Great South Bay stream/river corridor study Neguntatogue Creek watershed

[From the U.S. Government Printing Office, www.gpo.gov]

Long Island Regional Planning Board

Edward Cook H. Lee Dennison Executive Office Building
Chairman Veterans Memorial Highway, Hauppauge, L.I., N.Y. 11788
John J. Hart Area Code (516) 360-5189
Vice Chairman
Patrick F. Caputo
Paul J. Fitzpatrick.
John Wickham
John W. Wydler April 27, 1989
Lee E. Koppelman
Executive Director
Mr. George Stafford, Director
Coastal Management Division
New York State Dept. of State
162 Washington Avenue
Albany, New York 12231

Dear Mr. Stafford:

In fulfillment of Tasks I, II and III of the New York
State Comptroller's Contract No. C005567, I transmit
herewith the interim report: Great South Bay Stream/River
Corridor Study - Neguntatogue Creek Watershed.

Please contact Ms. Lauretta R. Fischer (516-360-4865)
of my staff, if any questions arise.

Sincerely,
Lee E. K@:@'
LEK/LRF/sm Executive Director
Enc.

TD
224
N7
G74
1989

GREAT SOUTH BAY STREAM/RIVER
CORRIDOR STUDY

Neguntatogue Creek Watershed

Long Island Regional Planning Board
H. Lee Dennison Office Building
Veterans Memorial Highway
Hauppauge, New York 11788

Dr. Lee E. Koppelman
Executive Director

April 1989

Interim Report - Task I, II and III

Report Preparation

Lauretta R. Fischer

"FPARTMENT OF Clerical Staff
Ac SERVICES CFN" Samuella Martin
2'e,- @)ITTH HOBSON
CHARi-ESTON, SC 294Ci,!)--,eI Jeanne M. Widmayer

New York State Comptroller's Contract No. C005567

This report was prepared for the New York State Department
of State, Division of Coastal Resources and Waterfront
CM Revitalization, with financial assistance from the office of
Ocean and Coastal Resource Management, National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration, provided under the Coastal Zone
Management Act of 1912, as amended. (Grant-In-Aid Award
No. NA-82-AA-D-CZ068)

Study Overview

The New York State Department of State (DOS) has
identified the need to 1) assess the adequacy of existing
development standards and regulations in protecting water
quality and ecosystems in the Great South Bay; and 2) aid
local governments in preparing their Local Waterfront
Revitalization Program standards used to implement water
quality, habitat protection, and fisheries management
policies. The extent to which the regulatory approach can
be used to maintain Great South Bay water quality and
protect ecosystem function, in the face of development of
vacant land and the redevelopment of shoreline areas, must
be evaluated in light of the magnitude of current problems
that represent the integrated impacts of historic land use
and regulatory practice.

With funding from the DOS, the Long Island Regional
Planning Board (LIRPB) will conduct an assessment of the
extent and mechanisms by which land use patterns and
regulatory practices have impacted the environmental quality
of stream/river corridors along the northern margin of Great
South Bay. The ultimate purpose of this study is to
identify ways in which redevelopment of urbanized watersheds
and development of semi-rural watersheds of Great South Bay
can be regulated to minimize subsequent impacts on the
quality of adjacent freshwater and marine environments of
tributary streams. The 38 streams/rivers that flow into
Great South Bay are conduits by which pollutant loadings
reach open bay waters. While regional evaluations of land
use and surface water quality relationships have been
conducted for the Long Island area, e.g., Long Island
Comprehensive Waste Treatment Management Plan; Long Island
Segment of the Nationwide Urban Runoff Program, the
opportunity to determine the extent to which regulatory
changes, land use policy and structural measures can be
employed at the local level to maintain or improve surface
water quality remains to be addressed.

The approach of the LIRPB study will involve the
comparative assessment of two stream/river corridors--one
representative of the development scenario and aquatic
habitat found in urbanized portions of the Great South Bay
watershed; and the other more typical of semi-rural
conditions to the east. After assessing the general land
use, environmental resource and water quality conditions
within the 38 stream/river watersheds tributary to the bay
'in the Towns of Babylon, Islip and Brookhaven, the LIRPB
selected the two case study areas that will be subject to
in-depth analysis. The Neguntatogue Creek watershed within

the Town of Babylon was identified as the study area
typifying urban conditions; the conditions in the Beaverdam
Creek watershed within the Town of Brookhaven led to its
selection as the semi-rural case study area. The LIRPB will
inventory existing land use, land available for development,
environmental resources, point and non-point sources of
pollutant discharge and other parameters in the stream/river
watersheds.

