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NITROGEN POLLUTION
Issues
Did you know that the cesspools on your property could be contributing to nitrogen pollution in Mecox Bay? Nitrogen pollution occurs when excess nitrogen from various sources, including human waste, finds its way into water bodies like Mecox Bay.
Cesspools, although a common method of wastewater disposal for many households, release nitrogen into the ground and eventually into groundwater and surface water. When nitrogen levels in the bay rise, it can lead to harmful algal blooms, oxygen depletion, and other negative impacts on aquatic life.
To help combat nitrogen pollution and protect our bay’s ecosystem, consider upgrading your wastewater disposal system to more modern and efficient alternatives, such as septic systems with advanced treatment technologies.
The Mecox Bay Conservancy is happy to meet with you and discuss the process and available grant monies. We can assist with the entire prosess from design to implementation.
By taking action to reduce nitrogen pollution from cesspools, we can all play a part in preserving the health and beauty of Mecox Bay for future generations.
ISSUES AFFECTING THE BAY
- High Water Levels
- Water quality: high temperature, low salinity, low dissolved oxygen (DO), high algae levels, high coliform levels, pesticides and other toxins
- New Development
- Flooding
- Nitrogen Pollution from Septic Systems and Fertillizers
- Road Runoff
- Lawn care products such as pesticides entering the bay
- Noise Impacts
- Light Pollution Impacts
- Erosion
- Loss of Habitat
- Special Events
- Dredging Projects
- Overfishing and Shelfish Harvesting
STAKEHOLDERS
- Homeowners
- Farmers
- Commercial Business
- Southampton Town Trustees
- Southampton Town Board
- NYC DEC
- US Dept of Fish and Wildlife
- Oceanfront Residents and Business
- Stony Brook's School of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences (SOMAS)
- Audubon Society, Ducks Unlimited, Peconic Land Trust, The Nature Conservancy, Etc.
- Recreation Users
- Baymen