Improving Long Island’s Water Quality at Home

Nitrogen pollution is the biggest water quality issue on Long Island for both surface and groundwater. Nitrogen comes from wastewater, fertilizer, and stormwater runoff. Not only does it leach into groundwater and can contaminate drinking water, nitrogen flows toward surface waters and often causes harmful algal (plant) blooms due to excess nutrients. Algal blooms usually lead to fish kills and impact boating, swimming, fishing, and shellfishing. Some algae are poisonous for people, too. For information about initiatives to reduce nitrogen pollution on Long Island, click here. 

The opportunity to protect Long Island’s water quality begins at home. There are plenty of ways to not only protect, but to improve water quality and reduce nitrogen pollution with a few simple practices and upgrades. If every Long Islander implemented at least one of these changes, the results would be incredible!

Septic Upgrades

In non-sewered areas, a cesspool or septic system is where your liquid household sanitary waste goes (i.e, toilets, sinks, dishwashers, and washing machines). Cesspools and septic systems have been identified by local health departments as the leading cause of nitrogen pollution in our waterways. Excess nitrogen leached into water bodies causes eutrophication, an overgrowth of algae and plants which deprives the ecosystem of oxygen and emits carbon dioxide. In extreme cases, it leads to toxic algae blooms which can cause large scale fish kills, restrictions on shellfishing, and beach closures. To improve water quality on Long Island, nitrogen pollution needs to be stopped at the source. 

While cesspools and outdated septic systems are not equipped to handle nitrogen, the new Innovative and Alternative Onsite Wastewater Treatment Systems (I/A OWTS) remove nitrogen before discharging wastewater into the ground. Suffolk County has encouraged homeowners to upgrade to the new I/A OWTS through its Septic Improvement Program, especially residents living close to a lake, stream or the shoreline, as illustrated on this map. 

Under the Reclaim Our Water Septic Improvement Program, homeowners who would like to upgrade their septic system to a I/A OWTS are eligible for a grant up to $30,000 from Suffolk County and New York State to offset the cost of upgrading. Additionally, low interest rates are available to cover the remaining cost. 

 Well-maintained, up to date septic systems are essential for the safety of Long Island’s drinking water and the health of its ecosystems. We encourage Suffolk County residents not to wait until their current cesspool or septic systems fails which can be expensive (and gross). New laws are in effect that are more protective of the environment, so be in the know before it happens to you. More funding will be available next year, and residents are encouraged to submit an application to get the process started as soon as possible. 

Check out the interview transcript below with Long Island resident and Septic Improvement Program grant recipient, Jim Fogarty. 

Interview with Long Island resident and Septic Improvement Program grant recipient, Jim Fogarty of Remsenburg, NY

1) When did you upgrade your septic system?

    In August 2017 I saw something in the paper about it and I contacted my local legislature. They introduced me to the right people at Suffolk county. I spoke to Justin Jobin briefly and he introduced me to the system. I was in a compromised area, a veteran, and they picked me to do it. 

2) Why did you upgrade your septic system?

    I think a big part of my decision to upgrade was reading all the articles from local newspapers about nitrogen pollution. I started to see it down by the bay, because I'm a block away from the water. You could see the brown water. When I’d go to the bay and swim there… I noticed all the seaweed was dead. As a Vietnam War veteran, I wasn’t the “greenest person” but now later in life I wanted to give back. I figured upgrading my septic system was the way I’d do it.

3) What was the process like through the Septic Improvement Program (SIP)?

    To me it was very easy. If I had the SIP the way it is today, it would be even easier today. It was really really really easy. It has improved considerably from 2017. When in doubt, I deferred back to the contact person for the program if I didn't see an answer to my issue back on the website or in the paperwork. When I got into the process, if I didn’t understand the vendor or equipment processes, I would defer back to Suffolk County if I didn’t feel comfortable with the vendor or distributor's answer. The process went on from August-November. Looking at today’s information, I probably would be able to do it in a month. To be honest, I took my time with the paperwork. 

    In 2017, I got $15,000 and was willing to pick up the excess. Now, there’s more money available. The Town of Southampton actually gave me an additional rebate after the process was completed. 

    The SIP provided me with a list of distributors and product offerings. The actual installation took one day: they pulled out the old cesspool, put in three containers and hooked them up to a leaching field (bunch of tanks) in the ground. When they’re done, they leave you with a raked down piece of property, which is seeded again. If you had an irrigation system and it was pulled out, your landscaper could rebury the hose. The way I got the property back was better than I expected to get the property back. 

