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DEC releases blueprint to protect Long Island’s groundwater

BARBARAELLEN KOCH FILE PHOTO | Farm workers harvesting spinach at Bayview Farm on the Main Road in Aquebogue in 2010.

More than 100 different pesticide-related chemicals have been detected in Long Island’s groundwater since 1996, according to the state Department of Environmental Conservation.

To prevent future pesticide contamination, the DEC has released a draft version of a strategy, or blueprint of sorts, aimed at protecting Long Island’s waters.

Known as the Draft Long Island Pesticide Pollution Prevention Strategy, its goal is to establish effective pest management, while protecting the Island’s waters.

The DEC will be holding two public meetings April 3 and 4, to provide information on the proposed strategy, as well as give the public an opportunity to comment on it, whether that be support or concerns regarding the proposed strategy.

Comments will be considered and the DEC will revise the draft if necessary, according to its website. The 90-day public comment period runs through April 30.

The proposed strategy will affect almost all pesticide users on Long Island — agricultural, residential, commercial, industrial and institutional. It includes best management practices, water quality protection and enhanced monitoring of groundwater into its pest management efforts.

Meetings are scheduled as follows:

April 3 in Riverhead:

Suffolk County Community College, Eastern Campus

121 Speonk Riverhead Rd.

Riverhead, NY 11901

Availability Session: 6 p.m. – 7 p.m.

Public Meeting: 7 p.m. – 9 p.m.

 

April 4 in Bethpage:

Morrelly Homeland Security Center

510 Grumman Road West, Main Conference Room

Bethpage, NY 11714

Availability Session: 6 p.m. – 7 p.m.

Public Meeting: 7 p.m. – 9 p.m.

Public comments can also be submitted through email to: [email protected] or by fax to 518-402-9024 or mailed to:

Scott Menrath

NYS Department of Environmental Conservation

Division of Materials Management

625 Broadway

Albany, NY 12233-7254

Draft Long Island Pesticide Pollution Prevention Strategy