Civic association plans webinar on new septic systems

A photo from when the first state-of-the-art sewage system was installed in 2017. (File photo)

Starting in July, Suffolk County homeowners building or renovating their homes will be required to install innovative alternative sewer systems.

The sanitary code change approved in October aims to reduce nitrogen pollution, which official sources say has caused harmful algal blooms, fish deaths, beach closures and a decline in mussel fisheries over time.

Before the law goes into effect, the Mattituck Laurel Civic Association is planning a virtual presentation of the new I / A systems on Monday, May 17th.

Members of the North Shore Land Alliance and the reserve will be accompanied by representatives from Southold Town and local experts, including Peconic Green Growth, for the presentation and Q&A.

“It’s important that we address this issue now because the longer we wait, the worse it gets and the more expensive it gets,” said Katherine Coughlin, water quality coordinator for the North Shore Land Alliance.

Ms. Coughlin, an environmental engineer, has extensive experience with the technical permitting process and building the I / A systems, and said she works with homeowners and small business owners from start to finish to review the installation process and funding opportunities check.

Replacing a wastewater treatment plant with clean water technology is prohibitively expensive for many residents, but Suffolk County residents may be eligible for state and regional grants of up to $ 30,000.

While the cost varies on a case-by-case basis, district officials have estimated the average cost of the systems to be approximately $ 21,900. The new systems also require annual maintenance costs.

The hour-long presentation is free and open to the public. It starts at 6:30 p.m. and can be accessed via zoom.

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