    After installation, I was given a warranty good for 3-5 years. After that runs out I will pay for the maintenance contract. For $400 a year, I’m paying for healthy water. It’s just like with other AC or heating systems, it’s a price for running a home. There was never any deception about these costs, I was informed ahead of time. 

4) What advice would you give to folks interested in upgrading through the SIP?

    What I would do is not let price dictate any decisions. I wouldn’t go for the low cost provider in each case. You can choose different types of equipment. My personal opinion, if I got involved again, I would ask Suffolk County which vendor has done this the longest and I would choose someone who’s been doing this for a while. 

5) Have you noticed improvements to the water quality in the bay?

    Yes, but I can’t attest that to me entirely. I go down and look at Dune Road and the water looks cleaner to me! I’m also happy to hear about the recent legislation that makes it so that new developments need to have an upgraded septic system. 

I didn’t want to leave a run down house for my children. At least I’m leaving my children a house with a decent cesspool. 

Visit the following sites for more information about septics and nitrogen pollution on Long Island: 

• Suffolk County Government- Reclaim Our Water
• Citizens Campaign for the Environment
• Nassau County Soil & Water Conservation District

Yard Stewardship

Lawns and gardens are certainly aesthetically pleasing, but upkeep can be a major culprit of nitrogen pollution. Fortunately, there are ways to keep your lawn and garden looking great while protecting Long Island’s water quality:

• Plant natives that do not need excess watering or fertilizing.
• Use drought-resistant plants and flowers.
• Install a rain barrel or rain garden.
• Use low-nutrient fertilizer or compost.
  • As per Local Law 41-2007, Suffolk County residents cannot apply soil between November 1st and April 1st each year.
  • As per Local Law 11-2009, Nassau County residents cannot apply fertilizer between November 15th and April 1st each year. 
• Plant microclover for your lawn instead of grass.
• Apply mulch to reduce evaporation from soil.
• Aerate your lawn with holes for better drainage and less run-off.

Take the pledge to help reduce nitrogen pollution and conservation water in your yard! 

Visit the following sites for information on yard stewardship programs and initiatives on Long Island:

• Save the Great South Bay- Bay Friendly Yards
• Peconic Estuary Partnership- Peconic Friendly Yard
• LI Native Plant Initiative- Native Plant Fact Sheets

Conserving Water on Long Island

Residents on Long Island rely on an underground aquifer system for their freshwater needs. Groundwater is pumped up to the surface and gets replenished by precipitation and snowmelt that seeps through the ground. 

Image from USGS

Residents in Nassau and Suffolk counties need to be especially mindful of their water usage. Coastal aquifers are susceptible to saltwater intrusion when freshwater is pumped from the aquifer at a faster rate than it’s replenished. If there is not enough fresh water in the aquifer to prevent saltwater from encroaching, salt water can contaminate freshwater wells.  

Reducing the amount of water that’s pumped from the aquifer begins at the tap. Long Islander’s have a great opportunity to reduce water usage at home.

Here are some ways to conserve water at home:

• Install a toilet tank bank or make your own to save water with every flush!
• Only run the dishwasher or washing machine with a full load.
• Add an aerator to faucets or replace fixtures and shower heads with EPA WaterSense labeled ones.
• Upgrade appliances to a water-saving version.
• Take showers and reduce your shower time (make a shower playlist to keep track of the time!)
• Check for and repair any leaks in your home. Learn to read your water meter to better detect leaks.
• Turn off the water when brushing your teeth or soaping up dishes when washing by hand.
• Check the weather before watering your lawn, and only water during early morning or night time to reduce evaporation.
• Sweep your patio/driveway and use a watering can for the garden instead of using a hose.

Visit the following sites for more information about water conservation on Long Island:

• Long Island Commission for Aquifer Protection
• Long Island Moms for Clean Water
• Water for Long Island

Plastic waste is overwhelming our natural spaces, especially our waterways. It is estimated that by mid-century, plastic will outweigh the sea life in our oceans. Plastic does not biodegrade– it breaks down into tiny particles called microplastics. Marine life ingests microplastics and these particles move through the food chain. In fact, you probably have some inside you right now! Scientists say it’s possible that humans ingest 39,000 to 52,000 microplastic particles every year. Reducing plastic waste is essential for protecting human health, animals, and our environment.

