidal wetland system occurs further west, bordering
the Orient Causeway (as discussed earlier in Sub-Area 4}. The
portion of this tidal wetland system contained within Sub-Area 5
consists of high marsh areas adjacent to the Causeway, and expansive
low marsh areas interspersed with mudflats extending southerly
towards Orient Harbor. Similar to the wetlands surrounding Long
Beach Bay, these Orient Harbor wetlands have been designated by the
State as Significant Coastal Fish and Wildlife Habitats. The
wetlands and Orient Harbor area support a significant commercial
shell fishery, and serve as a spawning area for many estuarine bait-
fish and finfish.
Sub-Area 5 also contains a fairly large brackish water pond, known
as Marion Lake, in the Hamlet of East Marion.
2-87
Sub-Are· 6
Sub-Area 6 contains several freshwater and tidal wetland areas, two
of which have been State-designated as Significant Coastal Fish and
Wildlife Habitats (Conkling Point and Hashamomuck Pond). The
abundance of wetlands in this sub-area may be due in part to the
presence of clay layers within the subsoil at relatively shallow
depths, as described in Section 2.2.1. The major freshwater
wetlands are located as follows:
· An area in Southold east of Boisseau Avenue, west of Laurel
Avenue and north of the Long Island Railroad right-of-way.
· A portion of wetlands and pond southeast of Hashamomuck Pond,
between the Long Island Railroad right-of-way and SR 25.
A large area west of Greenport between County Route 48 on the
north and SR 25 on the south, and between Albertson Lane on
the west and Chapel Lane on the east.
Much of the Moores Woods/Moores Drain/Silver Lake area of
Greenport with most wetland portions occurring within the
Village and some in the Town.
An area in the southwest corner of the intersection of SR 25
and County Route 48, just north of the Village of Greenport.
Tidal wetland vegetation may be found growing along the shoreline
of nearly every major tidal inlet, creek or pond in Sub-Area 6.
A few of the large tidal wetland areas are located at Pipes Cove,
Conkling Point, Hashamomuck Pond and Mill Creek {Dobriner, 1990).
The intertidal marsh and mudflats at Conkling Point serve as feeding
areas for least terns (an endangered species) which nest nearby.
2-88
The wetlands and open water areas associated with Hashamomuck Pond
and Mill Creek are fairly expansive, encompassing approximately 220
acres. Although the area is frequently disturbed by human
activities, it remains valuable as wildlife habitat for a variety
of fish and wildlife. In addition, the brackish waters of
Hashamomuck Pond support one of the most important clamming beds
in Southold.
Sub-Area 7
Similar to Sub-Area 6, tidal wetland vegetation is commonly found
in Sub-Area 7 in close association with every major tidal inlet,
creek and ponded area. The larger expanses of tidal wetlands occur
along Town Creek, Jockey Creek, Goose Creek, Cedar Beach Creek,
Corey Creek and Richmond Creek {Dobriner, 1990). Three of these
wetland systems {Corey Creek, Richmond Creek and Cedar Beach Point)
have been State-designated as Significant Coastal Fish and Wildlife
Habitats. The salt marsh and mudflats of Cedar Beach Creek provide
feeding areas for least terns and ospreys, which nest in adjacent
areas. The Corey Creek wetlands encompass nearly 130 acres of
littoral zone, intertidal marsh, mudflats and beach areas. Corey
Creek serves as a valuable feeding area for osprey, waterfowl, and
wading shorebirds and a productive nursery habitat for finfish and
shellfish. The littoral zone and intertidal marsh of Richmond Creek
serve as critical feeding and cover habitat for the Diamondback
Terrapin, a species listed as special concern in New York State.
Sub-Area 8
Sub-Area 8 contains a fairly extensive wetland system {approximately
140 acres) located in the Cutchogue Harbor area, encompassing tidal
marshes which fringe Wickham Creek, East Creek, Mud Creek, and
Broadwater and Haywater Coves. In the Cutchogue area the various
tidal creeks are primarily classified as mudflats, with narrow
2-89
channels of littoral zone where the water is deeper. The wetland
areas adjacent to these creeks consist primarily of intertidal
marsh, with limited areas of high marsh. Smooth cordgrass and
saltgrass dominate the vegetation in these marsh areas.
Cutchogue Harbor and its adjacent wetlands have been State-
designated as Significant Coastal Fish and Wildlife Habitats. These
coastal wetlands provide critical habitat to several species listed
as endangered, threatened and of special concern in New York. In
addition, the wetlands serve as valuable feeding areas for waterfowl
and shorebirds, as well as productive nursery areas for finfish and
shellfish. This is discussed further in Section 2.2.10.
Little Creek and Beach has also been State-designated as a
Significant Coastal Fish and Wildlife Habitat. Located further east
and tributary to Hog Neck Bay, the creek and wetland area is fairly
small and undeveloped. The tidal marsh provides critical feeding
habitat and protective cover for the Diamondback Terrapin (a species
of special concern).
Another extensive area of intertidal marsh and mudflats occurs along
West Creek, which is located on the western end of Sub-Area 8. West
Creek is tributary to Great Peconic Bay. A narrow freshwater
wetland extends northwards from the brackish portion of West Creek,
occupying primarily the western side of New Suffolk Road. A portion
of this wetland is included in the Suffolk County Farmland
Preservation Program.
Robins Island contains several freshwater and tidal marshes, an
island pond and bog area. Being essentially undeveloped and lying
secluded between the coastal waters of Great Peconic Bay and Little
Peconic Bay, Robins Island provides a unique blend of habitats for
wildlife. A wide variety of waterfowl and wading shorebirds feed
and nest within the wetland areas, and historically, the area
2-90
supported a heron rookery. Robins Island has also been designated
as a Significant Coastal Fish and Wildlife Habitat, as described
further in Section 2.2.10.
Sub-Area 9
Similar to Sub-Areas 6, 7, and 8, tidal wetland vegetation is
commonly found in Sub-Area 9 in close association with every major
tidal inlet and creek. The larger tidal wetlands occur along Downs
Creek, Deep Hole Creek, James Creek and Brushs Creek (Dobriner,
1990).
Downs Creek has been State-designated as a Significant Coastal Fish
and Wildlife Habitat. Downs Creek is unique in that it has never
been dredged, and it exists in a natural undisturbed condition.
The extensive tidal marshes which fringe the creek, support a
variety of wildlife, including one threatened (Osprey) and one
special concern species (Diamondback Terrapin) as well as providing
a feeding and nursery area for finfish and shellfish. This is
explained in further detail in Section 2.2.10.
Marratooka Lake, a large freshwater impoundment, is also located
in Sub-Area 9. Much of the Marratooka Lake and the adjacent areas
lie within the ownership of the Nature Conservancy, the Mattituck-
Cutchogue School District and the Mattituck Park District
{Szepatowski, February 1988).
Sub-Area
On Fishers Island (Sub-Area 10), the primary tidal wetlands are
located near Hay Harbor and West Harbor, particularly in the
peninsula areas where both intertidal and high marsh or salt meadow
areas can be found. The harbor areas themselves are classified as
littoral zones. Additional areas of intertidal marsh and high marsh
are located slightly east of West Harbor, along the east side of
2-91
Beach Pond, and at scattered sites near East Harbor. Some
intertidal marsh is also located along Barleyfield Cove and on the
eastern portions of Chocomont Cove. There are also two sections
of formerly connected tidal wetlands on Fishers Island; the larger
one north of Barlow Pond and the smaller one near East Harbor.
Coastal shoals, bars and mudflats are found in the coastal waters
surrounding most portions of the island. The largest exception to
this is the area on both sides of the Ferry dock on the western
portion of Fishers Island {Szepatowski, February 1988).
There are also numerous freshwater wetlands on Fishers Island.
The primary freshwater marshes include three interconnected areas
south of Peninsula Avenue and west of Isabella Beach, areas within
and proximate to Barlow Pond, Middle Farms Pond and Treasure Pond,
as well as an area on the eastern end of the island near the
southern portions of the Fishers Island Country Club golf course
(Szepatowski, February 1988).
2.2.g Upland Ecology
With the exception of both Fishers and Robins Islands (which are
primarily wooded), the majority of the vacant upland open space
areas within the Town's LWA consist of cultivated or fallow fields
and old field/meadow habitats. This is due primarily to the rich
agricultural history of the Town. Woodland areas are fairly
restricted and generally occupy rough or steep topography and
wetter, low-lying areas which have not been suitable for farming.
Narrow woodland strips mark the edges of former crop field
boundaries or hedgerows, and woodlands are often associated with
parks, golf courses, and residential areas. Woodlands commonly
occupy the morainic deposits and fringe the top of the bluffs along
the north shore of the mainland, where they typically consist of
Red Oak, White Oak, Black Oak, Scattered Yellow {Tulip) Poplar,
Red Maple and Black Cherry. The understory typically includes such
2-92
species as Huckleberry, Sassafras, Do9woods, Mountain Laurel, and
Blue Berries. Woodlands occupying the central and southern outwash
plain areas generally consist of White Oak, Hickories, Bigtooth
Aspen, Scarlet Oak, Pin Oak, and in the sandier areas, Scrub Oak
and Pitch Pine. The understory plants typically associated with
these woodlands include Huckleberry, Greenbriers, Sumacs, Poison
Ivy and various Grasses. Table 2-6 contains a list of common
woodland species found in the Town's LWA. The forested areas of
the Town are important as groundwater recharge areas, and are useful
as windbreaks by reducing wind-caused soil erosion. They provide
additional benefits by maintaining air quality {Szepatowski
Associates, Inc., April 1987).
The active agricultural fields within the Town of Southold include
nurseries, orchards, vineyards, various vegetable and berry crops,
and to alesser extent, sod fields. In addition, many of the former
potato fields have been seeded to grass and currently support horse
farms. Fields of cultivated row crops (such as corn, potatoes,
beans, etc.) are primarily utilized by the majority qf wildlife
species as feeding areas rather than breeding or nesting habitats.
This is due to the fact that fields of row crops are frequently
disturbed by normal agricultural management practices, such as
cultivating, spraying and harvesting. Pastures, orchards and
vineyards which are less frequently disturbed, often support
vegetative groundcovers which provide protective cover for wildlife
feeding in these fields, as well as nesting and roosting cover for
certain species.
Abandoned agricultural fields which have reverted to meadows or
shrubby fields, provide some of the most diverse upland wildlife
habitats in the Town of Southold. These old fields serve as a
natural transition zone between the upland woodlands and croplands
or wetland areas, and thus support a wide variety of wildlife
species. For several seasons after abandonment, latent weed seeds
2-93
TABLE 2-6
TYPICAL VEGETATION OF
UPLAND WOODLANDS AND ABANDONED FIELDS IN SOUTHOLD
Mixed Hardwood Woodlands
Perhaps the richest forest vegetation on Long Island, featuring:
American Beech
White Oak
Mature American Elm
Black Walnut
Sweet Birch
Flowering Dogwood
Red Maple
Sweetgum
Tupelo
Yellow Poplar
White Ash
White Pine
Northern Red Oak
Mockernut Hickory
Pignut Hickory
(Fagus grandifolia)
(quercus alba)
(Ulmus americana)
{Juglans nigra)
{Betula lenta)
(Comus florida)
(Acer rubrum)
{Liquidambar styrociflua)
{Nyssa sylvatica)
{Liriodendron tulipifera)
(Fraxinus americana)
(Pinus strobus)
(quercus rubra)
(Carya tomentosa)
{Carya glabra)
and many others.
Pine Lands
A rather uniform association in both physical appearance and species composition,
with:
Pitch Pine
Scrub forms of Bear Oak
Big Tooth Aspen
Eastern Redcedar
Black Locust
(Pinus rigida)
(Quercus ilicifolia)
(Populus grandidentata)
(Juniperus virginiana, mostly in old fields)
(Robinia pseudoacacia, mostly in old fields)
and originally some White Pine (Pinus strobus) now quite rare here.
Abandoned Fields
Abandoned fields contain weeds and wildflowers of many varieties and become good
systems for tree seedlings to grow, but this depends greatly on the density of
the surrounding vegetation. Vegetation common in these fields include:
Common Evening Primrose
Barnyard Grass
Sandbur
Bristlegrasses
Panicgrasses
(Oneothera biennis)
(Echinochloa crusgalli)
(Cenchrus tribuloides)
(Setaria spp.)
(Panicum spp.)
Abandoned Fields (Cont.)
Carpetweed
Boneset
Catbrier
Broomsedge
Common Milkweed
Round-Headed Bush Clover
Winged Sumac
Goldenrods
Dandelion
Eastern Redcedar
Black Locust
Black Cherry
(Mollugo verticillata)
(Eupatorium perfoliatum)
(Smilax rotundifolia)
{Andropogon virginicus)
{Asclepias syriaca)
{Lespedeza capitata)
(Rhus copallina)
(Solidago spp.)
(Taraxacum officianale)
(Juniperus virginiana)
(Robinia pseudoacacia)
(Prunus serotina)
Source: Adapted from Szepatowski Associates, Inc., April 1987.
germinate along with propagules from the last crop planted. Within
several years, seedling pioneer trees take root in the abandoned
fields adding further height and vegetative diversity.
In terms of providing food and cover for wildlife, the benefits of
preserving upland vegetation increase when natural buffers are
retained surrounding wetlands and agricultural fields which
otherwise would lie directly adjacent to conflicting land uses.
Large contiguous blocks of natural vegetation are more valuable
than narrow strips; however, strips which connect two otherwise
separated fields or woodlands are valuable in terms of providing
travel corridors for wildlife. In most cases, vegetated strips
wider than 36 feet provide additional habitat values above their
utility as corridors {Forman and Godron, 1986).
The different vegetation types occurring in the Town's LWA support
a variety of wildlife. Among the most common are the Eastern
Cottontail and the Raccoon, both of which are found in a variety
of habitats, including woods, wetlands, and dunes. Gray Squirrels
are also common, though they are found primarily in areas with
deciduous trees. Red Fox are fairly abundant, living primarily in
woods, shrubs, and dune areas. White-tailed Deer are common in
those areas of the Town where there is sufficient vegetation for
cover, and are often seen browsing in agricultural fields. Other
mammals occurring in Southold include Moles, Opposum, Shrews, Mice
and Bats. There are a number of mammals which were common in
Southold in the early part of the century, but have become rare in
recent decades. These include the Woodchuck, Muskrat, Mink, and
Striped Skunk.
The Town of Southold supports a rich variety of birdlife, including
both nesting and migratory species (Szepatowski Associates, Inc.,
April 1987). Due to its location within the Atlantic Flyway, the
Town's coastal areas provide valuable breeding and over-wintering
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areas for shorebirds, waterfowl, wading birds, raptors and perching
birds. Raptorial birds common to the upland woods and open field
areas include Red-tailed Hawks, Kestrels, Northern Harrier (Marsh
Hawk), Screech Owls, and Great-Horned Owls. The Northern Harrier
is listed as a "threatened" species on the NYSDEC List of
Endangered, Threatened, and Special Concern Species of New York
State. Similarly, the Common Nighthawk, Eastern Bluebird,
Grasshopper Sparrow and Vesper Sparrow, all of which inhabit the
upland areas in the Town are listed as "Species of Special Concern".
Over 50 species of upland gamebirds and perching birds either breed
in or migrate through the Town of Southold. One additional species
of "Special Concern" -- the Eastern Hognose Snake, inhabits the
sparsely vegetated sandy meadow and woodland areas in Southold
(Szepatowski Associates, Inc., April 1987). Table 2-5 lists the
endangered, threatened, and special concern species of plants and
wildlife found within Southold's coastal area.
2.2.10 Significant Coastal Fish and Wildlife Habitats
The Town of Southold Local Waterfront Area is rich in habitats that
support diverse and often large wildlife populations, many of which
are of commercial or recreational value. Surface waters and
adjoining wetlands and islands in the Town serve as wintering
grounds for many species of birds, breeding grounds for others,
resting stops for migrating species and permanent homes for other
resident species. Surface waters and wetlands also support a
diversity of fish, crustacean and molluscan species. The wetlands
and nearshore waters are biologically and hydrodynamically coupled
to the offshore waters and larger surface waterbodies of Peconic
and Gardiner's Bays, and Long Island and Block Island Sounds.
Under the New York State Coastal Management Program, the New York
State Department of State (NYSDOS) has designated the eighteen areas
within the Town of Southold as significant fish and coastal wildlife
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habitats. The biological, commercial and recreational value of
these areas was one of the primary factors determining their
protected status.
Coastal habitats across New York State were evaluated and rated by
the New York State Department of State (NYSDOS) as to their State-
wide significance. A fish and wildlife habitat is considered
significant if it satisfies one or more of four criteria:
population level, species vulnerability, ecosystem rarity, and human
use. Replaceability of the habitat is a fifth criterion which can
modify values of other criteria. The five criteria are explained
as follows:
Population Level - a large portion or significant concentration
of a fish or wildlife population depends on the habitat for
at least some part of their life requirements. For example,
significant concentrations of wintering waterfowl occur in some
of Long Island's bays during most winters. A habitat is
considered significant based solely on population level if the
concentrations of species it supports are unusual in the State
of New York.
Species Vulnerability - rates habitats that are used by a
species which is listed as endangered {E), threatened (T), or
of special concern {SC) in New York State (6 NYCRR Part 182).
A habitat is considered significant based solely on species
vulnerability if it supports any listed vulnerable species
during most years.
Human Use considers the value of the fish and wildlife
resources in an area for commercial, recreational or
educational uses. Examples include a commercial bay scallop
fishery or an ornithological research station. These uses
include those which depend on the area but may not necessarily
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be located in the area. A habitat is considered significant
if the human use is important at the State level.
Ecosystem Rarity is used to evaluate the frequency of
occurrence of the habitat in a coastal region. Ecosystem
rarity is defined as the uniqueness of the plant and animal
community and the physical, structural and chemical features
which support this community. A habitat is considered
significant based only on ecosystem rarity if the ecosystem
is rare in an ecological sub-zone {such as the Upper Hudson
River) of the State.
Replaceability - is used to consider whether a habitat would
be difficult or impossible to replace. Ahabitat is considered
more valuable if it cannot be easily replaced. Most habitats
are difficult or impossible to replace but some man-made
structures which are used as habitats may be considered
replaceable. A habitat is not considered significant based
on replaceability alone. This factor places a higher value
on those areas which are considered impossible to replace and
a lesser value on areas which are easily replaced.
Three main sources of information were used to identify habitats.
The first source was the existingNYSDEChabitat files. These files
contain information on significant habitats from regional offices,
local naturalists, and other knowledgeable individuals, as well as
the results of early evaluations of coastal habitats associated with
the development of the coastal program. A second important source
of information was the data on rare species and communities from
the New York Natural Heritage Program, a joint effort by NYSDEC and
The Nature Conservancy. The third source of information was based
on interviews withNYSDEC biologists. These sources of information
yielded about 225 habitats for possible designation in New York's
coastal area. Information regarding these areas was supplemented
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and verified with limited field reconnaissance. Recognizing that
it is possible that the above-described process could overlook
important habitats, a procedure was developed for public nominations
of additional areas to be considered for designation, and several
habitats were nominated during the public review process.
The State designated 18 habitats in the Town of Southold. The Town,
through the preparation of this LWRP, is required to protect these
18 State designated habitats, which are described as follows by
sub-area.
Sub-Area I:
o Mattituck Inlet Wetland
The Mattituck Inlet Wetland habitat area is located north of
the Village of Mattituck on Long Island Sound, in the Town
of Southold {Figure 2-7). This significant coastal fish and
wildlife habitat consists of an approximate 60-acre tidal
wetland and creek. Mattituck Inlet, located north of the
wetland, is a deep water inlet, with strong tidal flushing,
that enters Long Island Sound. MattituckCreekextends south
of the inlet for about one additional mile, and supports
moderate residential and marina development. The wetland
habitat itself is undisturbed; the majority of the wetland
is owned by the New York State Department of Environmental
Conservation.
Small, undisturbed tidal wetlands with good flushing are
unusual in northern Suffolk County. The Mattituck Inlet
Wetland has a high primary productivity which supports a large
variety of fish and wildlife species both in the wetland
itself and around the mouth of {he inlet in Long Island Sound.
Osprey (T) nested on the state wetland property in 1984 and
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1985 and feed in the wetland and on the creek. One pair of
piping plover (T) nested on the beach to the east of the inlet
in 1984 but the extent of use by this species is not
documented. The wetland also serves as an important habitat
for a variety of other wildlife as well as marine finfish and
shellfish. Surf clams, hard clams and mussels have been
harvested in or adjacent to the habitat area but there have
been pollution problems due to marina activities, and
consequent shellfish closures.
Sub-Area 5:
· Lonq Beach Bay
Long Beach Bay is located on the northern fork of Long Island,
one mile east of the hamlet of Orient, in the Town of Southold
(Figure 2-7). This approximatel,3OO-acresignificantcoastal
fish and wildlife habitat includes Long Beach Bay the adjacent
tidal salt marsh areas, and Orient Beach State Park, which
is comprised of a long, narrow, sand peninsula protecting the
bay'area. Most of the open water area of Long Beach Bay is
less than six feet deep at mean low water.
Long Beach Bay and Orient Point Marshes comprise a large and
relatively undisturbed coastal estuarine ecosystem. Areas
such as this are rare in New York State, and provide habitat
for a diversity of fish and wildlife species.
In 1984, approximately fifteen pair of osprey (T) were
reported nesting in the Long Beach Bay area. This is one of
the largest nesting concentrations of osprey in New York, and
the potential exists for additional nesting pairs at this
site. Almost all of the nests are located on man-made
platforms placed around the perimeter of the bay. A variety
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of seabirds, shorebirds, and wading birds use this area for
feeding or for stopovers during migration. This area is
especially significant as a feeding area for herons, egrets,
and ibis which nest on Plum Island. Long Beach Bay is also
an important waterfowl wintering area in Suffolk County.
Aerial surveys of waterfowl abundance in January for the ten
year period from 1975 to 1984 indicate average concentrations
of over 300 birds in the bay each year, including
approximately 240 scaup {900 in peak year), and 70 black ducks
{300 in peak year), along with lesser numbers of mergansers,
bufflehead, goldeneye, and mallard. Diamondback terrapin {SC)
are frequently observed in the marsh.
Fish and wildlife recreational activities in the area that
are important to the residents of Suffolk County include
waterfowl hunting, fishing, and birdwatching. Bay scallops
are abundant in Long Beach Bay, contributing to a commercial
shellfishery of significance in the northeastern United
States. Also, the bay is one of the top three areas of
significance for clams in Suffolk County.
Orient Harbor
Orient Harbor is located near the eastern end of the north
fork of Long Island, in the Town of Southold (Figure 2-7).
This area is approximately 1900 acres in size, consisting
primarily of open water area in the harbor, along with an
undeveloped tidal wetland area on its north shore. Water
depths in most of the harbor are generally less than 20 feet
below mean low water. The harbor is bordered by much
undeveloped land, including Orient Beach State Park to the
east and south, and low density residential development on
the west.
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Orient Harbor is generally representative of the Peconic Bays
ecosystem in being a broad expanse of moderately shallow
water. This habitat type is unlike the very shallow bays on
the south shore of Long Island or the relatively narrow bays
on the north shore. The tidal wetlands area adjoining Orient
Harbor are an important component of this ecosystem,
contributing to the biological productivity of the area.
Orient Harbor is an important habitat for a variety of fish
and wildlife species. From November through March, Orient
Harbor supports wintering waterfowl concentrations of regional
significance. Mid-winter aerial surveys of waterfowl
abundance for the ten year period from 1975 to 1984 indicate
average concentrations of over 500 birds in the area each year
{1,825 in peak year}, including approximately 360 scooters
(1,695 in peak year}, along with lesser numbers of scaup,
black duck, common goldeneye, bufflehead, red-breasted
merganser, oldsquaw, canvasback, mallard, and Canada goose.
In 1983 and 1984, Orient Harbor was also inhabited by at least
one nesting pair of osprey (T), which utilized man-made
nesting platforms located in the salt marsh north of the
harbor. The potential exists for additional nesting pairs
at this site. Diamondback terrapin {SC) have also been seen
here but the location of their nesting sites and the
importance of this area to the species is not well documented.
Orient Harbor is a productive habitat for marine finfish and
shellfish. This area is one of the top scallop producing
areas on Long Island, supporting a commercial shellfishery
significant in the northeast region of the United States.
The harbor also serves as a nursery and feeding area (from
April-November, generally) for many estuarine fish species,
and is an important spawning area for weakfish, winter
flounder, and scup.
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Plum Gut
Plum Gut is an area of open water located between Orient
Point and Plum Island, in the Town of Southold (Figure 2-7).
This significant coastal fish and wildlife habitat is a deep
channel {over 60 feet in depth), approximately one-half mile
across, and bordered by steep underwater slopes rising up to
the relatively shallow Midway Shoal (less than 20 feet deep).
This approximate 500-acre area is the primary opening in the
underwater ridge separating Long Island Sound and Gardiners
Bay, and is an area of very turbulent tidal exchange. Plum
Gut is on the ferry boat route from Orient Point to Plum
Island and New London, Connecticut.
Plum Gut represents a very unusual physical environment in
New York State. The deep, turbulent waters and shoals combine
to produce a productive and diverse habitat for marine fishes.
Significant concentrations of many species forage in this
area, including striped bass, bluefish, tautog, summer
flounder, and scup. Plum Gut is one of the two major
migration corridors for striped bass, which move into Long
Island Sound in spring enroute to their breeding grounds, and
return to southern overwintering areas during the faT1. Plum
Gut is also thought to be the major corridor for Atlantic
Salmon returning to the Connecticut and Pawtucket Rivers in
New England in the early spring. As a result of the abundant
fisheries resources in the area, Plum Gut is one of the most
popular areas in the northeastern United States for
recreational fishing, with heavy fishing pressure occurring
throughout spring, summer, and fall. Much of this pressure
is brought in by charter boats from Greenport, Connecticut,
and Montauk Harbor. In addition to sportfishing, the
commercial trap net fishery and lobster fishery in Plum Gut
are of regional significance.
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Sub-Area 6:
e Conklinq Point
Conkling Point is located approximately two miles southwest
of the Village of Greenport, on Shelter Island Sound, in the
Town of Southold (Figure 2-7). This significant coastal fish
and wildlife habitat is approximately 25 acres in size,
consisting of a narrow, sparsely vegetated, sand peninsula,
a small protected bay, salt marsh, and tidal flats. Conkling
Point is generally undeveloped and privately owned. However,
the area is bordered by high density residential development
to the north, resulting in some recreational disturbance of
the habitat.
Conkling Point is a relatively small coastal wetland area,
similar in nature to many other points around the Peconic Bay
shoreline, but important as ahabitat for wildlife. This area
has served for many years as a nesting site for least tern
(E) and piping plover (T), with both species present in 1985,
1984 and 1985. In 1985 an estimated 25 pairs of least terns
and two pairs of piping plover were observed nesting in the
area. In 1984, approximately 100 pairs of least terns and
five pairs of piping plover nested in the area. Approximately
45 pairs of least tern and six pairs of piping plover were
present in 1983. The concentrations of terns nesting at
Conkling Point were the second largest and largest on the
north fork of Long Island in 1983 and 1984, respectively.
Overall, the population levels of least terns and piping
plovers were unusual in Suffolk County. The tidal wetlands
at Conkling Point serve as feeding areas for the least terns
and many other wildlife species. There are no significant
human use activities associated with the wildlife resources
of this area.
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· Hashamomuck Pond
Hashamomuck Pond is located west of Conkling Point emptying
through Mill Creek into Shelter Island Sound in the Town of
Southold {Figure 2-7). This significant coastal fish and
wildlife habitat consists of an approximate 220-acre area
including a large, shallow brackish pond with a hard bottom,
marsh, and an inlet creek (Mill Creek). There is moderate
to high density residential development on the north and
northwest sides of the pond and marina development at the
mouth of Mill Creek.
Hashamomuck Pond is a valuable pond/wetland on the northfork
of Long Island but its value is reduced by human disturbance
and water pollution. The pond still provides a valuable
habitat for a variety of fish and wildlife. Osprey (T) nests
on platforms at two locations on the pond and utilize the pond
and marshes as feeding areas. A variety of duck species also
utilize this area for feeding. Diamondback terrapin (SC) nest
at the head of Mill Creek. The pond also serves as a habitat
for finfish and shellfish including bay scallops and hard
clams. The pond is one of the top five areas for the
harvesting of clams in Southold and is one of the top six
areas of significance in Suffolk County for harvesting
scallops. Hashamomuck Pond was closed seasonally to
shellfishing in the fall of 1984 but was opened again in the
winter. It remains the most important clamming site in the
Town during the winter.
· Port of Eqypt Island
Port of Egypt Island is located approximately two miles east
of the hamlet of Southold, on Shelter Island Sound, in the
Town of Southold {Figure 2-7}. This significant coastal fish
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and wildlife habitat is a narrow, sparsely vegetated, sand
island, approximately four acres in size. This island is
located at the mouth of Mill Creek, just offshore from an area
that is heavily developed with marina and port activities.
Port of Egypt Island is a very small sand island, similar in
nature to many other areas around the Peconic Bays shoreline,
but very important as a habitat for wildlife. The island has
served for many years as a major nesting site for common tern
(T) and black skimmer, and occasionally for roseate tern {E)
and piping plover {T). In 1984, approximately 500 pairs of
common tern and 20 pairs of black skimmer nested in the area.
In 1985, an estimated 262 breeding pairs of common tern and
12 pairs of black skimmer were observed at this site along
with at least one pair of piping plover. Similar numbers of
common tern and skimmer were reported nesting here in 1977,
along with two pairs of roseate tern. Although population
estimates are not available for the intervening years, Port
of Egypt Island was active as a nesting area throughout the
period. The concentration of common tern at this site in 1984
was among the sixth largest of statewide significance on Long
Island. There are no significant human use activities
associated with the wildlife resources at Port of Egypt
Island.
Sub-A~ea 7~
· Cedar Beach Point
Cedar Beach Point is located at the tip of Great Hog Neck,
north of Little Peconic Bay, in the Town of Southold {Figure
2-7). This significant coastal fish and wildlife habitat is
approximately 85 acres in size, consisting of sparsely
vegetated sand beach and dredge spoil deposits, a small
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protected bay (Cedar Beach Creek), mud flats, and salt marsh.
The area is owned by Suffolk County and includes the Suffolk
County Community College (SCCC) Southold Marine Science
Center. The habitat is generally bordered by low to medium
density residential development.
Cedar Beach Point is a small coastal wetland area, similar
in nature to many other points around the Peconic Bay
shoreline, but important as a habitat for various fish and
wildlife species. This area has served for may years as a
nesting site for least tern (E}. In 1982 and 1983,
approximately 80 to 90 pairs of least terns nested in the
area, making this colony one of the largest on the north fork
of Long Island, and of county-level significance. In recent
years, however, human disturbance (pedestrian traf.fic and
recreational vehicle use} of the area has become a serious
problem, and only about ten pairs of least terns nested here
in 1984 and 1985. One pair of piping plovers {T) was also
present in 1984, two nests were present in 1985, but the
importance of Cedar Beach Point as a nesting area for this
species is uncertain. One pair of osprey (T) nested in the
area between 1982 and 1984, using a man-made nesting platform
located in the eastern portion of the habitat. The tidal
wetlands at Cedar Beach Point serve as feeding areas for the
least tern and osprey, as well as for many other wildlife
species. Diamondback terrapin (SC} also occur here; more
information is needed to determine the importance of this
habitat for the species.
In ecological values, Cedar Beach Point is
addition
to
its
an important aFea for marine sciences education and research.
The Marine Sciences Technology Program of SCCC is based at
the Southold Marine Environmental Learning Center, and the
ea is heavily used by faculty and students as a living
2-106
laboratory for education and research. The program is unique
on Long Island in offering technical training is marine
biology, environmental chemistry, and mariculture. The
facilities are also used by scientists from the Marine
Sciences Research Center at SUNY Stony Brook.
· Core¥ Creek
Corey Creek and Beach is located on the southwestern shoreline
of Great Hog Neck on Little Peconic Bay, in the Town of
Southold (Figure 2-7). This significant coastal fish and
wildlife habitat consists of approximately 130 acres of tidal
creek, salt marsh, mudflats and beach. The area around the
western shoreline of Corey Creek and Moyle Cove is a developed
residential area and some portions of the creek have been
dredged and bulkheaded. The beach is a small sand beach and
dredge spoil area which is somewhat degraded by human
disturbance.
The small disturbed tidal creek and beach found at Corey
Creek is not a rare ecosystem type but the area functions as
an important habitat for a variety of fish and wildlife. One
pair of osprey (T} nested on a platform on the beach in 1983
and 1984. A small population of least tern (E) and piping
plover (T) were present on the beach in 1984 but the extent
of use by these species is not adequately documented.
Diamondback terrapin (SC} have also been seen but the nesting
sites and the importance of this area to these species is not
well documented. The creek serves as a feeding area for the
osprey along with waterfowl, shorebirds and other wildlife.
The creek is a productive area for marine finfish and
shellfish. The area serves as an important nursery area and
habitat for shellfish including bay scallops and hard clams.
The creek is one of the top three areas in Southold for
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scalloping and is significant to the Long Island region. It
is one of the top five clamming areas in the town. The creek
is also locally important for waterfowl hunting.
· Jockey Creek Spoil Area
The Jockey Creek Spoil Area is located at the mouth of Jockey
Creek just north of the Great Hog Neck on Shelter Island Sound
in the Town of Southold (Figure 2-7). This significant
coastal fish and wildlife habitat is an approximate ten-acre
sand spit and dredge spoil island in the mouth of a tidal
creek (Jockey Creek). There is heavy residential and marina
development on the creek, with consequent pollution, mostly
from stormwater runoff.
This sand spit and dredge spoil island is not a rare ecosystem
type but the area has served for the last three years as a
nesting site for least tern (E) and piping plover (T). Small
numbers of these birds nested here in 1983 and 1984. An
estimated fifteen pairs of least terns and two pairs of piping
plover nested in 1985. There are no significant human use
activities associated with the fish and wildlife resources
at the Jockey Creek Spoil Area.
Richmond Creek and Beach
Richmond Creek and Beach is located just west of Great Hog
Neck with an inlet into Little Peconic Bay (Figure 2-7). This
significant coastal fish and wildlife habitat is approximately
135 acres in size, consisting of a sand peninsula, salt marsh,
and tidal creek. There is moderate residential development
along the borders of the creek, portions of which have been
dredged and bulkheaded. Much of the creek is lined by
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Spartina alternifora. The creek itself tends to be fairly
muddy.
The creek/beach/marsh ecosystem of Richmond Creek is similar
to other creeks in the area but serves as an important habitat
to several vulnerable wildlife species. Diamondback terrapin
(SC) nest on the beach. The tidal creek and salt marshes
provide feeding areas and cover for terrapins during this
nesting period (April-July). The beach has also been a
nesting area for least tern (E) and piping plover (T) but the
plover colony was inactive in 1983 except for one pair of
piping plover. The site was inactive in 1984 and 1985.
Further documentation is needed on the importance of this
beach to the nesting shorebirds. The creek supports
populations of overwintering black duck and mallard but the
extent of use by these species is not documented. Richmond
Creek is also a productive habitat for finfish, shellfish and
crustaceans including blue claw crabs, clams and scallops.
The creek is one of the top two creeks for crabbing in the
town and is also important for clamming.
Sub-Area
e Cutchoque Harbor and Wetlands
Cutchogue Harbor and its adjacent wetlands are located west
of Little Hog Neck, opening into Little Peconic Bay in the
Town of Southold (Figure 2-7). This approximate 490-acre
significant coastal fish and wildlife habitat includes the
shallow open water area of Cutchogue Harbor (205 acres) and
three adjacent, distinct tidal wetland/creek areas: Wickham
Creek; Haywater Cove; and Meadow Beach (Horseshoe Cove). The
Wickham Creek area contains approximately 70 acres of
undisturbed tidal creek and salt marsh located behind a low
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beach on Cutchogue Harbor. The Haywater Cove area consists
of approximately 190 acres of salt marsh islands, mudflats,
open water and tidal creek including East Creek, Mud Creek
and Broadwater Cove. All three of these tidal creeks have
been disturbed to some extent by adjacent residential and
recreational development. The Meadow Beach area is an
approximate 24-acre area, including a 15-acre wetland preserve
owned by the Nature Conservancy, bordered by undeveloped
wooded shores. Much of the Cutchogue Harbor and Wetlands area
receives moderate summer recreational use.
