Water Advisory Committee changing partners: Saves $240,000 over four years

Following the advice of Town Engineer Joe Finora, on Monday afternoon the Water Advisory Committee (WAC) abandoned a 10-year United States Geological Survey (USGS) study of Island water quality, saving an expense of $240,000 payable over a four-year period.

For several months, Mr. Finora has tried to bring the price down for the Island’s participation in the USGS study, but he told the WAC members at Monday’s meeting he realized over the past year the information that has come from testing done in conjunction with the Suffolk County Department of Health Services has provided — and he believes, will continue to supply — information vital to Shelter Island.

It’s not that the USGS hasn’t supplied useful information, but the organization has shifted its focus toward serving the needs of larger areas, more than a small municipality like Shelter Island, he said. On balance, the information that would come from the updated 10-year baseline study at the high cost involved is not really worth it, Mr. Finora added.

Even the emerging PFAs — man-made chemicals in many household and personal care products — are less concern on the Island than salt water intrusion because of the wider area where it is a factor, Mr. Finora said. He also said he has had a lengthy conversation with Frederick Stumm, Ph.D., who works in another section of the USGS.

“Fred has a fabulous understanding of the fresh water lens aquifer on Shelter Island,” Mr. Finora said.

Mr. Stumm has proven to be an excellent resource in offering advice about the next analysis the WAC should consider. Although Mr. Stumm is nearing retirement, he has offered to meet with members of the WAC to discuss his views, Mr. Finora said. That could happen as soon as the WAC’s next meeting on Oct. 19.

Mr. Finora said much of the past and current water testing has provided information on water quality issues, and there is much to be done about salt water intrusion in many areas of the Island.

WAC member Peter Grand said he was saddened to learn the USGS no longer has a focus on small communities. But Mr. Finora countered, saying given the cost, “Is the juice worth the squeeze on this?”

To WAC Chairman Andrew Chapman, Mr. Finora said, “We have developed better partnerships.”

The most recent testing in the Center triangle has involved 50 properties and not all samples have yet been examined. Mr. Finora will speak to County Health Department officials about how the conclusions will be presented.

School-Town partnership

There was a brief discussion with member Dave Ruby and science teacher Dan Williams about a project for testing to be done by Mr. Williams’ students of

 chlorides, nitrates and magnesium in certain wells, but concern was raised about how students would access some wells with manhole covers and how deep they would

 have to access the needed samples.

Mr. Ruby said there’s a unit called “Go Squirt” that works as a pump to go to the screening level and it is priced between $400 and $500. Test kits would cost $600, he said.

Rental regulations

During the period of trying to enlist people in the Center Triangle study, WAC members discovered a number of landlords who had no interest while their tenants had no knowledge of whether the water they’re drinking is potable or not.

The Town Board, guided by attorney Thomas Crouch, is discussing updating regulations that could eventually lead to a requirement that landlords must provide proof the water in the rental is potable and if not, provide potable water to the tenants.

Part of the question is whether Gov. Kathy Hochul’s (D) requirement that all New Yorkers have access to potable water is a mandate for the Town or the landlords, said Deputy Supervisor Meg Larsen, liaison to the WAC. The Town Board will be discussing the issue at an upcoming work session, Ms. Larsen said.