What you can do.

We strongly encourage restaurants and commercial businesses that have a substantial role in contributing to this contamination issue to actively participate in finding solutions. It's crucial for these entities to take responsibility and collaborate on measures to address the problem, ensuring the long-term health and sustainability of our community and environment.

• It has been identified that some Restaurants and commercial establishments on Fort Pond Bay have large-capacity cesspools and antiquated septics. And must consider upgrading their large-capacity cesspools and septic systems by utilizing available grant funds from the Town of East Hampton and Suffolk County. These grants offer tax-free financial assistance that can help offset the expenses associated with system upgrades.

• To further reduce the discharge of greywater into Fort Pond Bay, a shift towards eco-friendly, disposable, and compostable tableware should be initiated promptly and maintained until the necessary system upgrades are completed.

• Many of these establishments have exceeded their capacity, leading to septic system failures. In some recent incidents, these failures have resulted in unfortunate discharge, resulting in high levels of bacteria contamination on water testing.

• Until these essential upgrades occur, we strongly recommend that Suffolk County and the Town of East Hampton enforce reduced occupancy levels, implement scheduled pump-outs, and decrease greywater discharge by encouraging the use of eco-friendly, disposable, and compostable tableware. ‘

• For more information about available grants and access to grant forms, Learn More about the Grants | Grant Forms

• We would also like to commend restaurants that have successfully upgraded to low-nitrogen systems with our Montauker 5-star clean watermark. Mavericks has achieved a high rating of 💧💧💧💧💧 by breaking ground on the upgrading to a low nitrogen system. We look forward to seeing more establishments join this list in the future.

High-capacity cesspools in New York State are considered illegal and are subject to regulatory requirements for removal or replacement. Here's what you should consider if you have a high-capacity cesspool:

• Contact Local Authorities: Contact the East Hampton Natural Resources Department or the Suffolk County Health Department to inform them of the situation. They will guide you on the specific steps to address the issue.

• Assessment: You may be required to have your high-capacity cesspool assessed to determine its condition and potential impact on groundwater and the environment. This assessment can help determine the most appropriate course of action.

• Replacement or Upgrade: In most cases, high-capacity cesspools must be replaced or upgraded to a more environmentally friendly wastewater treatment system that complies with current regulations. The specific replacement options and requirements will depend on the Suffolk County Health Department.

• Permitting and Compliance: You must obtain the necessary permits and comply with regulatory requirements to remove, replace, or upgrade your cesspool. This will involve working with a licensed septic system installer or wastewater treatment professional. We do not endorse any particular septic company but know that Hampton Septic Services service Montauk.

• Financial Assistance: There is financial assistance for upgrading these systems using grant money from the Town of East Hampton and Suffolk County. These grants are tax-free and will partially cover the cost of the upgrade. Learn More | Forms

• Timelines: Be aware that timelines or deadlines may be associated with addressing the high-capacity cesspool issue. Failing to take appropriate action in a timely manner could result in penalties or fines.

It's essential to work closely with East Hampton, Suffolk County, and New York state authorities to ensure that you address your high-capacity cesspool. Non-compliance with regulations can have legal and environmental consequences, so it's essential to take this matter seriously and take the required actions to protect the environment and public health.

We strongly urge residents who are inadvertently contributing to this contamination issue to participate in finding and implementing solutions actively. Each one of us plays a vital role in protecting our environment, and by taking responsible actions, we can collectively make a positive impact on the health and sustainability of our community.

Ditch Plains flows into Lake Montauk, contributing to contamination.

• Residents of Ditch Plains and Lake Montauk should consider upgrading their septic systems, utilizing grant funding offered by the Town of East Hampton and Suffolk County. These grants are tax-free and, in most cases, will cover the full cost of the upgrade. It is recommended to schedule regular pump-outs at least once a year.

• To mitigate contamination, it is imperative to establish bioswales at points where water flows into Lake Montauk. Many homes around Ditch Plains and Lake Montauk still employ older, less efficient septic systems, often cesspools that directly leach into our groundwater. Ditch Plains and Lake Montauk residents should take advantage of the available grant money from the Town of East Hampton and Suffolk County to upgrade their septic systems. These grants are tax-free and will cover the entire cost of the upgrade. For additional information regarding these grants and access to grant forms, please click here.". Learn More about the Grants | Grant Forms

• Bioswales should be constructed at the inflow points leading into Lake Montauk to effectively filter out contaminated water.

Lake Montauk lies within a Harbor Protection Overlay District. Regular pump-outs are essential and should occur at a minimum of once a year.

The Town of East Hampton

Through the Community Preservation Fund, the Town should persist in acquiring all available coastal properties from willing sellers. This strategy aims to restrict dune development and curb any further degradation of water quality, ultimately fostering coastal resiliency. Learn More about the CPF.

East Hampton Town should consider expanding its fleet of pump-out boats to provide better support for Fort Pond Bay