To continue progress in attaining water quality standards it is necessary to manage adaptively, continuing to seek aggressive and practical nitrogen reductions from all sources while evaluating their effectiveness. The setting is the Gulf of Mexico, but much of what is discussed applies to the Sound. “It’s beautiful. The Sound … The plan also identified steps to evaluate additional nitrogen reductions and alternative technologies while continuing monitoring and research programs to assess attainment of water quality standards. Long Island Sound Carte du Long Island Sound (en rose) entre les côtes du Connecticut (au nord) et de Long Island (au sud). Dr. Greg O’Mullan, of Queens College, helped lead the report. Improve water clarity by 2035 to support healthy eelgrass communities and attainment of the eelgrass extent target. Identify and control local pollution sources through community-based watershed monitoring (including citizen science) and protection programs. All of the best-ranked beaches, all in Suffolk County, received the highest average grades during wet and dry weather conditions from 2016 through 2018, according to this report by Save the Sound. Long Island Sound is an estuary approximately 110 miles long (east to west) and 21 miles across at its widest point, and covers an area of 1320 square miles with 600 miles of coastline. Seven beaches on Long Island rank among the cleanest beaches in New York, according to a study of water quality for the past three years. The East River is a salt water tidal estuary in New York City.The waterway, which is actually not a river despite its name, connects Upper New York Bay on its south end to Long Island Sound on its north end. The Long Island Sound Task Force, a Connecticut-based group, says the lobster population on its side has increased significantly, and 1983 may … View Water Clarity Environmental Indicator. “Avoiding waste going into storm drains, picking up after our dog,” he said. It’s perfect. CLEAN LONG ISLAND SOUND continued on next page By Peg Van Patten The Essential Services of Nutrient Bioextraction Gracilaria being grown in Long Island Sound as an experiment. Long Island Sound Study is presently participating in two pilot studies of advanced in situ (in water) high resolution monitoring technologies. It’s perfect. Increase the percent area of natural vegetation within 300 feet of any stream or lake in the Connecticut and New York portions of the Long Island Sound watershed to 75% (1,030 square miles of natural vegetation) by 2035 from 2010 baseline of 65%. The Long Island Sound Restoration and Stewardship Act would combine two water quality and shore restoration programs to be funded at, respectively, $40 million and $25 million per year through 2020. It’s quiet. Splishing and splashing in the Long Island Sound is a sign of the summer. The waves are literally overflowing with resources and information that not many people know about. Catching northern kingfish, sea robins, dogfish sharks, and clearnose skates in July on the south shore of long island. Connecticut and New York are now meeting the nitrogen reduction targets for wastewater treatment facilities, the largest source of nitrogen, thanks to recent investments in upgrades. Sound Byte Version (PDF) (2 pp, 311 K) Technical Version (PDF) (6 pp, 353 K) Long Island Sound Nitrogen TMDL (PDF) (10 pp, 158 K) Exit; Contact Us to ask a question, provide feedback, or report a problem. To help teachers understand how science lessons can be modified for visually impaired or blind students. "Always an amazing time at Fire Island whether you check out the grill dockside or you go to the Casino , some of the greatest refreshing summer cocktails and live bands every Sunday ." The month with the lowest is February with an average water temperature of 39°F / 3.9°C. But we all see the benefits of networking, collaborating, and keeping up on the latest issues facing the Sound. Long Island Sound is a tidal estuary of the Atlantic Ocean, lying predominantly between the U.S. state of Connecticut to the north, and Long Island in New York to the south. It’s clean,” Jericho resident Denise Clappert said. August is the month with the highest water temperature at 73.6°F / 23.1°C. The Eastern Basin received an A+ (100%). Document the economic and ecosystem consequences of nitrogen pollution from hypoxia, eelgrass and wetland loss, and increased vulnerability to acidification. For some of us, it’s a large part of our work. Learn more in the Nitrogen Reduction Strategy, Municipalities are looking at green infrastructure projects to reduce pollutants carried by stormwater from entering the Sound and its tributaries. Additional emphasis is needed on assessing and improving the water and habitat quality of the Sound’s embayments, where much of the public goes for recreation and enjoyment. Check our calendar to find upcoming events near you, read on to learn about the opportunities we offer. View Riparian Buffer Extent Environmental Indicator. The Nature Conservancy in Connecticut describes many of the choices in its LIS Water Quality website. Long Island Sound is a village close to atlantic ocean. An analysis by Synapse Energy Economics found aggressive renewable energy growth would lead to more jobs and better health for the region. With new information on the success of reducing nitrogen and the response of Long Island Sound to these reductions, the TMDL target will need to be assessed and revised as appropriate. Addressing these environmental conditions will require integrated approaches to reducing polluted storm and ground water, contaminants of emerging concern, and creating resiliency of infrastructure. Reduce nitrogen from decentralized, on-site wastewater treatment systems (septic systems), and turf fertilizer applications. We’re