Protecting the water bodies that provide our drinking water, allow for recreation, and support countless species is becoming increasingly important as plastic waste builds up. As we spend our summers cooling off in lakes, rivers, and oceans, it’s important to not take our waterways for granted. This July, we encourage you to take the challenge of going plastic-free. Recruit your friends, family, and neighbors to take the Plastic-Free July Pledge. 

Everyone that takes the pledge will be automatically entered to win a free zero-waste kit! At the end of July, we’ll choose five winners to receive this special prize. No purchase necessary.

COVID-19 note: Please dispose of your personal protective equipment (face masks, gloves, etc) in the trash. These items are not recyclable and can jam recycling equipment and harm the workers.

Join the growing movement for electric school buses today! Sign up for our mailing list here!

Clean Bus Guide!

We are excited to release our Clean Bus Guide, a toolkit we put together to help communities around the state promote the transition to electric school buses. Organize your own electric school bus campaign using our Clean Bus Guide. It provides talking points about the harmful public health and environmental impacts of diesel pollution, information on key stakeholders to involve in your campaign, information on funding for electric school buses, campaign organizing tips and strategies, and more. Let’s continue the fight for clean school buses together! Get the guide for free at https://nylcvef.org/back-to-school-time-to-get-on-the-clean-bus/

On September 30th, as part of Drive Electric Week, we held a webinar with the Drive Electric Long Island Coalition and Mothers Out Front Long Island to walk through our Clean Bus Guide. Click here to access the webinar recording and learn how you can launch a successful campaign to bring emission free electric school buses to your local school district! Passcode for the recording is H7KX0Hi=

Green infrastructure, like permeable pavement, rain gardens, bioswales, downspout planters, green roofs, and rain barrels, is crucial to help protect our waterways. Because of these benefits, more and more communities are using green infrastructure to manage rain runoff and snowmelt. 

Communities can benefit from green infrastructure by keeping existing green spaces green. More developed communities can restore green spaces by planting rain gardens or enhancing tree pits. Green infrastructure might require some planning and funding at the community-level, but can have a big impact on quality of life for residents. It is also an important strategy for protecting waterways and reducing flooding.

Many people do not know that homeowners also have a role to play in promoting green infrastructure. Keep your green spaces green or consider installing green infrastructure projects right in your backyard. Simple ways to do this include planting a rain garden, using a downspout planter, or installing a rain barrel. Click here for more information. 

KEEP IT GREEN PLEDGE

Since many families are staying home right now it presents a unique opportunity to green your yard and use it to protect our water resources. That’s why we’re launching our Green Infrastructure at Home campaign. Take the Keep it Green pledge by May 31st to enhance your green spaces or install green infrastructure projects right in your backyard, and you will be automatically entered to win a FREE rain barrel. 

THANK YOU TO OUR PARTNERS FOR HELPING TO GET THE WORD OUT:

To celebrate the 50th anniversary of Earth Day, the New York League of Conservation Voters Education Fund (NYLCVEF) launched its New York City Climate Action Tracker. This digital tool will follow the city’s progress on its climate goals from Mayor de Blasio’s OneNYC plan. 

OneNYC was released in 2015 to make NYC the most resilient, sustainable, and equitable city in the world by reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions 80% from 2005 levels by 2050, building on the previous administration’s PlaNYC. Known as 80x50, the Mayor’s plan and its subsequent Roadmap to 80x50, outlines some of the most ambitious plans for reducing GHG emissions in the country, including drastically cutting emissions from buildings, the city’s number one source. The plan also includes initiatives for electrifying municipal fleets and expanding electric vehicle charging capability, significantly reducing the city’s waste sent to landfills, improving air quality, and more. In 2019, Mayor de Blasio released OneNYC 2050, a renewed strategic plan that commits the city to carbon neutrality, among other goals. 

NYLCVEF’s New York City Climate Action Tracker reveals that the city has made some progress, however greenhouse gas emissions have decreased just 17% since 2005, and only 3% since Mayor de Blasio took office in 2014.

Other initial highlights include:

• The city is on track to meet its goal of 85% of New Yorkers living within walking distance to a park. As of 2019, 81.5% of New Yorkers can walk to a park. 
• The city’s bike network is expanding. As of 2019, the city had more than 1,200 miles of bike lanes.
• There is a long way to go to Zero Waste. There was only a 9.8% reduction in waste collected between 2005 and 2019 before Mayor de Blasio stopped the food waste collection program.

