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Environment

Bill authorizing Suffolk County wastewater district and 1/8% county sales tax hike, subject to mandatory referendum, is signed into law

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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.

New York reduces minimum size and harvest of black sea bass and scup this season

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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.

More PFAS contamination detected inside the Calverton Enterprise Park, Navy investigators say

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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.
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A new Yale research study will examine public health impacts of cancer-causing chemical in L.I. drinking water

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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.

The osprey’s return, a herald of spring, is a reminder ‘we canget it right’

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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.

Suffolk County commits $1.5 million to Manorville extension project, closing funding gap

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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.
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Marine biotoxin found in Terry Creek & Meetinghouse Creek triggers temporary ban on shellfish harvesting

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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.

Air quality health advisory issued for Friday, affecting 46 counties in New York, including Suffolk

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The pollutant of concern is ground-level ozone, a major component of photochemical smog. People, especially young children and those who have respiratory disease, such as asthma, are urged to take precautions.

Navy will update the community next week on investigation into water pollution near former Grumman site in Calverton

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Navy representatives and their consultants will present updates to the investigation into PFAS chemicals and the monitoring of other volatile organic compounds in wells surrounding the former Grumman site at the next meeting of the Calverton Restoration Advisory Board, Wednesday, April 19.

Celebrate Earth Day by cleaning up Riverhead: town-wide cleanup set for Saturday, April 22

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The next town-wide cleanup will take place on Earth Day, Saturday, April 22. Volunteers are needed and community service credits are available for those who participate.
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