The Cutchogue Harbor and Wetlands complex represents a
valuable ecosystem area on northern Long Island. Although
the three wetland sites are relatively small, and subject to
human disturbance, they provide suitable habitat for a variety
of coastal wildlife species, including osprey (T), least tern
(E), piping plover (T), and diamondback terrapin (SC). Two
pairs of osprey nested in the area in 1982, 1983, and 1984,
using man-made nesting platforms placed at Wickham Creek and
Meadow Beach. The Meadow Beach pair has been especially
productive during this period (three young per year), and have
served as a source of young birds for the NYSDEC "hacking"
program in western New York. A nesting platform in Haywater
Cove was active in 1983, and is an important potential nesting
site. Meadow Beach also contains a relatively small nesting
colony of least tern, with 20 to 60 pairs present from 1982
to 1985. Up to four pairs of piping plover have also been
confirmed nesting at Meadow Beach and Wickham Creek during
this period. One pair of piping plover nested at Fleets Neck
during 1985. Diamondback terrapin nest in the Haywater Cove
area.
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The Cutchogue Harbor Wetlands serve as valuable feeding areas
for the species noted above, as well as for herons, egrets,
waterfowl, shorebirds, and a variety of other wildlife
species. Bird species that are probable or confirmed
inhabitants of the area include green-backed heron, yellow-
crowned night heron, Canada goose, mallard, black duck,
clapper rail, killdeer, belted kingfisher, red-winged
blackbird, and sharp-tailed sparrow.
Cutchogue Harbor and Wetlands are very productive areas for
marinefinfishandshellfish. The marshes, mudflatsandtidal
creeks contribute significantly to the biological productivity
of Cutchogue Harbor and adjoining portions of the Peconic
Bays. These areas serve as important habitat for bay scallop,
hard clam and conch. The Cutchogue Harbor area is one of the
top three areas in Southold for the harvesting of both
scallops and clams. The level of scalloping is also of County
significance. In addition, there is aconch fishery of local
importance. Ribbed mussels and fiddler crabs are abundant
in the tidal creek banks within the area. The wetlands and
tidal creeks serve as nursery and feeding areas (April-
November, generally) for many estuarine fish species,
including scup and winter flounder.
e Little Creek and Beach
The Little Creek and Beach habitat area is located just north
of Little Hog Neck facing Little Peconic Bay in the Town of
Southold (Figure 2-7). This significant coastal fish and
wildlife habitat is approximately 45 acres in size, consisting
of sparsely vegetated sand beach, a tidal inlet, a small
protected bay and creek (Little Creek), mudflats and salt
marsh. There is low density residential development around
the border of the area.
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Little Creek and Beach is a small coastal beach/creek/wetland
area, similar in nature to other creeks around the Peconic
Bay shoreline, but unusual in that it is undeveloped. The
area is important as a habitat for various fish and wildlife
species. The habitat is a confirmed nesting area for
diamondback terrapin {SC) which are relatively uncommon on
the north shore. This species lays its eggs on the sand
beaches bordering the marsh. The tidal creek and salt marsh
provide feeding area cover for the terrapin during this
nesting period (April-July). Piping plover (T) nested on the
beach in 1983 but not in 1984 or 1985. The importance of the
beach as a habitat for piping plover is not well documented.
The tidal marsh serves as important feeding area for the
terrapins, shorebirds and other wildlife. The creek is also
important for various species of marine shellfish and finfish.
Little Creek is one of the best areas in the town for crabbing
and is also locally important for clamming.
Robins Island
Robins Island is situated between Great and Little Peconic
Bay. This island lies approximately one and one-quarter miles
southwest of Little Hog Neck, in the Town of Southold (Figure
2-7). Robins Island is an undeveloped marine island
approximately 450 acres in size. It includes approximately
four miles of stony beach, several freshwater and tidal
saltwater marshes, an island pond and bog, mature wooded
areas, grassland, and maritime shrublands. The island is
owned by Southold Development Corporation, a real estate
speculation firm.
Undeveloped marine islands of this size are rare in New York
State. Robins Island provides a secluded habitat for a
variety of wildlife species, including several endangered (E)
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and threatened {T) species. In 1983, five osprey {T} nests
were observed on the shores of the island. Least tern (E),
roseate tern (E), and common tern {T) were last reported
nesting on the island's beaches in 1976. One pair of piping
plover {T) nested in 1985. At the same time, black-crowned
night heron, snowy egret, yellow-crowned night heron, and
green heron were nesting in an extensive heronry which is no
longer present. These species still feed in and around the
marshes located at the northwestern end of Robins Island.
Red-tail hawk and great-horned ow1 may also nest on the
island. Many species of shorebirds utilize the shores and
marshes as feeding grounds during migration, including black-
bellied plover, ruddy turnstone, lesser yellowlegs, greater
yellowlegs, sanderling, semipalmated plover, and semipalmated
sandpiper. Acolonyof bank swallows nest in the sandy bluffs
located on the western shoreline of the island. Approximately
400 acres of upland oak-hickory woods provide habitat for a
variety of passerine birds and a population of white-tailed
deer.
The waters in the vicinity of Robins Island provide
recreational fishing and commercial bay scallop fishing
opportunities. However, because access to the Island is
restricted, there is currently no recreational use of the
island itself.
Sub-Area
· Downs Creek
Downs Creek is located approximately one mile southwest of
the hamlet of Cutchogue, in the Town of Southold (Figure 2-
7). This significant coastal fish and wildlife habitat is an
approximate 70-acre tidal estuary, containing salt marsh, open
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water, and mudflats. The area surrounding Downs Creek is
almost entirely undeveloped, with mature woodlands bordering
the marsh.
Downs Creek is a relatively small coastal wetland area, but
is unusual in Suffolk County because it exists in a nearly
natural, undisturbed condition and has never been dredged.
This area is utilized by a variety of fish and wildlife
species, including at least one pair of osprey (T). These
birds have nested on a man-made platform located near the
mouth of Downs Creek since at least 1982. The estuary serves
as a feeding area for the osprey, along with herons, egrets,
waterfowl, shorebirds, and other wildlife. Diamondback
terrapin (SC) have been seen here but the importance of this
area to the species has not been documented. Downs Creek is
also a highly productive area for marine finfish and shellfish.
This area serves as a nursery and feeding area (from April-
November, generally) for many estuarine fish species, including
scup and winter flounder. Ribbed mussels and fiddler crabs
are abundant in the tidal creek banks within the marsh. Bank
mussels are commercially harvested for bait fish in the creek.
Sub-Area 10:
Fishers Island Beaches
The Fishers Island Beaches habitat consists of three areas on
Fishers Island: the Mud Pond Beach area on Fishers Island
Sound, located at the far eastern end of the island; the Middle
Farms Beach area on Block Island Sound, located on the south
central shoreline; and the Stone Beach area, located on the
far western end of the island between Hay Harbor and Fishers
Island Sound (Figure 2-7). The Mud Pond Beach area is
approximately eight acres in size, consisting of beach and a
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rocky strand with a protective border barrier of dense shrubs
between the beach area and Mud Pond and further on, between
the beach and golf course. The western part of this area has
been posted. The area is mostly under private ownership and
is partly abutted by the golf course of the Fishers Island
Club. There is some recreational disturbance of the habitat
from boaters, picnickers, golfers and occasionally from four-
wheel drive vehicles. The Middle Farms Beach area is an
approximate seventeen-acre sand, gravel and cobble beach
interspersed with shrubs adjoining Island Pond and Beach Pond.
A very shallow cut bisects the beach and acts as an inlet to
the ponds during storms. There is some human disturbance at
the western end of the beach. This area has been posted at
the western end. Island Pond is presently being leased for
oyster aquaculture. The third area, Stone Beach, is an
approximate ten-acre spit of sand, gravel, and pebbles dividing
Hay Harbor from Fishers Island Sound at the far western end
of the island. There is very little human disturbance here
due to inaccessibility.
The Fishers Island Beaches are small segments of undeveloped
sand and pebble beaches, not uncommon in the area, but
important as a network of suitable bird nesting sites. Least
terns (E) nested at Mud Pond Beach and Middle Farms Beach in
1984 and at Mud Pond Beach in 1985. Twelve nests were counted
at each site in 1984. Thirteen pairs nested at Mud Pond in
1985. Small numbers of common terns (T) have nested at Stone
Beach in the past decade including 1983 and 1984 but they were
absent in 1985. The nests were located in the middle of the
Hay Harbor side of the beach. Piping plover (T) last nested
in 1980 along the banks of the inlet at Middle Farms Beach;
they were seen in 1984 but did not appear to nest. Roseate
terns (E) were also seen at Mud Pond Beach in 1985 but did
not appear to nest. There are also three active osprey (T)
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nests on poles adjacent to Middle Farms Beach and one active
osprey nest adjacent to Mud Pond Beach.
There are gull rookeries on the rocks offshore of all three
of these beach areas, most predominantly near Hay Harbor.
The gulls are thought to be the major deterrent to nesting of
terns and plovers on these beaches. Other bird species which
use these beach areas include: double-crested cormorant, great
blue heron, little blue heron, green heron, black-crowned night
heron, American egret, snowy egret, mute swan, mallard, black
duck, gadwall, green-winged teal, wood duck, American
goldeneye, red-breasted merganser, oyster-catcher, spotted
sandpiper, solitary sandpiper, greater yellowlegs, lesser
yellowlegs, belted kingfisher, eastern kingbird, tree swallow,
barn swallow, and brown thrasher. No significant human
activities were associated with the fish and wildlife resources
on the beaches.
o Hunqr¥ Point Islands
Hungry Point Islands are located along the north shore of
Fishers Island, approximately one and one-half miles from the
eastern end of the island, in the Town of Southold (Figure
2-7). This significant coastal fish and wildlife habitat is
a group of small islands, each less than three acres in size,
consisting almost entirely of exposed rock with small clumps
of trees, and salt marsh. These islands are totally
undeveloped and privately owned.
Hungry Point Islands comprise a relatively small, but valuable,
coastal habitat type that provides suitable conditions for
several unusual species of wildlife. Isolation from predators
and human disturbance may be the most important component of
the Hungry Point Islands habitat, distinguishing this area from
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many other rock and marsh islands in Suffolk County. The
largest island in the group is Pine Island, which has been the
site of a nesting colony of double-crested cormorants since
the early 1970's. During the 1984 breeding season,
approximately 1400 adult cormorants were observed on the
island, and there were an estimated 300 to 400 nests in use.
In 1985, 750 cormorants were observed. This represents one
of the largest nesting concentrations of double-crested
cormorants in New York State. Nesting colonies ofgreat black-
backed gulls and herring gulls also occur on the islands in
this area. In addition to these birds, a concentration of
harbor seals is known to occur regularly at Hungry Point
Islands during the winter months (December-early May). The
exposed rocks in this area provide an important "haulout"
area, which seals use for resting and sunning. This location
is one of five major haulouts around Long Island, serving as
an activity center for seals feeding in the Fishers Island
area.
There are no significant human use activities associated with
the wildlife resources on Hungry Point Islands.
The Race
The Race is an area of open water situated between Race Point,
at the western end of Fishers Island, and Valiant Rock, located
approximately one and one-half miles southwest of Fishers
Island (Figure 2-7). This significant coastal fish and
wildlife habitat is a very deep channel (over 150 feet in
depth), approximately one mile wide, and bordered by steep
underwater slopes rising up to relatively shallow waters (less
than 30 feet deep) on each side. This approximate 2500 acre
area is the primary opening in the underwater ridge separating
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:0
LEGEND
SUB-AREA I
INLET
SUB-AREA 2
O
SUB-AREA 9
HABITAT
CRITICAL ENVIROMENTAL AREA
DOW'MI CREEK
CREEK !
t AND
~ BEACH
HARBOR AHD
SUB
AREA 8
~GREAT PECONIC BAY
AND ENVIRONS
SUB-AREA 7
CEDAR, BEACH
POINT
APRIL 1991
NOT TO SCALE
FIGURE 2-7
CASHIN ASSOCIATES, P.C.
SIGNIFICANT COASTAL FISH AND WILDLIFE HABITATS
AND CRITICAL ENVIROMENTAL AREAS
SUB-AREA 3 / SUB-AREA 4
I ORIENT
I DAM
CREEK
EGYPT ISLAND ·
, \
!
SUB-
~ONKLING '
POINT
HASHOMOMUCK
POND/ MILL
CREEK
SUB-AREA 6
FISHERS ~ ~1~ IN S E T
~s. ~ ",,,, ~ ~ SUB-A,EA ,0
~/ ~ / ~ ,, A .U.G.,'
~~ BEACHES
LEGEND
HABITAT
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
POINT **************************************
CRITICAL ENVIROMENTAL AREA
APRIL 1991
NOT TO SCALE
FIGURE 2-7
CASHIN ASSOCIATES, P.C.
·
SIGNIFICANT COASTAL FISH AND WILDLIFE HABITATS
AND CRITICAL ENVIROMENTAL AREAS
2.2.11
Long Island Sound and Block Island Sound,
very turbulent tidal exchange.
and is an area of
The Race represents a very unusual physical environment in
New York State. The deep, turbulent waters and shoals combine
to produce a productive and diverse habitat for marine fishes.
Significant concentrations of many species forage in this
area, including striped bass, bluefish, tautog, summer
flounder, and scup. The Race is also one of two primary
migration corridors for striped bass, which move into Long
Island Sound in spring enroute to their breeding grounds, and
return to southern wintering areas during the fall. As a
result of the abundant fisheries resources in the area, The
Race has become a nationally renowned sportfishing area with
heavy fishing pressure occurring throughout spring, summer
and fall. Much of this pressure is brought in by charter
boats from Greenport, Montauk Harbor, and Connecticut. In
addition to sportfishing, The Race supports a commercial
lobster fishery of regional significance.
Critical Environmental Areas
A Critical Environmental Area (CEA) is a specific geographic area
that possesses exceptional or unique characteristics which deem
the area environmentally significant. The purpose of a critical
environmental area designation is to identify and reorganize the
exceptional and unique characteristics of an area, or resources
therein, and to heighten the review of proposed actions in these
areas. In 1978, New York State implemented the State Environmental
Quality Review Act {SEQRA). Under SEQRA, local governments have
the authority to designate specific geographic areas within their
boundaries as Critical Environmental Areas. Once a site receives
such designation, any action proposed wholly or partially within
the CEA must be treated as a Type I action pursuant to SEQRA, and
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undergo a series of governmental reviews and public hearings before
the proposed action can take place. AType I action is an activity
that is likely to have a significant impact on the environment and
requires the preparation of a Full Environmental Assessment Form
(EAF). Although actions proposed within a CEA do not always
receive a positive declaration from the Lead Agency, thereby
requiring the preparation of an environmental impact statement
(EIS), these actions are more likely to require an EIS than actions
proposed in areas not so designated.
Land areas are recommended to receive CEA designation if they
fulfill one or more of the following criteria:
The land is identified as a benefit or a threat to the public
health or public safety (e.g., benefit-water supply
reservoir, threat-abandoned landfill);
The land area is determined to be of social, cultural,
historic, recreational and/or educational importance (e.g.,
historic building, waterfront access);
The land area possesses an inherent ecological, geological
or hydrological sensitivity to change and may be adversely
affected by such change (e.g., groundwater aquifer,
endangered species habitat); and
The land area is a natural environment which possesses
significant ecological and aesthetic character {e.g., fish
and wildlife habitat, undeveloped open space).
Using the criteria listed above, local governments can nominate
a group of land areas for CEA designation. Following a series of
public hearings, at which time the characteristics and boundaries
of these areas are discussed, they are designated as CEA's and are
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filed with the Town and the NYSDEC Department of Regulatory
Affairs. This agency maintains a listing of all of the State's
Critical Environmental Areas.
2.2.12
Southold Town and Suffolk County have designated 22 areas as CEA's
{Figure 2-7). It should be noted that, in whole or in part, many
of these areas have also been designated by New York State as
Significant Coastal Fish and Wildlife Habitats {Table 2-7}.
Significant habitats were discussed in Section 2.2.10.
Visual Quality
The visual quality of the coastal waterfront is a significant
resource of the Town of Southold. The scenic quality of the
coastal landscape plays a vital part in attracting visitors,
residents, and businesses to the waterfront areas. It is important
to protect these positive visual resources and to improve the
quality of deteriorated areas.
The landscape can be described in terms of its basic physical
components: land and water, vegetation, and structures. The land
and water component consists of the rolling terrain, bluffs, dunes
and beaches, inlets and ponds, creeks and streams, the south shore
bays, and the Long Island Sound. In some places, the land has been
altered in such a way as to degrade the scenic quality of the
landscape.
The vegetation component includes trees, shrubs, and ground covers.
Most of the vegetation in the Southold LWA consists of tidal
wetlands, freshwater marshes, agricultural lands, undeveloped
fields, pine and oak woodlands, and transitional vegetation. The
extent of this natural vegetation helps to obscure incompatible
development that is in contrast with the natural landscape.
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TABLE 2-7
CRITICAL ENVIRONMENTAL AREAS
IN THE TOWN OF $OUTHOLD
Land Area
Desienated By
Brushs Creek Southold Town
Cedar Beach Creek* Southold Town
Corey Creek* Southold Town
Cutchogue Harbor and Southold Town
Wetlands*
Dam Pond Southold Town
Deep Hole Creek Southold Town
Downs Creek* Southold Town
Goldsmith's Inlet Southold Town
Goose Creek Southold Town
Hall's Creek Southold Town
Hallocks Bay* Southold Town
Inlet Pond Suffolk County
Little Creek* Southold Town
Mill Creek* Southold Town
Peconic Bay and Environs Suffolk County
Pipes Cove Creek (Moore's Drain) Southold Town
Orient Creek* Southold Town
Orient Point Suffolk County
Richmond Creek and Beach* Southold Town
Robins Island* Suffolk County
West Creek Southold Town
Date
2/90
2/90
2/90
3/88
3/88
2/90
3/8B
2/90
2/90
2/90
2/88
2/9o
2/9o
9/88
2/90
3/88
2/88
9/88
3/88
3/88
* State designated Significant Coastal Fish and Wildlife Habitat
Source: Dobriner, Town of Southold, December lggO.
The structural component of the landscape includes man-made objects
such as buildings, roads, and power lines. Although there are
many structures that are visible from offshore locations, most of
this development is residential in nature and for the most part
is not significantly obtrusive. This is further benefitted by the
extent of woodland vegetation that exists and acts to soften the
visual aspect of upland development. There are many wide stretches
of undeveloped shoreline in the Town, particularly along the
northshore. There are also no industrialized areas containing
large, prominent structures.
There are many significant vistas along the waterfront. The
northshore affords spectacular views of the Long Island Sound,
particularly from the bluff areas. The south shore embayments
offer a variety of views of offshore islands and land masses, and
of the Great Peconic, Little Peconic, Southold, and Gardiners Bays.
The elements that give these vistas importance include: the
visibility of the water; conspicuous foreground, mid-ground or
background features; and the composition of physical components
in the view. These physical components of the landscape, whether
individually or in combination, can contribute to the positive
visual quality of the waterfront area.
Overall, the scenic and visual quality of the Town is excellent
despite the fact that there are areas of incompatible development
which are affecting the Town's aesthetic character. In some areas
commercial and residential development has taken on an obtrusive
and incongruous appearance, with the construction of structures
and signage that are not in concert with the rural and historic
character of the Town. The prese?vation of the aesthetic,
historic, and scenic character of the Town is important to the
continuance of its attraction as a quaint, agricultural and
waterfront community. Efforts should be taken to balance growth
and development with the desire to maintain the integrity of the
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rural landscape and architectural character of the Town.
Development should be guided and regulated through the use of site
plan and architectural review to achieve this goal.
Generally, it is assumed that positive coastal vistas and visual
resources evoke feelings of serenity, tranquility and harmony.
Positive visual elements are uncluttered, ordered, simple and
congruous with existing natural amenities. Positive resources
include lush, vegetated marsh areas, thriving fish and wildlife
habitats and populations, and man-made structures which conform
with the historic and rural character of the Town, the natural
shoreline, and coastal features. In direct contrast, negative
visual elements appear cluttered or haphazard, obtrusive, and
incongruous with the natural setting. Negative resources include
signs of pollution, overcrowding, neglected or deteriorating
structures, and land uses that actually degrade or result in
discord with the natural environment or the rural, historic
character of the Town.
The scenic and visual resources in the various sub-areas of the
Town's LWA were evaluated based upon their positive or negative
characteristics. A few areas are noted as unclassified. These
are areas where the impacts of land use activities have resulted
in amore subjective impact. For example, although a deteriorated
or intensively utilized area or structure may possess nostalgic
character or add to the charm of an historic waterfront community,
such structures or areas may actually detract from the overall
visual quality due to this existing physical condition or intensity
of use. In these cases, the beauty is literally in "the eye of
the beholder".
2-122
Sub-Area 1,
Positive: Sound Avenue - In recognition of its cultural, scenic
and historical importance dating back to the American Revolution,
in 1975, the New York State Legislature established Sound Avenue
as a significant scenic and visual corridor in Suffolk County.
Any development activities that occur in this area should be
undertaken and designed in conformance with the significant visual
nature of this area.
Breakwater Beach - Breakwater Beach, owned by the Mattituck Park
District, is located just west of Mattituck Inlet. From this
beach, one has visual access to the highest bluffs in the Town
(MattituckHills-]60 feet above mean sea level). On and off-site
views in this area are quite picturesque and should be preserved.
Negative: Mattituck Tank Farm and Asphalt Plant - The Mattituck
Tank Farm and Asphalt Plant are located near the mouth of Mattituck
Creek (adjacent to Luthers and Naugles Roads). Presently, the
unfenced and unscreened sites contain several very large and
abandoned above-ground storage tanks, and are strewn with litter
and garbage. Efforts should be made to improve the visual quality
of these sites through appropriate redevelopment action.
Unclassified: There are a number of private lots located directly
across from the Old Mill Inn on the eastern side of Mattituck Creek
(Tax Map Section 106, Block 4, Lots 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6). Presently,
lots 3, 4, 5, and 6 contain neglected structures used primarily
for the fishing industry. In addition, lot 2 contains a private
home in an advanced state of disrepair although probably habitable.
All of these structures have the potential for revitalization.
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Sub-Area 2
Positive: Peconic Dunes The Peconic Dunes encompasses an
approximate lO0-acre stretch of land that extends east from
Goldsmiths Inlet to Kenneys Beach. This area includes portions
of Goldsmiths Inlet and Peconic Dunes County Parks. Primary and
secondary dune formations, with elevation changes of over 100 feet,
allow Peconic Dunes to be one of the most unique and aesthetic
ecosystems in the Town. Naturally, the site abounds with wetlands,
diverse wildlife, and lush vegetation. Protection of this
significant ecosystem is of high priority to preserve its scenic
and environmental character.
Goldsmith Inlet - Goldsmith Inlet is one of two inlets in the Town
located on the Long Island Sound; the other one is Mattituck Creek.
Unlike Mattituck Creek, this inlet is owned and protected by
Suffolk County. As a result, the inlet is basically undeveloped
and is not used for power boating. Goldsmith Inlet supports a
great variety of wildlife and native vegetation. Consequently,
the area provides many hiking and fishing opportunities for Suffolk
County residents. This facility offers excellent views of the
Sound and surrounding area and should be maintained and protected.
Sound View Avenue - Sound View Avenue begins at the Southern edge
of Goldsmith Inlet and continues eastward, representing the
southeastern border of Sub-Area 2. This corridor offers scenic
views of the Long Island Sound and is one of the Town's more
aesthetic roadways. The visual quality of this roadway should be
protected. Future development proposals should be reviewed with
consideration given to the preservation of viewsheds and scenic
quality.
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Unclassified: Kenneys Beach, a private facility, is an intensely
developed area of tightly packed, small summer cabins, located
directly north of Great Pond. This area is highly prone to
erosion.
Sub-Area 3
Positive: Horton Point Liqhthouse - The Horton Point Lighthouse,
owned by the Southold Park District, is located on a nine-acre
landscaped site at the end of Lighthouse Road, overlooking Long
Island Sound. This historically significant lighthouse has been
converted into amuseum and is open to the public. The site offers
spectacular vistas of the Sound and is a resource that should be
maintained and protected.
Sound View Avenue/County Road 48 - Sound View Avenue begins in Sub-
Area 2 and continues in a northeasterly direction, merging with
County Route (CR) 48. This stretch of roadway offers excellent
scenic views of Long Island Sound and is bordered by thick native
vegetation. The visual quality of this portion of Sound Avenue
should be preserved. Future development that may occur in this
area should be 6eviewed with consideration given to the
preservation of viewsheds and scenic quality.
Negatfve: Inlet Pond County Park - Inlet Pond is a 36-acre site
located north of the Incorporated Village of Greenport, with access
provided from CR 48. This site is special due to its acreage,
high bluffs, large areas of wetlands and thick forests. However,
Suffolk County has not properly controlled access to, or maintained
conditions on, this site. Consequently, portions of Inlet Pond
are strewn with debris including garbage and junked cars. In
addition, four-wheel drive vehicles and motorcycles have stripped
some areas of vegetation creating large sections of loose, highly
erodible soil. The County should be encouraged to improve
2-125
conditions at this site. The Town should try to coordinate
assistance that would help protect and preserve this scenic
resource.
Sub-Area 4
Positive: Orient Causeway - The Orient Causeway is located on
State Route 2S and offers scenic views of Dam Pond, Orient Harbor
and Orient Creek, and associated wetlands. The visual quality of
the area surrounding this roadway is spectacular. Efforts should
be taken to ensure the preservation of this area as a visual
resource.
Orient Point County Park - Suffolk County recently purchased this
46-acre site located at the easternmost tip of the north fork of
Long Island. The park features a long nature walk leading through
vast areas of low-lying native vegetation. This site offers unique
views of Plum Gut, the Orient Point Lighthouse, and Plum Island,
as well as the Orient Point Ferries. Due to its geographic
location, this park is a significant visual resource that also
provides visual access to the open waters of the Sound and Bay,
and should be maintained and preserved.
Sub-Area 5
Positive: Orient Point State Park - Orient Point State Park is
a 357-acre site located on a long and narrow peninsula fronting
Hallocks and Gardiners Bay. The park is almost entirely
undeveloped and features scenic nature walks overlooking pristine
surface waters. Orient Point State Park is probably the most
intensely used scenic resource in Southold Town, especially in the
summer when the park may serve as many as 2,000 people in a single
day. In light of the intensity of use and the fact that a large
portion of this park is designated as a National Natural Landmark,
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the importance of maintaining and preserving this area as a
significant visual resource cannot be overlooked.
Orient Villaqe - Orient Village has retained its distinctly simple
historic charm. Most of the hamlet is designated historic on the
National Register of Historic Places.
Lona Beach Bay - The shoreline around Long Beach Bay (Hallocks Bay}
is the least developed shoreline in the Town. Bounded by Orient
Point State Park to the south and extensive areas of wetlands owned
by Suffolk County, the Town, the Nature Conservancy, and/or NYSDEC
to the north, Long Beach Bay is one of Southold's significant
visual resources. The Town should ensure that the visual quality
of this area is maintained and protected.
Sub-Area 6
Positive: The overall scenic and visual quality of Sub-Area 6 is
generally good. However, there are no exceptional resources within
this sub-area that have wide-scale visual impact.
Negative: Route 25-Port of Eqypt - Between Bay Home Road and
Albacore Drive lies a stretch of Route 25 that appears neglected
and obtrusive. Empty trailers, excessivesignage, vacant buildings
and large structures line this heavily travelled corridor and
represent a negative visual element on the landscape. The Town
should consider ways to upgrade the visual quality of this area
and eliminate these negative visual impacts.
Sub-Area 7
Positive: Cedar Beach County Park - Cedar Beach is a 62-acre park
fronting Little Peconic Bay on the western tip of Great Hog Neck.
The site contains significant areas of wetlands as well as a large
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popular bathing beach. In addition, Suffolk County Community
College maintains a marine science research center at this
location. This site offers excellent views of Shelter Island
Sound, Shelter Island and Little Peconic Bay and, therefore, visual
quality should be maintained and protected.
Sub-Area 8
Positfve: Robins Island - Robins Island, encompassing
approximately 450 acres, is located off the coast of Sub-Area 8,
within Great Peconic Bay. The Island is primarily uninhabited and
undeveloped. One caretaker maintains a residence on the island
to prevent trespassing. Robins Island is the largest undisturbed
land area in Southold. Protection and preservation of this island
as a significant environmental and visual resource is very
important.
Nassau Point Causeway and Surroundinq Area - The Nassau Point
Causeway connects the Little Hog Neck peninsula (Nassau Point) to
mainland Southold. The causeway is one quarter of a mile in length
and offers scenic views of Little Peconic Bay to the east and
Broadwater Cove to the west. Efforts should be taken to preserve
the quality of this area as a resource.
Nassau Point Road End Beach - At the southern tip of Nassau Point
Road lies a beach which extends out into the Peconic Bay system.
This beach provides scenic views of the Peconic Bay and should be
preserved as a significant scenic resource.
New Suffolk Avenue - New Suffolk Avenue runs along Peconic Bay and
stretches from New Suffolk Village to its intersection with Route
25 in Mattituck. This roadway, especially the eastern half,
provides travelers with scenic views of Peconic Bay, West Creek,
and Downs Creek, along with associated wetlands. Future
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development proposals in this area should be reviewed with
consideration given to the preservation of viewsheds and scenic
quality.
Unclassified: The New Suffolk Waterfront, located on the
southeastern tip of New Suffolk, contains a 3.2-acre property
which presently houses a restaurant, marina and general store/post
office. Despite the site's neglected appearance, some may argue
that this look possesses historic and nautical charm. This area
warrants consideration with respect to the revitalization of visual
quality.
Sub-Area 9
Positive: New Suffolk Avenue - New Suffolk Avenue stretches from
New Suffolk Village to its intersection with Route 25 in Mattituck.
The segment of this roadway located within Sub-area 9 provides
scenic views of Downs Creek, Halls Creek, Deep Hole Creek,
Marratooka Lake and all of their associated wetlands. Future
development proposals in this area should be reviewed with
consideration given to the preservation of viewsheds and scenic
quality in this area.
Negative: State Route 25 - Mattituck From the Railroad TrestlP
to Love Lane This particular segment of State Route 25 is
intensely developed with commercial uses and signs that are
visually obtrusive. This is the first commercial segment of
development encountered by eastbound travelers on State Route 25.
The visual character of this and other areas along State Route 25
could be improved and preserved to maintain the historic and rural
character of the Town.
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2.3
Sub-Area 10
To be completed pending on-site field inspection.
Land and Water Uses
2.3.1
Existing Land and Water Uses and Existing Zoning
The Town of Southold encompasses 54 square miles, including
Fishers, Plum and Robins Islands, and the Incorporated Village of
Greenport. The mainland alone includes approximately 47 square
miles of land area. The predominant land use in the Town is
agricultural; approximately 40 percent of the mainland is utilized
for agriculture. Relatively small proportions of the Town are
developed with residential, commercial, marine commercial,
industrial or institutional uses. Much of the older development
is located along State Route 25, including the communities and
hamlets of Laurel, Mattituck, Cutchogue, Peconic, Southold,
Greenport, East Marion and Orient. More recent development has
occurred on the south shore, particularly in the New Suffolk,
Nassau Point, and the Bayview vicinities, and on the less rugged
portion of the north shore.
The residential uses, which comprise approximately 15 percent of
the land area, are located in the vicinity of the many creeks and
inlets found throughout the Town, and on the non-agricultural
peninsulas that extend along the south shore. Residential density
varies from one unit or less per acre in agricultural areas, to
5 to 10 units per acre in some of the older seasonal communities.
The average density ranges between 2 to 4 units per acre.
The housing stock throughout the Town is generally single-family
in nature, but varies greatly in age and style. Older, often
historic, colonial and victorian houses are found in the hamlets;
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//
seasonal cottages and homes are located along both the north and
south shores; and newer subdivisions are scattered throughout the
Town.
Seasonal residential uses include a variety of styles such as
tourist cabins, motels, large victorian inns and more recent
subdivision developments. Many seasonal homes, particularly the
more recent developments, have the necessary heating and plumbing
facilities to function year-round. Others could be easily
converted.
Non-residential and non-agricultural {commercial} uses comprise
approximately 10 percent of the Town's land area. The largest
commercial areas, with the exception of the Incorporated Village
of Greenport, are found in the hamlets of Mattituck {parts of Sub-
Areas 1 and 9) and Southold (Sub-Area 2). These areas contain a
mix of general retail and service uses, office and public uses,
and to a lesser degree, industrial uses. Smaller local shopping
areas are found in Cutchogue, Peconic, East Marion and Orient.
Marine commercial areas are found primarily along the various
creeks and inlets along the south shore. The largest
concentrations occur on Mattituck Creek (Sub-Area l) and in the
Hashamomuck/Budds Creek area {Sub-Area 6). There is a Federal
anchorage area established near the head of Mattituck Creek that
is utilized fortemporaryanchoring. There are alsoalargenumber
of boats docked at private stakes, finger piers and floating docks
along the various creeks and inlets in the Town. The Town operates
a mooring program in many of these creeks and inlets (Table 2-8).
Mooring permits and permits for the placement of docks, piles or
stakes or other objects in or on Town waters are issued by the Town
Board of Trustees pursuant to Chapter 32 of the Southold Town Code
-- The Boats, Docks and Wharves Law. Maintenance and seasonal
removal of the mooring is the responsibility of the permittee on
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TABLE 2-8
BOAT MOORINGS REGULATED By THE TOWN
Location
Sub-Area
# Moorinos
Mattituck Creek 1 38
Long Beach Bay 5 15
Narrow River $ 36
Little Bay 5 3
Gull Pond 5 30
Hashamomuck Pond/Long Creek 6 16
Town Creek/Jockey Creek 7 40
Goose Creek 7 48
Cedar Creek 7 4
Corey Creek 7 25
Richmond Creek 7 16
Little Creek 8 20
Broadwater Cove 8 4
Mud Creek 8 9
Haywater Cove 8 4
East Creek 8 30
Wickham Creek 8 !
West Creek 8 2
Deephole Creek 9 13
James Creek g 30
Brushs Creek 9
Fishers Island 10 83
(Stakes)
Source: Ozenkowski/Dobriner, Town of Southold, January 1991.
a year-round basis (Dzenkowski, Februrary 1991). There are also
approximately 300 to 500 boats moored in the larger south shore
bays on a seasonal basis; primarily in the Horseshoe Cove, Hogs
Neck Bay, Southold Bay, Pipes Cove and Orient Harbor areas.
Moorings are generally found in areas where there are houses
located along the bays. The Town currently does not regulate
moorings in these waters, but could request permission from the
State to do so, since the State owns the bottom lands in the bays.
Industrial and heavy commercial uses are very limited in number
and consist mainly of agricultural processing facilities,
warehouses, distribution centers, and contracting establishments.
Institutional, quasi-public and public uses include churches,
schools, municipal services, and cemeteries. These uses are
generally located in the hamlet areas, and comprise approximately
5 percent of the land area in the Town.
Parks and recreational areas within the Town range in size from
small neighborhood parks to the 357-acre Orient Beach State Park.
Recreational facilities in the Town include Town, County and State
parks, park district facilities, private homeowner's association
beaches, boat launch ramps and marinas, golf courses, nature
preserves, and campgrounds.
