Summer months show ‘significant water quality impairments’
Posted: Updated:Dr. Chris Gobler, who has spent years studying Long Island's water quality, says almost every single water body across Long Island had “significant water quality impairments” over the summer months.
Dr. Gobler, along with members of the Long Island Clean Water Partnership, unveiled the “Summer of 2018 Harmful Algae Bloom Map" during a news conference Tuesday. It outlined where the harmful tides are and how potent those tides have become.
He told News 12 that maps unveiled in the past have been similar to the summer 2018 map. However, the Great South Bay faced significant issues – experiencing a brown tide, seaweed bloom, rust tide and low oxygen within a two- to three-month period.
Suffolk County has 360,000 unsewered homes that line bays and estuaries, many of them leach nitrogen into the water. That excess of nitrogen causes the dangerous tides that killed shellfish and fin fish.
Scientists and environmentalists say replacing antiquated cesspools with new septic systems could reverse the current trend. Residents with an antiquated cesspool can apply for a grant for an upgraded cesspool.
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Smokey Bear Field sign stolen from Manorville nature preserve
Smokey Bear Field sign stolen from Manorville nature preserve
Authorities say the Otis Pike Preserve-West Smokey Bear Field sign was stolen from the Manorville grassland.
Authorities say the Otis Pike Preserve-West Smokey Bear Field sign was stolen from the Manorville grassland.
Authorities say the Otis Pike Preserve-West Smokey Bear Field sign was stolen from the Manorville grassland.Authorities say the Otis Pike Preserve-West Smokey Bear Field sign was stolen from the Manorville grassland.Sag Harbor creek's contamination causing beach erosion
Sag Harbor creek's contamination causing beach erosion
Little North West Creek in Sag Harbor represents many of the issues that currently face Long Island estuaries and waterways.
Little North West Creek in Sag Harbor represents many of the issues that currently face Long Island estuaries and waterways.
Little North West Creek in Sag Harbor represents many of the issues that currently face Long Island estuaries and waterways.Little North West Creek in Sag Harbor represents many of the issues that currently face Long Island estuaries and waterways.Environmental officials to test for contaminants at former Steck Philbin landfill
Environmental officials to test for contaminants at former Steck Philbin landfill
State environmental officials are planning to launch an investigation into hazardous materials that may be present at the former Steck Philbin landfill in Kings Park.
State environmental officials are planning to launch an investigation into hazardous materials that may be present at the former Steck Philbin landfill in Kings Park.
State environmental officials are planning to launch an investigation into hazardous materials that may be present at the former Steck Philbin landfill in Kings Park.State environmental officials are planning to launch an investigation into hazardous materials that may be present at the former Steck Philbin landfill in Kings Park.Bellone signs balloon-release ban for Suffolk County
Bellone signs balloon-release ban for Suffolk County
The law applies to the intentional release of latex and Mylar balloons.The law applies to the intentional release of latex and Mylar balloons.Suffolk Water Authority outlines 6-year-plan to remove toxins from drinking water
Suffolk Water Authority outlines 6-year-plan to remove toxins from drinking water
The Suffolk County Water Authority is looking to ease concerns over its ability to detect and remove potential cancer-causing toxins from Long Island’s drinking water.The Suffolk County Water Authority is looking to ease concerns over its ability to detect and remove potential cancer-causing toxins from Long Island’s drinking water.
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Police: Man holds woman at gunpoint before stealing car at Lake Grove supermarket
Police: Man holds woman at gunpoint before stealing car at Lake Grove supermarket
Police say a man held a woman at gunpoint before stealing her car in a Lake Grove supermarket parking lot Monday night.Police say a man held a woman at gunpoint before stealing her car in a Lake Grove supermarket parking lot Monday night.Back on the Battle Bus! Fortnite returns with Chapter 2
Back on the Battle Bus! Fortnite returns with Chapter 2
Fortnite's black hole is over.Fortnite's black hole is over.Nassau County legislator sues Town of Hempstead over removed campaign signs
Nassau County legislator sues Town of Hempstead over removed campaign signs
A Nassau County legislator is suing the Town of Hempstead over campaign signs that were removed from in front of his office last June.A Nassau County legislator is suing the Town of Hempstead over campaign signs that were removed from in front of his office last June.Police: Beauty supply store employee punched in face during robbery in Freeport
Police: Beauty supply store employee punched in face during robbery in Freeport
Police say two women are wanted in connection to a robbery at a Freeport beauty supply store Sunday afternoon.Police say two women are wanted in connection to a robbery at a Freeport beauty supply store Sunday afternoon.School Spirit Showdown: Vote on the Top 12 schools
School Spirit Showdown: Vote on the Top 12 schools
It's a battle for bragging rights! News 12 is looking for the schools with the most school spirit! Is it yours?
It's a battle for bragging rights! News 12 is looking for the schools with the most school spirit! Is it yours?
