Water Quality
Issues around water quality can help to facilitate a sense of stewardship amongst watershed residents. The watershed's surface and ground waters are impacted by the everyday activities of residents. Septic systems and fertilizers contribute nitrogen to the water and stormwater runoff washes chlorides, heavy metals and bacteria from impervious surfaces into surface waters and ground waters. A point source of pollution to Smithtown Bay is Suffolk County sewage treatment plant #6. A portion of the Bay is currently closed to shell fishing because of bacteria. The freshwater portion of the Nissequogue River is designated Class C(TS) meaning it supports trout spawning; the remainder of the River is designated Class C(T), meaning it supports trout population. The only Class B (clean enough for primary and secondary contact recreation) waters in the watershed (other than the Class SA waters of most of the Bay and Sound) are those found in a portion of Sunken Meadow Creek.
Goal for Water Quality in the Action Plan:
Preserve, protect, and enhance water quality in the watershed
Water Quality Goal: Preserve, protect, and enhance water quality in the watershed
Objective: Restore and protect native vegetation and buffer zones along the Nissequogue River and pond edges. (For both freshwater and tidal portions).
Native vegetation and buffer zones are important to protect water quality from inputs of silt and nutrients, control temperature and erosion, provide habitat and to preserve and enhance scenic views.
Actions: 1. Survey stream banks and pond edges to develop an inventory of vegetation types and opportunities for preservation and restoration. (Use Tidal Wetlands maps and aerial photos for tidal portion).
2. Identify areas where human activities have caused a loss of vegetation and areas where invasive species are present.
3. Identify three priority candidate sites for restoration in both tidal and FW portions and prioritize the next three sites. These should be areas that will provide high habitat benefits to the Nissequogue River watershed.
4. Educate the public, state and local governments of the benefits of preserving and enhancing native vegetation and buffer zones.
Implementing Groups: Town of Smithtown, property owners, NYS DEC, Suffolk County, US Fish & Wildlife Service, and Cornell Cooperative Extension
Timeline: Within two years of the Plan's release
Outputs: The identification of three sites where preservation and restoration can be started when funds become available.
Objective: Determine baseline water quality parameters for the Nissequogue River and tributary ponds and streams. (Especially necessary for the freshwater portion). Include night-time sampling and physical and chemical data.
For any improvements to water quality, it is important to first have comprehensive baseline data to begin with. Data exists for some waterways and waterbodies throughout the watershed, but is lacking in some areas.
Action 1: Upgrade/reinvigorate the Gage Station at Caleb Smith State Park to collect data on nutrients, pathogens, pH, dissolved oxygen, flow, temperature, etc. Install USGS or similar partial record stations at other locations throughout the watershed.
Implementing Group: US Geological Service
Timeline: Upon release of the Plan.
Outputs: Increased collection of water quality data.
Action 2: Determine additional locations for the placement of continuous recording monitors in both marine and freshwater portions of the watershed to collect data for nutrients, dissolved oxygen and other parameters.
Implementing Group: NYS DEC, Suffolk County, Town of Smithtown
Timeline: Upon release of the Plan.
Outputs: An inventory of sites for water quality data collection.
Action 3: Install continuous recording monitors at determined locations to collect and compile water quality data.
Implementing Group: NYS DEC, Suffolk County, Town of Smithtown
Timeline: Within two years of release of the Plan.
Outputs: Compilation of new water quality data.
Objective: Enhance water quality monitoring and data collection and assessment throughout the watershed.
Historical and current watershed-wide water quality data for the Nissequogue watershed exists, but is limited and occurs in various sources, not as a collected whole. Compiling historical water quality data and assessment studies while developing an exhaustive overall study can help to establish a baseline, create a detailed summary of watershed water quality and lead to action at individual priority sub-watersheds.
Action: Conduct an extensive watershed water quality study (similar to the Carmans River Study) to base recommendations for future actions, including:
a. A physical and biological assessment to establish baseline
b. Analysis of historical trends, compare to baseline
c. A system of maps (current and historical) and database for Geographic Information Systems (GIS) layers
d. Analysis of current and future threats to water quality
e. Based on data collected, identify where further action is required and develop sub-watershed action plans
Implementing Group: Suffolk County, Town of Smithtown and/or University or advocacy group (ie Cornell Cooperative Extension)
Timeline: Within two years of release of the Plan.
Outputs: Comprehensive water quality study that analyzes water quality for the entire watershed.
Objective: Reduce the impacts of stormwater pollution on the Nissequogue River.