a group of funders with missions that include protecting and restoring the Long Island Sound. View Extent of Hypoxia Environmental Indicator. EPA, Connecticut and New York are working on achieving a cleaner Long Island Sound through new nitrogen pollution reduction strategies. Long Island Sound Restoration and Stewardship Act (Sec. “I am glad that they’re checking the water,” Oyster Bay resident Laura Gaffney said. One study, funded by NERACOOS, is examining the effectiveness of automated in situ nutrient sensor technology in estuaries throughout New England, including Long Island Sound, Narragansett Bay, Mass Bay, and the Gulf of Maine. did a little freediving for tog and got my limit in the long island sound, brought them home clean them up and cooked them for a delicious meal Have all practices and measures installed to attain the allocations for stormwater and nonpoint source inputs from the entire watershed by 2025. While Long Island Sound’s water is getting cleaner, the Sound still suffers from hypoxic “dead zones,” beach closures, and other effects of contamination that keeps the Sound from meeting water quality standards. Clean water is the foundation of a healthy Long Island Sound—for human use and recreation, for thriving fisheries, and for productive habitats. Nitrogen reductions from atmospheric deposition and agricultural sources are also meeting TMDL allocations. Our Vision and the Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan, Committees and Work Groups/Meetings and Events, Climate Change and Sentinel Monitoring Work Group, Habitat Restoration and Stewardship Work Group, Public Involvement and Education Work Group, Clean Water Solutions to Reduce Nitrogen Pollution, Nutrient Bioextraction: Extracting Pollution from the Sound, New York and Connecticut’s Shellfish and Seaweed Aquaculture GIS Map Viewer, New Bioextraction Pilot Projects in Connecticut and Long Island Waters, Practical Applications of Nutrient Bioextraction, Ecosystem Targets and Supporting Indicators, Waters and Watersheds Ecosystem Targets and Indicators, Industrial Chemical Discharges (TRI data – Total LIS watershed and CT and NY portion of watershed), Habitats and Wildlife Ecosytem Targets and Indicators, Herring Runs at Streams with Upstream Planned Fishway Projects, Forage Fish in Open Water/NY and CT Coastlines, Shad & Blueback Herring – Long Island Sound, Sustainable Communities Ecosystem Targets and Indicators, Waterfront Community Resiliency and Sustainability, Population Within 50-mile Buffer of Long Island Sound, Climate Change and Sentinel Monitoring Research Projects, Other LISS Climate Change Research Projects, Water Quality Monitoring in the Sound and Embayments, Learn more on the role upgrading wastewater treatments plants had on the WWTP, Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan, A Healthier Long Island Sound: Nitrogen Pollution, Restoring the Long Island Sound While Saving Money (TMDL fact sheet (short version), Restoring the Long Island Sound While Saving Money (TMDL fact sheet long version), https://oceanservice.noaa.gov/hazards/hypoxia/deadzone.mp4. 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Making Long Island Sound’s water cleaner by removing excess nutrients such as nitrogen is going to require different solutions. 6 • Wrack Lines: A Connecticut Sea Grant Publication course of their dying and decay, lead to the depleted oxygen condition known as hypoxia. Beachgoers have begun swarming to the shores of Long Island to cool off now that school is out and summer is in, but the region’s favorite pastime isn’t all fun and games. Nitrogen from on-site wastewater treatment systems, residential turf fertilizer applications and stormwater runoff, however, have remained level or increased. There are plenty of beaches in Connecticut, but these beauties along the Long Island Sound will make you feel like you’re on a tropical island! NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) — Most New Yorkers love their beaches, but a new report is shining a light on just how safe the water is to swim in. To read the full report, visit soundhealthexplorer.org. Splishing and splashing in the Long Island Sound is a sign of the summer. Learn more in the nutrient bioextraction initiative, The Long Island Sound Dredged Material Management Plan (LIS DMMP) is a comprehensive planning process and decision-making tool to address the management of dredged material for a specific harbor or navigation project, group of related projects, or geographic area. The Sound generates between $17 billion and $36.6 billion in economic value every year, according to a forthcoming economic valuation cited in the recently updated plan to restore and protect Long Island Sound. On Friday, officials came together to celebrate the fruits of that partnership. So many of us cherish the opportunity to swim, boat, fish, and frolic in the waters of Long Island Sound, but there are some key facts that we may be missing out on. By viewing our video content, you are accepting the terms of our. Long Island Sound - Long Island's Salt Water Estuary, Get information about the Long Island Sound, Nassau County, Suffolk County, Long Island, New York Hypoxia, low levels of oxygen, plague coastal waters, including Long Island Sound, every summer. Learn more in the. It is located in one of the most densely populated areas in the United States, particularly along the Nation's coastal areas, within the jurisdiction of two states, New York and Connecticut. Attain wastewater treatment facility nitrogen loading at the recommended 2000 Dissolved Oxygen Total Maximum Daily Load allocation level by 2017 and maintain the loading cap. This connection between the land and water, between healthy, sustainable upland communities and a healthy Long Island Sound is