Affiliates of the Marine Sciences Research Center, SUNY
@ Stony Brook, will undertake the component of the study
work program that involves the design and implementation of
a field-based, water and environmental quality monitoring
program for the freshwater and marine portions of the two
stream/river corridor study areas.
Utilizing the information assembled, the LIRPB staff
and its consultant team will develop recommendations for
improving/maintaining fresh and marine water quality within
the stream/river corridors; and for mitigating adverse
impacts on environmental resources that are now evident, or
that could be projected to occur as a result of future
development/re-development. It is envisioned that the
recommendations will include land use considerations, such
as setback and buffer standards, zoning, and acquisition; as
well as the control of point and non-point sources of
pollution. Structural and non-structural approaches will be
assessed, especially with regard to the control of urban
runoff to streams and overland flow to marine areas.
The final report for this study is scheduled for
completion by 1 March 1990.

Great South Bay Stream/River Corridor Study
Neguntatogue Creek Watershed

Task 1: Collect, review and analyze existing sources of
data and information pertaining to fresh and marine water
quality, ground water quality, point and non-point
pollution, land use and environmental resources for
stream/river corridors that are located in semi-rural
portions of the Great South Bay watershed.

Product: Bibliography of data/information sources with
annotations describing relevance to this project.

Bokuniewicz, H.J., and Zeitlin, M.J. 1980. Characteristics
of the ground-water seepage into Great South Bay. Marine
Sciences Research Center, State University of New York.
Special Report 35, Reference 80-2. Stony Brook, NY.

A method is described for measuring the upward flow of
freshwater across the bay floor at five sites along the
north shore, and one site on south shore of Great South
Bay. Measurements were taken at various points along
transects running from 5m to 100m offshore under
differing time intervals, tidal and meterological
conditions during the summer of 1979. These data were
used to estimate the contribution to freshwater from
groundwater flow through the bay bottom.

Hair, Malcolm E. and Buckner, Stuart. 1973. Assessment of
the water quality characteristics of Great South Bay and
contiguous streams. Adelphi University Institute of Marine
Science. Garden City, NY.

Describes procedures and results of bi-weekly
measurements of salinity, temperature, dissolved
oxygen, dissolved phosphorus, particulate phosphorus,
nitrate, nitrite, ammonia, and chlorophyll at 39
stations in Great South Bay over a seven-month period.
Comparison with previously available data with estimate
of stability of various areas of the bay.

Jones, C.R., and Schubel, J.R. 1980. Distribution of
surficial sediment and eelgrass in Great South Bay, New
York. Marine Sciences Research Center, State University of
New York. Report #39, Reference 80-6. Stony Brook, NY.
Seliment samples at 582 stations were taken over 290
km of Great South Bay at approximately 800m intervals.
The samples were analyzed in terms of mass percent of
gravel, sand, silt, clay and shell fragments and
organic carbon content, between April 1977 to October
1978. An eelgrass survey was made over the same period
and quantified in terms of thin, medium and thick
coyerage, which was checked by sampling over a measured
1m area. The results are shown in tables and a series
of six maps.

Long Island Regional Planning Board. 1978. Long Island
comprehensive waste treatment management plan. Vols. I and
II. Hauppauge, NY.

A comprehensive evaluation of groundwater and surface
water; its major uses, existing quality and
contamination sources. Alternative waste treatment
management plans - structural and non-structural
approaches were presented for Nassau and Suffolk
Counties, NY.

Long Island Regional Planning Board. 1979. Long Island
regional element; New York State coastal management program.
Hauppauge, NY.

A compilation of subplans relating to Long Island's
coastal zone dealing with marine fisheries, coastal
erosion, land and water capability, water quality,
dredging, recreation and energy. A map series was
prepared as part of this report that included land use,
land use plan - 1995, natural resource inventory, and
land and water capability.