Many of the indicators and initiatives established in the original OneNYC plan have moved to new categories in the new plan or have disappeared completely. This lack of significant progress on reducing citywide GHG emissions and lack of continuity on specific initiatives has made it difficult to follow the city’s progress. 

That’s why NYLCVEF developed the NYC Climate Action Tracker, to hold our elected leaders accountable to their promises and to make sure these initiatives remain a priority. NYLCVEF decided to track initiatives and indicators from the original OneNYC plan, since the 80x50 goal was codified into law by the City Council in 2015, and the new plan, OneNYC 2050, leaves out or alters many of the original initiatives that NYLCV supports. We used the following criteria for choosing indicators to track:

• Must be specific and measurable. The indicator must be included in public progress reports so that data is available.
• Must choose indicators from multiple sectors that will have a collective impact on citywide GHG emissions reductions.
• Must be set to be completed under or well underway during the current administration current mayoral administration.

Of the thirteen indicators used in the Climate Action Tracker, only seven are complete even though there is only a year-and-a-half left in the current administration.   

Other indicators include: 

• Expand the organics collection program, 
• Secure 100 MW of renewable energy for city buildings, and
• Reduce the disparity of particulate matter across city neighborhoods 20%.

While we know that the city is currently addressing the devastating impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, the climate crisis still lingers. It’s up to groups like NYLCVEF to stay focused on our long-term climate goals, and make sure these goals remain a priority after the pandemic is behind us. 

This project was made possible with support from the Rockefeller Brothers Fund. 

Together with our Delaware River Watershed partners, we recently held a Meet & Greet featuring State Senator Jen Metzger in Roscoe, NY. 

Area community members heard from Senator Metzger about water and land conservation issues and ongoing efforts to protect the Upper Delaware River Watershed. She answered questions from partners about the value of clean water for local businesses, the need for more state resources for the Upper Delaware River south of the NYC drinking water reservoirs, opportunities to make our agricultural sector climate-smart, and the importance of protecting the region's forests and open spaces. The event was held at Roscoe Beer Company to symbolize the important connection between clean water and the local economy, particularly the tourism and craft beverage industries. 

The Delaware River Watershed provides drinking water to millions of New York City residents, and more than 1 million New Yorkers in Westchester, Orange, Putnam, Sullivan, and Ulster counties. The watershed is responsible for 600,000 jobs and $22 billion in annual economic activity, including a vibrant tourism industry, outdoor recreational opportunities, and a well-known wild trout fishery. 

This event is part of our ongoing work with the Delaware River Watershed Initiative (DRWI), a multi-year conservation project funded generously by the William Penn Foundation. To learn more about the DRWI, check out www.4states1source.com. As part of the DRWI, we work with groups in the New York part of the watershed to elevate the importance of watershed protection for New Yorkers and decision-makers in the region. We support local, state, and federal policies that address conservation funding, plastic pollution, land preservation, and more through educational events and civic engagement opportunities. 

This is the second event we have held to educate New Yorkers about where elected officials and candidates for office stand on environmental issues. In 2018, we hosted a nonpartisan candidate forum for NY’s 19th Congressional District in Callicoon between former Congressman John Faso and current Congressman Antonio Delgado. Recognizing that voters do not often hear directly from elected officials and candidates for office about climate change and other important sustainability issues, our candidate forums aim to fill this gap and arm voters with the tools needed to hold elected officials accountable. The Meet & Greet built on this work by introducing partners and their membership to Senator Metzger, who recently joined the State Senate. The event also provided the setting for partners to showcase their work and for community members to hear from environmental leaders in their region. 

We thank our partners for helping to make the Meet & Greet a success, including Catskill Mountainkeeper, Coalition for the Delaware River Watershed, Delaware Highlands Conservancy, Friends of the Upper Delaware River and Orange County Land Trust.

On Tuesday, NYLCVEF hosted an environmental forum for the New York City Public Advocate special election. Moderated by Politico New York’s Gloria Pazmino, nearly 250 New Yorkers had the chance to hear where the candidates stood on environmental issues ranging from sustainable transportation to the city’s 80 x 50 climate goals.

Climate change, lead exposure, and the state of the transit system are everyday issues for New York families, yet, all too often, questions on the environment are not raised on the campaign trail or in general debates. NYLCVEF held this forum to ensure the environment is top of mind for candidates and voters.

