Environment
Environment
‘Near-normal’ Atlantic hurricane season expected this year, scientists say
This year’s Atlantic hurricane season, which starts on Thursday and ends on Nov. 30, is expected to be “near-normal,” according to climate forecasters with the National Weather Service and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
Environment
PFAS levels in Peconic River fish prompt advisory from state health officials
Contamination of fish in portions of the Peconic River by the “forever chemicals” known as PFAS prompted the New York State Health Department this week to warn the public to limit consumption of fish caught in those areas.
Environment
Riverhead Town launches food scrap recycling to compost program, the first on Long Island
The Town of Riverhead celebrated the launch of its new residential food scrap recycling to compost program yesterday at the Youngs Avenue waste disposal site, another step in Riverhead’s ambitious goal to divert almost all the town’s food scrap waste from landfills by 2030.
Environment
Bill authorizing Suffolk County wastewater district and 1/8% county sales tax hike, subject to mandatory referendum, is signed into law
Legislation authorizing a county-wide wastewater management district in Suffolk and an additional 1/8-cent sales tax to finance a water quality restoration fund was enacted this week in Albany.
Environment
New York reduces minimum size and harvest of black sea bass and scup this season
The minimum size for black sea bass keepers is now 16.5 inches. From June 23 to Aug. 31, recreational anglers are allowed to possess no more than three black sea bass per day. Scup minimums are now 9.5 inches from shore and 10.5 inches from vessels.
Environment
More PFAS contamination detected inside the Calverton Enterprise Park, Navy investigators say
Environmental investigators have found new areas of PFAS contamination — some at very high levels — at the former Grumman site in Calverton, raising questions from community members about possible impacts to development plans for the property.
Environment
A new Yale research study will examine public health impacts of cancer-causing chemical in L.I. drinking water
The chemical contaminant 1,4 dioxane, commonly found in household and personal care products, is increasingly being detected in drinking water on Long Island at higher levels than most of the country. The Yale Superfund Research Center is seeking volunteers for its study into impacts on health here.
Environment
The osprey’s return, a herald of spring, is a reminder ‘we canget it right’
The osprey, a magnificent, once-endangered raptor, has made a comeback thanks to conservation efforts and the banning of the toxic chemical pesticide DDT. There are now about 550 nesting pairs of osprey on the East End of Long Island, where the birds return each spring to nest and breed.
Environment
Suffolk County commits $1.5 million to Manorville extension project, closing funding gap
The funding, received by the county from the 2021 American Rescue Plan Act, will cover a more than $600,000 funding shortfall for the construction of the water mains in the Manorville hamlet, as well as the cost of the private service line for each of the 64 homes in the extension area.
Environment
Marine biotoxin found in Terry Creek & Meetinghouse Creek triggers temporary ban on shellfish harvesting
The ban is in response to the presence of saxitoxin, a marine biotoxin that accumulates in shellfish and can sicken people who eat shellfish affected by the toxin.