Long Island Regional Planning Board. 1982a. The Long
Island segment of the nationwide urban runoff program.
Hauppaugd, NY.

Project focused on stormwater runoff as a major source
of groundwater and surface water contamination as
determined in the 1978 208 study. The groundwater
component investigated the impacts of recharge basins.
The surface water component applied stormwater control
measure techniques to three sites in Nassau and Suffolk
counties. Included was a modeling program to help
determine reductions in coliform, necessary to open
areas of the bays presently closed to shellfishing.

Long Island Regiondl Planning Board. 1982b. Land use -
1981 - quantification and analysis of land use for the
counties of Nassau and Suffolk. Hauppauge, NY.

An inventory of land uses in the bi-county area. This
report includes land use summaries for all cities,
townst and villages. Acres and percent of land area
were calculated by land use category. Comparisons
between the municipalities were briefly discussed.

Long Island Regional Planning Board. 1983. Public access
and recreation adjacent to the coastal waters of Nassau and
Suffolk Counties - an inventory and assessment. Hauppauge,
NY.

Report provides maps, site evaluation forms and public
transportation information for all county, city, town,
village and park district properties within the NYS
coastal area that provide significant access
opportunities or have the potential to provide expanded
access to the coastal waters of the bi-county area. A
summary statement discussed the report's findings and
recommendations.

Long Island Regional Planning Board. 1984. Nonpoint source
management handbook. Hauppauge, NY.

Identifies the various non-point sources of groundwater
and surface water pollution that effect Long Island.
Topics discussed include: land use, stormwater runoff,
on-site systems, highway deicing, fertilizer, animal
wastes, water supply wells, boat pollution, site plan
review, and local ordinances. Key problems, existing
management, and recommendations, including best
management practices, were presented under each topic.

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation,
Division of Fish and Wildlife. 1976. Areas of particular
concern to the preservation and maintenance of fish and
wildlife populations in the coastal zone of Long Island.
Stony Brook, NY.

Map series on USGS quad sheets which identifies
specific areas throughout Long Island that are
important fish and wildlife habitats. Brief
descriptions of these habitats and their associated
wildlife are provided and categorized.

New York State Department of State. 1987. Significant
coastal fish and wildlife habitats - Nassau and Suffolk
Counites - rating forms. Albany, NY.

Compilation of rating forms, maps and habitat narrative
for each Designated Significant Coastal Fish and
Wildlife Habitat by town within the counties of Nassau
and Suffolk.

O'Connor, Joel and Terry, Orville. 1972. The marine
wetlands of Nassau and Suffolk Counties, New York - 1972.
Nassau-Suffolk Regional Planning Board. Hauppauge, NY.

Inventories and classifies wetlands of Nassau-Suffolk
counties, estimates changes in acreage since 1964.
Identifies locations (by maps), area, and physical
ecological functions of wetlands necessary for planning
and management decisions, such as governmental
acquisition, definition of zoning regulations, and
recreational development.

Spinnello, A.G., Nakao, J.H. and Winowitch, R.B. 1987.
Water resources data New York water year 1986. Volume 2.
Long Island. Syosset, NY.

Contains records of stage, discharge and water quality
of streams; stage, contents and water quality of lakes
and reservoirs; water quality of precipitation; and
water levels and water quality of groundwater wells for
the 1986 water year for the Long Island region.

Suffolk County Department of Health Services. 1980. Study
to determine the necessity and,' if applicable, the methods
of mitigating the decrease in streamflow and related effects
associated with sewering Suffolk County Southwest Sewer
District No. 3 and Nassau County Sewer District No. 3 Long
Island, New York. Milestone I. Hauppauge, NY.

Twenty-two separate streams were studied under separate
cover to determine possible effects of sewering
act ivities within the SWSD on stream flow and lake
levels. All streams studied flow into Great South Bay
and are located east of the Nassau/Suffolk County
border to Connetquot River. Each study presented
detailed information relating to drainage, stream
characteristics, environmental and water quality data.
A ranking system was then applied to these streams and
compared.

