Town of Brookhaven officials review Suffolk County’s Water Quality Marine Program
On July 30, Brookhaven Town Supervisor Dan Panico and Brookhaven Town Councilmember Jonathan Kornreich joined Deputy Suffolk County Health Commissioner, Anthony Figliola and James Loglisci and Mark Long from the Suffolk County Department of Health Services at Brookhaven Town’s Port Jefferson Marina to review and learn about the Suffolk County Marine Water Quality Monitoring program.
The Suffolk County Office of Ecology routinely monitors the quality of marine surface waters throughout Suffolk County as part of various environmental and management programs. These activities were initiated in 1976 under the “208 Study” (Section 208 of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act of 1972), a comprehensive water quality management program calling for the development of a plan to meet established water quality goals.
“Suffolk County’s Marine Monitoring Program is as interesting as it is impressive. Far more is known now than decades ago about the health of our waters and the sources of degradation. While there is a great deal of work to be done, the continual measuring to obtain metrics of the conditions is essential to understanding and improving our water quality. Port Jefferson and Setauket Harbors are two beautiful and treasured features of Brookhaven Town, and we appreciate the partnership with Suffolk County,” said Supervisor Panico.
“Thank you to Anthony Figliola and the Suffolk County Health Department for continuing to keep a close eye on the waters of Port Jefferson and Setauket. Today, Supervisor Panico and I joined the County’s team to test various sites in and around the harbor complex. They are out on the water all year round, in all weather, taking samples and testing to make sure contaminants and algae are being monitored at all times. Thank you to these hard-working men for your role in protecting public health and our maritime environment!” added Councilmember Kornreich.