The remaining land area in the Town is vacant. This would include
undeveloped natural areas, undeveloped subdivisions, or in-fill
lots. In many cases, the vacant lands contain areas of tidal
marsh, freshwater wetlands, woodlands, bluffs, dunes, or beaches,
making future development difficult or undesirable. The majority
of vacant, non-agricultural lands are found on the north and south
shores, and in the Hashamomuck - West Greenport area.
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Land and Water Uses and Zoning_b/Sub-Area
The coastal area of the Town of Southold is divided into ten sub-
areas. The land uses and zoning for these ten areas are described
as follows and illustrated on Maps 2-1 and 2-2, respectively. A
listing of the various zoning classifications with minimum required
lot sizes is found in Table 2-9.
Sub-Area I
The primary land uses in this area include residential,
agriculture, and vacant land. The dominant use is low and
medium density residential, which is concentrated around
Mattituck Creek and Inlet, in the central portion of Sub-Area
1. Much of the older housing in this vicinity was developed
on lots that are smaller than the current minimum lot size
requirement of one-acre (40,000 sq.ft.).
Mattituck Creek supports four marinas, as discussed in Section
2.3.2, and contains a number of Town-regulated boat moorings
(see Table 2-8). Mattituck Inlet also supports a significant
commercial fishing industry. Several commercial fishing boats
and lobster boats operate from this port utilizing four docks
and local packing houses. The mouth of Mattituck Inlet is
bounded on each side by a Mattituck Park District facility.
Use of park district facilities is restricted to residents
of the district. The western shoreline of the creek, south
of the inlet contains an abandoned asphalt plant and an
abandoned oil storage tank farm. The eastern side of the
creek contains extensive NYSDEC tidal wetlands (the 31-acre
Oregon Marsh).
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R-40
R-80
R-120
R-200
R-400
AHD
HD
RR
RO
LB
HB
B
M-I
M-II
LIO
LI
A-C
TABLE 2-9
ZONING AND LAND USE DESCRIPTIONS
Classification
Residential Low Density AA
Residential Low Density A
Residential Low Density B
Residential Low Density C
Residential Low Density D
Affordable Housing District
Hamlet Density Residential
Resort Residential
Residential Office
Limited Business
Hamlet Business
General Business
Marine I
Marine II
Light Industrial/Office Park
Light Industrial
Agricultural Conservation
Minimum Lot Size(i)
Reouirement (sq. ft.)
40,000 (1 unit/acre)
80,000 (1 unit/acre)
120,000 (1 unit/3 acres)
200,000 (1 unit/5 acres)
400,000 {1 unit/lO acres}
10,000 (4 units/acre)
20,000(z) (2 units/acre)
20,000(3) (2 units/acre)
40,000 (1 acre)
80,000 (2 acres)
20,000 (1/2 acre)
10,000 {1/4 acre)
40,000 {1 acre)
80,000 (2 acres)
120,000 (3 acres)
40,000 (1 acre)
80,000 (2 acres)
Low Density
Medium Density
High Density
1 or less units per acre
2 to 4 units per acre
5 or more units per acre
(1} residential zoning classifications apply to single
dwellings
(2} 10,000 sq. ft. if community sewer and water available
(3) 12,000 sq. ft. if community sewer and water available
family detached
Source:
Town of Southold Zoning Map, January 1989 (last revised September lggo).
Zoning Ordinance, Chapter 100 of Southold Town Code, February 1989.
Master Plan Update, RPPW, April 1985.
The land area fronting Long Island Sound, which comprises the
eastern and western portions of Sub-Area 1, contains bluffs
in excess of I50 feet in elevation. With the exception of
some residential development located directly east and west
of the inlet, the majority of this area is undeveloped.
The southernmost portion of the sub-area contains a small
number of commercial uses located along County Route 48.
There is also a Mattituck Park District boat launch ramp
located in this area. The Town of Southold is proposing the
construction of an additional boat launch site in this same
area.
The majority of the land area in Sub-Area 1 is zoned for low-
density residential development. The predominant
classifications are Residential Low-Density A (R-80) and
Residential Low-Density AA (R-40). There is also a
substantial amount of land, located along the inlet, that is
zoned Marine II (M-II), which allows water-dependent and
water-enhanced uses. The southeastern portion of this sub-
area encompasses a portion of the Mattituck hamlet business
district and is zoned General Business (B) and Light
Industrial (L-I).
· Sub-Area 2
The primary land uses in Sub-Area 2 include residential,
agriculture, and undeveloped land. The agricultural uses are
located west of Goldsmith's Inlet. Low-density and medium
residential uses and vacant parcels are spread throughout the
rest of the sub-area. There are seven parcels of land used
for recreational purposes including: Goldsmith's Inlet County
Park, situated directly east of the inlet; Goldsmith's Inlet
Town Beach, located west of the inlet; Peconic Dunes County
2-134
Park, located west of Great Pond; Kenney's Town Beach;
Horton's Point Lighthouse and Museum; Horton Lane (McCabe's)
Beach; and Southold Town (Hashamomuck) Beach. There is a
seasonal motel located near the western sub-area boundary and
a parcel containing summer cottage homes, located west of
Goldsmith's Inlet. There are no boat mooring permits issued
for Goldsmith's Inlet.
The land area in Sub-Area 2 is zoned primarily for low-density
residential use. The predominant classifications are R-80
and R-40. The R-40 lands are located west of Goldsmith's
Inlet and east of, and including, Great Pond. Here again,
much of the older housing was developed on lots that are
smaller than the current minimum lot-size requirement of
40,000 square feet established under the R-40 classification.
Sub-Area 2 contains two parcels zoned Resort/Residential (R-
R} which are occupied by the motel and the summer cottages.
This sub-area also contains a stretch of land, located between
the western sub-area boundary and Goldsmith's Inlet, that is
zoned Agricultural-Conservation (A-C). The A-C zoning
restricts land for agricultural and conservation use, and also
allows residential development with a minimum lot size of 2
acres.
Sub-Area 3
Sub-Area 3 contains a mix of land uses including residential,
undeveloped land, recreational, agricultural, seasonal
residential, and commercial; low-density and medium
residential is the predominant use, followed by undeveloped
land. There is a large parcel of undeveloped land in the
eastern portion of Sub-Area 3 for which a major residential
subdivision has been proposed. There are four parcels of
recreational land in this sub-area including Inlet Point
2-135
County Park, Clark Town Beach (which is located within Inlet
Point Park}, Sound Road Town Beach, and the Island's End Golf
and Country Club. There are four parcels of seasonal
residential development containing two motels and summer
cabins or cottages. There is also an area of agricultural
land located along the eastern sub-area boundary, and a small
number of commercial uses located along CR 48 in the
southeastern portion of this area.
Sub-Area 3 is zoned with a mix of classifications including
R-80, R-40, RR, Hamlet-Density Residential {HD), and Limited
Business (LB). For the most part, the existing land uses in
this sub-area conform with the present zoning. Some of the
older residential development in the Hashamomuck area is built
on lots that are smaller than the minimum lot-size as
currently required under the R-40 classification. The
agricultural lands found in Sub-Area 3 are zoned R-80. The
undeveloped land which is sited for residential subdivision
is zoned HD and R-80.
· Sub-~rea 4
Sub-Area 4 primarily contains residential and agricultural
land uses, as well as some undeveloped land and a few
recreational uses. The residential development consists of
various sized areas of low and medium density housing that
are scattered throughout this sub-area. There are some older
residential uses in the area of Orient Point that are
constructed on lots that do not conform to the current lot
area requirements. The agricultural uses are also dispersed.
There are two small parcels located at the western end of the
area that contain seasonal cabins or cottages. There are two
recreational areas including a State-managed beach (Truman
Beach) and Orient Point County Park. There is also alanding
2-136
strip (Orient Airport) located in the eastern portion of Sub-
Area 4, and a small abandoned boat launch near Orient Point.
Finally, there are two institutional uses located along State
Route (SR) 25, including a public school and a fire station.
Sub-Area 4 is zoned primarily for residential development.
The predominant classifications are R-80 and R-40. There is
one small parcel along SR 25 which is zoned General Business
(B). This parcel is occupied by agas station. The abandoned
boat launch is zoned M-II. The agricultural lands found in
this sub-area are zoned R-80.
· Sub-Area 5
Sub-Area 5 contains a mix of land uses; the predominant use
is agriculture. The majority of the agricultural land is
located in the eastern portion of this sub-area.
Sub-Area 5 supports a limited amount of low and medium density
residential development (approximately 20 percent of the land
area}. Most of this development is located in the vicinity
of Orient hamlet, and in the western portion of the sub-area.
There is also a small area of multi-family residential
development located near the western sub-area boundary. There
are also approximately six parcels of seasonal residential
development.
There are scattered areas of undeveloped land and several
parcels of land containing institutional uses. The
institutional lands are largely occupied by cemeteries and
a museum, and are found in the vicinity of Orient hamlet and
near the western sub-area boundary. Most of the undeveloped
land is concentrated around Long Beach Bay and consists of
wetlands. Some wetland properties are owned by the Nature
2-137
Conservancy, the Town or the County. Recently the State has
also been active in acquiring wetland properties in this area.
The Orient-East Marion Park District owns 34 acres of wetlands
located at the head of Orient Harbor, west of the hamlet of
Orient. Other areas of wetlands are located on properties
for which the development rights were purchased by the Town
or County through farmland preservation programs (see the
latter part of this section for further detail).
There are several parcels containing recreational uses in Sub-
Area 5; the largest being the 357-acre Orient Beach State
Park. The others include the Stifling Basin boat launch ramp,
Norman E. Klipp Marine Park, and a large KOA campground.
There are also four private marinas in this sub-area; one is
situated adjacent to the Orient Point-New London, Connecticut
ferry terminal, located at the eastern extreme of the area.
The ferry to Plum Island, a restricted Federal government
holding, is located next to the Orient Point-New London ferry.
The surface waters in Long Beach Bay, Narrow River, Gull Pond,
and Little Bay contain a number of Town-regulated boat
moorings, as listed in Table 2-8. There are also a number
of unregulated moorings located in the western portion of
Orient Harbor, in the East Marion area.
There are a few industrial and commercial uses in Sub-Area
5. These include an unutilized mariculture facility, a marine
contractor, and a landscape contractor. The Orient hamlet
business district contains a small number of commercial and
retail businesses.
Sub-Area 5 is zoned with a wide range of classifications,
reflecting the variety of uses that occur in this area. East
of Dam Pond the land is zoned primarily Residential Low-
Density C (R-200). This classification extends over much of
2-138
the agricultural land and the wetlands. Other areas of
agricultural land are zoned R-80. The M-II classification
has been designated for the ferry terminals and the Orient
by the Sea marina located at the east end. The Marine I
{M-I} designation has been assigned to the Narrow River marina
and the Orient Yacht Club, also found in this portion of the
sub-area. The Orient hamlet area is zoned a mix of R-40, R-
80 and HB classifications, with a few small parcels designated
RR and B, for commercial use.
West of Dam Pond, the land is zoned predominantly R-40 and
is indispersed with various other residential and commercial
designations. The KOA campground is zoned Affordable Housing
(AHD). The seasonal residential properties are zoned RR.
The two marinas on Stifling Basin and a mariculture facility
at Cleaves Point are zoned M-II.
· Sub-Area
The predominant land use in Sub-Area 6 is undeveloped land,
followed by agriculture. Lesser dominant uses include low
and medium density residential, marine commercial, commercial,
seasonal residential, and institutional. The residential uses
are dispersed throughout the sub-area. The seasonal
residential uses are located throughout the sub-area and
include the Silver Sands Hotel {restricted to summer usage),
a large development of seasonal cottages {located on the
western side of Conkling Point), and several small parcels
occupied by motels or summer cottages and cabins. The marine
commercial uses include six marinas which are concentrated
in the Budds Pond/Mill Creek/Sage Pond area. The Pipes Creek
and Hashamomuck Pond areas contains a number of boat moorings
regulated by the Town. The western side of Pipes Cove and
the eastern side of the Conkling Point peninsula also contain
2-139
anumberof unregulated moorings. Commercial uses are located
along SR 25 and include a number of restaurants and small
retail establishments. Institutional uses include a high
school, a church, a retirement home, a tourist bureau, a LILCO
fill station, and a highway facility on SR 25.
Sub-Area 6 is zoned with a variety of classifications that
reflect the existing land uses in the area. Thewestern half
of the sub-area is zoned with a mix of residential
designations including R-40, R-80, RR and AHD. The Budds
Pond, Mill Creek and Sage Pond areas, where the marinas are
located, are zoned M-II.
The eastern portion of this sub-area is zoned for residential,
industrial and commercial use. The residential classifi-
cations include R-40 and R-80 designations on Conkling Point
(in the central portion of the sub-area), and along the
eastern sub-area boundary. The older residential development
on the Conklin§ Point peninsula is constructed on small lots
that do not meet the current minimum lot size requirement for
the R-40 zoning. The Silver Sands motel and other seasonal
residential properties have been zoned RR. There are also
two parcels zoned Hamlet Density residential (HD).
There is a corridor of land zoned for industrial use located
between the Long Island Railroad line (on the north) and SR
25 (on the south), which includes Light Industrial (LI) and
Light Industrial/Office Park (LIO) designations. There are
also two parcels located in the southeastern portion of Sub-
Area 6 that have been designated LB and B, respectively.
2-140
· Sub-Area 7
This area contains two primary land uses -- residential and
agriculture. Much of Hogs Neck peninsula and the area around
Southold hamlet is residentially developed. There is a small
multi-family condominium development located on Corey Creek.
There is also a multi-family complex of senior citizen housing
in Southold hamlet. Aside from Nassau Point in Sub-Area 8,
this sub-area contains the largest concentration of low and
medium density residential development in the Southold LWA.
The agricultural uses are found mainly in the northwestern
portion of this sub-area. Some farmland is located on the
Hog Neck peninsula. There are also a number of vacant areas
on the Hog Neck peninsula, interspersed between the denser
residential development and the agricultural uses.
Sub-Area 7 has the most extensive length of shoreline in the
Town's LWA due to the many creeks and inlets that extend
inland throughout this area. This lends reason to the
attraction of this area for residential use. These land use
patterns are similar to those in the Mattituck (Sub-Area 1)
area.
The extent of coastline in this sub-area has fostered the
development of five marinas, a few private boat 6asins, and
five Town boat launch sites. There are also a significant
number of boat moorings, finger docks and boat stakes on Town
Creek, Jockey Creek, Goose Creek, Corey Creek, and Richmond
Creek. In addition, there are a large number of unregulated
moorings located along the northeastern and southwestern sides
of the Hog Neck peninsula.
2-141
Sub-Area 7 includes the Southold business district which
contains a large number of commercial businesses, and several
municipal and institutional uses such as Town offices,
churches and schools. This sub-area also contains several
parks, the major being Cedar Beach County Park. This facility
contains the Suffolk County Community College marine
environmental learning center, which is leased to the Cornell
Cooperative Extension. Other recreational uses in Sub-Area
7 include Goose Creek Town Beach, the Laughing Waters Town
Boat Launch, Emerson Beach, Founders Landing Park and Young's
Avenue park. There is also an abandoned mariculture facility
(the Plock property) located in Sub-Area 7. This approximate
14-acre site contains a former oyster grow-out facility.
The majority of the land in Sub-Area 7 is zoned for low-
density residential use. The predominant classifications
include R-80 and R-40. Other residential classifications
include RR (applied to the condominium development on Corey
Creek), and AHD found in the hamlet (the senior citizen
complex).
The Hog Neck peninsula contains the extent of the R-40
districts in this sub-area. It should be noted that as with
many other areas in the Town's LWA, the older housing was
built on lots smaller than the current minimum lot size
requirement as established under the R-40 classification.
The Hog Neck peninsula also contains a number of A-C
districts. These districts encompass farmland and other
agricultural uses, as well as vacant lands. The farmlands
located in the northwestern portion of the sub-area are zoned
A-C and R-80. The former mariculture facility, located on
the northern side of the Hog Neck peninsula, is zoned R-40.
2-142
The business district of Southold hamlet contains areas zoned
for Hamlet Business (HB), Residential Office (RO), and General
Business (B) use. Two marinas found in Sub-Area 7 (on Jockey
Creek and Town Creek) are zoned M-I and M-II, respectively.
The other marine uses are located in residential zoning
districts.
~ S~b-Area 8
Sub-Area 8 is developed in a similar manner as Sub-Area 7.
It contains a large amount of low and medium density
residential development; especially on the Nassau Point
peninsula, which is extremely developed with single-family
housing. Agriculture is the second largest land-use category.
Most of the farmlands are found in the interior portions of
this sub-area. There are parcels of vacant land scattered
throughout the entire area.
Like Sub-Area 7, Sub-Area 8 has an extensive length of
shoreline due to the many creeks and inlets found in this
area. These creeks and inlets, in particular, Little Creek,
East Creek and Mud Creek, support a number of Town-regulated
boat moorings and many private docks. A large number of
unregulated moorings are located in the Horseshoe Cove area
of Cutchogue Harobr, and in the Nassau Point area. There are
three marinas, located on Schoolhouse Creek, Wickham Creek,
and Broadwater Cove.
There are several institutional uses located along State Route
25, including a church, library, two schools, and a cemetery.
There are also two small business districts found in Sub-Area
8; the Cutchoguedistrict and the New Suffolk district. These
areas contain a variety of commercial and retail business
uses.
2-143
There are four parcels of recreational parkland in this sub-
area that are owned by the Cutchogue-New Suffolk Park
District, and two large wetland areas maintained by the Nature
Conservancy. The North Fork Country Club and the Cedar's Golf
Club are also located in this area.
Robins Island is included in Sub-Area 7. This435-acre island
is primarily undeveloped and supports a wide variety of
wildlife species. Of the five or six structures built on this
island over the years, only one is inhabited.
Robins Island is zoned Residential Low-Density D (R-400).
It should be noted, that the R-400 district, like the A-C
district was designed to promote the reasonable control of
development and, where possible, prevent the unnecessary loss
of agriculturally or environmentally significant lands.
Sub-Area 8 is zoned primarily for residential use. The
predominant residential classification is R-40, which extends
over the entire Nassau Point peninsula, and in the areas
located between the eastern side of Wickham Creek and
Broadwater Cove. As with many of the other sub-areas, the
older residential development in Sub-Area 8 was built on small
lots that do not fully conform with the minimum lot
requirements established under the existing zoning. R-80 and
A-C designations have been applied to the agricultural areas
in the northwestern and northern portions of this sub-area.
The two marinas on Wickham Creek and Broadwater Cove are zoned
M-I. The New Suffolk Marina on Schoolhouse Creek, is zoned
M-II. There are other parcels zoned for marine use in the
New Suffolk area. The Cutchogue business district contains
areas zoned for HB, RO, B and Limited Business (LB) use.
The new Suffolk business district contains areas zoned for
2-144
HB use and a small parcel zoned RR, which contains small
summer cottages.
· Sub-Area 9
The primary land uses in Sub-Area 9 include residential and
agriculture. Low and medium density residential development
dominates along the creeks and inlets, whereas, the
agricultural uses are located in between these areas. There
are several areas of vacant land scattered throughout this
sub-area, particularly in the area of Downs Creek and on the
western sides of James and Brushes Creeks. There are a number
of seasonal residences located on Marratooka Point, and a
seasonal motel located west of James Creek.
The recreational uses in Sub-Area 9 include: part of the
North Fork Country Club, which extends along the eastern sub-
area boundary; two marinas located on James Creek; four
Mattituck Park District facilities; and a number of district-
owned wetland properties.
Mattituck Airport is located directly south of Marratooka Lake
and west of Deep Hole Creek. The Mattituck business district
contains a large number of commercial and retail uses, as well
as some institutional uses. These are spread along State
Route 25. The institutional uses include churches,
cemeteries, and a school. The Mattituck business district
is the largest commercial area in the Town.
Consistent with the dominant land uses, the majority of Sub-
Area 9 is zoned for residential and agricultural use. The
residential classifications include a mix R-40 and R-80
designations which apply to the residentially-developed areas
and the agricultural lands, respectively. Here again, the
2-145
older homes in this sub-area were constructed on small lots
that do not fully conform to the R-40 zoning requirements.
The two marinas on James Creek are zoned M-I. The airport
is zoned R-80 and a small area located directly northeast of
the airport is zoned for Light Industrial (LI) use. The area
of the Mattituck business district that is located within Sub-
Area 9 is zoned for a mix of business uses. These
designations include HB, B and RO.
· Sub-Area
The primary land uses on Fishers Island (Sub-Area 10) are
residential and vacant land. Most of the vacant land is
located in the central and eastern portions of the island.
The western portion of the island, in the vicinity of West
Harbor, is more densely developed. Sub-Area 10 also contains
large recreational areas including the Fishers Island Country
Club and golf course, the Hay Harbor golf course, the Hay
Harbor Club, and the Fishers Island Yacht Club. The entire
eastern portion of the island, beyond West Harbor, is private
and restricted to use by island residents. Residential uses
are spread throughout the island and consist of very low
density development, mostly estates, on the eastern and
central portions of the island, and medium to high density
development near the business center at the western end of
the Island.
There are four marinas on the island, including the Yacht
Club. Two marinas and the Yacht Club are located on West
Harbor. Another is located on Silver Eel Pond, adjacent to
the ferry terminal. This ferry provides transport to New
Haven, Connecticut. Boat moorings in Hay Harbor and West
Harbor are assigned by the Fishers Island Harbor Master.
2-146
There is a U.S. Coast Guard facility located adjacent to the
ferry terminal on Silver Eel Cove. Elizabeth Field airport
is located at the southwestern corner of the island. There
is a U.S. Naval installation located east of the airport, on
the south shore of the island. This naval facility is no
longer in use.
The western and northwestern portions of the island contain
commercial, summer retail and institutional uses. This area
functions as the business center of the island and includes
such uses as two public schools, a post office, churches, a
small hotel, and a seasonal general store.
Fishers Island is zoned primarily for low density residential
development. The residential designations include Residential
Low-Density B (R-120), (R-80), and (R-40). There are two
small parcels zoned Hamlet Density Residential (HD) located
on the western end of the island. The entire eastern portion
of the island, east of West Harbor, is zoned R-120. The R-
80 and R-40 zones are restricted to the west end. Much of
the residential development in the western portion of the sub-
area was built on small lots that do not conform to the
minimum lot size restrictions established under the R-40 and
R-80 zoning designations. The airport and the naval
installation are zoned Residential Low-Density D (R-400).
The shorelands surrounding the mouth of Silver Eel Pond are
zoned M-II. This is the vicinity of the ferry terminal and
Coast Guard station. The areas of the island that support
business and commercial uses are zoned B, LB, and HB.
Aqricultural Land Use
The primary land use in the Town is agriculture (Map 2-1). These
agricultural activities are very important to the local economy.
2-147
However, the nature of agriculture in the Town has been changing.
Recent years have seen changed in the cultivation of various crops
(i.e., less potatoes and more vegetables}, and an increase in the
number of nurseries, horse farms and vineyards. These changes have
occurred largely in response to change markets, rising production
costs, declining prices for certain crops, limitations on the use
of fertilizers and pesticides, escalating land values, higher
labor costs, and significant development pressures. In response
to these problems, programs were developed by the Town of Southold,
Suffolk County, and the State to encourage the continuance of these
agricultural uses and the preservation of prime agricultural lands.
These programs include:
1. The Town of Southold Farmland Preservation Program
In 1984, the Southold Town Board adopted the Agricultural
Lands Preservation Law {Chapter 25 of the Town Code}. This
law authorizes the purchase of development rights for
agricultural lands to preserve, protect, and encourage the
improvement of prime agricultural land, both for production
of food and preservation of open space. The development
rights shall be retained in perpetuity by the Town; any
desired sale of these rights would require approval by a
majority of the Town Board, as well as the approval of such
a proposition by the electorate of the Town. The Town has
preserved 170.5 acres of land through this program.
Acquisition of the development rights for an additional 150
acres is pending.
In addition to the Town's Farmland Preservation Program, the
Town established the Agricultural Conservation {A-C)
District and the Low-Density Residential R-80, R-120, R-200
and R-400 Districts. The purpose of these districts is to
reasonably control, and to the extent possible, prevent the
2-148
unnecessary loss of large and contiguous areas or prime
agricultural soils. Article XVIII of the Town's Zoning
Ordinance also permits cluster development on agricultural
lands as a means of preserving these areas.
2. The Suffolk County Farmland Preservation Program
In 1974, Suffolk County initiated Phase ! of its Farmland
Preservation Program in response to development pressures in
the western and central portions of the county. This program
involves the acquisition of development rights for prime farm
land. When development rights are purchased, the current land
owner retains the proprietary rights to the land, however,
the right to use or sell the land is restricted for
agricultural purposes. The owner may also leave the land
fallow. Suffolk County retains the development rights in
perpetuity; if the County should wish to sell them, this sale
would have to be approved by a county-wide referendum. In
addition, the parcels cannot be subdivided for sale without
the approval of the County Legislature, except when divided
among heirs in a will.
Fifteen parcels encompassing 443 acres in the Town of Southold
have been preserved through Phase I of this program. Another
1,130 acres are proposed for development rights acquisition
through Phase II. Under the program, a Farm Select Committee
meets every six months to determine appropriate parcels for
acquisition. An annual budget of $5 million per year was
allotted for 1989, 1990 and 1991 to purchase the development
rights to farmland County-wide. The County is presently in
the final stages of negotiation on five parcels in Southold,
using 1990 monies. These farms have been appraised but the
owners have not yet accepted the offers {Kunz, SCPD, February
1991). Some land owners feel that the county appraisals are
2-149
unrealistically low, and should be reviewed and updated. The
County is recommending additional farms for 1991
appropriations, but none of these properties have been
appraised yet. As of August of 1990, the development rights
for an additional 252 acres have been purchased in the Town
of Southold.
3. New York State Agricultural District Act
In 1971, the State Legislature passed the State Agricultural
District Act, which enables the creation of agricultural
districts to provide tax relief and other benefits.
Agricultural districts are established for an eight year
period, after which they may be renewed. The Southold
agricultural district was created in 1979 and encompasses
approximately 3,000 acres of farmland. Under this Act, owners
of farmland within agricultural districts can benefit from
several measures, including:
farmland is eligible for property tax assessment at
agricultural value instead of market value (owners must
apply for the special assessment annually);
a public agency's right to acquire farmland by
condemnation is restricted;
the imposition of special tax levies on farmland for
water, sewer, lights and drainage (non-farm) is limited;
and
local government may not enact ordinances that restrict
farm structures or practices beyond normal health and
safety requirements.
2-150
Open Space Preservation
In March of 1988, the Southold Town Board adopted Chapter 5g of
the Town Code -- the Open Space Preservation Law. This law
authorizes the acquisition of open space or open areas to preserve
and maintain these areas in their natural state. The objective
of this law is to maintain or enhance the conservation of natural
or scenic resources. Open space acquisition is managed by an
appointed Open Space Committee. The duties of this committee
include: recommending lands for acquisition; reviewing
applications and granting permits for the development or
redevelopment of structures on acquired lands; and keeping a
graphic record of open lands, acquired lands, and lands proposed
for acquisition.
The Open Space Preservation Law is presently being reviewed by the
Town Board because it has not been effective. To date, the Town
has used a small portion of the designated $1.7 million in lg86
EQBA monies to purchase an approximate two-acre parcel on
Marratooka Lake (Sub-Area g). In a collaborated effort with the
County, the Town is also proposing to purchase the 104-acre Baxter
property under the Town Open Space Preservation program and the
Suffolk County Farmland Preservation Program. This property, which
extends north along the west side of Downs Creek, from New Suffolk
Avenue to State Route 25, is comprised of 70 percent woodlands and
30 percent farmland {McMahon, TOS, March 1991).
2.3.2 Water-Dependent and Water-Enhanced Uses
Water-dependent uses contribute significantly to the long-term
economic vitality and public enjoyment of coastal areas. A water-
dependent use is defined by the Town as a use that requires direct
access to the water in order to function.
2-151
A water-enhanced use is defined as a use that has no critical
dependence on obtaining a waterfront location. However, the
profitability of the use and/or the enjoyment level of the users
would be increased significantly if the use were located adjacent
to or had visual access to the waterfront, such as a restaurant,
a golf course, or a park.
There are a significant number of water-dependent {and water-
enhanced) uses in the Town of Southold LWA, particularly marinas
and recreation facilities. They are listed bysub-area as follows.
Sub-A~ea Z:
The Mattituck area (Sub-Area 1) contains several water-dependent
uses including: four marinas {Matt-A-Mar Marina, the Mattituck
Inlet Marina, the Mattituck Inlet Fishing Station, and Petersen's
Dock); four commercial fishing docks and fish packing facilities
(Long Island Sound Seafood, Cook's Dock, King Seafood, and the
Mattituck Inlet Fishing Station); two Mattituck Park District
beaches (Breakwater Park and Bailie's Beach Park) located at the
mouth of the Mattituck inlet (the inlet mouth is located between
two rock jetties that are utilized for fishing}; and a park
district boat ramp {the Mattituck Creek Launching Ramp). These
uses are primarily located along the creek and inlet. The Town
is proposing the construction of another boat launch ramp in the
vicinity of the park district ramp facility. Water-enhanced uses
in this area include waterfront restaurants and parkland.
Sub-Area
The water-dependent uses in Sub-Area 2 are limited to a Suffolk
County beach facility, Goldsmith's Inlet Town Beach (located at
the western side of the inlet mouth), the Horton Point lighthouse,
park and museum {this is a historic site, and the lighthouse is
2-152
no longer in use), Peconic Dunes County (Camp) Park (which
encompasses a portion of Great Pond), and three Southold Town
beaches {Hashamomuck Beach, Kenney's Road Beach and Horton Lane
Beach). Water-enhanced uses include seasonal residential
developments.
Sub-Area 3:
The only water-dependent uses in Sub-Area 3 include: Sound Road
Town Beach, which has a stairway that provides access to the beach
below the bluff; Inlet Point County Park; and Clarks Beach, a Town
facility located within Inlet Point Park. This area contains a
number of water-enhanced uses that include a resort motel, seasonal
residential development, and a public golf course (Islands End Golf
and Country Club).
Sub-Area 4:
Sub-Area 4 contains a NYSDEC beach property (Truman's Beach), a
deteriorated boat ramp (the former Port of Egypt fishing station)
located at the end of Land's End Road, and the Suffolk County Park
at Orient Point. Water-enhanced uses consist primarily of seasonal
residential developments.
Sub-Area 5:
There are several water-dependent uses in Sub-area 5 including:
the ferry to Plum Island, a restricted U.S. research facility; the
Orient Point-New London, Connecticut ferry; the Orient Wharf
Company Marina {Orient by the Sea); Narrow River Marina; Orient
Yacht Club, which rents docking space from the Orient Wharf
Company; Orient Point State Park; a small waterfront park in East
Marion hamlet; an abandoned mariculture facility at Cleaves Point
(Shelter Island Oyster Farm); Klipp Marine Park, which contains
a New York State constructed boat launch site {located at the mouth
2-153
of Gull Pond); the Sterling Harbor Marina; the Brewer's Yacht Club,
on Stirling Basin; and a large jetty with a lighthouse which is
located at Youngs Point {this represents the western sub-area
boundary with the Incorporated Village of Greenport). Water-enhanced
uses in Sub-Area 5 include a restaurant and seasonal residential
development.
Sub-Area
Sub-Area 6 contains six private marinas, (the Port of Egypt Marina,
the Goldsmith Boat Shop and Marina, the Mill Creek Inn Marina,
Albertson's Marina, Brick Cove Marina, and a small tie-up marina on
Sage Pond), a private homeowner's association park area, and two boat
launch sites on Hashamomuck Pond. The Hashamomuck Pond area contains
no marinas but many private boats are docked at stakes, ,floating
docks, and moored outside shoreline residences. Water-enhanced uses
include seasonal residential development, a number of restaurants
near the marina, and a resort motel.
Sub-Area 7:
Water-dependent uses in Sub-Area 7 include five private marinas
(Manito Marina, the Southold Marine Center, Goldsmith's Marina, the
Paradise Point Boat Basin, and Reydon Shores Boat Basin), the
Laughing Waters Town Boat Launch, Goose Neck Creek Town Beach, three
Southold Park District parks {Emerson Beach, Founders Landing Beach,
and Youngs Avenue Park}, four small private boat basins, and the
Marine Science Research Center located in Cedar Beach County Park,
as well as the associated park facility. The abandoned mariculture
facility was also a water-dependent use and could potentially operate
as such again. Water-enhanced uses consist primarily of seasonal
residential development.
2-154
S~b-A~ea 8~
Sub-Area 8 contains three private marinas (Broadwater Cove Marina,
Boatmen's Harbor Marina, and the New Suffolk Boatyard and Marina),
the New Suffolk Town beach and boat launch, the Old Cove Yacht Club,
Captain Marty's Fishing Station, two park district properties (Nassau
Point Community Beach and Fleet Neck Beach), and private homeowner's
association beaches. Water-enhanced uses consist primarily of
seasonal residential development and restaurants associated with the
marinas.
Sub-Area 9:
Water-dependent uses in Sub-Area 9 are limited to two private marinas
located on James Creek (Strong's Mattituck Marina and Village
Marina), a Mattituck Park District beach {Beachwood Road Park},
and a private owner's association beach. Enhanced uses include
seasonal residential development and Marratooka Lake Park.
Sub-Area 10:
The Fishers Island sub-area contains a number of water-dependent
uses including: a closed U.S. naval installation; the Fishers Island
- New London, Connecticut Ferry; three marinas; the Fishers Island
Yacht Club; a U.S. Coast Guard facility; and a number of parks.
Water-enhanced uses include two golf courses and a few restaurants.
2.3.3 Deteriorated and Abandoned Sites
The sites identified as deteriorated or abandoned in the Town of
Southold LWA are discussed by sub-area as follows.
2-155
Sub-Area 1 contains the Mattituck tank farm, which is located
on a six-acre site on the western side of Mattituck Creek,
near the mouth of the inlet. This is the former site of an
oil storage facility. Directly east of this tank farm there
is an abandoned and deteriorated asphalt plant. These former
industrial uses are the only uses of this kind in Sub-Area
1. The entire shoreline in the vicinity of, and including,
these uses is zoned Marine II and therefore could host a
variety of water-dependent activities, as specified under the
existing zoning. The 1.3-acre tank facility has been
designated for purchase by the Town with 1986 EQBA monies.
Upon the purchase of this property, NYSDEC will evaluate the
feasibility of constructing a launch ramp on this site. The
asphalt plant property should be evaluated for its reuse
potential. The Town should encourage the effective
redevelopment of this land.
Sub-Area 4 contains a 1.7-acre parcel that fronts Long Island
Sound which is the site of the abandoned Port of Egypt fishing
station and boat launch. It is located at the terminus of
Land's End Road in the hamlet of Orient Point. Due to the
active erosion that occurs at this site and continuous need
to re-establish the shorefront for adequate launching, the
use of this launch has been diminished. This is a common
problem along the north shore.
This parcel is zoned Marine II and should be restored to
provide a renewed source of public access to Long Island
Sound. Techniques for effectively restoring this site as a
boat launch or for providing some other means of fishing or
boating access at this site should be explored.
2-156
The Cleaves Point area, Sub-Area 5 contains the abandoned
Shelter Island Oyster Farm. This 1g-acre parcel is located
directly on the water and contains an inlet boat basin. This
property is zoned Marine II and could be redeveloped with a
number of water-dependent uses. Given its size, it also
presents a good opportunity for the development of a multiple-
use facility that could accommodate water-dependent
recreational uses as well as the typical water-dependent uses
allowed under the existing zoning.
There is an abandoned mariculture facility located in Sub-
Area 7. This site encompasses almost 14 acres and contains
a former oyster grow-out facility. This site, known as the
Plock property, is zoned R-40 for residential development but
is not suitable for such development due to environmental site
constraints. This property presents a great opportunity for
the re-establishment of a functional mariculture business.
