Pulse Magazine
Spring 2017
Reuse. Reread. Recycle
Saving the Sound
Sustainability Organization Grades Long Island Sound
Photo Courtesy of The Long Island Sound Study
By Nandee Mignon
The Long Island Sound is 1,320 miles of estuary, putting it among the most active and diverse ecosystems on the planet. With 600 miles of coastline and over 120 species of fish, the Sound has become a popular spot for tourism and activity.
However, these shining A-pluses in aesthetic and entertainment haven’t stopped the Sound from receiving poor grades on its water quality.
A scientist from The University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science and environmental group Save the Sound ranked the Sound in October 2016 with letter grades ranging from A through F. Parts of the Long Island Sound landed in the lower end of the C-minus range.
One of those parts, the Eastern Narrows, earned a barely-passing C-minus. To make matters worse, the very tip of the Sound that flows into the East River and then into New York City, received an F on its report card.
“When you consider areas around the Sound that are highly developed like New York City, it’s no wonder those areas in question are getting graded poorly,’’ said Amy Mandelbaum, New York Outreach Coordinator for the Long Island Sound Study.
The areas of the Sound between Norwalk and the Housatonic River, including the Stratford, Milford and Bridgeport shores, were graded solid B’s. Based on the other grades earned, better water quality has a direct correlation to areas that are less developed.
Photo Courtesy of Bose d' Anjou via Flickr
Due to improper waste management, “We’re over fertilizing the sound, which causes algae and seaweed to over-bloom,” said Karl Wagner, Executive Director of the Long Island Sound Resource Center.
With the overpopulation of algae and seaweed, oxygen levels in the sound have been dropping. This effect is known as hypoxia which is especially prevalent in the summer months. Along with hypoxia, the Sound suffers from problems like toxic contaminants, pollution, pathogens and floating debris. These issues pose a threat to the wildlife and the people who visit. In addition, the population of commercial fish may decrease over a period of time as a result, affecting many in the fishing industry and those who grocery shop locally.
“I haven’t been in school in a long time, but any report card with an F on it is unacceptable,’’ U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal told the Connecticut Post.
One area of the Sound’s pollution, however, has been sealed and finely managed. From 2010 to now, there have been no illegal dumping incidents in the Long Island Sound. Local governments throughout Nassau and Suffolk counties have been vigilant in keeping an eye out for illegal dumping.
“Volunteer work has been a vital part of why that initiative has been so successful,” said Sen. Blumenthal.
The Long Island Sound contributes $5.5 billion to the region’s economy and has added an estimated $9.4 billion in estimated value to its local economy on Long Island. In an effort to reduce poor conditions, the state and local communities are now investing millions in improvements to sewage treatment plants along the shoreline. Since improvements have gone underway, target reduction of nitrogen reaching the Sound has been exceeded, according to Robert Hust of the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection. Over a five-year period, nitrogen levels have decreased by 46 percent according to the department.
Now, non-profit organizations and the state are switching their cleanup efforts to focus on reducing stormwater runoff from paved areas and better management of septic systems. To get involved, organizations like the Long Island Sound Study are currently recruiting volunteers. Head to www.longislandsoundstudy.net for more information.