Suffolk County Department of Planning. 1985. Analysis of
dredging and spoil disposal activity conducted by Suffolk
County - historical perspective and a look to the future.
Hauppauge, NY.

Overview of Suffolk County dredging activity provided
information and analyses that were used to develop
management policies governing future County dredging
activities. Criteria was prepared to provide a
procedure to determine whether projects are in the
public vs. private interest. New options for dredged
material disposal and the rehabilitation of spoil sites
were also identified.

Suffolk County Department of Planning. 1987a. Strategies
and recommendations for revitalizing the hard clam fisheries
in Suffolk County, New York. Hauppauge, NY.

An assessment of available management alternatives
applicable to hard clam resources for all five
fisheries: Great South Bay, Huntington Bay, Moriches
and Shinnecock Bays, Peconic and Gardiners Bays, and
the north shore bays of Brookhaven and Smithtown.
Topics discussed include: local shellfish management,
authority, costs, and enforcement; underwater land
ownership; shellfish closure areas; digger permits; and
commercial fishery landings.

Suffolk County Deparment of Planning. 1987b. A planning
analysis of the Accabonac Harbor watershed. Hauppauge, NY.

A analysis of the Accabonac Harbor watershed in terms
of its natural resources, existing limits on
development, land use, marine water quality,
groundwater, demographic profile, and land available
for development. Recommendations involving land use,
resource protection, and management of human activities
are discussed.

Weyl, Peter K. 1974. The pullution susceptibility of the
marine waters of Nassau and Suffolk counties, New York.
Marine Sciences Research Center, State University of New
York. Technical Report Series No. 20. Stony Brook, NY.

Describes a new parameter of the coastline, pollution
susceptibility. This is the average concentration in
the water near the coast that would result from a unit
rate of discharge of a conservative pollutant that is
miscible in water. For potential continuous discharges
in restricted bays, a second parameter, steady-state
pollution susceptibility, is developed. This is the
average concentration that would result from unit rate
of discharge after the bay has come to steady state
with the pollutant discharge.

Task II: Establish criteria for selection of urban
stream/river corridor and watershed for detailed study.

Product: Memorandum describing the criteria to be used in
the selection of an urban case study area.

The criteria selected to characterize the 38 stream/
river corridors (Table 1) that flow into the Great South Bay

include the following parameters: size of stream/river and

watershed; mix of land uses within the watershed;

environmental resources; availability of data/information on

pollutant sources (point and non-point); and availability of

data on fresh and marine water quality.

A preliminary table was generated to address these

criteria. It included the following information for each of

the 38 stream/river corridors: stream/river length,

predominant land uses, environmental resources, a

determination of whether or not the stream was evaluated in

the Flow Augumentation Needs Study (SCDHS, 1980), and the

designation of the stream/river corridor as either urban or

semi-rural. This information is presented in Table 2 for

the 23 stream/river corridors out of a total of 38 that were

designated as urban streams.

The-length of the stream/river corridors was

characterized as either small, medium or large. To assure

comparability of the selected urban and semi-rural

stream/river corridors, length, stream flow and size of

drainage basin were considered.

Table 1. L.Lst of the 38 stream/river corridors
that flow into Great South Bay.

River/Stream Corridors

Town of Babylon

1. Amityville Creek
2. Woods Creek
3. Great Neck Creek
4. Strong's Creek
5. Neguntatogue Creek
6. Santapogue Creek - West and East Branch
7. Carll's River
8. Sumpwams (Sampawams) Creek

Town of Islip

9. Skookwams Creek
10. Willets Creek
11. Trues Creek
12. Thompson's Creek
13. Cascade Lakes
14. Lawrence Creek
15. Watchogue Creek
16. Pentaquit Creek - West and East Branch
17. Awixa Creek
18. Orowoc Creek - West and East Branch
19. Champlin Creek
20. West Brook
21. Connetquot River
22. Brick Kiln Creek
23. Ludlows Creek/Indian Creek
24. Green Creek
25. Brown's River
26. Homan's Creek
27. Nankee Creek

Town of Brookhaven

28. Stillman Creek
29. Corjay Creek
30. Tuthills Creek
31. Patchogue River
32. Swan River
33. Mud Creek
34. Abets Creek
35. Hedges Creek
36. Howell Creek
37. Beaverdam Creek
38. Carmans River
- Big Fish Creek
- Little Fish Creek
- Yaphank Creek
- Little Neck Creek

Table 2. Great South Bay urban stream/river corridor descriptions.

