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07/16/2016 11:57 AMBranford properties touching Long Island Sound and its tributaries are being scrutinized to find hot spots feeding contaminants into our waters. In addition to coastline properties, the 2016 Shoreline Sanitary Survey (SSS) will include those fronting fresh water lakes and streams extending into the Sound.
The assessment survey is being conducted by the state Department of Agriculture, Bureau of Aquaculture, which also regulates Connecticut’s multi-million dollar shellfish industry. It’s taking place locally with the assistance of East Shore District Health Department (ESDHD).
“Every 10 to 12 years this survey is done, and it’s time for it again,” said ESDHD Executive Director Mike Pascucilla. “It’s a state-mandated logistics survey that’s done in order to maintain our shellfish beds. Because it’s in our community, we partner with them.”
ESDHD serves the towns of Branford, North Branford and East Haven. The survey is also taking place all along the East Haven shoreline. In both towns, not a single piece of property touching the water or Long Island Sound tributaries will be overlooked, said Pascucilla.
“It is every single property along the shoreline,” he said. “We’re notifying all associations because they are large blocks of property, but we’re also going to properties in-between associations. We’re going to marinas and to public spaces including beaches and parks. Our intent is to look at every single property, including the Thimble Islands, and even to go up rivers looking for sources of pollution.”
The survey began July 12 with preliminary visual assessments. Next up are physical visits conducted by one to three teams sent out daily into the community. All team members carry valid identification and will knock on doors and ask the owner’s permission if they need to enter private property, said Pascucilla. No indoor access will be necessary.
So, just what are they looking for?
“Typically, its a visual survey where they look for obvious sources of pollution,” said Pascucilla. “For instance, failing septic systems bubbling up. It would then be addressed with the owner, organization or the Town — whoever owns the property.”
In some cases, locating failing septic systems could lead to a decision on whether the town needs to extend public sewers, which would carry an assessment for property owners. The teams will also rundown the town’s current inventory of storm water drainage pipes discharging into Long Island Sound. Pipes will be confirmed and marked by Geographic Information System (GIS) on a map to create a record. Water samples will be taken from pipes, when flowing, or will be revisited for samples if not flowing. Teams will also be looking for any unmarked pipes.
“While we have an inventory of any pipes that the town puts in, it’s not uncommon to have a contractor or property owner put in a pipe and not take out a permit,” said Pascucilla. “Most of time, whatever comes out is safe, but on occasion, if pipes break or (are breached) it can allow contaminants into the water.”
Pascucilla said notice of the 2016 SSS was provided to media outlets July 8 to help spread the word, while letters and calls are headed to principals of neighborhood associations along the shoreline. The next stage will be walking properties.
“We want people to know ahead of time and want to contact individual association leads so they’ll know why we’re there and also so they can contact us if they have any concerns or questions,” he said. ESDHD can be reached by calling (203) 481-4233.
Another aspect of the survey work will be to reach out to residents to provide additional education to help contain contaminants.
“We don’t want them feeding geese, for example,” said Pascucilla. “And if they’re using fertilizers, they need to use the right ones. If they have outside oil tanks, make sure they’re not leaking, and if they are, make sure they’re fixed.”
Marinas are being contacted to help inform owners of boats with waste holding tanks (untreated sewage) about using ESDHD’s free pump out service, which can be arranged by calling (203) 430-9305 or by radio via VHF Channel 9. It is illegal to discharge holding tanks anywhere in Long Island Sound.
“We view this as an educational opportunity, too,” said Pascucilla. “We have two pump out boats which go from Guilford to New Haven; and in-between we also have some (pump out) stations.”
The 2016 SSS will continue all summer long, said Pascucilla.
“We expect to be out there the rest of the summer and maybe into the fall,” he said.
While the survey is focused on keeping waters clean to protect local shellfish (mussels, clams, oysters), it will have a much greater impact, he added.
“We’ve all worked really hard on cleaning the waterway,” said Pascucilla. “Long Island Sound water quality has improved so much over last several decades because of efforts like this. It’s visually cleaner. We’re seeing all kinds of life returning.”