$10M Patchogue Sewer Funds Will Aid Bay As The Village's 'Lifeblood'

 

PATCHOGUE, NY — Patchogue will be getting another $10 million in funding to move sewer expansion forward, helping what officials there see as a vital part of the village.

The monies will be allocated from Suffolk County’s Wastewater Infrastructure Fund to help eliminate an estimated 100 cesspools and septic systems near the Great South Bay by connecting around 100 homes along Campbell Street, Argyle Lane, Smith Street, and Pine Boulevard to the village's sewer system.

Mayor Paul Pontieri said the grant money will bring the total of homes connected to the village's sewer system closer to 350.

"The bay is some of the lifeblood of the village," he told Patch. "To be able to protect it, and for the county to support us in doing that, this is part of the piece of the puzzle."

Patchogue has an ongoing $22 million project along the Patchogue River Watershed that will eliminate about 240 cesspools and septic systems, which scientists have identified as the primary source of the nitrogen that is polluting waterways.

The project was made possible due to a $12 million expansion of the village’s sewage treatment plant as funded by federal and state grants. Grinder pump units will be installed at each home, and there are plans to make necessary repairs free for homeowners.

It will reduce nitrogen discharge to the bay by 2,500 pounds per year.

At a news conference on Monday, County Executive Steve Bellone said staffers are proud to support the efforts of Patchogue "to protect and preserve our water quality for generations to come."

"The $10 million grant will expand the sewer project that is already underway, which will now eliminate nearly 340 cesspools and septic systems that are polluting our waterways," he added.

State Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Basil Seggos said officials from the agency are working closely with Suffolk, Patchogue, and other community partners throughout the region as part of the Long Island Nitrogen Action Plan "to help invest in critical wastewater infrastructure improvements that will reduce pollution."

He applauded Bellone on "the investment, saying it "builds on the $21 million in state funding committed to protect the Patchogue River watershed and improve Long Island’s water quality.

County Legislature Presiding Officer Kevin McCaffrey called the additional connections to the Patchogue Sewer District "another positive step towards improving the water quality of the Patchogue River and the Great South Bay."

He said it will address "the release of harmful pathogens during extreme weather events and reduce the nitrogen build-up from on-site systems" plaguing "this vital waterway for decades."

"The Suffolk County Legislature is committed to improving and restoring the quality of the Patchogue River and all of Suffolk County’s waterways for future generations," he said.

Legis. Dominick Thorne, whose district includes Patchogue, said he was pleased to stand with Bellone and Presiding Officer Kevin McCaffrey in announcing the project.

"Since taking office, I have made it a priority to protect our most precious resources," he said. "Along with wastewater Infrastructure, I have worked to preserve dozens of acres of open space throughout the district. Partnering with Mayor Paul Pontieri from the Village of Patchogue just makes sense. The village and my office along with the County Executive, presiding officer, and Supervisor [Ed] Romaine will work to ensure our environment is protected."

"Patchogue village government has done an outstanding job and has been on the forefront of wastewater management. I am proud to deliver to our residents," he added.

The county’s Wastewater Infrastructure Fund was created in part of the 2022 Operating Budget.

It includes $125 million in funds to significantly advance the county’s Reclaim Our Water Initiative, advance response to environmental hazards, and invest in projects to improve our coastal resiliency.