Stormwater runoff from developed areas in the watershed is a threat to water quality improvement. Stormwater runoff transports a variety of pollutants to receiving waterbodies including oils/grease, heavy metals, nutrients, pesticides, and bacteria. In an effort to further protect and improve the Nation's water resources from polluted stormwater runoff, the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) promulgated the Stormwater Phase II rule in 1999. This rule requires all small municipal separate storm sewer systems (MS4s) in urban areas to create and implement a stormwater management program.
The phase II rule defines a small MS4 stormwater management program as a program comprising six minimum control measures (MCMs) that, when implemented in concert, are expected to result in a significant reduction of pollutants discharged into receiving waterbodies. These six minimum control measures are: Public education and outreach, public participation/involvement, illicit discharge detection and elimination, construction site runoff control, post-construction runoff control, and pollution prevention/good housekeeping
Action: Maintain the existing stormwater program and identify opportunities for improvement to the program.
Implementing Group: NYSDEC, Regulated MS4s
Timeline: Upon release of the Plan.
Outputs: A review of opportunities for improvements to the program.
Objective: Investigate groundwater quality and track potential impacts of contaminants, while ensuring adequate maintenance of septic systems.
The quality of groundwater varies from place to place and is impacted by leaks and spills which can introduce contaminants. It is essential to track contaminants over time to ensure healthy and safe water. Malfunctioning septic systems are often a leading cause of groundwater contamination. Proper maintenance of and updates to septic systems can prevent leakage.
Action 1: Compile and analyze existing groundwater nutrient data for the Nissequogue River.
Implementing Groups: Suffolk County, NYS DEC
Timeline: Within one year of the release of the Plan.
Outputs: Groundwater and contaminant data report
Action 2: Determine if additional wells are necessary and install.
Implementing Groups: Suffolk County
Timeline: Within one to two years of release of the Plan.
Outputs: Report that evaluates need for wells
Action 3: Compile existing data on spill of contaminants, determine potential threats to surface water and necessary clean-up actions..
Implementing Groups: Suffolk County, NYS DEC, US EPA
Timeline: Within one to two years of release of the Plan.
Outputs: Report that presents data on existing spills and any necessary clean-up actions.
Action 4: Increase public education, especially in areas impacted by improperly functioning/outdated sanitary systems.
Implementing Groups: Town of Smithtown, Suffolk County via partnerships (with groups such as Sea Grant, Nonpoint Education for Municipal Officials (NEMO) and Cornell Cooperative Extension)
Timeline: Upon release of the plan.
Outputs: Public education campaign
Objective: Continue effective water quality assessment programs.
The objectives of the NYS DEC Rotating Integrated Basin Studies (RIBS) program are to assess water quality of all waters of the state, including the documentation of good quality waters and the identification of water quality problems; identify long-term water quality trends; characterize naturally occurring or background conditions; and establish baseline conditions for use in measuring the effectiveness of site-specific restoration and protection activities. The program is designed so that all major drainage basins in the state are monitored every five years.
Action: Continue the DEC Rotating Intensive Basin Survey in Nissequogue River.
Implementing Group: NYS DEC
Timeline: Maintain current timeline of every five years.
Outputs: Regular water quality data
Objective: Determine if extensive pond eutrophication is occurring within the watershed and determine its affect on in-stream water quality.
Introductory Statement: Eutrophication is the building up of nutrients in a water body -either naturally or because of human input - which speeds up the growth of plant life and can eventually diminish water quality and choke off animal life.
Action 1: Document any pond eutrophication and collect event data throughout the watershed.
Implementing Group: Suffolk County & USGS
Timeline: Upon release of the Plan.
Outputs: Documentation of eutrophication throughout watershed.
Action 2: Develop subwatershed assessments for impacted ponds.
Implementing Group: Suffolk County, Town of Smithtown, NYS DEC
Timeline: Upon completion of Action 1, within one year of the plan's release.
Outputs: Assessment of subwatershed eutrophication.
Action 3: Develop action plans for impacted ponds.
Implementing Group: Suffolk County, Town of Smithtown, NYS DEC
Timeline: Within two years of the plan's release.
Outputs: Action plans for impacted ponds.
Objective: Reduce the impacts of nitrogen overloading on water quality.
