Riverhead law pushes septic system upgrades to protect waters

Riverhead Town is weighing a new law that would require residents living near the water to upgrade outdated wastewater systems if their homes undergo significant renovations.

Councilwoman Jodi Giglio said her proposed legislation is meant to curb nitrogen pollution flowing from household cesspools and septic systems, which scientists blame for fueling algal blooms and other environmental problems.

The law targets homes in waterfront areas, such as in Peconic Bay wetlands or on the bluffs over Long Island Sound.

It would allow the building department to require homeowners, in certain circumstances, to install up-to-code systems when adding bathrooms, kitchens, washing machines, sinks or other renovations that could add to the house's wastewater flow. The systems can cost several thousand dollars.

Giglio, a Republican, said she proposed the law after learning that a waterfront homeowner was expanding his Jamesport property, but county and state regulations did not require him to replace his old-fashioned cesspool. The homeowner eventually agreed to upgrade it.

"I think we're on the cutting edge of this," Giglio said. "In order to protect our waters, our fisheries, our aquatic life and our tourism, we need to take the first step."

Riverhead Town Supervisor Sean Walter, also a Republican, said he supports the concept.

SEE PHOTOSSuffolk County Water Authority

"It's a step in the right direction," he said. "We need to be moving to protect our groundwater."

Giglio said the law would not allow the town to force homeowners to install expensive, state-of-the-art wastewater treatment technologies -- a concern Walter raised.

"You can't saddle residents with a $20,000 system," Walter said. "That forces people out of their houses."

Giglio said the law would require homeowners with cesspools to install holding tanks and make other alterations to comply with county and state codes.

She said she has sought feedback from environmental organizations and hopes to schedule a public hearing this fall.

Richard Amper, executive director of the Long Island Pine Barrens Society, an environmental group, wrote Giglio that the law is "consistent with new efforts to control nitrogen discharge into water bodies and groundwater."