A New Stormwater Solution Is Coming To Southold

Where there is an environmental problem, Group for the East End prides itself on finding a solution. That's why we are collaborating once again with North Fork artist and environmentalist, Lillian Ball, to tackle stormwater pollution with a new WATERWASH™ project at Goldsmith Inlet, located in Southold Town's hamlet of Peconic.

Goldsmith Inlet was once a rich and diverse coastal lagoon with plentiful shellfishing and recreational opportunities. Today, despite nearly 60 percent preservation of the pond’s immediate shoreline, this waterbody is significantly impaired due to excessive coliform bacteria and other pollutants from stormwater runoff.

The goal of Goldsmith WATERWASH™ will be to lower nutrient, bacteria, and heavy metal levels in Goldsmith Inlet  by creating a treatment wetland that removes these harmful agents over a 24-hour period. Educational signage will be installed at the site as well, to ensure community members are part of the solution. Funding support for the project is provided by the Long Island Sound Study.

What is Stormwater Pollution?

This is the time of year when warmer weather turns piles of snow into little streams that creep along the sides of roadways, and spring rains transform streams into rivers. These "roadside rivers" travel over paved surfaces, carrying debris, sediments, and chemicals straight into our local surface waters. Water pollution such as this can cause significant problems for local aquatic animals and plants.

While it may not be feasible to tear up all of our roads and parking areas, we can take measures to prevent stormwater pollution. The WATERWASH™ concept developed by Lillian Ball uses crushed glass to create a permeable surface that will stop water from rushing directly into surface waters. Allowing the water to seep down into the ground gives plants a chance to complete natural filtration.

How Can I Help?

Are you a fan of Goldsmith Inlet or does the idea of WATERWASH™ just get your blood pumping? Either way, interested community members are invited to discuss this new project and share their expertise and ideas on Feb. 16 at 6 p.m. Join us at the Group for the East End office in Southold (54895 Route 25, just across from Bridgehampton National Bank). Refreshments will be provided.

If you can't make it to the meeting on Feb. 16, you can still be part of the stormwater pollution solution. Trade paved surfaces for permeable ones at home and incorporate native plants into your landscape to stop rainwater and snowmelt from running off your property. You can also use rain barrels, or create a rain garden to allow water to seep down into the ground instead of into the road. Download a free copy of the Bayscaping brochure for more ideas.

Group for the East End (www.eastendenvironment.org) protects and restores the environment of eastern Long Island through education, citizen action and professional advocacy. We inspire people to embrace a conservation ethic. The Group’s work is supported through member donations and foundation grants, and all contributions are tax deductible. Become a member today!