The infrastructure remains intact and interest in such an
enterprise exists. It could be used once again as a grow-
out facility, for public educational activities, as a
shellfish deputation facility, or as a municipal shellfish
nursery. Such action could be collaborated as a
public/private sector effort or reuse could be established
through the Cornell Cooperative Extension, which currently
leases the Suffolk County Community College marine
environmental learning center at Cedar Beach County Park.
Regardless, the potential for the reuse of this site exists,
and the Town should make every effort to either encourage its
reuse by a private or public entity {or both}, or acquire it
for public purposes related to local shellfishing activities.
Sub-Area 8 contains the New Suffolk waterfront area. This
area stretches along the lower portion of First Street and
is composed of a mix of Town-owned land and private
2-157
development. One private parcel in particular contains a
number of uses including a restaurant and marina, however,
these uses have declined. Redevelopment action should seek
to maintain the character of the area as well as the
continuance ofawater-dependent use. Any future development
must be consistent with the Marine II zoning designation.
Perhaps revitalization efforts could complement the use of
the adjacent Town-owned lands.
2.3.4
Public Access and Recreation
The coastal area of mainland Southold contains a variety of
waterfront recreational uses which provide excellent opportunities
for public access to coastal resources. Due to social and economic
trends over the past few decades, both passive and active
recreational facilities have become a primary resource in the
Town's LWA.
Recreation fishing and hunting (during the permitted season) are
regular activities in the Town. Fishing occurs on local waters
with access provided by local marinas, boat launch ramps, fishing
stations, and private docking facilities. Hunting activities are
popular in the Goldsmith Inlet area of Sub-Area 2, the Orient
Harbor and Long Beach Bay areas of Sub-Area 5, the Conklin Point
and Mill Creek areas of Sub-Area 6, the Corey Creek and Cedar Beach
areas in Sub-Area 7, on West Creek in Sub-Area 8, and on Downs
Creek in Sub-Area 9 (Dobriner, TOS, 1989).
Parklands in the Town fall under the jurisdiction of the State,
County, Town and four individual Town Park Districts. In addition,
there are a number of beach facilities that are maintained by
private owner's associations and a vast number of street-ends that
provide an informal means for access to the shoreline, particularly
along the bayfront.
2-158
The Town of Southold provides a number of recreational facilities
for use by all Town residents. Non-residents must pay a fee to
use certain recreational facilities. A parking permit is also
required at six beach facilities pursuant to Chapter 65 of the
Southold Town Code. The Town provides lifeguard services at six
of eight beaches, and boat launch facilities at 18 sites. The Town
plans to upgrade all of the deteriorated boat launching ramps with
new concrete slats. The Town predicts that within three years,
all of the ramps will be in good condition. The Town park
facilities are detailed in Table 2-10. A listing of Town boat
launch ramps is contained in Table 2-11.
There are four park districts in the Town of Southold: Mattituck;
Cutchogue-New Suffolk; Southold; and East Marion - Orient. These
park districts are supported through tax levies, and the use of
their respective facilities is restricted to the residents of each
particular district. Of the four districts, the Mattituck Park
District has the largest number of facilities available for use
by its residents. Although the other districts are supported by
large numbers of residents, they lack a sufficient number of
facilities to satisfy their recreational needs. The various park
district facilities are listed in Table 2-12.
With the exception of the private and informal facilities and
points of access discussed above, the Town, County and State
recreational facilities located within the local waterfront area
of the Town are discussed as follows.
Sub-Area I
Bailie's Beach Park - This 22.5-acre pQrk is located on the
east side of the Mattituck Inlet, fronting Long Island Sound.
This park is largely undeveloped and contains a boy scout
cabin on the site. Portions of this site are known nesting
2-15g
TABLE 2-10
Name and Location
................................................................. + ....
Greenoort (Untnc. I I I I I I I I I I
Klipp Marine Park, Manhasset Avenue I $ I x
........................................................... ~ ....
Sound Road Beach, Sound Road I 3 I x I I I x I I I x
........................................................... + ....
Stifling Basin Launch Ramp, Beach Road I 5 I I I x I I x I I x I
........................................................... ~ ....
Clarks Beach I 3 I x I I i i i i i
........................................................... + ....
New Suffolk I I I I I I I I I
New Suffolk Town Beach, Jackson & 2nd Street I 8 I x I x I I I x I x I x I
........................................................... + ....
I I I I I I I I
peconicI I I I I I I I
Goldsmith's Inlet Beach, Inlet Road f 2 x I a x I I x I I I
........................................................... + ....
Soqthold I I I I I I I I I
Goose Creek Beach, N. B~view Avenue I 7 I x I
........................................................... ~ ....
Hashamomuck Beach, North Road (Southold Town Beach) I 2 I x I x I I x I x I x I x I
........................................................... + ....
Horton Lane Beach, North Sea Drive I 2
........................................................... + ....
Kenn~'s Road Beach, Kennex's Road I 2 I x I I I x I I x I x I
........................................................... + ....
Laughing Waters Boat Launching Ramp, Minnehaha Boulevard I 7 I I
........................................................... ± .... ~ .... · .... · .... ± .... · .... · .... ~ .... J
TABLE 2-11
TOWN OF SOUTHOLD BOAT LAUNCH RAMPS
Ramp Parking
Sub-Area Location Material Condition Spaces
2 Goldsmith Inlet Asphalt Unusable
2 Hashamomuck Beach Asphalt Unusable
3 Town Beach Stone Blend Unusable
4 Port of Egypt Concrete Unusable
5 Narrow River Concrete Good
5 Klipp Park Concrete Good
5 Stifling Creek Asphalt Poor
6 Mill Creek Asphalt Unusable
7 Founders Landing Asphalt Poor
7 Pine Neck Road Concrete Poor
7 Gagens Landing Asphalt Poor
7 Laughing Waters Asphalt Unusable
7 Parkers Landing Asphalt Poor
8 Mason Drive Asphalt Unusable
8 Wilson Landing Asphalt Poor
8 Little Neck Road Asphalt Unusable
8 New Suffolk Concrete Good
8 Grathowohl Road Asphalt Poor
40
200
100
20
25
150
50
4
15
5
4
3
8
3
5
3
15
2
Source: Dzenkowski/Dobriner, Town of Southold, January 1991.
TABLE 2-12
SOUTHOLD PARK DISTRICT PARKS
Name and Location
..............................................................
Cutchoque-New Suffolk Park Oi~:ric~
Cutchoaue
Nassau Point CoMuntty Beach, Nassau Point Road
I×
........................................................ ,___,___,___,___,___,___,___,___,___,___,___,
New Suffolk I I I i I ) ) ) I I I
Pequash Avenue Park, PequashAvenue I B I x I x I x I I I I I I I x
........................................................ ,___,___,___,___,___,___,___,___,___,___, ....
Mattituck Park District I I I I I I I I I I I
Mattttuck I I I I I I I I I I I
Breakwater Park, Breakwater Road I 1 I x I I x I x I x I I I I I x
........................................................ ,___,___,___,___,___,___,___,___,___,___,___,
Bailie's Beach Park, Bailie's Beach Road ! x x x
........................................................ ,___,___,___,___,___,___,___,___,___,___,___,
Bay Avenue Park, Bay Avenue g x x x
........................................................ ,___,___,___,___,___,___,___,___,___,___,___,
Maratooka Lake Park, Main Road 9 x
................................. ~ ......................,---,---,___,___,___,___,___,___,___,___,___,
Mattituck Creek Launching Ramp, North Road 1 x x x
........................................................ ,___,___,___,___,___,___,___,___,___,___,___,
Mattituck Park District Beach, Peconic Bay Boulevard 8 x x x x
........................................................ ,___,___,___,___,___,___,___,___,___,___,___,
Veterans Memorial Park, Bay Avenue g x x x x x x
........................................................ ,___,___,___,___,___,___,___,___,___,___,___,
Wolf Pit Lake I x
............................................................................. 1---1 ............ 1 .......
TABLE 2-12
SOUTHOLD PARK DISTRICT PARKS (CONT.)
~1~
?--+---{
I I
I I
IXl
Southold Park District I I I I I I I I
Southold I I I I I I I I
Emrson Beach, South Harbor Road I 7 I x I x I x I I I I
........................................................ ,___,___,___,___,___,___,__-,---,---,---,---,
Founders Landing Beach, lerry Lane I 7 I x { x { x { x I I x { I { x I x {
........................................................ ,___,___,___,___,_-_,__-,---,---,---,---,---,
Horton Point Lighthouse, Lighthouse Road I 2 I x I x I I I I I I I I I
........................................................ ,___,___,___,___,___,___,___,_--,---,---,---,
Youngs Avenue Park, Youngs Avenue i 6 i i i { i x a { i { i i
........................................................ · ---,---,---,---,---,---,---,---'---'---'---'
areas for the endangered Piping Plover.
capacity for approximately 15 cars.
There is parking
Breakwater Park - This 17.3-acre park is located on the west
side of the Mattituck Inlet, fronting Long Island Sound.
This park has a beach, a boat launch site and playground
area. Fishing off the inlet jetty is popular in both this
park and Bailie's Beach Park. There is parking capacity at
this facility for approximately 100 cars.
Mattituck Creek Launching Ramp - This one-acre site is located
on North Road, at the head of MattituckCreek. It is the only
boat ramp that exists on this creek. This park site also
contains a picnic area and restroom facilities with showers.
It is open year round, and has parking capacity for
approximately 20 cars.
Wolf Pit Lake - This 3-acre site contains an intermittent pond
that collects stormwater drainage from the surrounding area.
This pond is utilized for iceskating in the winter season.
It is located on the east side of Mattituck Creek, on Wickham
Road.
The Town is proposing to construct a boat launch in Mattituck (Sub-
Area 1), adjacent to the Mattituck Park District boat launch site
on Mattituck Creek. This 1.5-acre property has the potential to
accommodate 30 cars.
Sub-~rea 2
Goldsmiths Inlet Beach - This 1.4-acre property fronts Long
Island Sound on the western side of the inlet, opposite the
County Park. Although utilized for swimming, there is no
lifeguard service provided. This site has parking capacity
2-160
for approximately 20 cars and a Town-issued parking permit
is required. Although the park itself is in good condition,
it contains an deteriorated boat launch ramp.
Hashamomuck Beach (or Southold Town Beach) - This 6-acre site
is a popular bathing beach, which fronts Long Island Sound.
It has a boat launching ramp and the parking capacity for
approximately 200 cars and a Town-issued parking permit is
required. The facilities close in the winter, although off-
season fishing is permitted.
Horton Lane Beach - This 1.5-acre property, also known as
McCabe's Beach, provides shorefront access to Long Island
Sound. This beach has experienced minor erosion due to the
Goldsmith's Inlet jetty. A Town-issued parking permit is
required to park at this facility.
Kenney's Road Beach - This is a 5-acre beach property that
fronts Long Island Sound. Due to the effects caused by the
Goldsmith jetty and Bittner groin, and a winter storm in 1981,
this beach, in particular the parking area and boat ramp, has
experienced severe erosion. A beach nourishment program has
been undertaken in this area. A Town-issued parking permit
is required at this facility.
Goldsmith's Inlet County Park - This 34-acre facility provides
access to the Long Island Sound. The park surrounds Peconic
Inlet Town Park and is used almost exclusively for nature
walks. This site supports a variety of wildlife species
including deer, heron, and osprey (a species designated as
threatened by NYSDEC). This park contains limited parking
facilities.
2-161
Peconic Dunes County Park - This 37-acre property is utilized
during the summer months as a co-ed overnight camp for Suffolk
County youth. This park is located adjacent to Great Pond,
and contains beachfront on Long Island Sound with a boat
launch ramp. A wide range of activities are offered here
including sailing, arts and crafts, fishing, picnicking, and
other sports. Access to the park during the summer season
is provided strictly through the Suffolk Cooperative
Organization for the Promotion of Education (SCOPE) and is
restricted to County residents. During the winter season,
when the camp is not in session, this camp facility is used
by SCOPE as an outdoor learning laboratory for ecological and
environmental study. The camp facility has parking capacity
for approximately 20 cars.
The undeveloped portion of this site (approximately 75 percent
of the property) contains a unique system of primary and
secondary dunes, that is found nowhere else along this area
of the north shore. This dune system represents a significant
environmental resource and is preserved and protected by the
County as such.
Horton Point Lighthouse - This 8.8-acre site is located at
Horton Point, fronting Long Island Sound. The park contains
the lighthouse museum which is administered by the Southold
Historic Society. The site contains a small picnic area and
stairs leading down to the beach. Fishing is permitted on
this property in the off-season. There is limited parking
available for approximately 10 cars.
Sub-Area 3
· Sound Road Beach - This one-acre facility is located at the
end of Sound Road, fronting Long Island Sound. This small
2-162
beach has the parking capacity for approximately 25 cars, and
provides a stairway down the bluff face to the beach.
e
Clark Beach - This small one-acre beach fronts the Long Island
Sound and is surrounded by Inlet Point County Park. This site
is located close to the outfall for the Incorporated Village
of Greenport Sewage Treatment Plant. This beach is,
therefore, not well-suited for bathing activities. The
combination of the effects caused by recreational vehicles
(ATV's) and roadway runoff has stripped away vegetation,
causing an erosion problem on this site.
Inlet Point County Park - This park is comprised of 37 acres
of undeveloped nature preserve. The undisturbed nature of
this site has produced a haven for wildlife. This site is
located adjacent to Inlet Pond, and provides beachfront access
to Long Island Sound. This parkland, which adjoins and
provides access to Clark Town Beach, is used exclusively for
nature walks and fishing.
There are no formal facilities for parking provided at this
site. Users of this facility tend to park anywhere space is
available. Therefore, parking, illegal dumping, and littering
are a problem here.
S~b-Area 4
Orient Point County Park - This park is located at the extreme
eastern end of the Town, comprising approximately 46 acres
of undeveloped land. This site provides parking for
approximately 20 cars and contains a trail that extends to
the beach and water area. The park is bounded by the Long
Island Sound, the Race, and Gardiners Bay, providing excellent
views of Plum Island and these surrounding waterbodies.
2-163
Orient Point Park provides opportunities for swimming, hiking
and nature viewing.
Truman Beach - This 13-acre site is located on the north side
of Main Road, fronting Long Island Sound. This site was
purchased in December of 1988 with 1986 EQBA monies. This
site was formerly leased to the Orient - East Marion Park
District by Stephens·ns Beach, Inc. It contains a picnic
area, restrooms, and a fishing area, in addition to the beach.
Plans for the rehabilitation of this site are underway
(NYSDEC, 1990). This site has the parking capacity for
approximately 100 cars.
Only about 50 percent of this site is developed. The
undeveloped area provides habitat and breeding area for piping
plover, least and common terns, osprey, clapper rail, egret,
teal, puddle duck and black duck, among other species.
Sub-Area
Stirling Basin Launch Ramp - This 0.5-acre property is located
on Beach Road, bordering the Incorporated Village of
Greenport. This site consists of an asphalt-paved lot with
a launch ramp and a publicly-owned baymen's dock. There is
parking capacity for approximately 20 cars.
Norman E. Klipp Marine Park - This popular 2.5-acre park is
located at the end of Manhasset Avenue, at the mouth of Gull
Pond. This park contains a State-constructed boat launch site
on Gull Pond and has the parking capacity for approximately
250 cars and a Town-issued parking permit is required. The
park also contains a bathing beach, picnic area and pavilion,
and has areas designated for fishing.
2-164
Orient Beach State Park - This 357-acre property is located
in at the eastern end of the Town. This park encompasses a
narrow peninsula that stretches westward from Orient Point,
along the south shore of the Town, enclosing Long Beach Bay.
Much of this parkland is undeveloped nature preserve.
However, this facility contains a bathing beach with swimming
areas, picnic areas, a food stand, fishing areas, and a
playing field. Although the park has been frequented by as
many as 2,000 visitors on a week-end day at the height of the
summer season, the parking area and potable water supply
servicing this facility are limited. Pending the
appropriation of funds, the State has plans to expand the
parking. Water supply, however, remains a limiting factor.
Approximately one-half of this State Park has been designated
by the Department of Interior as a National Natural Landmark,
and is permanently restricted to development. This area
represents one of the finest remaining examples of a
sandgravel spit in the State, illustrating succession from
salt marsh to maritime forest. This designated area contains
a breeding colony of common and roseate terns; species which
are becoming scarce in other North Atlantic breeding grounds.
Gull Pond Boat Launch - The State also constructed a boat
launch site at the mouth of Gull Pond. This ramp is located
within Klipp Marine Park, which is discussed under Town Park
facilities.
S~b-A~ea 7
e
Goose Creek Beach - This 3-acre beach is located on Southold
Bay. It has lifeguard service in the summer and parking
capacity for approximately 50 cars.
2-165
Laughing Waters Boat Launch - This 2.8-acre site is located
on Minnehaha Boulevard, and provides waterfront access to
Little Peconic Bay for fishing. It is comprised of a dirt
launch ramp and parking area for approximately 8 cars. The
majority of this site consists of wetlands, making its use
and maintenance difficult.
Cedar Beach County Park - This 63-acre site provides limited
public recreational use but is used extensively during the
summer season. It is located in on Little Peconic Bay. The
site contains extensive areas of wetlands and beach and
supports a wide variety of wildlife. Although swimming is
popular at this park, no lifeguards are provided. The site
also contains a boat launch ramp and provides opportunities
for fishing. This site is the location of the marine
environmental learning center for Suffolk County Community
College.
South Harbor Park - This 4-acre site, also known as Emerson
Beach, is located on South Harbor Road, fronting Hog Neck
Bay. In addition to the beach, there is a picnic area and
playground. This site has the parking capacity for
approximately 10 cars.
Founders Landing Beach - This 1.8-acre site is located at the
terminus of Terry Lane, fronting Southold Bay. This park is
the most heavily used facility in the district, providing a
picnic area, food stand, pavilion, boat launch site and
playground. There is parking available for approximately 20
cars.
Young's Avenue Park - This park is less than one-half acre
in size and is located on Town Creek. It contains a grassy
picnic area and is a popular fishing site because the
2-166
shoreline is bulkheaded. There is parking available for
approximately 10 cars.
Sub-Area 8
New Suffolk Town Beach - This bayfront park is located at
Jackson and 2nd Street, and overlooks Robins Island. This
beach has summertime lifeguard service and is situated
adjacent to a Town boat launch ramp. There is parking
capacity for approximately 35 cars and a Town-issued parking
permit is required.
Nassau Point Community Beach - This 19.5-acre site is located
directly east of Broadwater Cove, fronting Little Peconic Bay.
This beach is adjacent to the Nas Point Homeowner's
Association waterfront area. The Nas Point Road causeway
divides this site and also provides easy access. In addition
to the beach, the site contains a picnic area, playground,
basketball courts, restroom facilities, and a parking area
for approximately 100 cars.
Fleet Neck Beach - This one-acre park is located at the
terminus of Pequash Avenue, fronting Cutchogue Harbor. It
contains a playground, beach, picnic area, restrooms, and a
small parking lot for approximately 15 cars.
Sub-Area
Mattituck Park District Beach - This 3-acre site, also known
as the Yacht Club property, is located on Peconic Bay
Boulevard. This facility, which fronts Peconic Bay, contains
a beach, picnic area, various playing fields (with night
lighting), a shuffleboard court, and offers sailing
instruction. There is parking capacity for approximately 50
2-167
instruction. There is parking capacity for approximately 50
cars.
Veterans Memorial Park - This 5-acre park is located at the
terminus of Bay Avenue, fronting Peconic Bay. This facility
contains a beach area, picnic and playground areas, and a
pavilion. These facilities are closed during the winter.
The fireman's training center is also located at this site.
There is parking capacity for approximately 60 cars.
Bay Avenue Park - This 4-acre site is located on the west side
of James Creek. It contains a little league field and tennis
courts and has parking capacity for approximately 20 cars.
There is a small wetland on the site, as well as some nature
trails.
Marratooka Lake Park - This 4-acre site is located along the
south side of Main Road. It contains a lake, which is
utilized for iceskatingduringthewinter. This site has been
preserved as open space and there is no formal access
provided. It would possibly be agood site for the provision
of nature trails, however, to preserve the integrity of the
site, active usage is not recommended.
e
Beachwood Road Park - This lO-acre site is located south of
New Suffolk Avenue on Beachwood Road, and fronts on Great
PeconicBay. This site contains extensive wetlands and would
be a good site to establish nature trails. Due to gift
restrictions, this site cannot be developed.
2-168
Fishers Island
Like the mainland, the shoreline of Fishers Island (Sub-Area 10)
is the primary recreational asset to the community. Swimming,
boating and fishing are popular recreational activities, as well
as tennis and golf. Since it is separated from the mainland,
recreational amenities must serve the year-round resident along
with the seasonal visitor. Although there are no State or County
park facilities on the island, there are a variety of private and
public recreational opportunities available to the community. Two
golf clubs (Fishers Island Country Club and Hay Harbor Golf Course)
and two yacht clubs (Fishers Island Club and Hay Harbor Club)
provide the focus of private recreational activities on the Island.
In addition, there are three private marinas in this sub-area.
The Fishers Island School is a focus of recreational activity.
It operates day and night year-round as a hub of the island's
recreational and continuous education programs on the seven-acre
school property. The school site has two lighted tennis courts,
abasketball court and small playing field area. It also contains
a bowling alley which is being renovated and leased for operation
by the Island Peoples Project.
The Island Peoples Project is a community group that is responsible
for much of the recreational programming on the island. In
addition to the bowling facilities, they arrange for water safety,
swimming and sailing instruction at the Town beach in the western
portion of the Island, and provide ball fields near the center of
the village area for league ball games.
The Town has allocated money for recreational facilities on Fishers
Island. Funds have been appropriated for the improvement of the
launching ramp on Peninsula Road. The Town also provided for the
2-169
installation of lights at the school tennis courts, so that night
tennis could be available, and for the paving of basketball courts.
The Fishers Island Development Corporation (FIDCO) owns a
substantial amount of the recreational and open space area of the
Island. FIDCO owns about 240 undeveloped acres at the eastern end
of Fishers Island plus all the land and most of the buildings that
comprise the Fishers Island Country Club. It owns the Fishers
Island Yacht Club and marina and provides maintenance services at
Isabella and Chocomont beaches. Isabella Beach has no lifeguards,
but can be utilized by island residents who present a pass to enter
the eastern private restricted area of Fishers Island. Chocomont
Beach is used only by residents of the eastern portion of Fishers
Island.
2.3.5
Commercial and Recreational Finfishing, Shellfishing and
Aquaculture
The marine waters in and around the Town of Southold support a
variety of fish and shellfish. These fish and shellfish are
important not only as natural resources, but also as the basis of
the Town's commercial and recreational fishing industry.
There is considerable evidence that the Peconic/Gardiners Bay
estuary is very important as a nursery and spawning ground for
coastal fish. After conducting a survey of young fish and eggs
in all Long Island coastal waters, Perlmutter {1939} concluded,
"the general area extending from Great Peconic Bay eastward to
Montauk Point and vicinity is relatively more important as a
spawning and nursery area for most of the so-called summer fishes
than any other region of the island". Because fish eggs and
larvae are delicately adjusted to their surroundings, any
environmental changes in the estuary caused by human activity could
2-170
have substantial impact on coastal fisheries (SCDHS, unpublished
Draft Brown Tide Study).
The Peconic and Gardiners Bay have historically been considered
important spawning and nursery areas for weakfish in New York and
a large percentage of New York State landings are taken from this
estuary. In a 1985 trawl survey, NYSDEC found substantial numbers
of young-of-the-year and juvenile populations of weakfish, winter
flounder, scup, bluefish, butterfish, northern puffer, blackfish,
and black sea bass. Four species accounted for over 82 percent
by number of the total catch: weakfish, winter flounder, scup,
and windowpane flounder.
Shellfish Resources
Edible shellfish found in the Southold area include hard-shelled
clams or quahogs (Mercenaria mercenaria), soft-shelled clams or
steamers (Mya arenaria), surf clams, (Spisula solidissima), oysters
(Crassostrea virqinica), bay scallops (AeQui~ecten irradian~), blue
mussels (Mytilus edulis], and conches, including channeled whelk
(Busycon canaliculatum) and knobbed whelk (Busycon caricum)
(Szepatowski Associates, Inc., February 1988).
The hard-shelled clam is found generally near the top of sandy or
muddy sand substrates in bays and along ocean beaches {Gosner,
1978). Hard clam spawning on Long Island typically takes place
from May through September. It takes approximately three years
for a hard clam to reach harvestable size of one inch. Hard clams
are marketed in three general size categories based on shell size.
Littlenecks are the smallest, and have the highest dockside value
because the small clams are the most tender when eaten raw on the
half-shell. Cherrystones are intermediate in size, and chowders
are the largest. All clams less than littleneck size of 2.54
centimeters or one inch are seed clams, and are illegal to harvest
2-171
DRAFT
and market according to New York State Environmental Conservation
Law. Hard clams eventually reach an old age period during which
growth is slow and interrupted. Old age is usually reached in six
to ten years depending on environmental conditions. Hard-shelled
clams are primarily harvested from the tidal creeks, harbors and
small embayments in Southold, including Hashamomuck Pond, Mill
Creek and Great Peconic Bay (SCDHS, unpublished Draft Brown Tide
Study).
In contrast to hard-shelled clams, soft-shelled clams are generally
found buried into muddy bottom sediments in bays and sounds. Soft
shelled clams are harvested from both the north and south shore
coastal waters in Southold {Drumm, NYSDEC, February 22, 1991).
Surf clams are also found in muddy bottom bays and along ocean
beaches (Gosner, 1978). Surf clams are commonly harvested from
the eastern end of Long Island Sound off Mattituck Inlet (NYSDEC,
Draft Shoreline and Pollution Source Survey, November 1990}.
American oysters live in waters with a fairly restricted salinity
range (from 5 to 30 parts per thousand} and cannot tolerate
prolonged exposure to fresh water or the high salinities typical
of marine waters. Therefore, oysters are typically found in bays,
estuaries and sound waters with the proper salinity characteristics
and a hard substrate for attachment. Oysters are commonly spawned
in lower salinity water bodies and transplanted as seed oysters
into the Gardiners and Peconic Bay systems (SCDHS, unpublished
Draft Brown Tide Study). In addition, NYSDEC has found oyster beds
in the eastern portion of Dam Pond (Sub-Area 4) growing on rocks
in the subtidal and intertidal areas.
As their name implies, Bay Scallops are typically found on bay
bottoms in the.nearshore areas to depths of about 50 feet (Gosner,
1978). Bay scallops are commonly harvested from the coastal
embayments off the south shore of Southold, including Long Beach
Bay, Orient Harbor, Great Peconic and Little Peconic Bays. Bay
2-172
DRAFT
scallops have a short life span of 18 to 22 months and adults
generally spawn o~ly once in their lifetime, from late spring
through summer. Long Island bay scallops typically experience a
mass mortality during the mid-winter of their second year.
Although the adults are mobile, young scallops primarily remain
attached to beds of eelgrass. Hence, the continued health of the
bay scallop population is directly linked to the abundance and
vigor of eelgrass beds (SCDHS, unpublished Draft Brown Tide Study).
Blue Mussels are fairly widespread, occupying slightly brackish
estuaries to marine waters several hundred feet offshore. Blue
mussels attach themselves to intertidal rocks, pilings, scattered
shells and other mussels using tenacious byssal threads, often
forming large shoals even on muddy tidal flats {Gosner, lg78).
Blue mussels are harvested from both the north and south shore
coastal waters of Southold {Drumm, NYSDEC, February 22, lggl).
Whelks are commonly found in shallow waters along bay and ocean
beaches where the salinity reaches higher than 20 parts per
thousand (Gosner, 1978), Whelks are carnivorous sea snails which
prey upon bivalves, such as the oysters and clams taken from
Southold's coastal waters.
Shellfish Closure Areas
Nearly all of the coastal waters, embayments and tidal creeks
surrounding the Town of Southold support shellfish, and the
majority have been designated by NYSDEC as shellfish growing areas.
However, many areas which were formerly open to shellfish
harvesting have been closed over the past twenty years due to an
overall degradation of coastal water quality. Table 2-13 indicates
this trend. As discussed in Section 2.2.6, the tidal creeks and
nearshore areas are particularly subject to contamination from non-
point sources associated with commercial and residential
development, boat docking or mooring areas and agricultural land
uses.
2-173
TABLE 2-13
TRENDS IN SHELLFISH CLOSURE AREAS
Uncertified Area (Acres) As Of:
Water Body Total Acres 1/1/70 1/1/75 1/1/80 I/1/86 1/1/90
!astern Long Island Sound 121,000 300 300 300 300 300
lattituck Inlet 125 5 25 30 125 125
;oldsmith Inlet 20 0 0 0 20 20
;ardiners Bay 48,950 0 0 0 4 216
)rient Harbor 3,560 0 0 0 0 8
;helter Island Sound 9,450 90 180 180 209 326
;tirling Basin 135 135 135 52 55 55
~ipes Cove 370 0 0 0 0 0
;outhold Bay 1,340 0 0 0 0 6
~ashamomuck Pond 170 0 5 5 170 170
.ittle Peconic Bay 13,725 0 0 0 0 0
~utchogue Harbor 585 2 2 2 2 6
~reat Peconic Bay 19,060 0 0 0 19 55
:ishers Island Sound 7,990 910 910 910 910 956
)lock Island Sound 125,700 0 0 0 0 0
Source: NYSDEC, April 1990
As briefly discussed in Section 2.2.6, NYSDEC routinely monitors
the water quality in Southold's coastal waters as part of the Food
and Drug Administration's (FDA) National Shellfish Sanitation
Program. NYSDEC conducts water sampling at least five (5) times
per year to monitor potential shellfish harvesting waters. In
addition, NYSDEC collects information on potential pollution
sources (including such items as storm drainage outfalls;
discharges from sanitary sewers, septic systems or wastewater
treatment plants; pollutants associated with adjacent land uses,
etc.) and annually updates their Shoreline and Pollution Source
Surveys for each receiving water body. Except for certain coastal
waters located off Fishers Island, NYSDEC has collected and
analyzed sufficient data to classify the shellfish harvesting
waters. The four classifications used by NYSDEC are as follows:
Certified-Approved for the taking of shellfish. Waters open
year-round.
e Uncertified - Closed for the taking of shellfish.
Conditionally certified - These shellfish areas have elevated
bacteria levels following rainfall events. The source of this
bacteria is generally runoff from land surfaces and storm
drains. During prolonged periods of dry weather these areas
generally meet NYSDEC water quality standards. Conditional
shellfish openings are run by NYSDEC during the winter months.
Based on water quality surveys, NYSDEC establishes a rainfall
limit for individual areas. When rainfall exceeds the limit,
the area is closed for seven days. If there is no rainfall
event which exceeds the limit during the seven day period,
the area will be open on the eighth day.
2-174
Seasonally certified - This designation covers these areas
that have seasonal sources of pollution such as marinas and
mooring areas. These areas are typically closed during the
summer months and reopened during the winter (SCDHS,
unpublished Draft Brown Tide Study).
The status of shellfish harvesting waters in Southold for 1990-
1991 is summarized in Table 2-14. This list is provided for
general reference purposes only. The certified and uncertified
classification of waters reflects general trends for the water
bodies listed, and may be subject to change if bacterial levels
exceed the State standards. NYSDEC Bureau of Shellfisheries should
be contacted prior to ~arvesting in conditional or seasonally
certified waters to determine the exact closure boundaries.
Market Value of Shellfish
Until fairly recently, the harvest of bay scallops has been the
most important shellfishery in the Town's coastal waters. By far,
bay scallops command the highest price per pound ($13.75 per pound
in 1989) of all marketable seafood taken from the Peconic/Gardiners
Bay estuaries (National Marine Fisheries Service, December 20,
1990). The vast majority of bay scallops landed in New York State
have originated from the Peconic/Gardiners Bay system. However,
records indicate that the annual landings of bay scallops have
experienced wide fluctuations, which are probably the result of
changes in environmental conditions, e.g., the decline in eelgrass
beds during the 1930's and the brown tide algae bloom during the
summers of 1985 through 1987. As discussed in Section 2.2.6, this
brown tide nearly eradicated the bay scallops in the
Peconic/Gardiners Bay system.
2-175
TABLE 2-14
SHELLFISH HARVESTING IN SOUTHOLD
Classification
) ~ Seasonally ~ Conditionally ~
Sub-Area I Water Body I Uncertified Certified Certified J Certified I Remarks
I, Z, 3, 4 I Eastern Long Island I X I I 300-acre uncertified area surrounds out-
I Sound I (See Remarks) I I fall of Greenport Sewage Treatnmnt Plant
............ + ........................ + ............................................ + ............... ~ ............................................
] I Mattituck Inlet I X I X I
............ + ........................ + ............................................ ~ ............... + ............................................
2 I Goldsmiths Inlet ( X I I Open from December ]5 - March 3]
............ + ........................ + ............................................ + ............... + ............................................
Plum Gut
Little Bay, Long
Beach Boy
X
(See Remarks)
Localized uncerttfted area is a triangular
area southwest of Plum Island, lying
between the Island lighthouse, U.S. Coast
Guard 'MS' buoy and southernmst tip of
island.
............ + ........................ + ............................................ + ............... + ............................................
S I Dam Pond I X I I
............ + ........................ + ............................................ ~ ............... + ............................................
5 I Hallocks Bay I X I I Area adjacent to narrow river marina and
I I I I inside NYSDEC restricted area closed
I I I I except during November 1 - May 14.
............ + ........................ + ............................................ + ................ + ............................................
S I Orient Harbor I X I I Small area of seasonal closure surrounding
I I (See Remarks) I I Orient Yacht Club. Open during November !
I I I I - May 14.
TABLE 2-14 (CONT.)
SHELLFISH HARVESTING iN SOUTHOLD
Classification
i i Seasonally Conditionally
Sub-Area I Water Body I Uncertified Certified Certified Certified Remarks
I
5 I Gardiners Bay I X Small area of seasonal closure within the
~ I (See Remarks) Orient-by-the-Sea boat basin. Open during
I I November 1 - May 14.
5 I Spring Pond I X
S I Gull Pond I X Open from Oecember 15 - March 31.
............ + ........................ + .........................................................................................................
5, B I Shelter Island Sound I X Large uncerttfted area lying between
I I (See Remarks) Greenport and Shelter Island surrounding
I I outfall of Shelter Island Property Owners
I I Corp. Sewage Treatmnt Plant.
I Sterling Basin I X
6 I Pipes Cove I X
B I Moores Dratn I X
G i Conkltng Point I X
I Wetland I
5 I Sage Pond I X Open from November I - May ]4.
............ + ........................ + .........................................................................................................
6 I Hashamomuck Pond I X X
I and Mill Creek I
............ + ........................ + .........................................................................................................
6 I Betxedon Creek I X Open from January ! - April 14.
TABLE 2-14 (CONT.)
SHELLFISH HARVESTING IN SOUTHOLD
Classification
~ [ ~ ~ Seasonally Conditionally ~
Sub-Area I Water Body I Uncerttfied I Certified I Certified Certified I Remarks
7 I Tom Creek and I I I X I Open from January 1 - April 14.
I Jockey Creek i i ( i
............ + ........................ + ............... + ............... + ......................... ~--+ ............................................
7 I Town Creek I I I X ) Additional localized closure surrounding
I I I I [ Goldsmiths Boat Shop. Open November ] -
I I I I I Hay 14.
............ + ........................ ~ ............... + ............... + ............................ + ............................................
7 I Jockey Creek I I I X I Additional localized closure surrounding
I I I I I Southold Marine Center. Open November ]
I I I I I - Hay 14.
............ + ........................ + ............... + ............... + ............................ + ............................................
7 I Goose Creek I I I X I Open January I - April 14.
............ + ........................ + ............... + ............... + ............................ + ............................................
6,7 I Southold Bay I I X I I All boat basins and canals between the
~ I I (See Remarks) I I eastern shore of the mouth at Goose Creek
I I I I I to Paradise Point seasonally closed during
I I I I I May IS - October 31.
............ + ........................ + ............... + ............... + ............................ + ............................................
7 I Cedar Beach I I X I I
............ + ........................ + ............... + ............... + ............................ + ............................................
