Long Island Nitrogen Action Plan (LINAP) - Special Announcement

SepticSmart and National Estuaries Week being celebrated this September!

SepticSmart Week 2022: September 19 – 23

SepticSmart Week 2022 is happening September 19 – 23! During this week, take time to think about proper septic system care and maintenance. We have listed below some information and tips about septic system care that are important to keep in mind during all times of the year.

• Have your system inspected every three years by a qualified professional or according to your local health department’s recommendations.
• Have your septic tank pumped every three to five years.
• Avoid pouring harsh products (e.g., oils, grease, chemicals, paint, medications) down the drain.
• Discard non-degradable products in the trash (e.g., floss, wipes, cat litter) instead of flushing them.
• Keep cars and heavy vehicles parked away from the drainfield and tank.
• Repair leaks and use water efficient fixtures to avoid overloading the system.
• Maintain plants and vegetation near the system to ensure roots do not block drains.
• Use soaps and detergents that are low-suds, and biodegradable.
• Prevent system freezing during cold weather by inspecting and insulating vulnerable system parts (e.g., the inspection pipe and soil treatment area).
• Before any digging is completed on your property, make sure you know the location of your system.
• Consider replacing failing cesspools and septic systems with an Innovative Alternative Onsite Treatment System (I/A OWTS)

Nitrogen pollution from cesspools and septic systems has been identified as the largest cause of degraded water quality contributing to beach closures, toxic algae blooms, and massive fish kills. A conventional septic system is not designed to remove nitrogen. The average residential septic system discharges approximately 40 pounds of nitrogen per year!

If it is time to replace your septic system, consider replacing with an Innovative/Alternative On-site Treatment System (I/A OWTS). These systems treat nitrogen, to protect Long Island’s ground and surface waters better than a traditional septic system. Nassau and Suffolk County both have programs in place to provide homeowners and small businesses with grants to replace failing or outdated septic systems and cesspools with I/A OWTS. The grant programs can often cover the majority of the cost of installing more environmentally effective systems. Learn more by visiting your county’s website (links) today.

On September 19, 2022 from 7:00 - 8:30 PM at the Locust Valley Library located at 170 Buckram Rd, Locust Valley, come and meet the distributors of I/A OWTS used in Nassau County and attend a brief presentation about the program by representatives from Nassau’s S.E.P.T.I.C. program.

Are you curious what these systems look like or want to see one in real life? On September 21, 2022 head out and visit three sites that have successfully installed I/A OWTS as part of Nassau County’s S.E.P.T.I.C. Grant Program.
RSVP to NassauSeptic@iaowts.com or click here to RSVP on line.

National Estuaries Week 2022: September 17 - 24

National Estuaries Week is being celebrated in various ways across Long Island this month.

Come celebrate these incredible ecosystems and all the benefits they provide at events like beach clean ups, birding clubs, fishing expos, and other activities! To find a public event close to you, visit the National Estuaries Week Events map!

This map is brought to you by the Long Island Sound Study, South Shore Estuary Reserve, and Peconic Estuary Partnership.

To sign up for our LINAP Newsletter, visit our LINAP webpage or click here.