Frequently Asked Questions

We are a group of independent, credentialed Long Island scientists, engineers and public health experts who are concerned about deficiencies in the Suffolk County Subwatershed Wastewater Plan (SWP).

The Suffolk County Subwatershed Wastewater Plan (SWP) is a document approved by the Suffolk County Legislature in 2020 that was intended to provide a strategy for wastewater treatment and disposal for residences and businesses in Suffolk County. 

The Suffolk County Subwatershed Wastewater Plan can be accessed on the Suffolk County Council for Environmental Quality(CEQ) website. CEQ Website  

The Suffolk County Subwatershed Wastewater Plan (SWP)-       

  -relies on theoretical computer modeling instead of empirical data to make decisions about wastewater treatment and recycling. 

  -fixates on nitrogen load reduction, failing to consider negative consequences to our groundwater supply, surface waters and marine ecosystem. 

  -does not address the full implications of a declining water table on the health and equilibrium of our groundwater supply and ecosystems.

  -fails to consider the viability and option of conventional onsite septic systems to treat and recycle our wastewater.

  -has chosen simplistic strategies to solve complex problems. 

SEE SWP COMMENT DOCUMENT & ADDENDUM

The Suffolk County Subwatershed Wastewater Plan (SWP) recommends :

1) eliminating 360,000 existing onsite wastewater treatment systems in Suffolk County (Septic Systems, Conventional OWTS, Cesspools)

2) expanding sewers and sewage treatment plants (STPs),

3) installing advanced onsite wastewater treatment systems (I/A OWTS).

Under certain circumstances, collecting wastewater in sewer pipes (sewers) and transporting it to a sewage treatment plant (STP) for treatment and disposal maybe necessary or desirable.  In areas of high population density (urban settings) and areas that are not conducive to the installation of onsite OWTS (e.g., areas with impermeable soils, flooding, high groundwater, limited lot size) sewering may be the only option.  There are three basic forms of sewage treatment in use on Long Island: Sewer Systems, Advanced Onsite Systems and Conventional Systems; each of which have advantages and disadvantages (Pros and Cons).  

Collecting wastewater in sewer pipes and transporting it to a sewage treatment plant (STP) for treatment and disposal maybe harmful and not be cost effective.   Past wastewater strategies include collecting the wastewater, pumping it to STPs and then discharging the treated effluent into coastal waters.  This strategy does not recharge the aquifer and results in water being wasted.  With this strategy, Nassau County has already destroyed its groundwater balance and is now seeking water from upstate New York.  Suffolk County is following in Nassau's footsteps as it continues to expand its sewering programs and increase discharge to coastal waters, depleting its groundwater supply.  This strategy is unsustainable

The installation of sewers, sewage treatment plants and ocean outfall pipes are expensive.  When compared to the cost of  Onsite Wastewater Treatment Systems (I/A System and Conventional System), sewering is not cost effective.  It has been estimated that construction costs for sewering is around $120,000 per home; compared to about $10,000 for a conventional system and $30,000 for an I/A System.  This does not include the yearly maintenance costs to operate and maintain the sewer system and STP. The yearly maintenance cost for a conventional system is minimal and I/A Systems cost about $600 per year.  Conventional Systems are the most cost effective.

There are various advantages and disadvantages related to the use of Advanced and Conventional Onsite Systems.  Factors to be considered are energy usage, maintenance, construction cost, management, site conditions, reliability and treatment efficiency.  An overall comparison of the Pros and Cons of these two systems, shows that Conventional Systems have more advantages. 

SEE COMPARISON

The ability of conventional onsite septic systems (Conventional Systems) to treat wastewater is documented in peer reviewed papers and by governmental agencies like the USEPA.  There are over 360,000 existing septic systems in Suffolk County; unfortunately, Suffolk County has not analyzed the effluent from any of these systems; and therefore lacks the necessary empirical data to determine treatment efficiencies and make appropriate decisions involving the use of Conventional Systems.

SEE VIDEO-A CASE FOR SEPTIC SYSTEMS

According to peer reviewed research, conventional onsite septic systems remove between 20 and 40% of the nitrogen in the wastewater.  When coupled with the removal in other naturally occurring "subsurface zones of treatment", the total nitrogen removal from wastewater (before entering surface waters) is estimated to be between 74 and 98%.  See Report

Besides nitrogen there are many other "constituents of concern", including pathogens, solvents, micro plastics and pharmaceuticals. Although the USEPA has reported that conventional onsite septic systems have the ability to remove many of these constituents, further testing of the systems in Suffolk County is necessary.  Unfortunately, Suffolk County developed its wastewater strategy without proper testing and empirical data relating to conventional onsite septic systems.

According to the SWP, the primary purpose of Advanced Onsite Wastewater Treatment Systems (I/A OWTS) is to remove nitrogen from wastewater before subsurface discharge into the soil, groundwater and surface water.  Demonstrating the necessity of removing nitrogen before discharge is paramount to determining if these types of systems are necessary.  The SWP has not demonstrated a clear cause and effect of nitrogen discharged from conventional onsite septic systems. Therefore, the need for Advanced Systems in place of Conventional Systems can not be justified by nitrogen removal alone.  Other factors must be considered and there are pros and cons for both the Conventional Systems and the Advanced Systems.  

Suffolk NY voters may be asked to approve a mechanism to fund the existing SWP. By funding this Plan with a sales tax surcharge, proponents have touted it as a small expense; however, our County will spend over 4 Billion Dollars! It is important that the Plan correctly identify the priorities and direct the money to projects and infrastructure that sustain and protect the residents and waters of Suffolk County.  

Our's is an Ad Hoc Group of specialists who are very concerned about the possible negative impact the SWP could have on Suffolk County's future. Each member has had a unique past involvement in some of the complex issues the SWP should have addressed. Our goal is to open meaningful discussions about these issues.