7 ~ Corey Creek ( I X I I
............ + ........................ + ............... + ............... + ............................ + ............................................
7 I Richmond Creek I I X I I
............ + ........................ + ............... + ............... + ............................ + ............................................
7,8 I Little Pecontc Bay I I X I I
............ + ........................ + ............... + ............... ~ ............................ + ............................................
8 I Little Creek I I X I )
............ 1 ........................ 1 ............... 1 ............... 1 ............................ 1 ............................................
TABLE 2-]4 (CONT.)
SHELLFISH HARVESTTNG IN SOUTHOLD
Classification
i
Sub-Area I Water Body I Uncertifled I Certified I Certified [ Certified I Remarks
8 I Wunneweta Pond I I x I I I
............ + ........................ + ............... ~ ............... + ............~ ............. ~ ...........................................
8 I Horseshoe Cove I I X I I I
............ + ........................ + ............... + ............... + ............~ ....... ~__~ ............................................
8 I Broadwater Cove I I I X I I Localized closure; open from November 1 -
I I I I I I Hay 14.
............ + ........................ + ............... F ............... + ............+ ............... + ............................................
8 I Haywater Cove I I X I I I
............ + ........................ + ...............+ ............... + ............+ ............... + ............................................
8 I Mud Creek I I X I I I
............ + ........................ + ...............+ ............... + ............+ ............... + ............................................
8 I East Creek I X I I I I
............ + ........................ + ............... + ............... + ............+ ............... + ............................................
8 ) Wlckham Creek ) I I X I ) Localized closure surrounding Boatman's
I J I I I I Harbor Marina; open during November ] -
I I I I I I May 14,
............ + ........................ + ............... + ............... + ............+ ............... + ............................................
8 I Schoolhouse Creek I X I ~ I I
............ + ................ _. ....... + ............... + ............... + ............+ ............... + ............................................
8 I Cutchogue Harbor I I X I
............ + ........................ + ............... ~ ............... + ............+ ........ ~ ...........................................
8 I Nest Creek I I X I I I
............ ~ ........................ + ............... + ............... + ............~ ............... + ...........................................
8,9 I Great Pecontc Bay I I X I I I
............ + ........................ + ............... + ............... + ............+ ............... + ............................................
9 I Downs Creek [ I x r I I
............ + ........................ + ............... + ............... + ............+ ............... ~ ............................................
g I Halls Creek I I X I I I
............ · ...... ~ ................. ~ ............... · ............... · ............· ............... · ............................................
TABLE 2-14 (CONT.)
SHELLFISH HARVESTING IN SOUTHOLD
Classification
~ Seasonally Conditionally i
Sub-Area Water Body I Uncerttfted Certified Certified Certified I Remarks
I I
9 Deep Hole Creek I X )
..................................... + ............................................................ + ............................................
g James Creek I X I Open during Oecember 15 - March 31.
..................................... + ......................................................... L__+ ............................................
g Brushs Creek X I
]0 Fishers Island Sound X I Contains uncertifted area between NE tip
(See Remarks) I of western side of Hay Harbor to tip
I of Race Point and a shoreline portion (500
I yds. offshore) temporarily closed until
I NYSDEC shoreline survey and water quality
I sampltng completed.
10 West Harbor X I Innermost western portion temporarily
(See Remarks) I closed surrounding marina/mooring areas.
) Mouth is open. Outside mouth temporarily
I closed as per Fishers island Sound.
]0 Hay Harbor X I Temporarily closed due to lack of water
(See Remarks) ) quality data.
10 Silver Eel Pond X I
10 Island Pond X ) Temporarily closed due to lack of water
(See Remarks) I quality data.
Note: Horton Creek (Sub-Area g) and Marion Lake (Sub-Area 5) are not generally utilized for shellfish harvesting.
Source: I. NYSDEC, January 1, 1991, Notice of Condition of all Shellfish Lands Located Within or Adjacent to the
Town of Southold, Suffolk County, New York, excerpted from Part 4, Title 6, NYCRR.
2. M. Oavtdson and C. Laporta, NYSDEC, February 22, 1991.
During the 21-year period from 1966-1986, 5.7 million pounds of
bay scallop meats were harvested from the region. The average
annual production during this period was 271,000 pounds, with the
peak production of 683,000 pounds occurring in 1974, and the lowest
production of 5,200 pounds occurred in 1986 as a result of the
Brown Tide bloom. (This was the lowest production recorded by
NYSDEC and its predecessor agencies since it began publishing
records on fishery landings in 1946.) In the early 1980's the
dockside value of bay scallops landed was as high as $1.8 million.
As a result of the precipitous decline caused by the Brown Tide,
the dockside value of bay scallops landed in 1986 was only $27,000
(SCDHS unpublished Draft Brown Tide Study). According to the
Cooperative Extension Service, although bay scallops had
experienced drastic declines during the 1980's, scallop populations
are currently on the rise and early indications are that 1991
harvests will be excellent (Hasbrouck, Cooperative Extension,
November 16, 1990).
The Peconic/Gardiners Bay System scallop fishery is not only
important to the State's commercial fishing industry; it is of
national significance as well. In 1982, for example, bay scallop
catches from the Peconic/Gardiners Bay System accounted for
approximately 28 percent of the total United States landings of
this species. Suitable habitat for the bay scallop is found in
the states of Massachusetts, Rhode Island, New York, New Jersey
and North Carolina. The extent of the habitat, however, is
extremely limited so that a major portion of the suitable habitat
along the Atlantic Coast is found in the Peconic/Gardiners Bay
System (SCDHS, unpublished Draft Brown Tide Study).
A relatively large and important commercial surf clam harvest takes
place in the Riverhead and Southold coastal waters of Long Island
Sound. In 1989 over 3.7 million pounds of surf clams were landed
in Mattituck with a value of over $1.36 million (Briggs, NYSDEC,
2-176
February 23, 1991). Data on soft-shelled clam, mussel and conch
harvests is shown in Table 2-15.
History of Aquaculture Activities
The culture of the American Oyster had been an important industry
in the Peconic/Gardiners Bay system since the late 1800's when
oyster companies planted seed from Connecticut on underwater land
grants in the bay system. In 1884, an Act to cede lands underwater
in Gardiners and Peconic Bays to Suffolk County for the sole
purpose of oyster culture was passed by the New York State
Legislature. This Act gave oyster cultivators access to some prime
hard clam and scallop beds, and created a major conflict between
the oyster cultivator and the clam and scallop harvester. Much
of the current negative attitude toward leasing of underwater lands
can be traced back to the substantial number of leases held by
oyster cultivators at the turn of the century (SCDHS, unpublished
Draft Brown Tide Study).
By the 1930's the oyster industry was already in decline throughout
Long Island, although the Gardiners/Peconic Bay estuary was still
producing significant amounts of oysters for sale to outside
markets. The oysters were often shipped in the shell as opposed
to producing points outside of New York where oysters were sold
as open or shucked oysters. Suffolk County oysters were often
quoted in the market as twice the price of southern oysters.
Beginning in the late 1940's, blooms of a small species of
phytoplankton that became known as "small forms" appeared in Long
Island bays. The small forms clogged the gills of hard clams and
oysters, although oysters were affected to a much greater extent
than clams. Shellfish exposed to these small forms produced poor
quality meats which were not acceptable in the market (SCDHS,
unpublished Draft Brown Tide Study).
2-177
TABLE 2-15
RECORDS OF SOUTHOLD SHELLFISH HARVEST
1979 1989
Type Quantity* Value Quantity Value
Hard Clam 1,279 Bu. $ 46,839 17,995 Bu. $1,647,799
Soft Clam 674 Bu. 17,094 32 Bu. 1,681
Oyster 116,029 Bu. 2,804,509 59 Bu. 2,275
Bay Scallop 138,737 lbs. 491,490 ** **
Mussel ** ** 10 Bu. 100
Conch 2,971 Bu. 28,468 ** **
Note: * Quantity measured in bushels or pounds.
· * Indicates Data Specific to Southold Waters Only Not Available
Source: NYSDEC 1979 & 1989 Annual Shellfish Production Records
Island Pond, located on the interior of Fishers Island, is
presently being utilized as an oyster hatchery by Ocean Pond
Corporation. The oysters are hatched from eggs, reared in tanks
and fed cultured algae until they grow through a mobile planktonic
phase to an attached benthic phase (spat set). The spat are then
transferred to wire cages and reared in Island Pond until they grow
to about 2 centimeters in size. At this stage of development, the
"seed" oysters are transplanted to growing areas on Cape Cod,
Massachusetts. There is no direct market harvesting of shellfish
from Island Pond {NYSDEC, July 1985 Fishers Island Growing Area
Survey).
Until recently, the hard clam resource in the Peconic/Gardiners
Bay system was of secondary economic importance in comparison to
the harvest of the world-renowned Peconic/Gardiners Bay scallops
and oysters. The average annual landing of hard clams from Peconic
and Gardiners Bays over a 21-year period (1966 1986) is
approximately 15,000 bushels, which represents 3 percent of the
average annual hard clam landings reported in Suffolk County during
this time. Unlike towns in western Suffolk County, it estimated
that the recreational catch from the Peconic/Gardiners Bay system
often exceeds the commercial harvest of hard clams. The high
recreational catch is attributed to the influx of summer residents
{SCDHS, unpublished Draft Brown Tide Study).
Current Aquaculture Activities
Starting in 1980 with the culture and release of approximately
60,000 hard-shelled clams, the Town of Southold has been raising
small sized hard clam "seed" on artificial submerged rafts in Goose
Creek. In 1987, the Town cultivated and released approximately
250,000 seed clams in various tidal creeks across Southold. In
1988, the Town switched to using newly designed polyculture rafts,
which could support approximately four (4) times as many seed clams
2-178
compared with the previously used conventional rafts. By the end
of 1988, the Town had raised over I million hard clams to an
average predator-free size and relocated them to the following
tidal bottoms:
Sub-Area 4: Dam Pond - 75,000 seed clams
Sub-Area 5: Little Bay - 135,000 seed clams
Sub-Area 7: Town Creek - 75,000 seed clams
Jockey Creek - 75,000 seed clams
Goose Creek - 150,000 seed clams
Corey Creek - 150,000 seed clams
Richmond Creek - 30,000 seed clams
Sub-Area 8: Nassau Point - 30,000 seed clams
Broadwater Cove - 100,000 seed clams
Mud Creek - 30,000 seed clams
West Creek - 35,000 seed clams
(In addition, approximately 150,000 seed clams had not reached
desirable size and were over-wintered on a bottom raft in
Goose Creek.)
In 1990, the total reached over 2 million hard clams grown out and
released into the same tidal areas. The Town anticipates using
the Suffolk County Community College Marine Sciences Center at
Cedar Beach in 1991 to set up a Small Town Hatchery Program and
raise over 4 million seed clams in holding tanks annually. In
addition, the Cooperative Extension Service is looking into
developing a smaller culture of scallops, oysters and finfish at
the same facility (McMahon, TOS, February 25, 1991).
Overall, the Town's seed clam program has been a success, and has
almost exclusively been supported by the sales of Town shellfishing
licenses. However, since the program's inception in 1980, several
of the recipient transplant creeks have become seasonally closed
2-179
to shellfish harvesting due to a degradation of water quality
and/or the establishment of local marinas and mooring areas. The
Town is concerned about the limitations this may place on seasonal
summer residents who cannot take advantage of the program to the
same extent as year-round commercial harvesters (McMahon, TOS,
February 25, 1991}.
Additionally, a commercial clam aquaculture program is currently
in operation in West Harbor off Fishers Island (NYSDEC, July 1985,
Fishers Island Growing Area Survey). The Clam Farm enterprise
raises over 2 million seed clams and seed scallops annually.
Historically, the Clam Farm has sold "seed" to the Towns of
Southold and Southampton in support of their local programs
(Davidson, February 28, 1991).
Finfish Resources
Nearly 80 species of marine fishes are taken for home consumption
from Long Island coastal waters, while dozens of others are taken
for bait or commercial use. Marine finfish generally fall into
four main categories as follows:
Anadromous fish, such as shad (Alosa sapidissima), white perch
(Morone americanq), and striped bass (Morone saxatilis), spawn
in Atlantic coast rivers, including the Hudson River. Young
fish spend some time in spawning estuaries for growth and
protection, and later engage in annual feeding migrations to
coastal waters, returning as adults to spawn at their
estuaries of origin every spring.
Estuarine fish, such as winter flounder (Pseudopleuronectes
americanus) and blackfish or tautog (Tautoqa onitis) generally
remain within an estuary throughout their lives. Seasonal
changes in distribution may occur for these species, but most
2-180
of the stock remains within local waters throughout its life
cycle. This category also includes many of the principal bait
fish including Atlantic silversides (Menidia menidia), striped
killifish [Fundulus majalis), and sand lance (Ammodvtes
amenicanuE).
Coastal migratory fisheries include some of our most popular
food and sport fishes such as bluefish {Pomatomus saltatrix),
fluke or summer flounder (Paralichthys dentatus), weakfish
(Cvnoscion reqalis), porgies or scup {Stenotomus chrvsoDs),
and sea bass (Centropristis striata). This category also
includes the schooling baitfish, Atlantic menhaden or bunker
(Brevoortia tyrannus). These species range from New England
to the Carolinas and generally migrate inshore and north in
the spring and summer, and offshore and south in the fall and
winter. Most of these species spawn while the fish are away
from New York, and young fish and adults move into our shallow
coastal waters and estuaries in the spring. Others, such as
weakfish, spawn as they move into our waters in the spring.
Offshore fishes such as Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua), whiting
or silver hake {Merluccius bilinearis), tuna (Thunnus spp.),
haddock (Melanoqrammus aeqlefinus), and several species of
shark may or may not be migratory, but generally do not enter
New York State waters in large numbers. Although some of
these species may be taken in state waters, the greatest
majority are taken from Federal waters within the 200 mile
limit and are subsequently landed in New York and other
neighboring states.
2-181
Commercial Finfishinq
A thriving commercial fishery is based in Mattituck. Commercial
fishing vessels are docked in Mattituck Creek all year long, along
with lobster boats, dredge boats, commercial charter and open party
fishing boats {NYSDEC, Mattituck Creek and Inlet Shoreline
Pollution Source Survey, December 1989). Squid, porgies, mackerel,
red hake, fluke, winter flounder, bluefish and butterfish are
commonly caught by commercial draggers originating from Mattituck.
In addition, the coastal waters off Mattituck Inlet support several
commercial lobster fishermen, including the current president of
the Long Island Sound Lobster Fishermans Association (Briggs,
NYSDEC, February 23, 1991).
Approximately 12 to 15 commercial fishing trawlers and 10 to 12
smaller lobster boats operate out of Mattituck Creek/Inlet. The
particular physical characteristics of the creek and inlet area
(being 400 feet wide and approximately 7 feet deep) limit the
commercial use of this port to boats which are generally less than
60 feet in length. There are four seafood packing houses located
on Mattituck Creek waterway, namely Long Island Sound Seafood,
Kings Seafood, Cooks Dock, and Mattituck Inlet Fishing Station.
However, there are no fish buyers or processors on the waterway,
and most of the seafood is trucked out to Fulton Fish Market in
Manhattan, with a minor quantity being sold to local fish markets
and "trash fish" sold to lobster fishermen for bait {Kearney, A.T.,
1989 Unpublished Draft Report). A detailed inventory of the
Mattituck Port is contained in Appendix F.
Although outside of the LWA boundaries, the Village of Greenport
is also a noteworthy center for commercial and recreational
sportfishing. The Village of Greenport is the base of two seafood
processing companies, Robert T. Cooper, Inc. and Winter Harbor
2-182
Fisheries (NYSDEC, Greenport Harbor Shoreline and Pollution Source
Survey, July 1988).
According to the Cooperative Extension Service, the following are
the quantities and values of finfish (including fish, lobsters,
squid and surf clams) landed in 1987 and 1988 at Mattituck Inlet
and Greenport Harbor:
· Mattituck Inlet:
· Greenport Harbor:
1987 - 1,281,621 lbs.; $1,243,009
1988 - 1,218,851 lbs.; $ 594,723
1987 - 2,322,744 lbs.; $2,608,306
1988 - 2,497,493 lbs.; $1,701,201
(Hasbrouck, Cooperative Extension, November 16, 1990).
Separate records of finfish taken from different water bodies in
the Town are lacking, due to the method in which data is collected
by the National Marine Fisheries Service. Table 2-16 presents
the 1989 Annual Finfish, Lobster and Squid landings recorded for
the Peconic and Gardiners Bay estuary.
In the Peconic/Gardiners Bay system, during the ll-year period from
1975-1985, commercial fishery catches ranged from a low of 2.4
million pounds to a high of 6.3 million pounds. The value of
dockside landings during this period was as high as $7.3 million
(1982 dollars). The dockside value of commercial fishery landings
is typically multiplied three to four times in terms of its impact
on the regional economy. Lobster fishing is also an important
industry in the coastal waters off Fishers Island. There are at
least a dozen full time lobster fishermen located on Fishers
Island, who individually can collect upwards of 80,000 pounds per
year. Data on the landed values are generally not available,
however, because the majority of the Fishers Island lobster
2-183
TABLE 2-16
lg89 ANNUAL FINFISH, LOBSTER AND SQUID LANDINGS
FROM PECONIC AND GARDINERS BAY*
Species Total Pounds Dollars
Carp 3,900 1,g71
Atlantic Cod 3,500 2,610
Winter Flounder 5,100 4,840
Yellowtail Flounder 2,500 2,104
Atlantic Herring 1,000 120
Sand Lances 51,700 38,751
Atlantic Menhaden 60,000 5,400
Shad go0 474
Atlantic Silversides 65,000 74,750
White Perch 3,900 2,958
Whiting 2,700 716
American Lobster
Long Finned Squid
S/Pound
$ 0.51
$ 0.75
$ 0.95
$ 0.84
$ o.12
$ 0.75
$ 0.09
$ 0.53
$ 1.15
$ 0.75
$ 0.27
109,000 361,931 $ 3.32
25,000 12,000 $ 0.48
* Data includes landings in both the Towns of Southold and Southampton.
Source: National Marine Fisheries Service, December 20, 1990.
2.3.6
fishermen report their catch in Connecticut (Briggs, NYSDEC,
February 23, 1991).
Recreational Finfishinq
The recreational fishery in the Peconic/Gardiners Bay system and
its high water quality, contribute substantially to the tourism
and recreational economy in Southold. Local businesses,
restaurants, marinas, etc. cater to the needs of fishermen,
boaters, and bathers who use the waters extensively during the
summer season.
It is virtually certain that the value of the intense sportfishery
within the Peconic/Gardiners Bay estuary now exceeds that of the
commercial fishery, particularly in supporting local businesses
geared to servicing this activity. The most sought after species
by anglers include winter flounder, striped bass, bluefish,
snapper, weakfish, and porgy. The sport fisheries and recreational
usages of the bays, together with their aesthetic attraction for
tourism, make an important contribution to the local economy.
Navigation Facilities, Maintenance Dredging and Spoil Disposal
Commercial and recreational boating activity is an important
element of the Southold economy. This boating activity increases
the demand for navigational channel access, and requires the
establishment of various support facilities. A network of
navigation channels has been developed in the Town; some channels
provide general navigation access and others provide access to
small areas servicing a limited segment of the resident population
along the adjacent shorelines.
The east-west navigation courses through the south shore bays are
generally well-maintained. The areas of Great Peconic Bay and the
2-184
smaller bays located within the Town LWA have sufficient depths
and a good flushing rate, and do not require dredging (Dzenkowski,
TOS, February 1991). These main navigational channels are
maintained by the U.S. Army Corps. of Engineers. The U.S. Coast
Guard supplies navigational buoys and channel markers in these
areas to delineate paths of travel and navigation hazards, as well
as the special Federal anchorage area in Mattituck Inlet. Buoys
and channel markers can be found in the vicinity of Robins Island
and Cutchogue Harbor, Greenport harbor, in the channels between
Shelter Island and Southold mainland, and in Plum Gut, located
between Orient Point and Plum Island (Gouldi, SCDPW, February
1991). Many of these navigational devices contain horns, bells
or flashing lights. In the Long Island Sound, which supports
extensive commercial shipping, various buoys and other navigational
aids mark the locations of rocks and shoals located offshore. In
addition, the Town has placed approximately 60 navigational devices
at the mouths of the creeks and inlets among the north and south
shores. Buoys have also been located by the Town in Hay and West
Harbors on Fishers Island {Dzenkowski, TOS, February lggl).
There are a number of lighthouses located in the waters off the
Southoldmainland and Fishers Island. These include: Horton Point
Lighthouse, located at Horton Point in Sub-Area 2 {103 feet high);
Orient Point Lighthouse, located east of Orient Point in Sub-Area
4 (64 feet high); the Plum Island Lighthouse; Race Rock Lighthouse
(67 feet high), located southwest of Fishers Island (Sub-Area 10);
North Dumpling Lighthouse (94 feet high), located northwest of
Fishers Island on North Dumpling Island; Little Gull Island Light
Station (90 feet high); a 55-foot light structure located at
Latimer Reef, northeast of Fishers Island; a privately-maintained
14-foot light structure, located at the mouth of Silver Eel Cove,
on Fishers Island; and a 14-foot light structure located at the
end of the Youngs Point breakwater, at the western boundary of Sub-
Area 5 (Region Three Chart Kit, BBA, Inc., lg89). Navigational
2-185
lights are also found in Greenport Harbor and at the end of the
Mattituck Inlet jetty.
Dredging projects in the Town are conducted by the Federal
Government (Army Corps. of Engineers), the Suffolk County
Department of Public Works (SCDPW), or by private interests (such
as Homeowner's Associations) who retain private contractors to have
particular areas dredged; usually the upper portions of creeks or
inlets. These private actions require Town approval.
The Federal government maintains three areas in the Town of
Southold for navigational purposes -- Mattituck Inlet, West Harbor
on Fishers Island, and Stirling Basin {located within the
Incorporated Village of Greenport). Mattituck Inlet and Stirling
Basin are the responsibility of the New York District of the U.S.
Army Corps. of Engineers (USACOE); West Harbor on Fishers Island
is under the jurisdiction of the New England District. The
Mattituck Inlet channel project was originally authorized in 1964
to provide access for commercial fishing and deep-draft
recreational vessels. This inlet was dredged most recently by the
USACOE in 1990. This is the first time it has been dredged in
approximately ten years (Dzenkowski, TOS, January 1991}. The West
Harbor channel project was originally authorized in 1930 to provide
access to a petroleum terminal and for deep-draft recreational
vessels. These two Federal channels were initially dredged at the
dimensions of 8 feet by 100 feet and 14 feet by 100 feet,
respectively {LIRPB, November 1979).
The majority of the dredging projects in the Town are conducted
by the County. There are 25 areas that have been dredged by the
SCDPW; some on a regular basis, dating back to 1959. A complete
listing the County dredging projects is contained in Table 2-17.
All dredging projects conducted by the SCDPW must meet certain
criteria to qualify. The underlying premise of the County dredging
2-186
~rolect NMe
Broadwater Cove
TABLE 2-17
SUMMARY OF SUFFOLK COUNTY DREDGING PROJECTS
Brushes Creek
Cedar Beech Harbor
Corey Creek (b)
IN THE TOWN OF $OUTHOLD
Oetes Cubic Yards Nethod of
Dredqed Dredqed Oisoosal
(e) 1966
1976
1902
Types of Vater No. of Slips/
Deoendent Facilities Moorinqs
434,400
I1,000
10,200
Formerly up- Marine
land on 2
beach nourish-
ment to the
vest of Inlet
40
1966 86,400
1975 7,500
1979 5,000
1980 !,900
1981 5,800
1983 1,5O0
1984 4,800
1985 6,800
1986 3,000
1987 3,000
1988 4,SO0
1989 1,000
1990 Pending
Beach
nourishment
on both sides
of Inlet
M&rin&
15
1979 12,400
1980 I,gO0
1981 9,700
1962 1,700
1963 1,700
1984 I,gOO
1985 1,4O0
1988 2,900
1987 1,900
1989 2,4OO
Beach
nourisJment
to the vest
Marine Technology
Dept. of SCCC
None
1963-64 345,600
1987 23,900
1972 7,6O0
1981 10,200
1983 800
1964 3.5O0
1986 18,6O0
,1987 S,O00
FonNrly
upland and
nov beach
nourishment
Ramp
None
Ramps & Parking
Caoacitv
Ramp
Ramp
None
6 cars
Dam Pond (c) Ocedging Requested None None None
Prolect Name
Deep Hole Creek
East Creek
Goose Creek (b)
Greenport RR Dock
Gui1 Pond
Hell Creek (c)
Dates
Oredoed
1964-65
1972
107S
1976
7/80
11/80
1982
1983
1987
1989
1~66
1976
1982
1959
1967
1968
1976
1983
1959
1960
1970
1979
1983
1989
1979
1080
1983
Cubic Yards
Oredqed
243,500
21,100
4,000
14,000
S,000
I0,000
8,800
6,300
7,700
10.800
434.400
11.000
10,200
46,700
72.500
11,100
6,000
41,700
177,200
28,500
29,000
23,300
1,000
!,000
17,400
4,200
8,300
Hethod of
Disposal
Beach
nourishment
on both sides
of inlet
Formerly
upland on 2
sites, now
beach
nourishment
to the vest
of tnlet
Formerly
upland by
Beyvlev Ave.
no~ beach
nour~shMnt
Offshore
disposal site
bet~eefl
Greenport
and Dering
Harbor
Beach
nourishment
betveen Gull
and Sterling
Basin
Beach
nourishment
to the east
Types of ~ater
Dependent FscSltties
Rmp
Coanerciel fishery
dock
Tmm beach, docking
and boat ra~ps
None
No. of SlIps/
Mg~rinas
None
None
None
Approx. 12
cM~erclal
Large docking
facility et
Nenhesset Ave.
Park
None
Ramps & Parking
Capacity
None
None
Rmp 6 cars
None
Double ramp at
flanhasset Ave.
Perk - 250 cars
None
Protect Name
3ames Creek
3ockey Creek (e)
Little Creek (b)
Long Creek (pert
of Mattituck Creek)
Mill Creek
Dates Cubic Yards Method of
Dredaed Dredae4 Dtsnosal
1964,-66
1979
1980
1983
1985
1986
1959
1959
1976
1067
1968
1975
1976
1976
1979
1980
5/81
9/61
1962
5/83
8/83
5/84
8/84
1965
1986
5/87
7/87
1988
1989
1967
1963
1966
1975
1979
1961
1990
272.500 Fomerly
3,000 upland to the
6,700 east, now
9,400 beach
5,300 'nourts~ent
1,800 on both sides
of inlet
Types of Vater
OeDendent Facilities
2 marinas
23.200 Beach
93,400 nourishment
9,000 to the vest
Marina
51,000
-3,700
5,000
40,000
4.000
5,000
2,400
2,400
2.400
7,000
2,400
2,300
2,400
6,000
3,100
5,800
4,800
4,000
3,000
4,000
Beach
nourishment
on both sides
of tnlet
Ramp
13.000
Upland Matt-A-44ar Marina
site of iS at intersection
Mattituck
Creek and Long
Creek
66,300 Upland
2,700 on island
6,000 to the west
4°000
4,500
2.000 (est)
3a~rinas
No. of Slips/
floortnas
120
6O
None
87
361
Ramps & Parking
Caoacttv
Ramps at
Village Marine
of Mattttuck
and Strongs
Mattttuck
Marina
None
Runp - 6 cers
None
Ramp at Port of
Egypt Marina
Protect Hame
Hud Creek
Hew Suffolk
Peters Neck Point
RJch~ond Creek
Schoolhouse Creek
Dates Cubic Yards Hotbed of
Oredoed Oredoed OJsoos&l
1966 434,400 Fomerly
1976 I1.000 upland on 2
1082 10,200 sites, now
1987 6.600 beach
nourishment
to the west
of inlet
1977 4,000
1979 1,500
1960 1,000
1981 2,000
1962 3,300
t983 1,000
1984 1,800
I966 2,500
1986 1,300
1987 1,500
1088 1,800
1989 1.300
1990 1,200-1,600
Dredging Requested
lgsg 123,600
1964 82,800
1967 25,100
1972 5,500
1983 15,300
1976 12,000
Sterling Basin (f) 1959 163,900
(Greenport) 1963 129,200
1076 12o000
Town Creek/Harbor
1959 , 23.200
1959 93,400
1976 9,000
Beach
nourishment
off to~n beach
to tho south
Typos of Water
Oeoondent Facilities
None
Boat romp
(est)
Marina
Beach None
nouristmJent
on both sides
of inlet
Beach Marina
nourishment
Fomerly 4 marinas and a
used wetlands sailing club
by cemetery,
now use beck
side of inlet
for beach
nourishment
Beach
nourJshnent
to tho west
Herino ne&r mouth 'of
creek and town ramp
on boy
No. of Slips/
Hoortnos
None
Town ramp
3O
None
56
38O
$0
Ramps & Parking
CamecJtv
None
New Suffolk
Town ramp
30 cars
Paved road
None
None
Founders
Lending Pk.
(Off bay -
25 cars)
pr91ect Name
Vest Creek (b),
Vest harbor
(Fishers Zsland -
channel connecting
to Federal project)
VIckhamCreek
Dates
DredGed
Cubic Yards Method of Types of Voter No. of Slips/ Ramps & Parking
prodDed Otsoossl Oeoendent Facilities Moorings ~aoacttv
1966 9.000 Beach Ramp None Ramp
1976 9.000 nourishmont 6 cars
1982 2,800 on both sides
of Inlet
1971 43,100
Used hopper
barge and
dumped et sea
1966 46.300 Beach
1972 10.000 nourishment
1979 3.600 to the vest
1981 1.700
1982 2.200
1983 1,gO0
1984 1,400
1985 1.400 upland
1986 2,600 dtsposal
1987 2,6OO
1989 4,700
Vunnewete Pond 1989 2,800 Beach
nourishment
Marina 100 Boatmans
Harbor
Marina ramp
(a) Droadweter~Cove. Mud Creek and East Creek yore dredged os one project in 1966, 1976 & 1982.
(b) By letter of 3uly 8, 1986, To~m Board agreed to provide publtc access to Corey, Goose, Ltttle end Vest
Creeks.
(c) The Suffolk County Dept. of Health Services his detemlned that it is necessary to maintain the mouths of
Dim Pond and HIlls Creek to a depth of epproximtely 3 feet belowmen low water tn order to drain nearby
mosquito breeding areas.
(d) The Suffolk County Dept. of Mualth Services has detemined that dredging Goldsmith inlet vas necessary in
1985 to protect the public health.
(e) 3ockey Creek and Tovn Creek/H&rb?r yore dredged as one project in 1959 and 1976.
(f) Mattttuck Creek end Sterllng Basin are federally outhorlzed projects.
program is that dredging and navigational maintenance projects must
be a legitimate public expense. The County should not allocate
funds for projects that do not provide general public benefits.
These benefits are best determined byassessing the usage patterns
and accessibility of a channel to the general public. In general,
the County will dredge only the mouths of selected embayments.
In an area that is strictly residentially developed and where no
public or quasi-public facilities exist, the County will only
perform interface dredging of shoals at the mouth of the inlet or
creek, where it intersects a navigation channel or larger water
body.
There is no regulation that requires the County to perform this
dredging service. The extent of the dredging work that is
performed depends on the monies available to the SCDPW. The
justification for this service is to keep channels clear for
navigation. The budget does not contain sufficient funds to
conduct dredging programs for the sole purpose of beach nourishment
or for mosquito control (Gouldi, SCDPW, February 1991). Some
limited dredging has been approved, however, for the purpose of
draining mosquito breeding areas.
Each year the Towns in Suffolk County send the SCDPW a listing of
priority sites to be dredged. These listings are reviewed by the
County to determine if dredging is required at each particular
site. If so, actions are taken to survey the designated site and
acquire the permits and funding necessary to perform the work
(Gouldi, SCDPW, February 1991). Not all dredging projects
requested on these Town lists are completed. In addition, the
SCDPW may receive requests from Villages located within the Towns
or from local legislators to dredge certain areas. These are also
reviewed.
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Southold Town has recently presented their 1991 Dredge List to the
County. This listing includes {in priority order) the following
sites {Bredemeyer, January lggl):
1. The New Suffolk Boat Ramp 9. Broadwater Cove/East Creek
2. Richmond Creek 10. Little Creek
3. Wickham Creek 11. Brushs Creek
4. Deep Hole Creek 12. West Creek
5. Wunneweta Pond 13. Town/Jockey Creek
6. Corey Creek 14. James Creek
7. Cedar Beach Creek 15. Budd's Pond
8. Goldsmith's Creek
Dredging that is necessary in areas not maintained by the Federal
government or the SCDPW, including the upland, residential areas
of some creeks and inlets, must be performed through private
contracts. Generally, homeowner's associations or other private
interests retain private contractors to perform these dredging
services. Such action requires approval from the Town, and the
issuance of a permit pursuant to Chapter g7 of the Town Code --
the Wetlands Law, in addition to applicable State permits. Any
project that would generate in excess of 100 cubic yards of dredge
material is treated as a Type I action pursuant to the
Environmental Quality Review Law of the Town of Southold and the
State Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQRA). Type I actions
must undergo a series of governmental reviews and public hearings
(as explained in Section 2.2.11).
Dredging projects require approval from the New York State
Department of Environmental Conservation {NYSDEC) and the United
States Army Corps. of Engineers {USACOE). As noted above, private
projects also require Town approval. The County, acting as an
agent for the Town, is not required to comply with the Chapter 97
regulations when conducting dredging projects in Town waters
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(Gouldi, SCDPW, February 1991). For any such project, the County
acquires the necessary permits from the State and Federal Agencies
involved.
Dredging projects require a NYSDEC permit pursuant to Article 25
of the New York State Environmental Conservation Law (ECL) -- the
Tidal Wetlands Law. They also require USACOE authorization
pursuant to Section 10 of the River and Harbor Act of 1899, Section
404 of the Clean Water Act, and Section 103 of the Marine
Protection, Research and Sanctuaries Act. These Federal laws
require permits authorizing activities in or affecting navigable
waters in the U.S., the discharge of dredged or fill materials into
U.S. waters, and the transport of dredged materials for the purpose
of dumping into ocean waters. Although there is a joint
application process, the USACOE will not issue permit approval
until the State has approved such action. In addition to these
required permits, Coastal Consistency Certification is required
from the New York State Department of State for any such action
in State waters. A USACOE application for a lO-year program of
maintenance dredging and beach nourishment in Southold Bay recently
expired. The Town is in the process of renewing this application.
The U.S. Coast Guard should receive notification of any dredging
project conducted in Town waters. The location and dates of such
action, among other things, should be provided to the Coast Guard
for publication in their Notice to Mariners, which is published
weekly to alert boaters of changes in waterways.
Unlike other areas on Long Island, dredge spoil disposal in Town
waters is not a significant problem. Dredge spoil disposal in the
Town of Southold is accomplished almost exclusively by beach
nourishment {SCPD, October 1985). The high sand content of most
of the spoil dredged from the creeks and inlets in the Town makes
it suitable for replenishing beaches on the bay and sound
2-18g
The groundwater resources underlying portions of the Town can
provide a limited supply of potable water. However, this supply
has been subject to salt water intrusion and chemical contamination
placing additional constraints on its utility as a resource.
Because groundwater is the primary source of water supply in the
Town, the location and intensity of land use, as well as the
characteristics of various proposed and existing land use
activities, are important planning issues. Policy decisions and
questions regarding adequate supplies of uncontaminated water,
provision of central water systems, and the utilization of various
sanitary waste disposal systems, among other issues, must be
addressed.