Participating candidates included Assemblyman Michael Blake, David Eisenbach, Councilman Rafael Espinal, Ifeoma Ike, Walter Iwachiw, Nomiki Konst, Jared Rich, Councilman Ydanis Rodriguez, Dawn Smalls, Councilman Eric Ulrich, Assemblywoman Latrice Walker, Councilman Jumaane Williams, Benjamin Yee, and Michael Zumbluskas.

The office of Public Advocate serves as a watchdog over city agencies and City Hall and has the potential to be an environmental champion in city government. The Public Advocate can introduce bills, bring lawsuits, and handle constituent complaints, which lends the position a significant amount of input on social and environmental policy in the city. Former Public Advocate Letitia James made environmental and public health issues high priorities by raising awareness about lead poisoning and organic food waste collection. As the first in line to succeed the Mayor, the Public Advocate is responsible for amplifying the voices of the people if NYC and serving as the direct link between the electorate and city government.

Pazmino opened the forum with a question about Governor Andrew Cuomo’s recently proposed congestion pricing plan, which would charge cars and trucks a fee for driving south of 60th Street in Manhattan. The revenue - an estimated $600 million per year - would go towards fixing the city’s subway system. Many candidates support the idea of congestion pricing but stressed the need for additional details on the Governor’s plan. Some, including Jared Rich and Dawn Smalls, emphasized the importance of including an exemption for low-income individuals or those who live in outer boroughs. Councilman Rafael Espinal discussed the positive impacts that congestion pricing would have on reducing carbon dioxide emissions and improving air quality in the City.

Continuing on the issue of improving the sustainability of the city’s transportation options, the candidates were asked their opinion on legalizing electric scooters. Multiple candidates including Walter Iwachiw and Michael Zumbluskas expressed concerns about safety, which has been an issue at the center of the debate surrounding e-scooters and e-bikes. However, if regulated properly, these alternative modes of transportation offer a low-emission method of getting around the crowded city streets. Candidates converged on the notion that these options can succeed with proper regulation and public education.

Candidates were also asked about the city’s 80 x 50 plan, a roadmap developed in 2014 to reduce citywide greenhouse gas emissions by 80% by 2050. Nomiki Konst stated that the city should get to 100% renewable energy and Ifeoma Ike stressed that these changes should not take place without an eye to environmental justice. Councilman Espinal discussed his legislation to expand green roofs across the city and support urban agriculture. Councilman Jumaane Williams mentioned the City Council’s legislation to mandate emission reductions from buildings. Other ideas offered by the candidates included expanding recycling, improving sustainable transit, increasing the use of renewable energy, strengthening energy efficiency, and reducing plastic waste.

Next, Pazmino asked candidates to name a policy proposal they support to increase recycling rates. Candidates suggested imposing higher fines, changing the way the city handles contracts, increasing public education, investing in larger facilities on city-owned buildings, and expanding waste-to-energy programs. Assemblywoman Latrice Walker discussed the importance of reducing food waste and stated that the City should continue expanding its curbside organic waste collection program, which was paused last year. Councilman Espinal discussed his legislation to reduce plastic bottle and plastic straw use. All but two candidates support a plastic bag ban in NYC, which could lower greenhouse gas emissions and reduce waste.

Finally, the candidates were asked about lead poisoning prevention including enforcement of Local Law 1. Lead poisoning is an ongoing issue in New York, one that affects young children during their development and can have lifelong health impacts. Many candidates agreed that NYCHA should be held responsible for failing to properly enforce the law in public housing, and that pressure should be put on the Mayor to hold the agency accountable. Candidates noted that Public Advocate could act as a check on the Mayor on this issue. Assemblywoman Walker, who was born in NYCHA housing, called for more aggressive action on reducing lead exposure, and stressed the importance of monitoring and remediating lead in drinking water as well as paint.

In their closing statements, the candidates discussed how their backgrounds - as immigrants, locals, attorneys, politicians, activists, teachers, and environmentalists - would serve them in the role of Public Advocate. Watch the full video of the forum here.

Based on this discussion, the diverse composition of the candidate pool is evident, and it is clear that many of these candidates are passionate about environmental issues in New York, including NYLCV’s green policy priorities for 2019.

The special election to fill the Public Advocate seat, which became vacated when Letitia James was elected NY Attorney General, will be held on February 26. Before heading to the polls, learn more about each candidate by visiting their campaign websites.

By: Talia Sechley

Children’s products sold in the United States are presumed to be safe by parents but recent studies have proven otherwise. Since 2014, NYLCVEF has worked with its partners to raise awareness about the issue throughout the state and encourage action by state and local governments.