Nitrogen is a very important nutrient to numerous forms of life. Human activities - including the use of fertilizers - can increase the input of nitrogen into our ecosystems to unsafe levels in drinking water and surface water. Fertilizers are a major source of nitrogen. The Riverhead Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) discharges directly into the Peconic River which is designated a 303d Nitrogen Impaired Waterbody by New York State. The 303d designation requires preparation of a Nitrogen Total Maximum Daily Loading ("TMDL") which outlines the necessary steps to reduce nitrogen loads, from both point and non-point sources, within the waterbody. In order to achieve the goals set forth in the TMDL, the Riverhead STP, in conjunction with Suffolk County, piloted a program which reuses reclaimed wastewater for irrigation of the adjacent gold course. The reuse of the reclaimed wastewater has two benefits: 1.) Reducing the nitrogen load from the Riverhead STP and 2.) Reduction of the nitrogen load, from fertilizers, from Suffolk County's Indian Island Golf Course. The pilot project, on the STP grounds, was considered a success and the Riverhead STP is currently applying for permits to allow annual application of reclaimed wastewater to the Indian Island Golf Course. A similar project should be considered for STPs within the Nissequogue River watershed.
Action 1: Reduce nitrogen loading, from fertilizers, by 50% within the Nissequogue River watershed through public education measures.
Implementing Group: Town of Smithtown, Suffolk County via partnerships
Timeline: Upon release of the Plan.
Outputs: Public education efforts that reduce fertilizer use.
Action 2: Determine the potential impacts of reusing reclaimed wastewater, from STPs within the Nissequogue River watershed, on nearby publicly owned lands.
Implementing Group: Suffolk County & Kings Park STP, NYSDEC, NYSDOH
Timeline: Upon release of the Plan.
Outputs: Change in current practice.
Action 3: Investigate potential funding sources to conduct the assessment of a reuse program and upgrades to the STP (if applicable).
Implementing Group: Suffolk County, Municipalities
Timeline: Upon release of the Plan.
Outputs: Evaluation of options.
Objective: Seek a "No Discharge Zone" designation for the Nissequogue River.
At present, the Town of Smithtown (which offers a pumpout facility) regulates surface water discharges, including vessel discharge. However, additional protection, under the "No Discharge Zone" should be sought. Designation of the Nissequogue River as a "No Discharge Zone" and acquisition of additional pump-out boats and facilities will help to reduce the nutrients and pathogens from entering the Nissequogue River.
Action 1: Petition the EPA to designate the Nissequogue River as a "No Discharge Zone".
Implementing Group: NYSDEC, Town of Smithtown, Suffolk County, Citizens Advisory Committees, local municipalities
Timeline: Within one year of release of the Plan.
Outputs: Petition to the EPA
Action 2: Acquire additional pump-out boats and facilities via grants and cost sharing agreements
Implementing Group: Municipalities
Timeline: Within two years of release of the Plan.
Outputs: New pump-out facilities.
Action 3: Publish updated materials on "No Discharge Zones" that include: 1) Goals of a "No Discharge Zone", 2) Regulations of a "No Discharge Zone" & 3) Locations of all pump-out facilities.
Implementing Group: Local municipalities via partnerships
Timeline: Within one year of release of the Plan and ongoing.
Outputs: Public education materials.
Objective: Seek an upgrade of the "Best Usage" classification for the river from the NYSDEC.
At present, a majority of the Nissequogue River as a C-class River by the NYS DEC. A C-class river supports fishing, however, it does not support swimming and other recreation, nor does it meet drinking water standards.
Action: After preparation and implementation of sub-watershed management plans, local municipalities and other stakeholders should request that the NYS DEC review and possibly upgrade the "Best Usage" classification of the River.
Implementing Group: Local municipalities, stakeholders and NYS DEC
Timeline: Within one year of release of the recommended Sub-watershed Management Plan described above.
Outputs: Change in class of River.
Objective: Monitor non-native and nuisance fuana.
Non-native (mute swans, Cygnas olor) and nuisance bird species, such as non-migratory Canada Geese have become year round residents in the area's waters and are contributing factors to water quality issues throughout the watershed. These species are displacing native species which play a vital role in the balance of the ecosystem. The waste of these animals significantly contributes to eutrophication of waterbodies. Negative effects of eutrophication are increased algal blooms, uncontrolled growth of aquatic plant species, decreased number of fish species, shift in composition of fish species and decreased plant and animal biodiversity.
Action 1: Conduct a non-native and nuisance avian impact study and consider managing the number of nests through an egg addling program or other means of control.
Action 2: Increase public outreach concerning feeding of birds
Implementing Group: Suffolk County, The State of New York, local municipalities, NGO's for monitoring and assessment.
Timeline: Within one year of release of the Plan.
Outputs: Non-native and nuisance study with next steps.