As discussed in Section 2.2.4, potable water supplies on Fishers'
Island are drawn from a combined surface water and groundwater
system. Two large freshwater ponds on the island, Barlow Pond and
Middle Farms Pond, serve as the principle source, and are directly
connected to a surface water treatment system located near Barlow
Pond. A third pond, Treasure Pond, which is located within the
same watershed, is available as a back-up in times of extreme water
demands. To date, the waters of Treasure Pond have not yet been
required for this purpose. The surface water treatment system
incorporates a process of aeration, coagulation/flocculation,
settling and final disinfection. The treated surface water is
pumped to an elevated water storage tank, referred to as the
Chocomount Reservoir. Recently, three small diameter groundwater
wells were installed to supply the water demand while the water
treatment system was being built. According to SCDHS, even after
the system completion, water demands were sufficiently low during
1990 for these three wells to supply the entire demand, and to
continue as the sole source into early 1991 (Ponturo, SCDHS,
February 4, 1991). The SCDHS also stated that watershed
regulations are needed to protect both the surface water and
groundwater reserves on Fishers Island. The Suffolk County
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Planning Commission is expected to prepare a GEIS during 1991 which
will contain recommendations for protecting the ponds and watershed
areas from contamination and excessive withdrawals.
Sanitary Waste Disposal
The coastal area of the Town of Southold is largely unsewered.
Only about 5 percent of the Town is connected to the Village of
Greenport Sewage Disposal District. This includes the Sans Simeon
Nursing Home, the Greenport High School, and the Driftwood Cove
rental units. Currently in litigation is a 350-unit condominium
project known as Brecknoch Hall, which is presently under contract
with the Greenport Sewer Department, but not yet in service.
Wastewater collected through this system receives secondary
treatment at the Village sewage treatment plant {STP). The
Greenport Village STP currently has the capacity to treat 0.5
million gallons per day (MGD) of wastewater, and is expected to
be upgraded to 0.8 MGD during 1991. These improvements are
scheduled in order to accommodate a small 76-unit motel, the
Brecknoch Hall condominiums, and inner village growth. As
discussed in Section 2.2.6, the village STP outfall is located
approximately 500 feet north of Clarks Beach, and discharges into
the surface waters of the Long Island Sound {Hickson, Village of
Greenport, February 8, 1991).
The majority of Town residents, as well as Fishers Island
residents, dispose of their sanitary wastes through the use of
subsurface septic disposal systems, such as leaching pools/
cesspools, and septic tanks. As discussed in Section 2.2.6, in
areas of shallow depth to groundwater, the treatment of sanitary
waste through the use of subsurface septic disposal systems is an
environmental concern. Because there is relatively little
separation between the bottom of the leaching pool and groundwater,
there may be inadequate treatment of the sanitary waste due to the
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lack of soil to filter the effluent before it enters the
groundwater. Once sanita~ waste constituents enter the
groundwater they may rapidly migrate seaward, entering surface
waters. This inflow could be a serious problem for surface water
quality and requires further study. This is one of the many issues
that is currently being analyzed by the SCDHS as part of their
Brown Tide Study. It is recommended that alternatives to the
leaching pool system in shallow groundwater areas be evaluated.
Solid Waste Manaqement
The Town of Southold currently owns and operates a municipal solid
waste disposal complex. This facility is located on Middle Road
(CR 48) in Cutchogue, and is situated outside of the boundaries
of the local waterfront area. Virtually all of the municipal solid
waste (MSW} generated and disposed in the Town is handled at the
disposal complex. This includesMSWfromresidential, commercial,
institutional, and toalesserdegree, industrial sources. Earlier
in the Town's history, many farms processed some of their own
wastes. Organic material was worked back into the soil as a
conditioner, and to replace nutrients. This is still the case on
many farms. Open burning and land burial of wastes also occurred,
but these practices were discontinued as other facilities became
available and regulation increased.
The Southold solid waste disposal complex consists of a landfill,
a multi-material recycling area, a permanent household hazardous
waste storage facility, a small-scale yard waste composting
operation, a construction and demolition debris area, and a holding
area for household appliances and tires awa4ting transfer to
processing facilities outside of Southold Town (Dvirka and
Bartilucci, September 1990). Residential, commercial,
institutional and industrial wastes are collected and delivered
to the complex by private carters who obtain permits from the Town.
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Commercial, institutional, and industrial operations, as well as
residents, may also obtain permits to deliver their own waste
materials to the disposal complex. However, they are subject to
the same tipping fees as private carters.
Waste oil brought to the disposal complex by residents is deposited
in a 275-gallon tank located approximately 200 feet north of the
collection center. When full, the waste oil is picked up by a
licensed NYSDEC waste oil collector located in Westhampton Beach.
Back-up drums are maintained at the site should the tank reach
capacity prior to the next scheduled pick up.
Until July 1986, scavenger waste was discharged into open lagoons
at the landfill. This waste is now treated at the Southold
Scavenger Waste Pretreatment Plant in Greenport. Sludge from the
Southold Scavenger Waste facility and the Incorporated Village of
Greenport Sewage Treatment Plant is disposed of at the landfill.
Data from 1989 indicate that approximately 227 tons of treated
industrial waste, sludge, and septage was accepted at the landfill
(Dvirka and Bartilucci, September 1990).
The Town of Southold conducts a voluntary recycling program at the
disposal complex. In June of 1990, a weekly voluntary curbside
collection program was implemented. Additionally, the Town
operates a STOP {Stop Throwing Out Pollutants) program for the
collection of household hazardous wastes. Currently, the materials
collected for reuse and recycling include:
· Newspaper · Tires · Yard Waste and Brush
· Glass · Waste Oil · Household Appliances
· Metals · Batteries {White Goods)
· Plastic · Old Clothes
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It is possible that in the future the yard waste composting
facility may be expanded, with NYSDEC approval, to accept all the
yard waste currently generated in the Town. Continued operation
and expansion of the recyclables collection center at the disposal
complex is also expected. This will include a public education
involvement program to familiarize the public with recycling and
the importance of preventing household hazardous materials from
entering the waste stream.
In addition to the Town facility in Cutchogue, there are five solid
waste processing/disposal operations on Fishers Island. These
facilities handle the waste generated by the estimated 300
permanent year-round residents, as well as approximately 4,000
seasonal residents and visitors who populate the island during the
peak summer period. The processing/disposal operations, all
located in the extreme western portion of Fishers Island, include
the brush collection area, metals collection area, cars/tires
collection area, household MSW landfill, and the recycling drop-
off center. A study of the groundwater in this area of the island
has indicated a high degree of salinity. Consequently, there is
limited potential for groundwater contamination from solid waste
disposal activities {Dvirka and Bartilucci, September 1990).
The brush area is located on land owned by the Fishers Island Solid
Waste Disposal District. This site is approximately six acres in
size, of which approximately two acres are used to receive brush,
wood pallets, leaves, and cardboard. The materials received are
stockpiled and burned in abandoned concrete gun pits, originating
from former military activities on the Island. The burning takes
place approximately four to six times per year with State approval
and is performed during certain prescribed conditions (i.e., during
periods of rain and northeast winds).
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The metals area is located on a small portion of an approximate
lO0-acre parcel of Town-owned land. This area receives discarded
appliances, metal materials such as doors and window frames, and
some mixed metal/plastic furniture and scrap. Most of the
materials delivered to this area are from small contractors who
work on the Island. In order to minimize the area for metals
disposal, the materials are routinely compacted.
The car and tire stockpile area is also on Town-owned land. This
area is used to store these materials for subsequent removal. The
area contains a concrete pad and two gravel pits that are
approximately 50 to 60 feet in diameter and 10 to 15 feet in depth.
The Fishers Island Landfill is approximately 6 to 8 acres in size
and is used only for the landfilling of household solid waste.
The landfill site is part of approximately 15 acres that area
leased by the Town/District. There are two areas that have been
excavated to provide cover material, but have not been filled.
Both of these areas have the potential for future landfilling, with
approximately 1 to 2 years capacity.
The recycling center is an outdoor system of roll-off recycling
bins located near the ferry station at the western end of the
Island. It includes two roll-offs that are used for: 1)
newspaper, cardboard, and magazines; and 2) glass bottles, jars,
and aluminum and metal cans. The District pays a tipping fee for
the removal and transportation of the materials to a facility
located off of Fishers Island.
It is estimated that a total of approximately 127 tons of municipal
solid waste was generated per day in the entire Town in 1989. This
volume is based on 1989 scale house data from the mainland solid
waste complex indicating an average of 123 tons per day, and an
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estimated average generation rate of 4 tons per day for Fishers
Island. Future waste stream projections {including Fishers
Island), formulated based on the 1989 data and weighted population
estimates, show an average generation rate of 131.8 tons per day
(tpd} in 1990, 141.8 tpd in 1995, and 150.4 tpd by the year 2000.
Electric
Electricity is supplied to mainland Southold primarily by the Long
Island Lighting Company. Fishers Island receives power from
Connecticut through an undersea cable. In addition, Fishers Island
possesses auxiliary generators which can provide power to all of
the year-round residents as well as 40 percent of the summer
population.
Existinq Roadway Network
The Town has a fairly sufficient, well established network of
public roads with 200 miles of Town road, 14 miles of County road,
and 23 miles of State road. These major roadways are utilized by
commuters, residents and visitors within the Town of Southold.
Where available, an Average Annual Daily Traffic (AADT) count was
reported in order to assess the present traffic demand for a
particular roadway. AADT is the average 24-hour traffic volume
at a given location over a full 365-day year. It is important to
note that traffic volumes in the Town increase dramatically during
the summer months, causing congestion in many areas, particularly
along State Route 25. The major roadways in the Town of Southold
are listed below.
Main Road (State Route 25) is a two-lane arterial running east
to west through the southern and central sections of the Town
of Southold. It is the primary route of travel through the
Town and has a posted speed limit of between 30 miles per hour
2-197
(mph) and 55 mph. This roadway is under the jurisdiction of
New York State {NYS). The A~ADT measured in 1985 varies from
a high, recorded at New Suffolk Road in Cutchogue, of 12,400
vehicles per hour {vph) to a low, recorded at Orient Point,
of 2,312 vph (NYSDOT, 1987). Recent growth rates for this
section of State Route (SR) 25 vary between 0.2 percent per
year and 12.8 percent per year.
SR 25 extends eastward from the Town of Riverhead border and
continues to the Incorporated Village of Greenport where it
bends northward for approximately one mile. It intersects
County Route (CR) 27 and then continues eastward terminating
approximately 2,500 feet from Orient Point. With the
exception of an approximate one-mile stretch located west of
Town Harbor Road, and a section of roadway in downtown
Greenport, the entire length of SR 25 that runs through the
Town has shoulders and street lights. There is a roadway bend
at the intersection of SR 25 and Tucker Lane that has a high
frequency of accidents and therefore, a reduced speed limit
of 25 mph has been posted around the curve.
County Route 48, known both as North Road and Middle Road in
the Town of Southold, is an east-west arterial running through
the northern and central sections of the Town. From the
Riverhead border to Cox Neck Road, CR 48 is a two-lane road
with street lights. From Cox Neck Road east to Tucker Lane
it widens to a four-lane road with a posted speed limit of
55 mph and no street lights. This roadway terminates east
of Tucker Lane, at its intersection with SR 25, where it is
reduced to two lanes with street lights. The posted speed
limit on CR 48 varies from 35 mph to 55 mph through the Town
of Southold. West of Mary's Road, CR 48 has no shoulder and
to the east of Mary's Road, it has a 7 to 8 foot shoulder.
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The primary north-south route in the westernmost portion of
the Town is Aldrich Lane, which runs from SR 25 northward to
the Long Island Sound. This road is used as a truck detour
diverting trucks from SR 25 west of Aldrich Lane to CR 27 east
of Aldrich Lane, except for local delivery.
There are collector roadways running north-south throughout
the Town of Southold, spaced between one-half mile and one
mile apart. These roadways connect the south shore of the
Town with the north shore and the Long Island Sound. These
include Mill Lane, Elijahs Lane, Alvahs Lane, Depot Lane, Cox
Lane, Bridge Lane, Hortons Lane, Albertsons Lane and Rock
Point Road, among others. These collector roadways carry
traffic from the adjacent local streets to the arterials.
All north-south routes are Town maintained roadways, except
for Cox Neck Road {CR 48) and the north-south section of SR
25 in Greenport.
2.3.8 Historic Resources
The Town of Southold, officially established in 1640, is considered
the first English settlement in the State of New York. Although
originally a part of the New Haven Colony, Southold ceased its
affiliation with Connecticut in 1676. Many buildings of historic
significance date from this early period, and much evidence remains
from the earlier Indian occupation of the area. The Town is rich
in historic and archaeological resources. Historic resources
include buildings, monuments, cemeteries, and other landmarks.
Archaeological resources include Indian encampments, burial
grounds, and evidence of colonial settlement activity. Many sites
have been identified in the Town, particularly along the south
shore, that may be of archaeological significance (NYSOPRHP, July
1981). The following historic resources, located in the Town of
Southold, are listed on the National Register of Historic Places:
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e The Old House in Cutchogue (Sub-Area 8)
· Fort Cutchogue, Cutchogue (Sub-Area 8)
· David Tuthill Farmstead, Cutchogue (Sub-Area 8)
e Gildersleeve Octagonal Building, Mattituck
· Richard Cox House, Mattituck (Sub-Area 9)
· Terry-Mulford House, Orient (Sub-Area 5)
· Orient Historic District, Orient (Sub-Area 5)
The State and National Registers of Historic Places are the
official lists of buildings, structures, districts, objects and
sites significant in the history, architecture, archeology and
culture of New York and the nation. The same eligibility criteria
are used for the State and National Registers. All sites,
structures, etc. that are listed on the National Register are
concurrently listed on the State Register if they are located
within the State.
The National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 (amended 1980 by
public law 89-665) and the New York State Historic Preservation
Act of 1980 (chapter 354, laws of 1980) are the legal bases for
the National and State Registers programs. In New York, these
programs are administered by the Commissioner of Parks, Recreation
and Historic Preservation, who is also the State Historic
Preservation Officer. At the Federal level, the program is
administered by the National Park Service.
There are a number of benefits that can be derived if a property
is listed on these Registers. These include:
Registered properties and properties determined eligible for
the State and National Registers receive a measure of
protection from the effects of Federal and/or State agency
sponsored or assisted projects through a notice, review and
consultation process;
2-200
Owners of depreciable, certified properties may take a 25
percent Federal income tax credit for the costs of certified,
substantial rehabilitation as provided for under the Economic
Recovery Tax Act of 1981 (P.L. 97-34);
Registered properties also receive priority consideration from
Federal and State agencies in space rental or leasing.
(Public Buildings Cooperative Use Act of 1976 and New York
State Historic Preservation Act of 1980, Section 4b.); and
e
Owners or registered properties may apply for 50 percent
matching grants-in-aid for preservation work (subject to
available funding).
There are no restrictions placed on private owners of registered
properties. Private property owners may sell, alter or dispose
of their property as they wish, although an owner who demolishes
a certified registered property may not deduct the costs of
demolition from his/her Federal income tax (Economic Recovery Tax
Act, 1981).
State nominations for listing on the National Register are
submitted to the National Park Service. Nomination proposals may
be submitted by the staff of the State Office of Historic
Preservation, a municipal official, an historic preservation board
or commission, or a member of the general public (Part 427 - State
Register of Historic Places) for review by the State Board for
Historic Preservation. The State Historic Preservation Office
keeps a survey log book of all properties submitted for its review.
This State logbook contains a listing of over 600 sites in the Town
of Southold that are of potential historic or archaeological
significance.
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The State Board of Historic Preservation will evaluate a nomination
to determine if it satisfies the eligibility criteria. If it is
their determination that it meets said criteria, the Board will
make a recommendation to the State Historic Preservation Officer
for approval of the nomination. The State Historic Preservation
Officer has recently forwarded to the National Park Service
information on four additional sites which have received State
approval as historic locations and are now eligible for National
designation. These include: the Southold Library, on the Main
Road in Southold; Little Gull Island Light Station and Plum Island
Light Station, located off Orient Point; and Race Rock Light
Station, located south and west of Fishers Island.
In addition to the National and State Registers of Historic Places,
the Town of Southold enacted Chapter 56 of the Town Code -- the
Landmark Preservation Law. This law established a Landmark
Preservation Commission and procedures for this Commission to
follow to assist the owners of historic sites and structures in
preserving, protecting and maintaining the character of these sites
and structures. In response to Chapter 56, and based on the
recommendation of the Commission, the Town Board approved the
designation of a number of buildings and structures as locally
significant historic landmarks. A listing of these designations
is contained in Table 2-18.
Although the Town's Landmark Preservation Law is aimed at
preserving and protecting the unique historic character of the
Town, it does not impose any obligation or responsibility upon the
owners of designated landmarks. Nor, does this law limit or
restrict the use, development, alteration or demolition of said
property. Therefore, there is nothing in this law to prevent any
significant change or property destruction.
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TABLE 2-18
SOUTHOLD REGISTER OF LANDMARK STRUCTURES
LAUREL
P~AFF-KUESTER HOUSE
Franklinville Road
MATTITUCK
WELLS-LYONS HOUSE
Main Road
REEVE-PIM HOUSE
New Suffolk Avenue
CUTCHOGUE
"THE OLD PLACE"
New Suffolk Road
HONEYMOON COTTAGE
Village Green
WICKHAM FARMHOUSE
Village Green
TUTHILL-WICKHAM HOUSE
New Suffolk Road
MOORE-LIZEWSKI HOUSE & BARN
Main Road
EARLY COLONIST'S HOUSE
Main Road
INDEPENDENT CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH
Main Road
HAMID HOUSE
Main Road
BUCKINGHAM-CASE-RICHMOND HOUSE
Main Road
RICHARD HALLOCK HOUSE
Skunk Lane
HURRICANE HALL
Skunk Lane
EINSTEIN HOUSE
West Cove Road
NEW SUFFOLK
OLD HARBOR HOUSE
Harbor Lane
METHODIST MISSION & NEW SUFFOLK SCHOOL
King Street
PECONIC
ISAAC OVERTON HOUSE
Middle Island Road
THE OLD CASTLE
Main Road
SOUTHOLD
TOWN DOCTOR'S HOUSE
Ackerly Pond Road
JOSEPH REEVE HOUSE
Lower Road
ABIJAH COREY HOUSE
Main Bayview Road
HAYLES-TUTHILL-YOUNG HOUSE
Main Road
JOSEPH HORTON HOUSE
Main Road
JOHN BOOTH HOUSE
Oaklawn Avenue
DEACON JAMES HORTON HOUSE
Main Bayview Road
THE FIRST UNIVERSAL CHURCH OF SOUTHOLD
Main Road
TABLE 2-18 (CONT'D)
SOUTHOLD REGISTER OF LANDMARK STRUCTURES
THE PRINCE BUILDING
Main Road
COL. JOHN YOUNGS HOUSE
Youngs Avenue
THOMAS MOORE HOUSE
Main Road
GREENPORT
FANNING-DOROSKI HOUSE
Broad Street
ORIENT
SHAW HOUSE/REVOLUTIONARY COTTAGE
Village Lane
TERRY-MULFORD HOUSE
Kings Highway
"TERRYWOLD"
Kings Highway
VILLAGE HOUSE
Village Lane
WEBB HOUSE
Poquatuck Park
HIGH-THIEL HOUSE
Kings Highway
GIDEON YOUNGS HOUSE
Village Lane
The State Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQRA) and Chapter 44
of the Southold Town Code (the local environmental quality review
law) provide a means to ensure that proposed actions will not have
an adverse impact on historically and archaeologically significant
areas and structures. These laws however, only require
discretionary environmental review, and cannot be used in every
case to fully prevent the destruction or alteration of historic
and archaeological resources.
Other local efforts to identify and document historic resources
include the Town-wide cataloguing of all the sites considered to
be of Statewidehistoricsignificance. Many individuals and groups
participated in the research for this town-wide survey. These
groups included: the Oyster Pond Historical Society; the Southold
Historic Society; the Mattituck Historic Society; the Cutchogue -
New Suffolk Historical Council; and the Society for the
Preservation of Long Island Antiquities. In addition, the Suffolk
County Cultural Affairs Office has commissioned cultural resource
surveys and archeological reports on County-held park sites
including those in the Town of Southold {RPPW, April 1985).
The Society for the Preservation of Long Island Antiquities has
prepared historic resource surveys for the Southold Town mainland
and Fishers Island. The purpose of these surveys is to identify,
evaluate, and document properties of historic and/or cultural
significance in the Town. Much of this information was referred
to the State Office of Historic Preservation. These surveys have
documented approximately 70 historic sites on Fishers Island, and
hundreds of such sites on the mainland.
In addition, as part of the nation's bicentennial celebration in
1976, George and Lynn Summers prepared a map of historic sites and
structures in the Town of Southold that were erected prior to 1815.
This map was updated in the spring and summer of 1983 in
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preparation for the County's three hundredth birthday celebration.
A compilation of entries listed on the National Register, on the
state log, those sites indicated on the bicentennial map, and some
properties 1 isted in local historic society publications, have been
recorded on a separate map which is available in Town Hall. A
significant portion of the residential properties listed on this
map are found along State Route 25, the Main Road of the Town, with
concentrations in each of the hamlet areas, particularly Mattituck,
Cutchogue, Southold, and Orient.
2.4 Analysis of Issues, Problems and Opportunities
The following discussion is an analysis of the resource inventory
identifying specific issues, problems and opportunities relating to the
use and protection of the natural and man-made coastal resources in the
· Southold local waterfront area {LWA). This analysis is important because
it provides the knowledge and understanding necessary to enable the
development of local coastal policy, and the preparation of an overall
local waterfront program for the Town of Southold that can effectively
achieve the results desired by the Town. The findings of the analysis are
summarized below.
e Groundwater
The Town of Southold relies primarily on groundwater resources to
supply their drinking water needs. The available fresh groundwater
is contained within the subsurface aquifers of the Magothy Formation
(on the western end of the Town's mainland), and the Upper Glacial
Deposits (central and eastern end of Town, as well as Fishers and
Robins Islands). As discussed in Section 2.2.4, based on an analysis
through the year 2020, Suffolk County Department of Health Services
{SCDHS) estimates that, except in the hamlets of Orient and Orient
Point, there will be adequate quantities of potable groundwater to
supply the expected future growth. However, localized water quality
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problems may occur due to the potential for salt water intrusion in
wells located near the shoreline areas and the presence of groundwater
contamination.
Nitrate contamination, caused by fertilizer and septic waste inputs
to groundwater systems, continues to be a problem in the Town of
Southold. The primary structural method for controlling nitrate
contamination is wastewater collection and treatment. However, this
~control measure is costly, limited in application, and often
associated with undesirable environmental impacts, such as reducing
groundwater levels and stream flows. Future development patterns
within the Town may deem a single, centralized wastewater collection,
treatment and disposal system unfeasible, due to the relatively large
distances between populated centers. The Town Board could consider
requiring the provision of smaller communal treatment systems to
service new neighborhoods or developments with a prescribed number
of residential or commercial units. Such regulation should be tied
into the Suffolk County Sanitary Code requirements and coordinated
with the SCDHS. Additionally, provisions should be made to insure
the effectiveness of existing individual subsurface septic disposal
systems. Chapter 75 of the Southold Town Code, which regulates
scavenger wastes, should be amended to require die testing of all
septic tank/cesspool or septic leaching field systems and proof of
their proper functioning prior to the issuance of an operating permit.
SCDHS suggests that in order to effectively and comprehensively
mitigate the nitrate contamination problem, additional consideration
must be given to controls and regulations designed to reduce the use
of both turf and agricultural fertilizers. Such a program should
integrate both regulatory and educational measures, including the
following:
e increased use of zoning regulations to promote
development with maximum retention of natural areas;
large-lot
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site plan review to limit land clearing and turf coverage;
public education programs on alternate fertilizers and
fertilizer application rates, lawn installation and maintenance
(including low maintenance turf and other ground covers), pH
control, and irrigation practices;
expansion of Cooperative Extension, Cornell University, and Soil
and Water Conservation District programs to provide information
and assistance to farmers regarding fertilizer application
(scheduling), and production of alternate crops that require
less nutrients; and
limitation of irrigation wells to the shallowest portion of the
upper aquifer to mitigate the drawdown of nitrate and pesticides
into the drinking water supply.
Wells located within the Town's coastal zone are generally susceptible
to saltwater intrusion, particularly during periods of prolonged
drought. The potential for chloride contamination can be reduced by
installing well screens at least ten feet above the fresh/ saltwater
interface. SCDHS also recommends other measures to avoid saltwater
intrusion, including:
alternate periods of pumping and resting wells (i.e., pumping
every other day) for the purposes of prolonged water use, such
as filling swimming pools or irrigating.
· encourage voluntary water conservation measures and enhance
educational programs which set forth such a message.
According to SCDHS, pesticide contamination will most likely continue
as a long-term problem through eastern Suffolk County. Although the
major pesticides presently found in groundwater {such as those
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containing aldicarb) are no longer approved for use, natural
groundwater flow will continue to carry contaminants into the deeper
portions of the aquifers towards the center of the mainland and to
shallow aquifers along the coastal areas. Unless Federal {or State)
registration procedures are made more stringent, other agricultural
pesticides may contaminate groundwater in the future because the
methods now employed to determine environmental suitability are not
sufficient to protect Suffolk County. Therefore, SCDHS urges the
implementation of the following measures to correct this deficiency:
O
supporting amendments to existing Federal and State pesticide
registration requirements to include early determination of
drinking water guidelines, which could then be used as a basis
for field testing and the development of application rates and
procedures;
e requiring pesticide manufacturers to obtain liability coverage,
such as the posting of remedial action bonds;
creating a fund (to be supported by a special tax on pesticide
sales) to finance pesticide cleanup operations and/or to provide
treatment units or extensions of public water;
e requiring additional testing for groundwater chemicals; and
evaluating the feasibility of developing a monitoring program
to assess the impacts of the residential use of pesticides on
groundwater quality {SCDHS, January 1987).
Water supply and groundwater resource management recommendations for
the north fork area of Long Island (Riverhead and Southold Towns} were
developed for the SCDHS as part of the "North Fork Water Supply Plan"
(ERM-Northeast and CDM, 1983}. This plan contains eight recommenda-
tions that are generally applicable to the Town of Southold. These
recommendations include:
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Preventive measures
eliminate additional
should be implemented to minimize
groundwater contamination.
or
Because of severe groundwater quality problems in the study
area, a safe, dependable water supply should be provided to the
residents of the north fork. A combination of individual home
treatment units plus public water systems should be utilized.
Individual home treatment units can contribute significantly
to solving current water supply problems but there should not
be a long-term reliance on home units; instead, measures should
be implemented to start cleansing the aquifers and protecting
them against future contamination.
The Town of Southold should assume responsibility for
implementing water supply programs within its boundaries.
Administratively, the Town should establish a Water Management
Program, Water Supply Districts, and/or water improvements
encompassing parts of, or the entire area of, the Town, for
implementation of the plans and recommendations of this study.
As an incorporated village, Greenport cannot be included in the
Southold District unless it petitions the Town for inclusion.
The personnel operating the water systems in the Village of
Greenport have technical and administrative water supply
expertise which can be utilized by the Town. The Town could
establish its own water supply staff, contract with Greenport
for personnel services beyond those currently provided by the
Village, or employ a combination of Town staff and Village
services.
The Town Water Management Program should include individual home
treatment as part of its overall responsibilities through the
implementation of Home Treatment Unit Districts. In order to
ensure safety and reliability, the Town Home Treatment Unit
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Districts (not the homeowner), should own, operate and maintain
the home treatment units; private enterprise can al so be allowed
to supply units, as approved by the Town, but the Town should
retain maintenance responsibilities.
In areas of existing development where groundwater is
contaminated, the Water Management Program should provide public
water systems, if economically feasible, through Water
Districts. If public systems cannot be implemented, home
treatment units should be publicized and recommended through
the Town Water Management Program and, if existing homeowners
request service, the program should provide and maintain the
home units.
e When new subdivisions are proposed in areas of groundwater
contamination or potential contamination, connection to existing
public water supplies of adequate capacity is required. If
_such supplies are not available, then new public supplies should
be constructed by the developer and deeded to a Town Water
District.
If an existing home is sold in an area of suspected groundwater
contamination, the SCDHS or other appropriate agencies should
sample and test the home well and the results should be attached
to the deed. If the water quality does not meet standards, the
current homeowner or new owner should be required to make
provisions through the Water Management Program to provide a
safe water supply prior to the sale of the home.
The North Fork Water Supply Plan also includes four area-specific
recommendations for communities in the Town of Southold:
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Mattituck/Cutchogue -- The Town of Southold should acquire and
operate the existing water system in Mattituck Hills {Sub-Area
1). Measures should be taken immediately to upgrade the
performance and reliability of the system and to augment its
source of supply. In the remainder of the Mattituck/Cutchogue
demand center (including Mattituck in Sub-Area 1, and Cutchogue,
East Cutchogue, Fleets Neck, Indian Neck and Little Hog Neck
in Sub-Area 8), it is not economically feasible to provide
public water supply systems.
utilize individual home wells.
should be provided through
Districts.
These areas should continue to
When treatment is required, it
the Town Home Treatment Unit
Southold/Greenport -- The Greenport municipal system, which
presently serves Greenport and parts of Southold {Sub-Areas 5
and 6}, should continue to rely on local groundwater resources.
However, major improvements to the system are required. An
agricultural well on County Route 48 {on the Donohue Farm)
should be upgraded (450-gpm total capacity) and used for public
water supply. A 2.2-MGD reverse osmosis treatment plant should
be constructed in stages to treat the water from the Donohue
well and existing plants No. 6 and 7 should be used for the
removal of nitrates, pesticides and herbicides.
After implementing the improvements, the Greenport system should
actively attempt to further expand into other areas adjacent
to the existing service area. Such expansion should not be
permitted, however, until the recommended modifications have
been completed.
In the remainder of the Greenport/Southold area, including Great
---Hog Neck (Sub-Area 1} and East Marion (Sub-Areas 3 and 4), it
is not economically feasible to provide public water systems.
These areas should continue to be served by individual home
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e
wel 1 s, with treatment as required, provided through a Town Home
Treatment Unit District.
Orient -- The Orient area (Sub-Areas 4 and 5), with its
relatively low density of development, cannot economically
support public water supply. Existing development should
continue to be served by individual home wells with treatment
as required. The available fresh water supply is limited and
future development should be tightly controlled to result in
water requirements consistent with a permissive sustained yield
of the aquifer. It is further recommended that only variances
resulting in less water usage be approved. If future
development is more water-use intensive, the permissive
sustained yield in the area will be exceeded and other more
costly solutions will be needed.
Neighborhood Systems -- Public water systems for existing
isolated neighborhoods in areas of groundwater contamination
are generally not economically feasible. Therefore, it is
recommended to continue to serve these areas by individual home
wells, with required treatment provided through a Town Home
Treatment Unit District.
The North Fork Water Supply Plan identified numerous technical and
financial problems associated with providing water supply to areas
of the north fork where groundwater is contaminated. Preventive
measures were recommended that should be implemented at the same time
as the recommendations listed above in order to eliminate or minimize
additional contamination. The following eight preventive measures
were recommended:
· Expand the SCDHS observation well network and home well sampling
program.
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Support the Cooperative Extension Service, Cornell University
and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) research and education
programs directed to the homeowner and farmer relative to usage,
dosages, and timing of the application of herbicides, pesticides
and fertilizers.
Support the testing of agricultural chemicals by State or
Federal agencies in the local environment as a precondition to
use by the farming community.
· Prohibit or control the sale and use of products and chemicals
which threaten groundwater resources.
Control industrial, commercial and residential activities which
impact negatively on groundwater quality.
Incorporate detailed water quantity and quality considerations
into rezoning and variance decisions because of the critical
water supply problems which exist in most of the study area.
If rezoning and variance decisions result in more intensive
water usage than is currently anticipated, costly water supply
treatment systems (desalinization, for example) may be required.
As discussed in Section 2.2.4, the Town was instrumental in attaining
State approval for two Special Groundwater Protection Areas, namely
the eastern portion of the Central Suffolk SGPA and the Southold SGPA.
However, no final management plan has been adopted by the Town to
achieve tighter control on future development and activities which
might impact groundwater quality. The Town should coordinate with
the LIRPB or develop their own management plan for these ecologically
sensitive areas. Additionally, the Town should closely examine any
program which promotes the transfer of development rights from sending
areas within the SGPA boundaries to outside receiving areas. This
may create additional development stress and demands for water
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supplies on areas located in the LWA which are already experiencing
drinking water supply problems. Certain areas in the LWA may be
capable of supporting growth based upon future water supply projects,
however, others {such as Orient and Orient Point) may not. Such a
review should be coordinated with the SCDHS and local water suppl lets.
· Surface Water Quality
Compared with the majority of the westerly located towns on Long
Island, the overall water quality in Southold's coastal and fresh
waters is exceptional. However, over the past 30 years (as discussed
in Section 2.2.6), many of these water bodies have experienced a
gradual process of degradation, due primarily to non-point source
pollution. Additionally, water quality in several tidal creeks and
embayments has deteriorated to a point which precludes the best usage
of these waters as shellfish or finfish harvesting areas. The Town
currently provides a large degree of protection for surface waters
through enforcement of the Town Code. However, upon analysis of the
specific water quality problems and issues which exist in Southold,
it has become apparent that certain modifications to the Town Code
are necessary to improve regulatory effectiveness.
The dumping of oil, refuse, garbage, sewage or waste into Town waters
is prohibited by Chapter 32, Article III of the Town Codes (the Boats,
Docks and Wharves law). In recognition that the waterways surrounding
the Town are the primary recreational areas for Town residents and
tourists, as well as an economic base for commercial fisherman, the
Town prohibits the mooring/docking or occupancy of floating homes in
the Town's waterways and marinas. Floating homes would pose a
significant environmental threat to water quality, as well as creating
competition for a water-based resource which is in high public demand.
Chapter 32 presents a strong position on the issues of waterway
dumping and floating homes. However, it lacks the guidance necessary
to encourage shoreline residents and boat owners to comply with the
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1 aw.
mooring areas which harbor boats equipped with heads,
suitable pump-out facilities to collect septic wastes
receptacles to dispose of solid wastes.
Chapter 32 should be amended to require owners of marinas and
to provide
and ample
Faulty subsurface septic disposal systems are potential sources of
bacterial and viral contamination, along with wastes from domestic
pets, livestock, poultry and waterfowl. Such pathogens are the
primary cause of closures of shellfish harvesting waters. Chapter
76 of the Town Code, which regulates sewers, contains a provision
for maintenance of private sewage disposal facilities (Section 76-
3E.5). This provision should be expanded to include the routine pump-
out of sanitary leaching pools/cesspools in accordance with Chapter
76 of the Town Code, which regulates scavenger waste. At such time,
the owner should be required to pass a dye test to detect any system
failure, and be given six months to remediate such facility or suffer
revocation of their operator's permit.
Chapter 41 of the Town Code prohibits the deposition of duck wastes
from poultry yards into any of the Town's waterways. Similarly,
Chapter 36, the Dogs law, should be amended to include a "pooper-
scooper" provision which prohibits the deposition ef dog wastes on
all but the owner's property. The Town should consider expanding
its control over wastes entering surface waters, to include
regulations for cattle, horses and other livestock. In addition, the
Town could enact legislation to regulate supplemental feeding of
waterfowl without written consent from the Town Trustees and/or
NYSDEC. Such activities create an unnatural congregation of waterfowl
on local water bodies and significantly contribute to water quality
degradation.
With the Town's 1986 "Drainage Pipes and Runoff Problem Areas"
inventory and the 1987 "Final Information on Road Runoff Study", the
Town has initiated a strong non-point source pollution abatement
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program. Highway drainage improvement projects should continue to
receive Town support for those water bodies identified in these
reports, as well as those priority surface waters whose use is
classified as Precluded or Impaired under the NYSDEC Nonpoint Source
Water Quality Assessment List. In order to prevent the creation of
future direct discharge points, the Town should modify their Highway
Specifications {Chapter A108 of the Town Code) and Subdivision
Regulations {Chapter A106 of the Town Code). Section A108-12 should
include provisions for the installation of catch basins with overflow
to recharge basins or the installation of sediment traps and leaching
pools at dead-end streets which abut waterways, to avoid discharges
of surface runoff directly into surface waters. Similar provisions
should be included in Section A106-36 of the Subdivision Regulations
which concerns drainage improvements.
