FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Decades of nitrogen pollution from outdated, poorly functioning or broken septic systems and cesspools have contributed significantly to polluting the Forge River and groundwater in the Mastic-Shirley area. Hurricanes, nor’easters, and other significant rain events that have led to flooding, as well as an unusually high water table, have also contributed to the problem.

Water quality is a key factor affecting the quality of life of a community. Improving water quality will help make our community a more attractive place to live, raise our children and live out our golden years. The poor condition of the Forge River and Great South Bay are depriving our community of the full benefits of these valuable recreational and economic resources. We can begin to reclaim those benefits and create a better quality of life by greatly reducing the amount of nitrogen pollution that ends up in our groundwater and waterways.

Good water quality helps to support higher property values. Having a reliable, effective wastewater treatment system instead of relying on cesspools and septic systems that are polluting our waterways will raise the value of all properties in our community. The improvements in water quality result in better recreational opportunities, especially for a community like ours that is situated on some of the most attractive water bodies in the region. Enhancing our waterfront opportunities also invites visitors to come to our community, eat in our restaurants and shop in our stores. For businesses, it can be the impetus for expansion, investment, and growth.

Studies have shown that the Forge River is one of the most polluted waterways in Suffolk County. The project will reduce nitrogen in the Forge River. Combined with sewer projects in three other priority communities along Suffolk County’s south shore, harmful nitrogen pollution in the Great South Bay is projected to be reduced by 25 percent.

More than 70 percent of Suffolk County’s 1.5 million residents rely on cesspools and septic systems that are not designed to actively treat wastewater. The impact of untreated wastewater has contributed to harmful algal blooms and has reduced by one-third the wetlands which form Long Island’s second line of defense against potential storms and natural disasters, leaving coastal communities more vulnerable to storm surge.

During Superstorm Sandy, many on-site septic systems were flooded by the storm surge and rising groundwater, which allowed untreated wastewater to enter groundwater and surface waters, causing public health and water quality hazards. During Superstorm Sandy, the significant losses we experienced could have been mitigated to a certain extent by the more robust wetlands that once protected our coastline from storm surges. By connecting additional parcels to sewers and installing advanced wastewater treatment systems in areas where sewers are not possible, Suffolk County seeks to restore this natural shield.

A sewer system includes the network of pipes and pump stations that collect wastewater generated by residences and businesses and conveys it to a wastewater treatment plant. At the treatment facility, organic matter and nitrogen are removed and the wastewater is disinfected to eliminate pathogens before the treated effluent is discharged back to the environment. The water discharged is required to meet very stringent standards designed to protect both public health and the environment.

The sewer system will consist of a low-pressure sewer system technology for flat terrain, high groundwater areas that have been an established means of disposing of wastewater in the United States for over 50 years. Sewage generated from each home is discharged into a grinder pump station installed for each residential property. The grinder pump is used to convey sewage to a system of sewer lines buried in the streets where the sewage is conveyed to the new AWTF for treatment. The treatment facility will utilize state-of-the-art technology to remove contaminants from wastewater.

The grinder pump unit will be connected to the power source for the home that the grinder pump serves. In the event of a power failure, toilets, sinks and some limited use of showers will be operational. Other items in the home such as dishwashers and washing machines will not be operational. Each grinder pump tank is sized to accommodate water usage during a power failure. In the event of a prolonged power failure, the alarm panel is equipped with a generator receptacle to operate the grinder pump and drain the tank periodically.

The first step is for the County’s engineering firm to inspect each residential property. The purpose of the inspection is to perform a preliminary investigation of the public utilities currently serving your property, determine the number and location of septic tanks and/or cesspools on the property, locate the existing home’s building sewer, determine the approximate depth of the existing building sewer line and discuss any special restoration situations.

Connection to the main sewer system requires the installation of a grinder pump unit, plumbing and electrical to connect the home to the grinder pump unit, and abandonment of the existing onsite waste disposal system in accordance with the County’s rules and regulations.

The Suffolk County Legislature established the Suffolk County Sewer District/Wastewater Treatment Task Force to work with local community groups to identify critical areas of need based upon the important goals of environmental improvement and economic revitalization. A final determination of district boundaries was made based upon input from the Task Force as well as from the design and engineering consultants.

The Sewer District boundaries were established to connect properties located within the two-year groundwater travel time to the Forge River. Properties that have a high probability of discharge of pollutants into the Forge River were a priority for initial phases of the project.

There is a general recognition that establishing state-of-the-art wastewater collection and treatment system for the entire Mastic Peninsula is an important objective. All four phases of the County’s overall project share similar conditions: a high water table, inadequate or failed cesspools and septic systems, and vulnerability to storm impacts. Funding has been secured by the County to complete the design and survey work required for Phase III. The county is diligently searching for funding options for construction of Phase III and ultimately Phase IV.

No, the proposed sewer project and the on-site sewage management program are two separate County initiatives.