In 2014 and 2015, we conducted tests in stores throughout the state and released six reports showing that dangerous chemicals were present in children's jewelry, toy cars, clothing, and more. To produce these reports, NYLCVEF partnered with Clean and Healthy New York to analyze popular toys in area stores for toxic chemicals and heavy metals. Results of this test found products containing antimony, arsenic, cadmium, cobalt, lead, and mercury.

Toxic Toys in Albany County
Toxic Toys in Erie County
Toxic Toys on Long Island
Toxic Toys in Monroe County
Toxic Toys in Onondaga County
Toxic Toys in Westchester County

Many of the chemicals we found are known carcinogens and can lead to serious developmental disorders in children. Even with a federal law on the books, it's hard for anyone to know exactly what chemicals are present in the item they're buying. Thanks to the support of various foundations, we reached more people than ever about this issue by reaching out to new members from across the state. We even got Santa Claus into the action around the holidays to help educate even more people about these dangerous chemicals.

After the release of our reports and our grassroots advocacy, state and local lawmakers sprung into action:

• New York State introduced the Child Safe Products Act  identified and eliminated the most dangerous chemicals currently present in children's products sold throughout New York State.
• Albany becomes the first county in New York State to enact legislation protecting children from toxic toys in January.
• Westchester County executive signs bill to ban toxic toys from store shelves in May.
• Suffolk County becomes third to take action on toxic toys in June.
• Also in June of 2015, New York City introduced a bill that would ban hazardous chemicals from children's toys and clothes
• Rockland County unanimously passed legislation in July 2015.

In 2017, our statewide efforts continued with the introduction of the Toxic Show and Tell Act, a bill that would require children's product makers to disclose the presence of a set of chemicals of concern to children's health in the products they make.

In 2018, NYLCVEF and its partner Clean and Healthy New York teamed up again to produce a new report, "Tell Me More: Missing Information on Harmful Chemicals in Children's Products" that screened children’s products purchased on Long Island, in Westchester County and Albany finding heavy metals, such as cadmium and antimony, and flame retardants. The report also includes findings of chemicals of concern in children's products that was conducted and published in peer-reviewed journals by researchers from the New York State Department of Health’s Wadsworth Laboratory.

While we continue to work on a statewide solution, our local work will continue in New York City and other counties to protect children from toxic toys.

Interested in learning more about our Toxic Toys campaign?

• Report: Arsenic, Mercury, Lead Found in Toys Sold at Low to High-Endtores
• Environmental group identifies Dirty Dozen of toys
• Coalition works to push for state laws restricting chemicals in toys
• Supporters see progress on child-products regulation
• Report: Toxic toys being sold in Erie County
• Clean & Healthy NY, League of Conservation Voters, Poloncarz release 'Toxic Toys in Erie County' report
• Groups urge passage of toxic-toy law
• Round Two for the Child Safe Products Act
• Report Finds Toxic Chemicals in Albany Toys
• New Westchester Report Finds Toxic Toys Throughout County
• New Report Shows Toxic Toys in Long Island Stores
  

Many thanks to League of Conservation Voters Education Fund, Passport Capital, Myron Blumenfeld/ the Macy’s Foundation, and the Seventh Generation Foundation for their generous support.

Since 2011, NYLCVEF has served as a technical partner to the East Hampton Environmental Coalition (EHEC) assisting with the production of a common agenda, a candidate questionnaire and environmental issues forum for candidates running for East Hampton Town Board.
 
In 2017, NYLCVEF was proud to partner with the following local organizations: Accabonac Protection Committee, Amagansett Springs Aquifer Protection, Concerned Citizens of Montauk, Defend H2O, Ditch Plains Association, Friends of Georgica Pond Foundation, Group for the East End, International Dark Sky Association – New York Chapter, Long Island, Businesses for Responsible Energy (LIBFRE), Northwest Alliance, Peconic Baykeeper, Perfect Earth Project, Renewable Energy Long Island, Quiet Skies Coalition, Surfrider Foundation: Eastern Long Island Chapter, and Third House Nature Center.

On behalf of EHEC, here’s a look at its activities in 2017 :

On September 25, members of the EHEC gathered to announce the release of the Green Guide which was covered in the East End Beacon:


On October 12, NYLCVEF and Concerned Citizens of Montauk joined forces with Group for the East End and Renewable Energy Long Island to co-host an Environmental Candidate Forum with the candidates for Supervisor and Town Board:

The East Hampton Star, Sag Harbor Express, and East Hampton Press all covered the event.

