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Save the Sound, Soundkeeper, Inc. and Atlantic Clam Farms announced that they have reached a settlement with the Village of Mamaroneck regarding a federal case that was brought by the groups in 2015, ensuring that officials repair a sewer system that has allegedly been leaking sewage into waterways no later than 2019.
The deal comes approximately a month after a similar agreement was reached with officials in Port Chester.
As part of the settlement, Mamaroneck will make repairs to its sewage system to fully comply with the limits of the Westchester County Environmental Facilities Sew Act no later than the end of 2019. While Port Chester has agreed, the groups still have lawsuits in effect for 10 other municipalities regarding their sewer systems.
The groups noted that, “many residents of Westchester County don’t realize that poorly maintained sewer pipes are the main reason that beaches are closed after rain, and why harvesting clams or oysters in local bays and harbors is prohibited. However, the County and municipalities are aware of this ongoing pollution and have known since at least 2003 that actions taken to date have been woefully inadequate to solve the problem.”
“By agreeing to enforceable requirements to solve their leaking sewage problem once and for all by 2019, the Village of Mamaroneck is joining Port Chester as a leader,” Roger Reynolds, legal director of Save the Sound stated. “These two villages are taking the necessary steps to protect their citizens’ health and clean up Long Island Sound. The surrounding municipalities should follow suit by fixing their systems in a timely manner.”
“A lot of Westchester residents don’t realize that poorly maintained sewer pipes are one of the reasons their beaches are closed after rain, and why they can’t harvest clams or oysters in local bays and harbors,” Bill Lucey, Save the Sound’s Long Island Soundkeeper added. “The impacts of this pollution are real and personal. The benefits of removing raw sewage from the Sound will make life better for everyone.”
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