RIVER POLLUTION

RIVER POLLUTION

We have agreed to work with the Town of East Lyme Public Works Department on storm water mitigation grants as part of the Pine Grove Sewer Project. There are proven technologies that can be applied to the storm water sewer outfalls that now empty into the river. These sewer lines are considered point sources of pollution under the Clean Water Act.

Most experts agree that storm water runoff through these sewers is the primary source of degradation of coastal and estuarine waters such as the Niantic River.

We believe that storm water is the primary source of manmade pollution in the mix, now that our Pump-out Program is effectively controlling marine sewerage.

RIVER POLLUTION PROJECT

Data gathered by the scientists at the Millstone Dominion Nuclear Environmental Lab in cooperation with the Marine Sciences Department at the University of Connecticut, Avery Point, shows a slow but steady deterioration of water quality.

The Niantic River has been on the Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection's list of impaired waterbodies for six years. The river has been closed to shell fishing for many days during the last few years and the number of days closed each year is increasing.

We believe the Niantic River is suffering the proverbial "death of a thousand cuts".

Current Sources of Pollution

A. Among identifiable sources of pollution are the septic systems in East Lyme, at Pine Grove, Saunders Point, River Road, and Quarry Dock Road. Our organization advocates sewering these areas - following the example of Waterford, where all Niantic River shore communities have now been sewered.

B. Non-point sources of pollution include run-off, excess fertilizer application, pet and wildlife feces, and storm drains. One solution to the storm drain problem would be for both Waterford and East Lyme to enforce compliance with Phase II Storm Water regulations.

C. Another identifiable pollution is dumping from marine holding tanks and toilets. Save the River-Save the Hills is now actively involved in a pumpout boat project. We have acquired a new Carolina Skiff and are fitting it out (with generous help of Boats Inc. of East Lyme). Operations started August 27, 2003.
Meanwhile (thanks to the efforts of Chief of Police Murray Pendleton, both a boater and an environmentalist), the Town of Waterford has given us a slip at the Town Dock. We are currently working on a sewer line, which will enable us to empty our pumpout boat contents into the New London sewer system. Currently we are unloading at the Niantic Bay Marina - many thanks to them for this temporary arrangement.

Finally, we have applied for and have been awarded a grant from the Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection (CT DEP) that will cover 75% of the cost of the project.

This grant is funded by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Clean Vessel Act Pump-out Grant.

Project costs include: boat refurbishing and maintenance, sewer line installation, salaries and education programs.

With the pumpout boat in operation, the CT DEP is applying to the Federal Environmental Protection Agency for No Discharge Area status for the Long Island Sound Shoreland from the Thames River to the Connecticut River including Niantic Bay and the Niantic River.