On October 31, EHEC questionnaire responses of candidates for East Hampton Supervisor and Board are released to the public:

• Jeff Bragman (D-Town Board)
• Kathee Burke-Gonzalez (D-Town Board)
• Paul Giardina (R-Town Board)
• Jerry Larsen (R-Town Board)
• Peter Van Scoyoc (D-Town Supervisor)
• Manuel Vilar (R-Town Supervisor)

For more information about NYLCVEF’s work with EHEC, please contact Joshua Klainberg.

The Chesapeake Bay Watershed is 64,000 square miles and encompasses parts of six states and the District of Columbia. Pollution from agriculture, stormwater runoff, and wastewater treatment plants has threatened water quality in the region. The Choose Clean Water Coalition was formed as a coalition of more than 200 advocacy groups seeking to protect water quality in the Chesapeake Bay Watershed.

The Coalition seeks an increase in federal funding for programs supporting progress toward water quality goals and endeavors to work at a local level to monitor pollutant levels in the watershed. As the northernmost region of the Chesapeake Bay Watershed, New York State must play an important role in helping the Coalition to achieve its water quality goals. 

Amidst concerning news about water quality throughout New York and across the United States, the federal government has passed legislation that will have significant ramifications for one of New York’s most important natural resources: the Delaware River Watershed. The legislation, known as the Delaware River Basin Conservation Act, will provide an important source of funding for restoration efforts across the watershed, hopefully for years to come. The DRBCA is an important legislative accomplishment, and we must remain vigilant to protect this program while continuing to look for every opportunity to expand restoration efforts across the state.

NYLCVEF is working closely with the Coalition for the Delaware River Watershed and the Delaware River Watershed Initiative to build support for additional restoration efforts at the local, state and federal level and protect the newly created Delaware River Basin Restoration Program. We will work with our partners to increase opportunities for digital engagement and advocacy on watershed issues with the long-term goal of protecting the waters of the Delaware River for millions of New Yorkers. 

Click here to read our background policy paper about Green Infrastructure in the Delaware River Watershed. The paper was presented as part of our forum on the economic, social, and environmental benefits of green infrastructure (GI) as an approach to managing stormwater. We are brought together expert speakers and panelists to provide an overview of green infrastructure vs. traditional gray approaches and how it can be used to protect and restore water quality.

In December 2014 and early 2015, NYLCVEF partnered with the Community League of the Heights (CLOTH), a community development corporation in Washington Heights, on a petition to Mayor de Blasio asking him to include green building in his plans for affordable housing and decreasing carbon emissions.

Residents of Washington Heights don’t just need lower rent - they need a strong and vibrant environment to make the neighborhood sustainable and healthy, and CLOTH recently implemented the Green 159 project to move toward this goal. Public support of programs like CLOTH's Green 159 project could have important benefits for tenants and neighborhoods. By making housing green, we can also make it affordable.

Green housing can lower heating costs and reduce electric bills all while giving its residents fresh air to breathe. Through green building options, such as solar panels, rooftop gardens and improved insulation, we can provide a better standard of living at a lower cost. In partnership with CLOTH and Red Horse Strategies, NYLCVEF conducted a civic engagement campaign in which we knocked on 2,620 doors, spoke with 991 people, identified 782 supporters and collected 734 signatures in support of this effort.

Since this campaign, we have continued our work on the green preservation of affordable housing with a policy forum at NYU's Wagner School in partnership with Enterprise Community Partners. Read more about this program here.

Pollution is a major concern for Long Island Sound – a fact that is made painfully clear every summer.

Lots of people want to enjoy the nice weather by spending time at the beach, but no one wants to hear their beach is closed because there are bacteria from raw sewage swimming in the waters. This is the reason Long Island Sound beaches close every summer and that number is on the rise. Last summer alone, there were 136 beach closings in Westchester County.

Not only is the pollution a threat to public health, it is bad for the surrounding environment. Each summer, low oxygen “dead zones” overwhelm the Sound. The hot weather means oxygen levels can drop down to almost nothing. The ecosystem suffers the brunt of it because the fish, lobsters, crabs, and other marine animals are unintentionally caught in these unsafe areas.

We must take dramatic action to clean up the Sound. We’ll need old sewer systems and pipes fixed to stop leaks and overflows of sewage and fertilizers – but first we need to develop the political will to get the job done and make the right investments.

