Water quality forum set in Hampton Bays

Southampton Town will hold a “water quality forum” for homeowners and other residents to discuss the effects of failing residential septic systems on bays and streams.

The event, on May 15 from 7 to 9 p.m. at Hampton Bays High School, will feature speakers well-known in environmental studies, specifically in septic waste, including representatives from the Long Island Liquid Waste Association.

“Given the crisis in the quality of our bay water, we feel this is a timely topic for all Town of Southampton residents,” said Scott Carlin, an associate professor of geography at LIU Post, and a specialist in sustainability. “After all, whether you’re a homeowner, a renter, or even an out-of-towner who works here, you have an effect on our septic systems and these systems impact our lives and well-being.”

Also on hand will be Walter Hilbert from the county’s health department to give an overview on Long Island’s unique issues with septic systems.

Most homes on the East End are not hooked up to public sewer lines, but instead have personal septic systems, such as cesspools. Many of them are old and failing, according to town officials, leading to pollution of local water bodies.

The high school is at 88 Argonne Rd. in Hampton Bays. For more information, call the town’s office of energy and sustainability at 631-702-1753 or email lplouff@southampton townny.gov.

Above: A waterfront scene in Hampton Bays (March 6, 2009)