Environment
Environment
Riverhead extends moratorium on commercial solar energy systems for another year
The Town Board voted unanimously last night, 4-0 with Councilman Frank Beyrodt recused, to extend the moratorium on new solar energy system approvals, initially adopted in October 2021.
Environment
New pests take a huge toll on local trees
Ash trees are not expected to survive the infestation of the invasive emerald ash borer, while southern pine beetles are devastating pines in Suffolk, and spotted lanternfly infestations, now moving east in Suffolk, pose a threat to vineyards.
Environment
Site of massive mulch fire last week lacked permits, under investigation by State DEC
The site operator, Driftwood Family Farms, has no DEC permit or registration for a mulch processing facility at the 42-acre Calverton site the DEC confirmed this week.
Environment
Federal appeals court rules in favor of EPA plan to extend open water disposal sites in L.I. Sound
A federal appeals court today scuttled New York State’s hope of blocking the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency from establishing a new open water disposal site for dredged sediments in eastern Long Island Sound.
Environment
Second utility-scale battery energy storage system facility under review by Riverhead Town
A second utility grid-scale battery energy storage facility is in the review pipeline at Riverhead Town Hall, with more sure to follow, according to town officials. This proposal is for an Edwards Avenue site, adjacent to the LIPA substation that has attracted over 600 acres of utility-scale solar power facilities in the vicinity.
Environment
State DEC prepares to apply herbicides in Peconic River, hoping to eradicate invasive aquatic plants
For the first time, the State DEC will undertake the widespread application of herbicides to Ludwigia in the Peconic River, in the hope of eradicating the invasive, noxious weed that has infested about 50 acres of the river since it was first detected there in 2003.
Environment
Federal environmental agency issues major changes to health advisories for PFAS chemicals in drinking water
The new lifetime health advisory levels are lower than the maximum levels set by New York State in 2020 and lower than what can currently be detected by testing technologies.
Environment
East End communities designated ‘disadvantaged’ would be targeted for climate act investments
Census tracts in Calverton, Riverhead, downtown Riverhead, Riverside, Northampton, Flanders are among those identified statewide as "disadvantaged" communities that would be targeted for investment under the 2019 Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act.
Environment
Riverhead sought $9 million for public water extension to homes near former Grumman plant in Calverton. It got $3.5 million. Now...
Riverhead Town has come up short on federal and state funding requests to cover two water district extensions to serve homes in Manorville and Calverton in the vicinity of the former Northrop Grumman facility in Calverton.
Environment
Riverhead pursues innovative method to reduce and reuse sludge produced at its sewer plant
The project calls for the installation of an innovative process at the district’s waste treatment facility on River Avenue that will reduce the total volume of dehydrated sludge produced at the plant — and that, in turn, will reduce the district's ever-increasing cost of transporting it to a Pennsylvania landfill for disposal.