That’s why NYLCVEF stepped up our efforts to protect the Long Island Sound this summer. Throughout the month of June, we reached out to 20,000 individuals to identify their interest in learning more about how they could protect the Long Island Sound. This was done through a mobile outreach program, that reaches people directly on their cell phones and enables them to get more information on a mobile website.

The response was overwhelming! Citizen activists responded in earnest, with nearly 1,500 taking a pledge to protect the Sound in a number of ways including reporting pollution to environmental enforcement agencies, reaching out to public officials in support sewer infrastructure improvements and keeping a healthier garden and lawn. These new citizen activists continue to stay involved by volunteering, learning more about the issues in their area, and educating their neighbors.

This project was possible thanks to a generous grant from the Verizon Foundation. NYLCV’s Education Fund also was proud to work with local organization Save the Sound to create the content and engage the local community.

At the Bronx District 15 City Council Candidate Forum on Sustainability last July, it was clear that access to healthy and nutritious food was a key concern for not only the 60 people who turned out to the forum, but also to local leaders and advocates who have been fighting for healthier communities.

Building healthier and more equitable communities requires a commitment to tackling all the contributors to poor health outcomes.

In parts of the Bronx, 4 in 10 adults report not exercising at all and 9 in 10 adults eat fewer than five servings of fruits and vegetables per day. The lack of healthy food, opportunity for physical activity, and proper nutrition and fitness education contributes to rising rates of obesity, diabetes, and heart disease throughout underserved communities in New York City. Children in these communities are affected by these factors at an early age and, without proper intervention, are at a high risk for developing chronic conditions later in life.

NYLCVEF teamed up with Mary Mitchell Family & Youth Center and Bronx Health Reach to tackle a local sustainability challenge. Our shared mission was to address the lack of access to affordable, fresh, healthy produce and the need to expand city programs that help low-income families access healthier foods.

As part of our partnership with these two Bronx organizations, NYLCVEF last fall knocked on about 4,000 neighborhood doors and collected more than 1,700 signatures in support of Health Bucks, a program that distributes $2 vouchers for every $5 spent on fresh fruits and vegetables by low-income families.

To follow up on last year's work and set the foundations for future efforts, NYLCVEF, Mary Mitchell Center and Bronx Health Reach met on Jan. 22 with District 15's new Council Member, Ritchie Torres, We delivered 1,772 postcards from residents urging him to support and expand the Health Bucks program.

Health Bucks, worth $2 each, are developed and distributed by the New York City Department of Health and can be used to purchase fresh fruits and vegetables at all farmers' markets in five boroughs.  Farmers' markets that accept food stamps (SNAP benefits / Electronic Benefit Transfer - EBT) will give one $2 Health Buck coupon to each customer for every $5 spent using food stamps.

Health Bucks helps low-income families increase their buying power by 40 percent, and encourages them to spend more of their public assistance on fresh produce at farmers markets. This program has tremendous potential,  since 1 in 4 NYC residents are enrolled in some form of public assistance.

Health Bucks started in 2005 and is now the nation's largest municipal farmers market incentive program. In a CDC study, researchers found that farmers markets offering Health Bucks coupons to food-stamp recipients averaged higher daily sales than markets without the incentive. The bottom line is Health Bucks is a win-win for the health of low-income families and the livelihoods of our regional farmers.

We are thrilled to report that Council Member Torres committed to not only to promote the Health Bucks program to all community-based organizations in his district, he committed to working with us to expand the Health Bucks program beyond farmers markets to other food retailers.

We look forward to working with Council Member Torres and the entire City Council to advancing these and other good sustainability policies in 2014!

In the fall of 2012, Yonkers will be electing a mayor and new City Council, and the winning candidates will play a key role in the future of Yonkers' waterfront. NYLCVEF has joined forces with Scenic Hudson and Riverkeeper to educate Yonkers voters about waterfront revitalization issues and the role that their elected officials play, and to engage them to vote for the candidate they feel has the best plan.

In the last decade, the Hudson River waterfront in Yonkers has undergone a sweeping revitalization.  This formerly ignored shoreline now boasts hundreds of new residential apartments, restaurants and other urban amenities, and a redeveloped public park and landscaped esplanade.

But despite this progress, Yonkers residents deserve more. The four-mile long shoreline still encompasses several blighted areas, and questions remain over whether and how these areas will be revitalized. Future development plans must include ample open space, smart growth principles such as adequate connections to existing mass transit, and full access to the waterfront for all Yonkers' residents.