Letter: Let’s be objective on water pollution

To the editor:

I remember when platinum-based catalytic converters were first proposed. Comments were split between “it will bankrupt the automakers” and “no one will be able to afford new cars.” The same thing happened each time substantial improvements were mandated to reduce auto pollution and improve fuel economy. Somehow, we’re all driving much cleaner and more efficient cars.

Related: Big push to pass sweeping water quality law

We also pay a fee to have our cars inspected annually to ensure they don’t pollute the air. It’s not hard to imagine requiring homeowners have septic systems inspected to be sure they don’t pollute the water. My home has a septic system, and I don’t relish the thought of investing in upgrades. Yet I fear the impact on home values — and on our North Fork economy — if we don’t get this under control. However much it costs us to address the problem now, the cost to our kids if we don’t deal with it will be unimaginably greater. Doing nothing is not a viable option. The state’s water pollution control act is a good place to start.

Larry Simms, South Jamesport