Senator Carl L. Marcellino, chairman of the Senate Environmental Conservation Committee, held a hearing earlier this week to comprehensively address the issue of sewage wastewater management and planning on Long Island at the Cold Spring Harbor Library and Environmental Center.

"Sewers are the hidden impediment to economic revitalization. Sewers are crucial to protect our environment, create workforce housing and economic development," said Senator Marcellino.

The hearing focused on wastewater management solutions that protect the aquifer and ocean resources while putting the region on a clear path to sustainable development.

Long Island problems are unique. "On Long Island we drink the water beneath our feet so we must act in a responsible way to protect our valuable aquifers," Marcellino said. "With an increasing population, the shallow glacial aquifer is no longer usable because of sewage and industrial toxins. Water is now pumped from deep public-supply wells that tap the lower confined aquifers. These deeper, confined aquifers have not yet been invaded by the polluted groundwater and we must make sure that they are not."

In addition, the Long Island Sound is stressed by pathogens and viruses that have entered the Sound partly due to older sewer systems that have combined stormwater and sanitary systems that overflow during rainfalls.

"If we do not work to improve the infrastructure and control the discharge of pollutants, beach and shellfish, area closings will increase, and the populations of fish and wildlife will decline," said Marcellino.

"To continue to meet the needs of the region it is imperative for Long Island to have a plan in place that includes waste water management."

This year to help with the growing need Senator Marcellino secured $1 million in the Environmental Protection Fund specifically for Long Island Sewer Projects.

This complex issue will continue to need careful study. In the 2007-2008 New York State Budget there is $300,000 for the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) to do a statewide assessment of wastewater infrastructure improvement needs. The analysis will focus on upgrading existing wastewater treatment facilities and an assessment of the costs of meeting such needs. The report due to the governor and Legislature March 1, 2008 will also recommend funding methods and potential legislative and regulatory proposals.

Testimony was offered by: Suffolk County Executive Steve Levy; Jim Morgo, commissioner, Suffolk County Economic Development & Workforce Housing; Tom Mahr, Nassau County Executive Office; Raymond A. Ribeiro, commissioner, Nassau County Department of Public Works; Matthew Millea, director of environmental facilities; William Spitz; Allan Fuches, Department of Environmental Conservation; Michael Deering, vice president, Government Affairs; The Long Island Association; John Cameron; League of Conservation Voters; Sarah Lansdale, executive director Sustainable Long Island; Michael White, executive director Long Island Regional Planning Board; Bob Wieboldt, executive vice president, Long Island Builders Institute; Kevin McDonald, Nature Conservancy; Addrienne Esposito, executive director Citizens Campaign for the Environment; Kevin McAllister, executive director Peconic Baykeeper.