Nesconset, NY - August 11, 2016 - On Wednesday, August 10^th, Suffolk County Legislator Sarah Anker joined County Executive Steve Bellone to sign into law Introductory Resolution 1571, taking a significant step forward toward protecting our precious aquifer and surface water. Elected officials, environmental advocates, and residents gathered at the home of Jim and Donna Minei in Nesconset to sign this momentous bill which will amend the Suffolk County Sanitary Code to allow the Board of Health to approve, oversee, and facilitate the use of Innovative and Alternative Onsite Wastewater Treatment Systems (I/A OWTS).

“The amendment to the Suffolk County Sanitary Code is a significant step forward toward preserving our precious aquifer and local water bodies,” said Legislator Sarah Anker. “On Long Island, especially in Suffolk County, water is an economic driver that attracts tourism and serves as a source of income for many fishermen and farmers. It is important that we do everything in our power to limit toxins, especially high concentrations of nitrogen, which can have negative effects on our drinking water and coastal ecosystems. Instead of putting our heads in the sand, we are putting new technology in the ground to protect our water.”

The intent of the resolution, which was approved by the Legislature on July 26^th, is to improve wastewater treatment technologies in Suffolk County to combat nitrogen pollution in our drinking water and surrounding water bodies. It is a part of the comprehensive “Reclaim Our Water” initiative which aims to improve public health and reduce toxins in the environment. The Suffolk County Department of Health Services (DHS) will act as the management entity for the purpose of registering and overseeing the installment of new wastewater treatment systems. Home owners will be required to register with DHS as a condition to install and operate a new system.