Brookhaven to Receive $1 Million State Funding From Senate to Improve Water Quality in Setauket Harbor

Supervisor Ed Romaine and Senate Majority Leader John Flanagan held a press conference to announce that the Senator has secured a $1 million New York State Grant for the Town of Brookhaven to fund projects aimed to improve water quality in Setauket Harbor and the surrounding watershed.  Recently, Cornell Cooperative Extension completed a study of the harbor using DNA analysis to determine the source of pathogens that caused the closure of the harbor to shellfishing.

Supervisor Romaine and Senator Flanagan were joined at the event announcing the funding by officials from the Town’s Division of Environmental Protection, members of the Setauket Harbor Task Force and Councilwoman Valerie M. Cartright. 

Setauket Harbor has suffered from degradation due to high numbers of coliform bacteria and nutrients, especially nitrogen.  The Town of Brookhaven has spent tens of millions of dollars to reduce pollutant loads that enter its waterways through storm drains and where complete containment is not feasible, advanced retention structures have been installed to remove or significantly reduce sedimentation and pollution.  In an effort to further reduce pollutants entering the harbor, the Town is continuing to study and analyze water quality.  The results of this analysis will guide decision making for targeted mitigation and habitat protection.

The state grant of $1 million will be used for projects including:

• removal of accumulated silt at the headwaters of Setauket Harbor;
• storm water infrastructure; and
• renovation of Setauket Harbor dock.

Senator Flanagan said, “Long Islanders are blessed with access to magnificent waterways like Setauket Harbor.  That’s why it is important that all levels of government work together to preserve and protect these fragile ecosystems.  This state funding will help support critical improvement projects to restore and revitalize this beautiful natural resource and it is my pleasure to partner with Supervisor Romaine, the Town of Brookhaven and Setauket Harbor Task Force to help bring this project to reality.  Completion of this project will ensure that the harbor will be enjoyed by residents and visitors for generations to come,” stated Senator Flanagan.

Supervisor Romaine said, “Senator Flanagan’s strong advocacy on behalf of the Town will help us improve the water quality in Setauket Harbor and the watershed that surrounds it. By acting now, we can prevent further contamination, reverse the damage that has already been done and begin to restore this beautiful natural resource back to a healthy and environmentally sound waterway.”

Councilwoman Cartright said, "On behalf of the First Council District, I appreciate the efforts that went into securing this funding on the part of Senator Flanagan, as well as the diligence of the Setauket Harbor Task Force as they continue to find ways to work with government and other key stakeholders towards a cleaner, healthier harbor. I look forward to continued partnership with the Task Force to implement the projects included in this grant."

Superintendent Losquadro said, "I would like to thank Senator Flanagan for securing the funding necessary for the Highway Department to continue working to protect our surface water quality, in this case preventing pollution from making its way into the Setauket Harbor."