The Peconic Baykeeper is making a pitch to have the South Shore Estuary designated a no discharge zone to keep the South Shore as pristine as possible.

Baykeeper Kevin McCallister is petitioning the state to ask the federal government for that protective measure. He says boaters who are dumping their sewage waste, which is often filled with chemicals, into the water are affecting shellfish beds, bathing beaches and marine life.

"It?s not just OK to flush a toilet on the bay, ? he says.

So far, the towns of Southampton, Brookhaven, Islip, Babylon and Oyster Bay have signed on. Hempstead, which has a local no-discharge law, has not done it yet.

McAllister says Hempstead town officials told him their local law was good enough. However, a Hempstead spokesman told News 12 Long Island it was all a miscommunication. He says the town is ready to join the others in supporting the measure.

McAllister says he is hopeful the new federal designation will be in place this time next year.