Town to discuss firm’s final Goldsmith Inlet recommendation
Southold Town board members are scheduled to discuss New York City-based environmental engineering firm eDesign Dynamics LLC‘s final recommendation on how to help reduce pollution at Goldsmith Inlet in Peconic during its work session Tuesday.
In August, the firm suggested several ideas on who to improve water flow at the long congested inlet, including the possibility of building a second jetty.
Last year, the town hired eDesign Dynamics to measure tidal flow and the rate at which sand is being deposited in the inlet.
The study showed that the inlet’s water quality has continued to deteriorate. The company said this is primarily due to large deposits of sand that severely limit tidal flow as well as the normal amount of flushing, which has historically kept the inlet healthy.
Company representative Eric Rothstein said annual “emergency” dredging does little to improve water quality. Instead, he said building another jetty is the most likely way of reducing sediment buildup and increasing tidal flow long term.
The proposed jetty would sit on the east side of the channel, opposite the existing jetty, according to the proposal. The option was the most expensive presented.
The company estimates the jetty would cost the town between $3,000 to $5,000 per linear foot.
The company also proposed a method of sand removal known as agitation dredging – a method that uses pressurized water to move sediment. Other options included moving the location of the annual dredging site further away from the Sound.
The final recommendation will be presented at the board’s work session at 9 a.m. in the Town Hall meeting room.
