Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation

August 16, 2010

Eileen Larrabee
518-486-1868

Mangano & State Parks Team Up To Save Local Bays: Plan would stop effluent discharge from Jones Beach Sewage Treatment Plant

Wantagh, NY - Nassau County Executive Ed Mangano and Commissioner Carol Ash today announced an agreement between the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation and Nassau County to send treated sewage from the Jones Beach sewage treatment plant to nearby Cedar Creek in order to keep improve water quality in the western bays of Nassau County.

"Jones Beach is one of the most famous beaches in the country, and we all need to do our part to keep its surrounding shores and waters pristine," said Mangano. "It is of utmost importance to keep our marine waters clean to ensure the health and safety on all who depend on them. Today's partnership between the State and Nassau County will help us achieve that goal."

"In addition to providing terrific recreational opportunities, State Parks is also a proud steward to our natural resources. This project, five years in the making, will lead to cleaner shorelines," said Carol Ash, Commissioner of the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation. "My thanks to County Executive Ed Mangano, for his commitment to this project. By working together we are providing real, long-term benefits to Long Islanders and the surrounding waters."

Currently, the Jones Beach sewage treatment outfall pipe discharges into the western bays, just north of Jones Beach State Park. Those bays are a sub-region of the precious and vital south shore estuary reserve, which represents a large area of shallow water and fragile salt marsh islands. These areas are the homes of marine and bird life, like snowy egrets and blue herons. Hard shell clams and other mollusks also live in the marshes.

Connecting to the ocean outfall from the Cedar Creek plant will significantly reduce the effluent that is spilled into the bays, and improve the habitat and water quality. The project cost about $2 million, which was funded by New York State. "These areas must be protected," said Mangano. "They are critical to the health of our local waters."

The $2 million project is slated to be completed by Memorial Day, 2011.

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