Long Island Nitrogen Action Plan (LINAP) - February Update

This month's issue of the LINAP Newsletter highlights the release of Suffolk County's Wastewater Management District feasibility study.

Implementation plan for establishing a Suffolk County Wastewater Management District has been finalized.

Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone announced the release of a feasibility study and implementation plan to guide the establishment of a Countywide Wastewater Management District. The Wastewater Management District would facilitate the expansion of advanced wastewater infrastructure to replace 360,000 failing cesspools and septic systems, as recommended in the County’s Subwatersheds Wastewater Plan.

The study was funded by a grant from the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation and the Long Island Regional Planning Council. Establishment of the district has been designated an “early action” item under the Long island Nitrogen Action Plan (LINAP).

The Countywide Wastewater Management District will, in a phased approach:

• Create the administrative structure required to implement the County’s new long- term water quality plan (Subwatersheds Wastewater Plan);
• Provide new benefits for homeowners through expanded financial assistance, better program management, and periodic inspection of septic systems;
• Serve as vehicle for new investments in water quality infrastructure to make system upgrades and sewer connections affordable for homeowners;
• Spur local job growth to help fuel the post-COIVD economic recovery through establishment of a stable and recurring revenue stream to fund advanced wastewater treatment;
• Provide prescriptive advantages of a district for on-site installations comparable to those extended to sewer connections; and
• Provide for greater equity in sewer charges by equalizing rates among individual sewer districts.

The next step in the process for the proposed district is for a Task Force, composed of environmental, civic, and business leaders, to develop an implementation strategy and timeline.

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