Improve and Maintain Water Quality

Water quality in the South Shore Estuary Reserve is important to everyone on Long Island. Poor water quality diminishes recreational and economic opportunities.
	Nonpoint Source Pollution Nonpoint source pollution is the primary water quality concern in the South Shore Estuary Reserve. Polluted stormwater runoff alone is the principal source of nonpoint pollution in 48 of the 51 waterbody segments in the Reserve with use impairments. Elevated levels of coliform bacteria in stormwater runoff, an indicator of the potential presence of pathogens, are responsible for the closures of shellfish beds and bathing beaches. Sediment and excessive nutrients in stormwater runoff have pronounced negative effects on the Reserve's living resources.
Point Source Pollution Point sources of pollution - municipal wastewater treatment plants, inactive hazardous waste sites and active and inactive solid waste disposal facilities - are not as widespread and are comparatively less significant sources of pollution than nonpoint sources, but still cause water quality degradation in their immediate areas. Point sources are regulated and monitored through the State Pollution Discharge Elimination System (SPDES) permit program.
		Improving Water Quality Improving water quality in the Reserve is dependent on federal, State and local governments, and private sector partners, implementing a strategy that: 1) identifies opportunities and develops schedules to protect lands that provide significant pollutant abatement functions; 2) designs and undertakes projects that retrofit existing storm sewer and other conveyance systems to remove pollutants from storm water; 3) adopts nonpoint source pollution best management practices; and 4) increases education and outreach to modify resident and user behavior.
The South Shore Estuary Reserve Comprehensive Management Plan identifies recommendations to reduce and control nonpoint source pollution; enhance point source controls; implement the Environmental Protection Agency's Storm Water Phase II Final Rule; and address scientific information needs.

MORE INFORMATION

Stormwater Treatment Technology Workshop Proceedings (.pdf)

Preserve the Reserve: A Citizen's Guide to Improving Water Quality in the Long Island South Shore Estuary Reserve (.pdf)

Green's Creek and Brown's River Watershed Management Plan (.pdf)

Town of Islip Green's Creek and Brown's River Watershed Management Plan Brochure (.pdf)

Swan River Watershed Management Plan (.pdf)

RELATED LINKS

EPA Handbook for Developing Watershed Plans to Restore and Protect our Waters

NY Sea Grant's Nonpoint Education for Municipal Officials

Peconic Baykeeper - Baywatch Report and Clean Boating Tips

South Shore Estuary Reserve Office
300 Woodcleft Avenue • Freeport, New York 11520 • Phone: (516) 470-BAYS • Fax: (516) 378-2879 • sser@dos.state.ny.us