the foundation of the Clean Waters and Healthy Watersheds theme. Work with states and communities in the entire watershed, not just in Connecticut and New York, particularly on low-cost upgrades to centralized wastewater treatment facilities. Through green infrastructure, low impact development, and stormwater disconnections, decrease by 10 percent the effective area of impervious cover in the Connecticut and New York portions of the watershed by 2035 relative to 2010 baseline. Lattingtown Beach a few miles away got a C+. Read the Report > View all reports. The  video, created by  the NOAA Environmental Visualization Lab, describes how high levels of nutrients lead to hypoxia. But just how clean are the beaches on Long Island’s North Shore? Long Island Sound is an estuary of the Atlantic Ocean bordered by Connecticut to the north, New York City to the west, and Long Island to the south. “We need to know these things, especially if children are going to be in the water,” Syosset resident Doug Helkowski said. "The island is only about 50 yards wide in places and the design with a main boardwalk through the communities and boardwalks off to the beach and beach houses is quite unique." The Total Maximum Daily Load Analysis to Achieve Water Quality Standards for Dissolved Oxygen in Long Island Sound (CTDEEP, NYSDEC 2000) set allocations for nitrogen among five watershed states. Restore habitat in your backyard. This natural resource provides recreational fun for us, habitat for wildlife, and income to many local economies. Long Island Sound, semienclosed arm of the North Atlantic Ocean, lying between the New York–Connecticut (U.S.) shore to the north and Long Island to the south. “I’m a little bit shocked. View Sediment Quality Improvement Environmental Indicator. You will learn about efforts to clean the waters as well as the shorelines of Long Island Sound, including those in Rye, Larchmont, Mamaroneck and surrounding communities. Connecticut and New York municipalities have prevented more than 50 million pounds of nitrogen pollution a year from entering Long Island Sound. Measurably reduce the area of hypoxia in Long Island Sound from pre-2000 Dissolved Oxygen TMDL averages to increase attainment of water quality standards for dissolved oxygen by 2035, as measured by the five-year running average size of the zone. Water quality must be improved in bays and harbors to protect and restore submerged aquatic vegetation and benthic community health. Controlling nitrogen pollution remains the top priority. For others, it’s just one of many programs or initiatives. Based on these figures, over a lifespan of 100 years, the value of Long Island Sound and its watersheds is $690 billion to $1.3 trillion. “[Rain can] pick up discarded litter and fecal matter from our landscape and our storm water and waste water infrastructure and deliver it to the coast,” Brown said. Response to Public Comments - Long Island Sound Dissolved Oxygen TMDL, January 2001, … Learn more in Taking Action for Healthy Watersheds, Extracting nitrogen through the harvesting of shellfish and seaweeds can lead to cleaner water. “It’s beautiful. As a volunteer, there are many ways you can restore Long Island Sound’s shores and water quality and protect the land, air, and waters of your region. A new report by the organization “Save the Sound” details that, CBS2’s Ali Bauman says. But just how cl Aging infrastructure leaks untreated sewage to coastal waters. Each was given a letter grade based on the frequency and magnitude of dry and wet weather features, since researchers say rain plays a huge role in temporarily contaminating the water. The non-profit environmental, educational organization in Stamford has already picked up a tremendous amount of junk and pollutants from Long Island’s waters, but Shemitz notes one machine won't be enough. Marshals Shot Serving Warrant In Bronx; Suspect Wanted For Shooting Massachusetts State Trooper Killed, New York Young Republicans' 'Secret' Mask-less Gala In Jersey City Draws Ire Of Gov. He says a beach report like this is a tidal wave of information. Polluted runoff from developed lands contaminates waters with pathogens, which result in closed beaches and restrictions on shellfish harvest areas. Implement smart growth and low impact development policies to minimize the environmental impacts of new development while green infrastructure is increasingly added to areas already developed. To help students understand the impact of a local problem on global change 4. View Approved Shellfish Areas Environmental Indicator. According to the report, the best beach for swimming in Westchester is Rye Town Park and on Long Island, it’s Hobart Beach in Suffolk County. With 332 miles miles of beach to choose from, you’re sure to find your ideal spot. In that sense, n itrogen is a pollutant. Learn more in the, LISS and its partners maintain a long-term monitoring program in the open waters of the Sound, and are expanding efforts in harbors and bays. The Central Basin received an A (96%. Learn more on the, LISS and its partners are developing a new generation of models to better describe dissolved oxygen concentrations as well as address new challenges such as warming temperatures, increasing precipitation and more development. The following ambitious, but achievable, ecosystem targets have been developed to drive progress toward attaining the Clean Waters and Healthy Watersheds (WW) goal. She says their hope is that marinas all along the sound will soon have the trash skimmers to clean up all pollutants. When concentrations are extremely low fish and shellfish unable to flee may die. Crescsent Beach in Glen Cove scored a D. Locals aren’t surprised, since it’s been closed to swimmers since 2009. 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