Article XXI of the Town zoning regulations {Chapter 100 of the Town
Code) contains provisions for the retention and/or enhancement of
screening and buffer areas along property lines. Section 100-215
requires a minimum width of twenty feet of natural or planted
vegetation along creek shorelines. The USDA Soil Conservation Service
typically specifies much larger widths {upwards of 100 feet) for
filter strips in agricultural areas, to trap and uptake nutrients from
polluted runoff. The Town should consider increasing the non-
fertilized vegetated buffer provision in Section 100-215 to require
a minimum of fifty feet to provide the proper filtration of surface
runoff, as well as for the prevention of shoreline erosion. This will
also provide greater insurance that most of the surface runoff will
be intercepted and percolated into the soil surface before reaching
the shoreline.
Another regulatory approach the Town could consider to minimize non-
point source pollution, is to develop their own {or adapt a model)
erosion and sediment control ordinance. The Long Island Regional
Planning Board has developed a NonDoint Source Manaqement Handbook
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(lg84) which contains best management practices (BMP's) and mechanisms
that could be included in such an ordinance. This handbook also
contains recommendations on how to incorporate these measures into
the SEQRA review process. The USDA Soil Conservation Service and the
Suffolk County Soil and Water Conservation District can assist the
Town of Southold with developing an erosion and sediment control
ordinance. At the very least, the Town should establish a policy that
sets forth the BMP's as guidelines for site preparation and
construction activities.
The Town of Southold has recently initiated a grass-roots approach
to solving the problem of water quality degradation in tidal creeks.
Goose Creek (Sub-Area 7) was chosen as the pilot area for the Town's
Adopt-a-Creek program. The Southold Conservation Advisory Council
has solicited volunteers to assist with educational programs and water
sampling. This pilot program has been effective and, therefore, the
Town should expand such efforts to other tidal creeks and embayments,
and perhaps hire a full-time conservation education/marine biologist
to coordinate the overall efforts of the CAC, NYSDEC and Cooperative
Extension Services. Additional technical support could be enlisted
from the New York Sea Grant Extension Program in Stony Brook and the
Suffolk County Soil and Water Conservation District in Riverhead.
The Town may also explore the availability of Federal (EPA or Fish
and Wildlife Service) and State {NYSDOS, NYSDEC, NYS Association of
Conservation Districts, etc.) funding in the form of grant monies to
fund these efforts. The Town should also consider coordinating with
other environmental groups such as the Nature Conservancy, Audubon
Society and local sportsman's groups to carry out these programs.
e Erosion and Flood Hazards
As discussed in Section 2.2.7, the Southold LWA contains a variety
of landforms and features that provide natural protection from
flooding and erosion. Beaches, bluffs and dunes safeguard inland
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areas and development from flood damage and erosion by absorbing wave
and wind energy. Erosion, flooding, and shoreline retreat are
processes which occur naturally. Human intervention, however, which
fails to recognize the fragile nature and defensive value of these
landforms, can reduce or destroy their protective faculties. Beaches
can remain stable only in areas where the supply of sand and sediment
carried by the littoral current is not disrupted. Bluff erosion is
attributable to wave scour, surface runoff, and improper drainage and
infiltration. Dunes lose their protective capacities through the
disturbance or removal of vegetation, or if they are excavated or
otherwise washed or blown away.
Beach erosion problems exist in most of the sub-areas in the Town.
As discussed previously, the most significant problems exist in Sub-
Areas 1 and 2, and are the result of the construction of the Mattituck
Inlet jetty, the Goldsmith Inlet jetty, and the Bittner groin.
Erosion problems in the Kenney's Beach area of Sub-Area 2 are of the
greatest concern. The perpendicular erosion protection structures
that exist in this area act to trap sand on their western, updrift
sides, allowing for the growth of wide beaches in these areas, but
blocking the natural transport of sand and sediment to the east.
Consequently, the beaches located downdrift of these structures are
deprived of a nourishing supply of sand, and are reduced in size.
The shoreline from Duck Pond Point to the Goldsmith Inlet (Oregon
Hills) is another area in Sub-Area 2 that is experiencing both beach
and bluff erosion problems. A study of this area was conducted in
1969 by the Army Corps. of Engineers that indicated an average erosion
rate of over three feet per year over an approximate 130 year period
(MSRC, June 1973). It was determined that this problem was due in
part to the construction of the Mattituck Inlet jetty. This jetty
has caused the beaches directly to the east to narrow and has
subjected the bluffs at Duck Pond Point to more severe wave attack.
The toe of this bluff has been bulkheaded, but this action has
resulted in more intensive erosion problems at beaches downdrift of
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the point, toward Goldsmith Inlet. The bulkhead has deprived these
beaches of a nourishing supply of sand and sediment. This entire area
requires more extensive study in an effort to effectively address
these erosion problems.
In Sub-Area 2, attempts to curtail the erosion problem at Kenney's
Beach have included the implementation of such structural measures
as the deposition of rubble and the construction of bulkheading,
seawalls, and low-profile aluminum groins. These measures have worked
to protect shoreline development, but as a result have actually
accelerated the beach erosion problem. Sand has been stripped and
scoured away so that there is water at the base of the parallel
structures at all times. These parallel erosion protection structures
are, therefore, the only line of defense for the homes along this
stretch of coastline. Additionally, the combination of parallel and
perpendicular structures {bulkheads and groins) has effected the
natural delivery of sand to adjacent beaches requiring further
mitigation such as the construction of additional groins and beach
nourishment programs. These actions, however, have not successfully
addressed the erosion problem in this area.
The coastal erosion reconnaissance study (Appendix E) conducted by
NYSDEC in 1987 indicated that the problem at Kenney's Beach was the
result of the construction of the Goldsmith Inlet jetty and, to a
lesser degree, the Bittner groin. This study provided evidence
supporting the need for more extensive study of this problem. The
initial NYSDEC evaluation was very general in nature, and therefore
the Town should authorize the preparation of a more intensive erosion
feasibility study of this area, as well as the area between Mattituck
Inlet and Goldsmith Inlet, to document the history of the problems
and specify both potential structural and non-structural measures for
mitigation. NYSDEC has recommended this more in-depth analysis of
the Kenney's Beach area, but it would seem that a more intensive
analysis, which studies the whole area, from the Mattituck Inlet to
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Horton Point, is the only way to effectively achieve a solution to
the overall problem. It may be necessary to physically alter or
remove many of the existing erosion protection structures to stem the
erosion problems. Such action, however, should be supported through
the prescribed study. This feasibility study should include actual
design solutions and cost estimates for public projects and strategies
for the protection of both public and private lands.
The erosion and stormwater runoff problems at Hortons Point are
impacting the bluff in this area. This is also a problem in other
areas on the north shore, and is due to a lack of proper drainage
appurtenances. The existing catch basins do not have sufficient
capacity to handle the current rate of stormwater runoff. In
conjunction with the local office of the Suffolk County Soil and
Water Conservation District, the Town should evaluate this problem,
particularly in the Horton Point area, and devise appropriate
solutions. Structural solutions such as upgrading the existing storm
drainage systems with catch basins of the proper dimensions and
physical characteristics may be necessary.
The Inlet Pond area in Sub-Area 3 is an area where bluff erosion is
a problem due to inland activities. Inlet Point County Park is a37-
acre undeveloped parkland area owned by Suffolk County. This area
is used as a nature preserve for passive recreational purposes. This
park, however, has been subject to illegal dumping and use by off-
road vehicles and motorcycles. This vehicular use has denuded some
areas of vegetation allowing for a higher rate of stormwater runoff
over the face of the bluffs in this area. It is recommended that
access to this park for such activities be more effectively controlled
to prevent further degradation.
The Peconic dunes in Sub-Area 2, which stretch from Goldsmith Inlet
to Kenney's Beach, are fairly well restricted from major disruption
because much of this area is held in private ownership. Portions of
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these dune formations are contained within Goldsmith's Inlet County
Park and Peconic Dunes County Park. To ensure that this area of dunes
remains intact, the Town must take the necessary steps to provide
protection from inappropriate use and development. Certain techniques
are already in place to do this, such as the existing site plan
~application requirements that necessitate the identification of
natural features on project sites. Other techniques such as the use
of conservation easements, implementation of increased buffer
restrictions, or possibly, the public acquisition of these lands or
development rights thereof, may prove effective in protecting these
dunes and associated natural resources.
The beaches a]ong the south shore of the Town have been experiencing
erosion problems due to a loss of nourishment materials. The
suspected cause of this beach narrowing is the bu]kheading of stream
and creek corridors, and of the bay coastline. Bulkheads and other
para]]e] erosion protection structures block the natural transport
of sand and sediment, preventing these materials from reaching beaches
at the mouths of creeks and streams or from entering the littora]
currents to be deposited on beaches downdrift. There is no data,
however, to verify this occurrence.
Like the north shore of the Town, numerous perpendicular structures
have been constructed in many south shore areas. The number of such
structures on the south shore far exceeds the number found on the
north shore. The average number of perpendicular structures per 1000
linear feet {1.f.) of south shore coastline is three. The rate for
the north shore is approximately 0.5 structures per 1,000 1.f.
Bulkheading and perpendicular structures are particularly prevalent
in Sub-Area g; where the rate is approximately 9.5 structures per
1,000 linear feet of coastline, with approximately 60 percent of the
bay shorefront in this sub-area bulkheaded (see Appendix D). Such
extensive use of erosion protection structures on the south shore has
led to erosion problems along the beaches, as noted above,
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particularly in Sub-Areas 6 and 8. In an effort to combat the beach
erosion problem on the south shore, and at the same time solve a
dredge spoil disposal problem, the materials dredged from the mouths'
of creeks is used to nourish adjacent beaches. Table 2-17 in Section
2.3.6, outlines the year that various south shore creeks were last
dredged, and the specific area of dredge spoil disposal. In general,
these areas are dredged every one to two years and the dredged sands
are placed on either both sides, or in some cases, the western side
of the inlet. Beach nourishment programs using dredge spoil, although
useful as a transitory solution to this problem in specific areas,
is not a permanent remedy and does not solve the overall beach erosion
problem on the south shore.
With the existence of an increasing number of man-made erosion
protection structures along the south shore, and no data to provide
an accurate assessment of the erosion problem, or the rate at which
erosion is occurring, this problem cannot be properly addressed.
Presently, erosion rates along the Long Island Sound are assessed
using data assembled in a study conducted in 1975 by the Marine
Science Research Center at SUNY Stony Brook. Erosion rates along the
bay, however, have never been collected to provide such essential
baseline data. It is important then, that the Town conduct a beach
width survey at regular intervals along both the north and south
shores on an annual basis. This study would establish initial
baseline data for current and future analysis on the south shore, and
provide up to date data for analysis of erosion problems along the
Sound. This information is essential in helping the Town to
effectively address existing beach and bluff erosion problems, and
formulate the proper means to regulate erosion protection structures.
The erosion of bluffs and beaches that have resulted from the
construction of parallel and perpendicular erosion protection
structures in the Town increases the potential for damage from severe
storms. These structures are located in the flood zones and some are
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also sited in designated coastal erosion hazard areas {see Section
2.2.7.B) The loss or reduction of the natural protective abilities
of these landforms increases the vulnerability of coastal properties
and inland development. To prevent the continuing narrowing of
beaches, scouring of bluffs, and threat to property, and thereby
reduce the potential for flooding, the Town must evaluate its existing
regulatory structure to determine its effectiveness in controlling
and avoiding potential flooding and erosion problems.
To address existing and potential erosion and flood hazard problems
in the Southold LWA, the Town should institute the following measures.
1)
To mitigate existing erosion problems, and stabilize erosion
prone areas, the Town should encourage the use of non-structural
techniques including the application and enforcement of setback
standards for development near all natural features, soil
stabilization plantings, sand fencing, and in some cases, beach
nourishment. Assistance with the design and implementationof
such techniques could be provided by the Soil and Water
Conservation Service, the Marine Science Research Center at SUNY
Stony Brook, or NYSDEC. Only after these non-structural
measures have proven inadequate, should the construction of
structural devices be undertaken. In some places a combination
of structural and non-structural techniques may be warranted.
2)
There is a need to strengthen existing laws to improve flooding
and erosion protection, and strengthen the overall compliance
and enforcement of these laws. The Town currently has a number
of laws specific to this issue, or provisions contained within
other laws that regulate certain actions with regard to flooding
and erosion. These regulations, however, need to be
strengthened to more effectively protect property and prevent
continuing flooding and erosion problems. In particular, there
is a need to regulate and restrict the use and construction of
erosion protection structures.
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OR, AFT
Better control of erosion protection structures in the Town of
Southold could be achieved by establishing strict and specific
permitting guidelines and construction standards. Currently
NYSDEC regulates the construction of these structures through
the issuance of permits pursuant to Section 505.9 of Article
34 of the Environmental Conservation Law {the Coastal Erosion
Management Act). Some actions are also reviewed by the U.S.
Army Corps. of Engineers. The Article 34 regulations restrict
the construction and placement of erosion protection structures
to areas, and for purposes, where they are necessary. To date
however, these regulations have had a minimal effect on the
preservation of the Southold coastline. This is due in part
to the relatively recent adoption of these regulations.
Nonetheless, the real need for erosion protection structures
must be demonstrated, and the burden of proof must be placed
upon the applicant. These structures should no longer be
permitted for purely aesthetic or convenience purposes. Not
only must Article 34 be more strictly enforced, but additional
review is required to ensure that: (1) the construction of
these devices will not cause a measurable increase in erosion
at adjacent properties, {2) that they will not adversely impact
existing natural protective features, and (3) that their
construction is necessary to protect human life and property,
or to preserve and protect natural features. Furthermore, these
types of structures should only be used if it has been
demonstrated that there is no viable non-structural alternative.
This goal could be accomplished by making the construction of
erosion protection structures Type I Actions, thereby subjecting
such proposals to initial, and possibly full, SEQI~A review.
Another option is to amend Chapter 32 of the Town Code -- the
Boats, Docks and Wharves law -- to contain restrictions and
specific standards and specifications to control the use,
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gRAF?
placement and dimensions of these structures. The Town may also
want to consider an additional permit requirement.
redevelopment of
flood zones.
structures; nor
shallow flooding
feet). With the
not contain any
In ]987, the Town adopted Chapter 46 -- the Flood Damage
Prevention Law. This law was designed in accordance with the
FEMA minimum requirements for construction in areas of special
flood hazard (A-zones) and coastal high-hazard areas (V-zones).
This law applies strictly to the construction or substantial
residential and non-residential structures in
It does not regulate erosion protection
does it regulate construction in areas of
{areas with flood base depths of one to three
exception of sand dunes, this law also does
specific standards or provisions for the
protection of natural flood protective features such as bluffs
and beaches. The Town should consider the revision of this law
to address these items.
One way to address the protection of natural protective features
would be to amend specific sections of the zoning and
subdivision ordinances, including:
Section 100-23g.4 - amend to include a provision that
establishes additional setback standards for dunes, beaches
and other natural features not covered under this or other
provisions; and
Section A106-38H - mandate, rather than encourage, the
preservation of natural features such as watercourses,
large trees, groves, beaches, historic spots, vistas and
similar irreplaceable assets. This is important
considering that one objective of the Town's site plan
review is to give high priority to the conservation of all
natural features on or adjacent to a particular site,
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including but not limited to, natural drainageways,
wetlands and marshes, dunes, bluffs, beaches, escarpments,
woodlands, large trees, unique plant and wildlife habitats,
flood hazard areas, and wildlife breeding areas.
The Town was given the option of adopting a local version of
ECL Article 34, but chose to allow the State to regulate
activities in identified coastal erosion hazard areas (see
Figure 2-5). Pursuant to Article 34, the State presently
regulates activities in areas of primary and secondary dunes,
nearshore areas, and areas with bluffs. In addition to the
State review, the Town should establish the following review
guidelines for activities in areas with bluffs or other natural
protective features:
No accessory structures, except for stairways constructed
under the conditions of a Coastal Erosion Management
Permit, shall be sited within 100 feet of the crest of
a bluff.
In order to assure a useful structural life of at least
50 years, structures on bluffs shall be located landward
a distance equal to the amount of erosion expected over
a 50-year period.
No building shall be erected upon coastal shoreline
property unless, after application of all setback and
yard requirements, an area remains that is adequate for
siting structures in accordance with zoning regulations.
The face of any bluff shall not be considered when
computing minimum lot areas in compliance with zoning
district requirements.
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o
All new development shall be sited so that impacts upon
the bluff due to site disturbances are minimized. The
land disturbance within the setback zone shall not exceed
5 percent of the area.
No person shall move, remove or destroy any grass or
vegetation whatsoever on the beaches, dunes and bluff
faces or within 50 feet of the top of the bluffs adjacent
to the Long Island Sound unless approval has been issued
by the Town. Approval shall only be issued if it appears
that the action will not endanger the welfare and
property of the Town and will not cause or contribute
to erosion of said lands.
All grading shall be sloped away from the top edge of
the bluff to control runoff and erosion. If the natural
slope of the site is away from the bluff face, the slope
shall not be altered.
Natural drainage patterns shall be protected and
incorporated into site designs. Where natural drainage
patterns are demonstrated to have an adverse effect on
a bluff, drainage patterns may be altered in a manner
which reduces the threat, provided it does not create
other flooding or erosion problems.
Stormwater runoff or natural drainage shall not be
diverted so as to overload existing drainage systems,
creating flooding and erosion or the need for additional
drainage on other private or public property. Adequate
facilities for controlling stormwater runoff shall be
provided on-site.
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10.
Berms may be constructed parallel to the bluff face to
trap storm-water and allow for percolation into the soil
provided such water is not diverted to adjacent
properties, and does not reach the bluff face. The
construction of a berm shall require the approval of the
Town Board and, in some cases, the issuance of a State
coastal erosion management permit.
11.
Drainage from yards, roofs, driveways, and other areas
shall be controlled to maintain internal seepage such
that it will not erode the bluff or nearby areas nor
shall such drainage be directed over or onto the face
of the bluff.
12.
Stormwater runoff from the upland area adjacent to the
bluff shall be recharged landward of the setback area.
Stormwater runoff shall be recharged as close to its
source as possible into leaching wells, sediment basins,
and natural or man-made depressions. Stormwater recharge
should be dispersed, rather than concentrated in one
area.
13.
Roads shall be positioned in such a manner that would
prevent roadway runoff from reaching the bluff face or
the beach below, and should not be located within 200
feet of the top of the bluff.
14.
The siting of sanitary sewage systems shall be as far
from the crest of the bluff as possible. In no instance
should a sanitary sewage system be located within 25 feet
of a bluff embankment. The underlying subsurface
material must not contain clay lenses or other
impermeable layers that would cause sewage effluent to
leach onto or undermine the bluff face.
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15.
16.
17.
18.
19.
Regardless of actual ownership, no land seaward of the
sea side toe of primary dune systems shall be considered
in computing lot area to satisfy zoning district minimum
lot size requirements.
Development or disturbances, or the artificial movement
of beach material, either on primary dunes, or within
I00 feet of the toe of the seaward side of the dune shall
not be permitted. Only aesthetic beach grooming or
clearing activities, such as raking to remove litter,
may be allowed seaward of the primary dune.
Existing structures located seaward of established dune
or bluff setback lines shall be designated non-conforming
uses and the continued use or reconstruction of such
structures shall be prohibited should such structures
be substantially damaged {75 percent or more) or
destroyed.
Vehicle traffic is prohibited on primary dunes, except
in areas designated for dune crossing. Vehicle access
points shall be limited and designed in such a manner
as to preserve the natural profile of dune and beach
areas. In no instance may vehicles be allowed to drive
within 25 feet of a dune, except when passing through
a designated exit and entry point. Vehicles shall not
be driven on the seaward side of a dune unless there
exists an establi, shed thoroughfare.
Bulkheads shall not be located below the mean high water
elevation, and should be located at the spring or storm
high water mark. They must be located landward of any
tidal submergent or seasonably submergent freshwater
wetlands.
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20.
Bulkheading must not increase the elevation of the
project site above that of adjoining properties unless
site erosion and the discharge of stormwater runoff and
sedimentation onto adjacent areas can be completely
prevented.
21.
All runoff on bulkheaded properties shall be controlled
so that runoff drains away from the bulkhead. Such
runoff must be contained on-site.
22.
The alteration of major drainage swales may result in
increased flooding hazard and poor drainage as well as
other environmental impacts such as increased erosion,
sedimentation, and increased water pollution. For these
reasons, functional drainage swales shall be protected
and preserved during the course of site
development.
23.
Proposed embankments along adjoining properties shall
have a slope not greater than one-foot on three-feet
(33.3 percent) unless adequate stabilization or a
retaining wall is provided. All slopes shall be
adequately stabilized with topsoil and seeding, or other
approved plantings.
3)
In order to effectively regulate the construction of erosion
protection structures and development in flood prone areas or
near natural protective features, and to ensure the preservation
of these natural protective features, the Town needs technical
expertise. A technical support staffperson, such as a coastal
geologist, should be retained to review applications for
construction and development, to initiate the SEQRA review of
specific projects, to oversee the completion of recommended
erosion studies, etc. This person could afford the Town a level
2-22g
of technical assistance that is currently lacking with respect
to these issues. This same person could also lend technical
support with wetland and other coastal decisions and issues
facing the Town (this is discussed under the surface water
quality and wetland sections of this analysis). The technical
staffperson could also be responsible for analyzing existing
emergency preparedness measures, and for coordinating the
development of updated measures and post-disaster preparedness
plans.
Wetlands
As discussed in Sections 2.2.5 and 2.2.8, the Town of Southold is
richly endowed with a diversity of freshwater and tidal wetlands.
These wetland systems perform many valuable functions, including:
flood and stormwater control; groundwater recharge and discharge;
pollution abatement; erosion and sediment control; the provision of
fish and wildlife habitat and ecosystem productivity; as well as
serving as valuable areas of open space for recreation, research and
education. The Town of Southold recognizes wetlands as valuable
natural resources, and regulates activities within wetlands in
accordance with Chapters 32 and 97 of the Town Code. Portions of
these laws, however, are difficult for the lay person to comprehend
(e.g., Section 97-12.B.), thereby making compliance with the
permitting requirements an arduous process. The Town of Southold
should amend the Wetlands Code (Chapter 97) to clearly explain the
double requirement of obtaining written consent from the Town Trustees
(pursuant to Chapter 32) as well as a permit from the Town Board for
all applicable activities within tidal wetland areas.
The Town Wetlands Code (Chapter 97) does not provide a clear
definition of freshwater wetlands. Rather it offers a concise
reference to the NYSDEC regulations set forth in ECL Article 24,
wherein the State provides a detailed explanation of wetland
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Z.2.8), the Town recognized the need to identify all freshwater
impoundments within the Town, because several wetland areas were not
suitably identified or regulated by NYSDEC. However, the Town's
freshwater wetland inventory was never completed and there is
currently no link between this inventory and the Town's Wetlands Code.
The inventory still requires some field verification, and an analysis
to determine the relative significance of each mapped area and the'
level of protection required. In addition, Chapter 97 should be
expanded to include those freshwater and wetland areas mapped by the
Town, complete with a Town definition of what is considered a
regulated freshwater wetland. Measures should be outlined for proper
compliance with the amended regulations (e.g., requiring field
flagging by a wetland specialist or a survey of the boundaries shown
on copies of an applicant's site plans, and filed maps/ engineering
drawings).
The exact field boundaries of freshwater and tidal wetlands are
generally difficult for an unskilled person to identify, and often
lead to misunderstandings between the property owner and the
regulatory agency. In the past, NYSDEC had supplied the services of
a staff person from the Bureau of Environmental Protection to flag
State-designated freshwater wetland boundaries. However, recent
State cutbacks have created a lack of available personnel and delays
in NYSDEC's response time. NYSDEC staff would not be made available
for flagging tidal wetland boundaries or those Town-inventoried
freshwater wetlands that do not appear on the State maps. The Town
should, therefore, consider hiring or assigning the duties of field
flagging/verification and wetland permit reviews to a trained
specialist on staff to insure that the boundaries are properly
established in a timely fashion, with the minimum of confusion and
confrontation.
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· Siqnificant Coastal Fish anU Wildlife Habitats and Critical
Environmental Areas
There is a need for improved protection of significant coastal fish
and wildlife habitats. There are eighteen State-designated habitats
in the Town of Southold. There are also twenty-two designated
critical environmental areas {CEA) in the Town. Ten of the designated
habitats have also been designated, eight in full and two in part,
as CEA's. Any action proposed entirely or partially within a CEA is
treated as a Type I action and subject to SEQ~ review. To extend
this same level of protection and review over all of the significant
coastal fish and wildlife habitats in the Town, those habitats that
are not currently or fully designated as CEA's should be designated
as such by the Town. Furthermore, all CEA designations should extend
to the tributary and drainage areas of those water bodies so
designated. The CEA designation should also extend 75 feet from the
mean high water line on all lands, not just undeveloped lands. By
extending these designations further inland, the potential development
or substantial redevelopment of properties that border the protected
water bodies will be subject to review to ensure that proposed land
use activities will not adversely impact these sensitive areas. In
addition, clustered development should be encouraged on properties
located adjacent to significant habitats andCEA's. This action would
offer another means of protecting these areas from the adverse impacts
of land use activities.
It is also recommended that the Town designate fourteen additional
areas as CEA's. These include:
1. Mattituck Inlet and Creek*
2. Marion Lake
3. Spring Pond*
4. Gull Pond*
8. Biexedon Creek*
g. Town and Jockey Creeks*
10. Wunneweta Pond and Lagoon*
11. Schoolhouse Creek
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5. Budd's Pond 12. Halls Creek*
6. Sage Pond* 13. James Creek*
7. Hippodrome Pond 14. Horton Creek
Those areas noted by an asterisk are presently certified or seasonally
certified for shellfishing. The designation of these areas as CEA's
would help to protect, and in some cases, improve water quality by
requiring SEQRA review of proposed projects adjacent to these water
bodies. Some areas, such as Budd's Pond, Town and Jockey Creeks,
School Creek, and James Creek, for example, have been impacted by
adjacent land and surface water uses. Had such regulation previously
existed in these areas, they may not have been impacted as
significantly by land and water use activities. It is therefore
important that measures be taken at present to better protect these
critical environmental areas and significant wildlife habitats in an
attempt to improve existing conditions and avoid potential water
quality problems.
Lastly, the area of Peconic Dunes, in Sub-Area 2, should also be
designated as a critical environmental area. This action would ensure
the review of proposed development on private lands in the area in
an effort to protect the significant natural protective features in
this area.
e Visual Quality and Historic Preservation
The visual quality of the coastal waterfront is a significant resource
in the Town of Southold. It is important to protect positive visual
resources and improve the quality of deteriorated areas and other
negative visual elements. The preservation of the aesthetic,
historic, and scenic character of the Town is critical to the
continuance of its attraction as a quaint, agricultural and waterfront
community. In addition to addressing the specific problems noted in
Section 2.2.12, and in an effort to maintain the integrity of the
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rural landscape and architectural character of the Town, an
architectural review board should be established. It would be the
responsibility of this board to guide and regulate development and
redevelopment actions through site plan and design review. This
review should consider the importance of preserving viewsheds and
natural scenic quality, maintaining historic and rural character
through appropriate design, and the preservation of existing man-made
visual resources. The Town should develop appropriate standards and
specifications to regulate development and redevelopment actions with
regard to dimensions, facade characteristics and other exterior
treatments, $ignage, etc.
In addition to the review of projects to ensure the protection of
significant scenic and historic resources, the Town should strengthen
their protection of historic landmarks and structures. Over 600 sites
have been identified in the Town that are considered historically
significant, including over 70 sites on Fishers Island. Currently,
the Town has a Landmark Preservation Law {Chapter 56 of the Town
Code}. Pursuant to his law, 38 structures have received landmark
status. There are also six structures and one historic district that
are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Four
additional sites are currently being reviewed for inclusion on this
listing. Neither the Town or the Federal designation fully protects
privately-owned historic properties from significant alteration and
demolition.
Although the Town's Landmark Preservation Law is aimed at preserving
and protecting the unique character of the Town, as stated in Section
56-6-C, it does not impose any obligation or responsibility upon the
owners of the designated landmarks, or in any manner restrict or
limit the use, development, repair, maintenance, alteration or
modification of the property by the owners thereof. In fact,
according to Section 56-8, whenever a designated landmark is destroyed
2-234
or its exterior altered to such an extent that it ceases to have
architectural significance, such designation is terminated.
Considering the large extent of properties that are documented to be
of historic significance, the Town should amend this law to better
carry out its intent to preserve and protect important structures.
Additionally, the Landmarks Preservation Commission should review the
full extent of the inventoried structures to determine their
eligibility for landmark designation. Many of these sites represent
the heritage of the Town and add to its attractiveness and charm.
Their preservation is important to preserving the character and
quality of life in the Town. At the very least, the Landmark
Preservation law should be amended to prohibit the demolition of
designated landmarks and structures of State and National
significance. Ultimately the Town could establish Landmark
Preservation Overlay Districts, as determined by the Landmark
Preservation Commission, to provide regulations, special conditions
and restrictions, where necessary, to protect, enhance, perpetuate
and effectively utilize places, districts, sites, scenic areas and
views, buildings, structures, and other such objects having special
character or significant aesthetic or historic value. The Town could
amend Chapter 56 to incorporate such provisions. These provisions
could be modeled after the laws of this type that are currently in
place in the Towns of Islip and Greenport. Any alterations to
historic structures located within these overlay districts should be
reviewed by the Architectural Review Board. In addition, cultural
and historical sites and structures, such as old trails, historic
buildings and archaeological sites, should be indicated on site plans.
Site design procedures should be undertaken in an effort to protect
and preserve these resources.
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· Open Space Preservation
ORAFT
The Town currently has an Open Space Preservation Law (Chapter 5g of
the Town Code). To date this law has not functioned as an effective
means of acquiring and preserving open space. This is because the
law does not provide the necessary direction for successfully
fulfilling the objectives it sets forth. This law is presently being
reviewed by the Town Board. It needs to be revised to contain
language that defines allowable usage of acquired land. This law
should also be coordinated or combined with the Agricultural Lands
Preservation Law, thereby creating an overall program for the Town.
Such a program should contain provisions to address the acquisition
of small agricultural parcels that cannot be economically farmed.
These lands could be replanted as open space areas and could
eventually provide opportunities for passive or possibly active
recreation use. This program should also require that priority be
given to acquiring undeveloped and agricultural properties that are
contiguous in an attempt to preserve large areas of significant land.
The revised law or program should identify all the potential means
for preserving and acquiring land, and set forth appropriate
provisions for the use of lands acquired under each technique. If
the two laws are combined, one committee could be established to carry
out the objectives of the program.
Development that is permitted on lands contiguous to preserved open
space or agricultural lands should be clustered. The preserved area
of the site should, wherever possible with respect to environmental
site constraints, be situated adjacent to the coincident preserved
lands. Recreational lands should be designed in the same fashion
depending upon the proposed activity.
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e Land Use and Zoninq
It is important that development and redevelopment in coastal areas,
particularly lands that front on the shoreline, be considered with
respect to not only preserving public access, but preserving and
encouraging water-dependent use. As defined in Section 2.3.2, a
water-dependent use is a use that requires direct access to the water
in order to function. In coastal areas, where appropriate, water-
dependent uses should not be displaced or denied in favor of non-
water dependent uses.
The Town currently has two zoning classifications that permit water-
dependent uses. Although the Town instituted these classifications
with the good intention of protecting marine uses, they require some
modification to more effectively regulate and protect these uses.
Development within the marine zones should be restricted primarily
to water-dependent uses. Non-water dependent uses should be
prohibited, and water-enhanced uses (those that merely benefit from
a waterfront location) should be made special exception uses. Housing
that exists within the Marine I and Marine II zones, should become
a non-conforming use. Housing is neither a water-dependent or water-
enhanced use. Hotels and motels are also not water-dependent or
water-enhanced and because of their size and intensity, and may be
inappropriate for these zones. These types of uses should be
essentially restricted to Resort Residential zones, which allow
seasonal hotel and motel uses. Under the Marine II category,
boatyards, boat repair, boat sales, boat insurance, and beach club
facilities should be made special exception uses because they are not
specifically water dependent and do not necessarily require a direct
access to the water.
Marinas are a strict water-dependent use, permitted in both M-I and
M-II zones. These uses have the potential to pollute surface waters
if not adequately designed and controlled. It is important that these
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activities are properly reviewed and regulated. It is, therefore,
recommended that the marine zoning text be revised to contain
additional provisions that regulate the size and scale of marina uses.
These zoning classifications should contain standards to regulate
marina size, rather than relying solely on parking standards as a
means of control.
As discussed in Section 2.3.3, there are a small number of
deteriorated or abandoned sites in the Town's LWA that should be
revitalized. Some of these sites are discussed in other sections of
this analysis. In general, the Town should encourage the effective
re-use of these properties. These lands could be redeveloped as
viable recreational uses that would provide another source of public
access to the shoreline. They could also be redeveloped as other
viable water-dependent uses such as marinas, mariculture facilities,
and the like. The Town may also wish to acquire certain of these
properties for public use. For instance, either abandoned mariculture
facility discussed in Section 2.3.3 could be acquired and revitalized
as a grow out facility to assist the local shellfishing industry.
Public Access and Recreation
The coastal area of the Town of Southold contains a variety of
waterfront recreational uses which provide excellent opportunities
for public access to coastal resources. Passive and active
recreational facilities have become a primary resource in the coastal
area. As development along the coastline continues, and opportunities
for public access from waterfront properties are reduced, the need
to ensure access to the water for recreation, including boating,
fishing, swimming and passive activities, grows steadily more
important. The Town must take the necessary steps to achieve this
goal. The objective is to maximize the appropriate use of coastal
areas and resources and ensure public access, but in a manner that
will not adversely impact sensitive natural resources.
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Parklands in the Town are owned and operated by the Federal
government, the State, the Town, Town Park Districts, and private
homeowner's associations. Marinas, whether for commercial or
recreational use or both, are all in private ownership. Boat launch
sites are both private and public facilities. There is a need to
evaluate the condition of these existing recreational facilities to
determine if they can be more effectively utilized. In some cases
additional amenities and services could be offered, such as an
increased or more diverse variety of recreational activities. Some
sites could be renovated or redesigned to provide more opportunities
for scenic viewing and walking, and increased beach access, boating
access, and fishing access for surfcasting or fishing from docks or
bulkheads. If opportunities exist, efforts should be taken to expand
and upgrade services. Some areas in particular, that should be
considered are Mattituck Inlet, Inlet Pond, Broadwater Cove, and
Peconic Dunes Park.
The Town should also evaluate opportunities to )rovide additional
park and recreational facilities. Considering that most of the
shoreline properties are held in private ownership, more innovative
approaches must be examined to achieve this goal. For instance
besides the acquisition of new land, other techniques such as
arranging for possible land grants and gifts, joint acquisitions, and
development incentives and restrictions that require the provision
of recreational amenities could be attempted. Clustering development
preserves open space, which could be utilized in part for recreation.
Recreational impact fees could also be imposed on developers that
would be used to improve existing facilities or help to acquire new
ones. Recreational fees could also be assessed for those developments
that do not provide on-site recreational amenities. These types of
options should be more closely examined by the Town as possible ways
of improving existing facilities and providing additional
opportunities for recreation.
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Another option that should be considered as a means of providing
increased recreational opportunities for Town residents is to
restructure the park district program. Currently the park district
facilities are basically restricted for use by those residents who
pay for them. This structure could be reorganized to allow residents
outside the district to utilize these facilities on a regulated or
part-time, or on a more open and unrestricted basis, if said residents
paid a fee to be used for facility maintenance and upkeep. Options
along these lines should be investigated to better utilize and
increase usage of existing facilities Town-wide.
