HomeMy WebLinkAbout12_D_3aROUNDTABLEAgenda130522bROUNDTABLE: DECENTRALIZED WASTEWATER REGULATION AND STANDARDS
This symposium is presented as part of programs being supported by:
Long Island Sound Futures Fund/National Fish and Wildlife Foundation
Henry Phillip Kraft Family Memorial Fund at the Long Island Community Foundation
Suffolk County Water Quality Protection and Restoration Program
Thank you for being a participant in this roundtable discussion of regulatory issues, conflicts and needs
when dealing with a decentralized approach (both single onsite and community) to wastewater
treatment. We envision this as a small group of knowledgeable people who can help clarify issues,
safeguards, opportunities, foster coordination, and suggest changes or action plans to improve
wastewater treatment in our vulnerable environments. Also, identification of which
organization/jurisdiction is best able/suited/willing to initiate, regulate or provide oversight of suggested
actions would be helpful.
I. PROBLEM STATEMENTS
A. The goals of the Clean Water Act were clear and remain unmet.
B. Nitrate loading from OWTS is a significant contributor to elevated levels of nitrate in drinking
water wells and excessive nitrogen in the Long Island Sound, Peconic Estuary and South Shore
embayments.
C. Evidence from SCCWRMP and other studies indicate nitrogen levels are rising in both
groundwater and surface waters.
D. Algal blooms are becoming more frequent and the level of toxicity is becoming elevated
E. Policy recommendations for OWTS have no mechanism for implementation or requirement for
further action.
F. Current NYS and SCDOH standards do not address existing OWTS issues. It is doubtful that either
long term groundwater standards or proposed TMDL surface loadings can be met without
addressing existing OWTS systems.
G. Regulations allow installation of intermediate community systems for new development, but not
for existing neighborhoods servicing separate lots.
H. Information on and acceptance of enhanced treatment of OWTS does not appear to be
consistent among agencies.
I. Management of decentralized wastewater treatment for single onsite systems is not active.
II. OBJECTIVES OF DISCUSSIONS
A. Examine OWTS issues in a more holistic way to advance protection of both groundwater and
surface waters, using resources in an effective manner.
B. Insure that regulations and policies between agencies, (NYSDEC, SCDOH and local land use
planning boards) mesh or are balanced to mitigate nitrogen loadings and other contaminant
issues.
C. Create a policy and regulatory environment that will foster improvements, while maintaining
public health.
D. Facilitate change quickly so that improvements are realized soon.