In the late 1980's the State conducted a study to assess marine
recreational fishing access, and develop recommendations to make
necessary improvements. The study revealed a need to improve and
increase access on the eastern end of Long Island, particularly along
the north shore. The State requested input from the Town of Southold
with regard to prospective sites for the cooperative development or
renovation of marine recreational facilities. The Town recommended
six sites with project proposals; actions at three of these sites are
currently planned or underway. These include: Truman Beach, which
the State purchased with 1986 EQBA monies and is planning to
rehabilitate; the construction of a boat launch at the top of
Mattituck Inlet, which the Town is planning to develop; and the
abandoned asphalt plant on Mattituck Creek, which was purchased with
1986 EQBA monies and is the site of a State-proposed boat launch ramp.
The other three sites include the following.
The end of Cedar Beach Road was recommended as a viable site
for the construction of a boat launch ramp. The State indicated
this would be acceptable once it is determined that such action
is environmentally feasible and that the need for another ramp
exists in close proximity to the ramp located at Cedar Beach
County Park. This action should be carried out.
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The construction of a launch ramp at Goldsmith Inlet Beach.
This site is considered a high priority area for such a
facility. The State encouraged this action based on the
provision of adequate parking and careful environmental
scrutiny. The Town should follow through on this action;
it presently owns this beach, and a boat launch would be an
asset in this area. The potential for the development of other
means of fishing access should also be investigated for this
facility.
e
The construction of a ramp at the terminus of Luther's Road on
the western side of Mattituck Inlet, near the inlet mouth. The
Town owns a small parcel of land that is located between the
inlet and Breakwater Beach {a Mattituck Park District facility).
The Town should also follow through on this opportunity and
investigate the feasibility of constructing this ramp. As with
Goldsmith Inlet, the construction of a boat launch ramp at this
location is a high priority because it would provide needed
access to Long Island Sound. This inlet location is in a
relatively protected area and at first glance appears to be an
excellent site for such a facility. This action should,
however, be considered in conjunction with the State's plans
to construct such a launch ramp at the site of the abandoned
asphalt plant.
In addition to the aforementioned sites, the following sites in the
Town have potential as boat launch sites and should be investigated.
These include:
The terminus of King Street in Sub-Area 5, just east of Orient
hamlet. There is a small parcel of State-owned land located
at the end of this roadway {identified as Section 27, Block 4,
Lot 11 on the Suffolk County tax maps). The State has indicated
a need to acquire additional lands to provide access for
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recreation on the east end. Here is a possible opportunity
for such an action. The Town should coordinate with the State
to determine the viability of this site as a potential location
for boating access. The acquisition of adjacent lands may be
required to carry out this action.
The terminus of Silvermere Road in Sub-Area 6, just southwest
of Greenport, is a potential location for a Town launch ramp.
This street end fronts Pipes Cove and has a 100 foot right-of-
way. If parking could be accommodated (a preliminary estimate
indicates the potential for 15 spaces), and it is shown that
such action would not result in adverse environmental impacts,
this site could provide access in an area where boating access
is very limited. The Town should evaluate the feasibility of
constructing a launch ramp at this site.
There are two parks in the Mattituck Park District in Sub-Area
g {Bay Park and Veterans Park) that are possible sites for boat
launch ramps. These properties should be evaluated to determine
the feasibility of providing boating access in this area.
In addition to these locations there are a number of street ends
which possess a minimum of 50-feet right-of-way that are
potential boat launch sites. These include the terminus of:
e Cleaves Point Road
· Harbor River Road
· Willow Point Road or
Bay Home Road
· Island View Lane
· Corey Creek Lane
· Wells Road
· Nassau Point Road
Sub-Area 5
Sub-Area 5
Sub-Area 6
Sub-Area 6
Sub-Area 7
Sub-Area 7
Sub-Area 8
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· East Road Sub-Area 8
· West Road Sub-Area 8
· Pequash Avenue Sub-Area 8
These street end sites should be evaluated to determine the
feasibility of constructing launch ramps to provide boating
access. For each site, the problem of parking must be
addressed. Some are located adjacent to Town of Southold or
other public lands which could possible provide parking area.
The abandoned boat launch at the terminus of Lands End Lane,
in Sub-Area 4 should also be revitalized. This site is in
private ownership, and therefore, actions should be taken to
provide incentives for its redevelopment as an active boat
launch once again. This is a high priority on the north shore.
The Town should either evaluate land use incentives, such as
tax abatements, to encourage the private reuse of this site or
consider acquisition to redevelop this launch as a Town
facility.
With regard to street ends, it has also been determined that
unauthorized public access occurs at many street ends in the
LWA. The use of these areas could be viewed as an indication
that additional points of public access are required. However,
it also highlights the problem of development reducing
previously available access points. In some cases it may be
appropriate to provide a more formal means of access to the
shore or coastal waters, such as stairways or launch ramps (as
discussed above). However, in other areas it may be
inappropriate, and should be restricted. This is primarily
because of a lack of adequate parking or an invasion of private
property and privacy. In these areas it may be necessary to
stripe the roadways and designate them as tow-away zones
(McMahon, TOS, April 1991).
2-243
Given the fact that the Town of Southold does not own a public
marina, the Town may want to consider either acquiring an
existing marina or constructing a new one. The following sites
have been determined to be potential marina locations:
· The Shelter Island Oyster Farm in Sub-Area 5;
· The abandoned mariculture facility on the Plock property
in Sub-Area 7; and
· The Marina Bay Club in Sub-Area 8.
It may be necessary to acquire adjacent properties in these
areas to facilitate adequate access and provide a significant
buffer. Town policy should also encourage the continuance of
existing private marinas in an effort to address the growing
need for marina space. The Town should also encourage the
development of new private marinas, possibly at the same sites
recommended for evaluation as Town marinas, as long as it is
shown, with a high degree of assurance, that such facilities
will not generate adverse impacts on existing natural resources
or sensitive land uses such as surrounding established
residential uses.
An interest has been expressed by the Southold community to
increase the number of Town moorings and to regulate moorings
in the south shore bay waters. This could be accomplished by
arranging with the U.S. Coast Guard to set up special anchorage
areas. The Town must demonstrate that such an anchorage would
be properly protected and would not interfere with existing
boating traffic in navigable bay waters. The Town could also
get permission from the Department of State to regulate moorings
in State waters. To increase the number of moorings in bay
waters, the Town should investigate these options. In addition,
2-244
the Town should re-evaluate the current mooring program to
ensure that all moorings are being properly utilized and not
being permitted merely to prevent the placement of a boat in
front of a private residence. In light of the increasing
demand, mooring permits should be issued on the basis of
realistic usage.
The Town could address all of the aforementioned issues and
more through the development of a comprehensive study of public
access and recreation in the Town. This study could build upon
what has been established in the master plan and by prior
consultants, and place emphasis on coastal issues. It could
also evaluate the quality and quantity of County and State
facilities, the existing fee structures at some Town facilities
and the need to expand this practice (it may be determined that
this is too restrictive or not restrictive enough), and the
ability of existing facilities (Town, County and State) to
accommodate seasonal non-residents. This study would help
provide information on where public access problems and
opportunities exist, where more access is needed or is
lacking, and how to address these issues. Without a thorough
understanding of these important issues, the Town cannot
effectively accommodate current and future recreational needs.
The Town may also wish to promote recreation in the LWA. This
could be accomplished by producing a map of and information on
the various recreational facilities in the Town. This map could
be distributed by the Chamber of Commerce and the Tourist
Information Service.
Lastly, the Town should consider the future creation of a
Department of Parks and Recreation. The actions of this
department could be coordinated with the operation of park
district facilities. This department would be responsible for
2-245
maintaining and operating existing Town facilities, as well as
continually evaluating recreational needs and priorities. This
action would also remove maintenance responsibilities from the
Highway Department, that is not fully equipped or capable of
carrying out these duties. Considering the importance of
recreation in the Town of Southold, such an action would be a
benefit to the overall quality of life in the Town, and would
help to effectively manage recreational and public access
activities.
· Finfishina, Shellfishinq and Aquaculture
The recreational and commercial harvest of finfish, shellfish
and crustaceans is a major industry in the Town of Southold
which significantly contributes to the local economy. The fate
of this industry is dependent primarily upon the continued
health of the natural resources which support it. As discussed
in Section 2.3.5, the production and harvest of marketable
shellfish is particularly sensitive to changes of water quality
in the growing areas. The Town should continue to prioritize
programs which effectively improve the surface water quality
of both fresh inland water bodies as well as the tidal creeks,
embayments and sound areas.
According to the unpublished draft by A.T. Kearney, there are
several problems affecting growth of the commercial fishing
industry in Mattituck Creek/Inlet (see Appendix F). These are
summarized as follows: x
e Docking facilities are marginally adequate for the existing
commercial fishing fleet;
2-246
Shoreside services (such as water and electricity) are not
available at most of the docks, and no boat pump-out
facilities are provided anywhere along the waterway;
Commercial boat maintenance and repair facilities are
limited; and
There are no local truck routes providing access from the
commercial docks and seafood packing houses to major
highways. In addition, there is local opposition to the
use of more or larger trucks on the surrounding residential
streets.
Maintenance dredging of this Federal channel has been cited as
less than adequate. Mattituck Inlet/Creek was recently dredged
(1990) for the first time in ten (10) years. As discussed in
Section 2.3.5, this waterway is relatively shallow
{approximately seven feet deep at low tide), thereby limiting
passage for commercial vessels generally larger than 60 feet
in length.
As discussed in Section 2.3.5, the Town has been conducting a
seed clam program since 1980; growing hard-shelled clam "seed"
on artificial submerged rafts in Goose Creek to a suitable
predator-free size, and then transplanting them to several other
tidal creeks. The Town's program has been steadily increasing,
and there are plans to develop a larger hatchery program at
Cedar Beach County Park in 1991. The Town's seed clam program
is a good example of successful inter-agency cooperation. The
Town should consider the opportunity for future expansion of
these activities at the abandoned mariculture facilities located
on Great Hog Neck (Plock property, Sub-Area 7), and Cleaves
Point {Sub-Area 5). The Suffolk County Cooperative Extension
{SCCE) Marine Education Center is currently coordinating
2-247
planning efforts with the Peconic Land Trust to renovate the
aquaculture facility at Great Hog Neck. SCCE suggests that
grant monies may be available from researchers at State
University of New York {SUNY) colleges as well as commercial
company leases for utilizing portions of the site {Rivara, SCCE,
March 14, 1991).
2-248
REFERENCES
MDT
BBA
CAC
CBRA
CEA
CMP
CR
CWPA
CZMA
DO
E
EAF
ECL
EIS
EQBA
FDA
FEMA
FIDCO
FIRM
GEIS
GI
gpm
LILCO
LIRPB
LIRR
LWA
LWRP
MGD
MHW
mph
msl
MSRC
MSW
NSSP
NYCRR
NYS
NYSDEC
NYSDOS
NYSDOT
NYSOPRHP
ppm
RPPW
SC
SCCC
SCDHS
SCDPW
SCPD
SCT
List of Abbreviations
- Average Annual Daily Traffic
- Better Boating Association
- Conservation Advisory Council
- Coastal Barrier Resources Act
- Critical Environmental Area
- Coastal Management Program
- County Route
- Core Watershed Protection Area
- Coastal Zone Management Area
- Dissolved Oxygen
- State-designated Endangered Species
- Environmental Assessment Form
- Environmental Conservation Law
- Environmental Impact Statement
- Environmental Quality Bond Act
- Food and Drug Administration
- Federal Emergency Management Agency
- Fishers Island Development Company
- Flood Insurance Rate Map
- Generic Environmental Impact Statement
- Groundwater, Inc.
- gallons per minute
- Long Island Lighting Company
- Long Island Regional Planning Board
- Long Island Rail Road
- Local Waterfront Area
- Local Waterfront Revitalization Program
- Million Gallons per Day
- Mean High Water
- miles per hour
- mean sea level
- Marine Sciences Research Center
- Municipal Solid Waste
- National Shellfish Sanitation Program
- New York Code of Rules and Regulations
- New York State
- New York State Department of Environmental Conservation
- New York State Department of State
- New York State Department of Transportation
- New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation
- parts per million
- Raymond, Parish, Pine and Weiner
- State-designated Species of Special Concern
- Suffolk County Community College
- Suffolk County Department of Health Services
- Suffolk County Department of Public Works
- Suffolk County Planning Department
- Suffolk County Transit
SEQRA
SGPA
SPDES
SR
STOP
STP
T
TO$
tpd
USACOE
USEPA
USDA-SCS
USGS
vph
~g/1
List of Abbreviations
- State Environmental Quality Review Act
- Special Groundwater Protection Area
- State Pollution Discharge Elimination System
- State Route
- Stop Throwing Out Pollutants
- Sewage Treatment Plant
- State-designated Threatened Species
- Town of Southold
- tons per day
- U.S. Army Corps. of Engineers
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
- U.S. Department of Agriculture - Soil Conservation Service
- U.S. Geological Survey
- vehicles per day
- micrograms per liter
References
DRAFT
Booth, Antonia, A Brief Account of Southold's History, undated.
Briggs, Phillip (Oral Communication) February 23, 1991.
Conversation between Phil Briggs, Marine Resource Specialist II, NYSDEC,
Stony Brook, New York, and Laura Schwanof, Environmental Scientist, Cashin
Associates, P.C., Port Jefferson Station, New York.
Clarke, Billie, Southold by the Sea. Excerpt from "A Summer of History" official
program, 1965.
Crandell, H.C. lg63.
Geoloqy and Ground Water Resources of the Town of Southold, Sqffolk Coqnty,
New York, U.S. Geological Survey Water Supply Paper 161g-GG, U.S.
Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C.
Cuzak, Heather. November 6, ]g86.
"Drainage Pipes and Runoff Problem Areas".
of Southold.
Inventory conducted by Town
Cuzak, Heather. February 9, lg87.
"Final Information on Road Runoff Study". Priority assignments for earlier
located runoff problem areas, by Town of Southold.
Davidson, Maureen. November 1989.
"Evaluation of Bacteriological Water Quality
Island Sound". NYSDEC, Stony Brook, New York.
for West Harbor, Fishers
Davidson, Maureen (Oral Communication) January 4, lggl and February 28, lggl.
Telephone conversations between Maureen Davidson, Marine Resources
Specialist, Bureau of Shellfisheries, NYSDEC, Stony Brook, New York, and
Laura Schwanof, Environmental Scientist, Cashin Associates, P.C., Port
Jefferson Station, New York.
Davies, D.S., E.W. Axelrod and J.S. O'Connor. June 1973.
Erosion of the North Shore of Lonq Island, Technical Report No. 18.
Sciences Research Center, Stony Brook, New York.
Marine
Dobriner, S.B., July lggO.
A Coastline in Transition: An Inventory and Analysis of the Town of
Southold's Coastal Features; Graduate Thesis, Cornell University, Ithaca,
New York.
Dzenkowski, Donald (Oral Communication) February 27 and March 4, lggl.
Telephone conversations with Don Dzenkowski, Senior Bay Constable, Town
of Southold, and Wendy E. Weber, Planner, Cashin Associates, P.C.,
Plainview, New York 11803.
Federal Emergency Management Agency {FEMA). October 1, 1989.
National Flood Insurance Program and Related Regulations.
Ferguson, Charles B., Fishers Island History, undated.
Fishman, Michael (Oral Communication) March 18, lg9.
Conversation between Mike Fishman, NYSDEC, Bureau of Environmental
Protection, Stony Brook, New York, and Laura Schwanof, Environmental
Scientist, Cashin Associates, P.C., Port Jefferson Station, New York.
Forman R. and M. Godron. lg86.
Landscape Ecoloqv. John Wiley & Sons, Inc., Canada.
Gardner, Kenneth V., November 1985.
Aqricultural District Leqislation in New York; Cornell University, Ithaca,
New York.
Gosner, K.L., 1978.
A Field Guide to the Atlantic Seashore:
Houghton Mifflin Company, Boston.
The Peterson Field Guide Series,
Gouldi, John (Oral Communication) February ZS, 1991.
Telephone conversation with John Gouldi, Suffolk County Department of
Public Works, Waterways Division, and Wendy E. Weber, Planner, Cashin
Associates, P.C., Plainview, New York 11803.
Gouldi, John (Written Communication) January 25, lg91.
Letter to John Gouldi, Suffolk County Department of Public Works, Waterways
Division from John M. Bredemeyer III, President of the Town of Southold
Board of Trustees.
Groundwater, Inc., December lgSg.
Draft Hvdroqeoloqic Report Conducted on Fishers Island, New York,
Groundwater, Inc., Higganum, CT.
Hart,
Thomas F. and Andrew S. Milliken, NYSDOS, lg89.
Protectina Species Diversity in the Coastal Zone:
Coastal Fish and Wildlife Proqram.
New York's Siqnificant
Hasbrouck, Emerson (Oral Communication), November 16, 1990.
Conversation between Emerson Hasbrouck, Cooperative Extension, Riverhead,
New York, and Scott Dobriner, Town of Southold, New York.
Hickson, Gerald (Oral Communication), February 5 and 7, 1991.
Telephone conversation between G. Hickson, Assistant Superintendent of
Utilities, Village of Greenport, New York, and Laura Schwanof,
Environmental Scientist, Cashin Associates, P.C., Port Jefferson Station,
New York.
Highway Specifications, Chapter A108 of the Southold Town Code, November lg88.
Howell, Frederick W. {Written Communication) November 8, 19g0.
Letter from Fred Howell, NYSDEC Division of Regulatory Affairs,
Environmental Quality Review Section, to Scott Dobriner, Town of Southold.
Jacobs, Raymond (Oral Communication} February 26, 1991.
Telephone conversation between Ray Jacobs, Town Highway Superintendent,
and Laura Schwanof, Environmental Scientist, Cashin Associates, P.C., Port
Jefferson Station, New York.
Jacobs, Raymond (Written Communication) January 4, lg91.
Memo from Ray Jacobs, Town Highway Superintendent, to Scott Dobriner, Town
of Southold.
Juba, James (Oral Communication} February 2, 1991.
Telephone conversation between James Juba of Groundwater, Inc., Higganum,
CT, and Laura Schwanof, Environmental Scientist, Cashin Associates, P.C.,
Port Jefferson Station, New York.
Kearney, A.T., Unpublished Draft, December 198g.
Commercial Fisheries Industry Strategy for the State of New York, Report
developed for the NYS Department of State, A.T. Kearney, Alexandria,
Virginia.
Kunz,
Arthur (Oral Communication) February 21, lggl.
Telephone conversation between Arthur Kunz, Director of Planning, Suffolk
County Planning Department, Hauppauge, New York, and Laura Schwanof,
Environmental Scientist, Cashin Associates, P.C., Port Jefferson Station,
New York.
LaPorta, Christopher (Oral Communication) January 23, lg91.
Telephone conversation between Christopher LaPorta, Marine Resources
Specialist, NYSDEC, Stony Brook, New York and Laura Schwanof, Environmental
Scientist, Cashin Associates, P.C., Port Jefferson Station, New York.
LaValle, Richard (Oral Communication), February 26, lggl.
Telephone conversation between Richard LaValle, Principal Civil Engineer,
SCDPW, Yaphank, New York and Laura Schwanof, Environmental Scientist,
Cashin Associates, P.C., Port Jefferson Station, New York.
Long Island Lighting Company. June 1990.
Pooulation Survey: Current Population Estimates for Nassau and Suffolk
Counties. Hicksville, New York.
Long Island Regional Planning Board, July lg78.
The Lone Island Comorehensive Waste Treatment Manaqement Plan, Volumes 1
and 2, Hauppauge, New York.
Long Island Regional Planning Board, November lg7g.
A Comprehensive Dredqinq Sub-Plan for Nassau
Hauppauge, New York.
and Suffolk Counties.
Long Island Regional Planning Board, 1984.
Non-Point Source Manaeement Handbook. Hauppauge, New York.
Long Island Regional Planning Board, October lg84.
Hurricane Damaee Mitieation Plan for the South Shore of Nassau and Suffolk
Counties. New York. Hauppauge, New York.
Long Island Society for the Preservation of Antiquities, lg88.
Comorehensive Surveys of Historic Resources in the Town of Southold and
Fishers Island. Setauket, New York.
McDonald, Mark (Oral Communication) March 12, lggl.
Telephone conversation between Mark McDonald, Southold Town Planning Board
and Laura Schwanof, Environmental Scientist, Cashin Associates, P.C., Port
Jefferson Stati.on, New York.
McMahon, James (Oral Communication) February 25, lggl.
Telephone conversation between Jim McMahon, Town of Southold, and Laura
Schwanof, Environmental Scientist, Cashin Associates, P.C., Port Jefferson
Station, New York.
McMahon, James (Oral Communication) February 14, 1991.
Telephone conversation between Jim McMahon, Town of Southold, and Laura
Schwanof, Environmental Scientist, Cashin Associates, P.C., Port Jefferson
Station, New York.
HcMahon, James (Oral Communication) April 3, lggl.
Telephone conversation between Jim McMahon, Town of Southold, and Wendy
Weber, Planner, Cashin Associates, P.C., Plainview, New York.
Part 60 - The National Register of Historic Places {36CFR Chapter 1 - July lg85
Edition). U.S. Department of Interior National Park Service. U.S. Government
Printing Office, lgB3.
6 NYCRR Part 505, Coastal Erosion Management (NYS Environmental Conservation Law
Sections 3-0301 and 34-0108).
6 NYCRR Part 617, State Environmental Quality Review Act Regulations, June 1,
1987.
New York Codes of Rules and Regulations, June 30, lg88.
Chapter X, Article 16, Part 924: Classes and Standards of Quality and
Purity Assigned to Fresh Surface and Tidal Salt Waters, Eastern Suffolk
County Waters Series.
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, Shoreline and Pollution
Source Surveys for:
· Eastern Long Island Sound, November 1990.
· Shelter Island Sound, November 1990.
e Cutchogue Harbor, revised June 1990.
e Orient Harbor, April Ig88.
e Hashamemuck Pond, December 1988.
e Southold Bay, June 1988.
e Mattituck Inlet/Mattituck Creek, December 1989.
· Pipes Cove, April 1988.
e Wunnewata Pond, August 1988.
· Little Peconic Bay, February 198g.
e Tributaries of Little Peconic Bay: Little Creek, Richmond Creek,
Corey Creek, Cedar Beach Creek, July 1988.
· Goldsmith Inlet, April 198g.
m Hay Harbor/Fishers Island Sound, October 1988.
· James Creek, December 1987.
· Deep Hole Creek, October 1988.
· Greenport Harbor/Shelter Island Sound, July 1988.
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, Division of Regulatory
Affairs, 1982. The SEOI~A Handbook.
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, July 1985.
Fishers Island Growing Area Survey, NYSDEC, Stony Brook, New York.
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, March 1988.
Natural Heritage Program Maps. NYSDEC, Albany, New York.
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, April 1988.
1988 Priority Water Problem List, NYSDEC, Division of Water, Albany, New
York.
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, June lggO.
New York Nonooint Assessment Report for Suffolk County, NYSDEC, Division
of Water, Albany, New York.
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, 1990.
RecoMendations for Improving Marine Recreational Fishing Access in New
York State's Marine and Coastal District, Stony Brook, New York.
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, 1990.
Draft Generic Environmental Impact Statement for Marine Recreational
Fishing Access Report, Stony Brook, New York.
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, January 1991.
Notice of Condition of all Shellfish Lands Located Within or Adjacent to
the Town of Southold, Suffolk County, State of New York. Excerpted from
Part 41, Title 6, NYCRR. NYSDEC, Stony Brook, New York.
New York State Department of State, 1982.
Local Waterfront Revitalization Program Handbook.
New York State Environmental Conservation, April 1990.
New York State Water Quality lggo: Submitted pursuant to Section 305(b)
of the Federal Clean Water Act Amendments of 1977. NYSDEC, Bureau of
Monitoring and Assessment, Albany, New York.
New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, July 1981.
New York State Archaeological Site Locations Overlay for New York State
Map, South Sheet.
O'Neill, Charles R., Jr. and Jay Tanski, August 1984.
Maintaininq Coastal Erosion Control Structures, Sea Grant - Cooperative
Extension, New York.
Ponturo, Paul (Oral Communication), February 4, 1991.
Telephone conversation between Paul Ponturo, Suffolk County Department of
Health Services, Hauppauge, New York and Laura Schwanof, Environmental
Scientist, Cashin Associates, P.C., Port Jefferson Station, New York.
Raymond, Pine, Parish and Weiner, March 1984.
Master Plan Update Background Studies, Town of Southold, New York.
Raymond, Pine, Parish and Weiner, April 1985.
Master Plan Update, Town of Southold, New York.
Rivara, Gregg (Written Communication) March 14, 1991.
Letter from Gregg Rivara, Cooperative Extension Program, Riverhead, New
York to John Halsey, Peconic Land Trust, Southampton, New York.
Town of Southold Real Property Tax Maps, lggo.
Real Property Tax Service Agency, Riverhead, New York.
Schneider, Kathr~n (Oral Communication), February 25, lggl.
Telephone conversation between Kathryn Schneider, Program Coordinator and
Zoologist, New York Natural Heritage Program, Latham, New York and Laura
Schwanof, Environmental Scientist, Cashin Associates, P.C., Port Jefferson
Station, New York.
Sickles, William (Oral Communication) February 21, 1991.
Telephone conversation with William Sickles, Suffolk County Department of
Parks, Recreation and Conservation, and Wendy E. Weber, Planner, Cashin
Associates, P.C., Plainview, New York.
Soren, J. and W. Stelz, 1984.
Aldicarb Pesticide Contamination of Ground Water in Eastern Suffolk County,
Lonu Island. New York. U.S. Geological Survey, Water Resources
Investigations Report 84-4251, USGS, Syosset, New York.
Southold Town Code, Various Chapters.
Subdivision Regulations, Chapter AI06 of the Southold Town Code, August 1983.
Suffolk County Department of Health Services.
Brown Tide Comprehensive Assessment
Riverhead, New York.
Unpublished Draft.
and Manaqement Proqram, SCDHS,
Zoning Ordinance, Chapter 100 of the Southold Town Code, February lg89.
Suffolk County Department of Health Services, January lg87.
Suffolk County Comorehensive Water Resources Manaqement Plan.
Bartilucci, Syosset, New York.
Dvirka and
Suffolk County Planning Department, December 1984.
Data Book lg84 - a Place to Enjoy. Hauppauge, New York.
Suffolk County Planning Department, October 1985.
Analysis of Dredoina and Dredoe Sooil Disposal
Suffolk County. Hauppauge, New York.
Activity Conducted by
Suffolk County Planning Department.
Environmental Quality Bond Act, Proposed Acquisition of Lands for New York
State, County of Suffolk, New York, 1986.
Szepatowski Associates, Inc., April 1987.
Unpublished draft of the Town of Southold Local Waterfront Revitalization
Program, Section I, II and III.
Szepatowski Associates, Inc., February 1988.
Draft Generic Impact Statement on Proposed Local Law of 1987 Amending the
Town of Southold Zoning Ordinance.
U.S. Army Corps. of Engineers, 1981.
LOW Cost ShQre Protection. A Guide for Enqineers and Contractors.
U.S. Department of Agriculture, Soil Conservation Service, April 1975.
SQil Survey of Suffolk County. New York. USDA, Washington, D.C.
Watt, Gordon (Oral Communication), February 4, 1991.
Telephone conversation between Gordon Watt, Suffolk County Deptartment of
Health Services, Farmingville, New York and Laura Schwanof, Environmental
Scientist, Cashin Associates, P.C., Port Jefferson Station, New York.
LEGEND
~ngle-Famlly' Ro~idontlai
MuitI-Fan~!.y Reeidefltial :'
I~tltuti~ ,~.
Ree~k~t~ '
Ag~ulture: '~
~O=portation and utmtiel
Town' Boundary
Coastal Area Boundary
Sub-Area Boundary
D
Captain Kidd
Estates
Mattit~k
Inlet
·. Southold
~ GaldsmUh o Bay
MATCH
~ ~ ~ ,' ~, .
/". ~S 0 U T H A M P T 0 N
. %. ~?~ 7utchogue
U s o u T H 0 L D '.... 0
NORTH RACE ~
/ ,.. //q
FLANDER$
BAY
/--%
T
SOUTH RAC
IN
orth Sea
Harbor
Pond
Ram
TOWN OF
SOUTHOLD
Scale 1': 24,000 (1"= 2,000')
0 2,000 6,000
1,000 4,000
MAP SOURCE: New York State Department of Transportation, Planimetric Series, 1981
LOCAL WATERFRONT REVITALIZATION PROGRAM
EXISTING LAND USE
2,:
MAP 2- lA
ENGINEERS - ARCHITECi $- PLANNERS
255 EXECUTIVE DRIVE, PLAINVlEW. NEW YORK
.~LEGEND
~ Single-Family Residential
Multi-Family Residential
.B Seaaonal. ReMdentia{
'commercml '
Marine Commercial
tnduetriel : ,
!~stitutionll
Recreetion ·
A~iculture
Wansportation and Utilities
Vacant Land
Coastal Area Boundary
Silb~Area Boundary ''
Town Boundary
Village Boundary
S
0
P
I
L
A
P
G
Terry
Rocky
ORIENT
HARBOR
P{ to
SHELTER
LONG ISLAND
SOUND
~T ,H 0 L D
Pipes ,
Shelger
Islan,d
/
I LTE ~:'
ISLA~ D 'c
: , ~: 1Shelter
l~land
E
VEST'NECK
HARBOR
Niddle
Pt
Pine Point
BLOCK
~0 U N D
LONG BEACH
BAY
Great
land
INSET
R D I N
A !r
[~$outh Q~l~ll~tr~ m o c k
BLOCK
SOU
,,%
Town
Southoid
\
s&~~' coontV
TOWN OF
SOUTHOLD
LOCAL WATERFRONT REVITALIZATION PROGRAM
Scale1:24,000 (1"= 2,000') , '' EXISTING LAND USE r MAP 2- '
0 2,000 6,~00
I ' .,. ,,, , ~~ .'i ,T~
ENGINEERS- ARCHITECTS- pLANNERS
1,000 4,000
MAp SOURCE: New York State Department of Transportation Planimetric Series? t981
256 EXECUTIVE DRIVE, ,P~IN¥1EW~ NEW YORK
MATCH
:' ~ Rellda~l L0W, Dailty AA
~ Hlmlit Denllty Relidential ' ~, ~ ~ ' ~: ~ ~ //
l~ G~eral Business
Light Industrial/Office Park
Light Industrial
~ AffOma~le HouMng District
(
Coastal Area Boun~ry C~ptaln [I
.,.,.. Sub-Area Boundary
------ Town Boundary B A Y
H ¸E
D
4arsh
Pt
S ~'l S 0 U T H 0 L D 'mmu
NORTH RACE
!
!
/
/
/
/
/
!
/
\\ C
~ /
o /
SOUTH RAC
Pond
, Towd Pt
North Sea
Harbor
Radm
Facility
Rose/IGrove
TOWN OF
SOUTHOLD
LOCAL WATERFRONT REVITALIZATION 'PROGRAM
Scale 1:24,000 (T'= 2,000') EXISTING ZONING MAP 2 :., 2A
0 2,000 e,000 I I ' ENGINEERS
ARCHITECTS
pLANNERS
i 2SS EXECUTIVE DRIVE, PLNNVlEW, NEW YORK
I 1,000 4,000 '
MAP SOURCE: New ¥o'tk State Depa~'tment of Transportation, Planlmetri¢ Series, 1981
~ Marina !
,~ ,Light industrlaFOffi~ie~p~ayk .
.~" ' ~ Af~rdable HOusing Distri~ ,,:
", Coastal Area-BOundary --
'"'"""' Sub-Area Boundary
----- Town Boundary
.... Village Boundary
I
L
P
ORIENT
HARBOR
0
S
P
Pt
LONG
REACH BA ~
~0 U N D
Great
land
Lilhthou
INSET
SHELTER
LONG ISLAND
SOUND
'Pipes
Cove
Belch Club
S}helter
Islland
Wrest Neck
Bay
Derl
Dering
Harbor
Cheqult
yach[ Club
oa
:d
WEST 'NECK
i~ARBOR
'T ,H 0 L D
a
l~land
Wards Pt
\
\
%
\
%
G
A
%
Bens Pt
Wilderness
Point
BLOCK ISLAND EOUA~D
CoUUt¥
Town o~
Southo%d ~
:INSET
//ay .
TOWN OF
SOUTHOLD
LOCAL WATERFRONT REVITALIZATION PROGRAM
~ ' AP ,:2: 2B
Scale1:24,000 (1"= 2,000') EXISTING ZONING '~ M
0 2,000 6,i00
" ~;SH'IN AE ,0~ ,I,~ rES, I
~ -- ' ~ Il r ENGINEERS.ARCHITECTS-PLANNERS
1,000 4,000 r ;I' +'' ~ L ' ' ' ' ' ' ' 255 E~XECL~fWE DRIV~E, PLAINVIEW, N~W YORK
MAP SOURCE: New York State Department of Transportation Planimetric Series, 1981
STATE DESIGNATED TIDAL WETLANDS wrrHIN COASTAL ZONE
STATE DESIGNATED FRESH WATER WETLANDS WITH N 'COASTAL ZONE
STATE DESIGNATED FRESH WATER WETLANDS OUTSIDE COASTAL ZONE
BLUFFS
,IIi~F~IDUNES
TOWN BOUNDARY
F------DCOASTALAREA BOUNDARY
~ sUB~AREABOUNDARY
INCORPORATED 'VILLAGE OF GREENPOR? BOUNDARY
',5
:.¥
I. 'V E R H
E D
owns
Scale I: 24,000 (1"= 2,000')
0 2,000 6,000
1,000 4,000
MAP SOURCE: New York ~tate Department of l~ansportation, Planimetric Series, 1981
0
9
MATCH
.: H 0 .:
H 0 L
· °.u LITT. L
U u T H 0 L D
RTH CE
/
/
/
/
/
E
SOUTH RAC
Cow Neck
//q
/!
!
//
BAY~NIC "
8 0 U T ~ A M P T 0 N
Towd Pt
North Sea
Scallop
Harbor
Pond ~
LOCAL WATERFRONT REVITALIZATION PROGRAM
NATURAL RESOURCES
255 EXECUTIVE DRIVE, pLAINVIEW, NEW ~13RK .
LEGEND
'STATE DESIGNATED TIbAL WETLANDS WITHIN COASTAL. ZONE'
:STATE' DESIGNATED FRESH WATER,WETLANDS WIT~IiNCOASTALiZONE~
STATE .DBSiGN~TED 'PRESH WATER.WETLANDSOUTSIDE COASTAL ZONE
O~ER.I.~I~ ..... ' 'ERE,S.. ' ..... :WETLANDS {REFER TO TEX3~)
PING,STATE:; ~DAL/ H~ATER . .
, BLUFFS- .~
DUNES~
TOWN.BOUNdARY
COASTAL AREA BOUNDARY
~ SUB;'AREA BOUNDARY.
I------I INCrORPORATED VILLAGE OF GREENPORT:BOUNDARY'
0
S
A
P
P
olnt
BL
~OUND
Great
land
HARBOR
INSET
,II
SHELTER
/
/
LONG
!
t Gte(
S
Dering
Harbor
I~lalnd
Heigh?s
d
4
W~s~ Neck
Bay
Pt
Golf
ur Lad of the
~YEST 'NECK
HARBOR
eck
0 L D
o
I~land ,
G A I N
R D
A
Y
SOU
BLOCK ISLAND
Nest
~o~9 ~t~,,n6 soGe'6
Town
southOtd
INSET
TOWN OF SOUTHOLD
LOCAL WATERFRONT REVITALIZATION PROGRAM
Scale1:24,000 (1"= 2,000') ' - ',' NATURAL RES'OURCIES" MAP 2~3B
'~ , ENGINEERS. ARCHITECTS -,PLANNERS
MAP SOURCE: New York State Department, of Transportation Planlmetric Series, 1961
255 E~ECUTIVE DRIVE, pL~INV EW NEW ~ORK