FANS
Study
Name Size Land Use Environmental Resources Conducted

1. Amityville medium med./high density residential stream - no. of Montauk Hwy. x
Creek high school lake/canal system
apt. complex USGS gauging station
Town Park

2. Woods medium med./high density residential extensive canal x
Creek condo complexes development
Town Beach/Recreation Facility stream - no. of Montauk Hwy.
marinas USGS gauging station

3. Great Neck medium med. density residential interconnecting canal X
,Creek restaurant system
stream - no. of Montauk Hwy.
lake system

4. Strong's medium med. density residential extensive/interconnecting x
Creek undeveloped Co. Park canal system
marina stream - no. of Montauk Hwy.

5. Neguntatogue medium med. density residential stream - no. of Montauk Hwy. x
Creek large marina facilities USGS gauging station
restaurants

6. Santapogue medium/ medium density residential diverted stream - no. of x
Creek large apt. complex Montauk Hwy.
regional shopping center east & west branches
Co. golf course
SWSD operating plant

FANS
Study
Name Size Land Use Environmental Resources Conducted

7. Carll's large low/medium density residential extensive stream/pond/ x
River Town Park - active lake system - no. of
LIRR train station Montauk Hwy.
high school freshwater wetlands
State Park culverts

8. Sumpwams medium/ medium density residential extensive stream/pond/ x
(Sampawams) large LIRR yard lake system - no. of
Creek lumber yard Montauk Hwy.
kD bus depot USGS gauging station
marinas
major roadway
system (Rte 231)

9. Skookwams small low/medium density residential x
Creek

10. Willets medium medium density residential x
Creek high & junior high schools
shopping center

FANS
Study
Name Size Land Use Environmental Resources Conducted
11. Cascade small/ low/medium density residential extensive lake/stream x
Lakes medium Village Marina system
I . culverts

12. Lawrence small low/medium density residential lake/pond system x
Creek car dealership
commercial"
restaurant

13. Watchogue small low/medium density residential x
Creek restaurants
0 ferry terminals
boat repair
large Town Marina
commercial

14. Penataquit large medium density residential two branches X
Creek restaurants USGS gauging station
ferry terminals
regional shopping mall
boat repair
commercial
public school

15. Awixa medium low density residential X
Creek condo complex
apt. complex
shopping mall
cemetery

FANS
Study
Name Size Land Use Environmental Resources Conducted

16. Orowoc large low/medium density residential extensive pond/lake/ x
Creek restaurant stream system
fishing industry two branches
mobile home complex freshwater wetlands
school facility NYSDOS designated significant
some vacant land fish & wildlife habitat

17. Green medium low/medium density residential
Creek public school
vacant land

18. Homan's small low/medium density residential
Creek open space - Town Park
vacant land

19. Corey medium medium density residential pond/stream system
Creek Town Park
marinas
industrial
vacant land

20. Tuthills medium/ commercial extensive lake/pond/stream
Creek large condo/coops system
some vacant land tidal wetlands

FANS
Study
Name Size Land Use Environmental Resources Conducted

21. Patchogue large' industrial extensive lake/pond/
River high/medium density residential stream system
town dock
Village STP facility
boat repair

22. Abets small low/medium density residential
Creek vacant land

marinas

23. Hedges small high/medium density residential extensive tidal wetlands
Creek vacant land lake/stream system

Based on interpretation of 1984 (111 4001 Town of

Babylon) and 1987 (111 = 1,00011 Town of Brookhaven and Town

of Islip) aerial photographs and 1977 Existing Land Use Maps

(LIRPB, 1979), an evaluation of land use mix was conducted.

Low (1 d.u. and less/acre), medium (2 - 4 d.u./acre) and

high (5-10 d.u. and more/acre) density residential uses were

identified, as well as commercial, marine commercial,

industrial, recreational, institutional, agricultural and

transportation and utilities. Further clarification within

these categories wasbased on preliminary field inspection.

These data provided the information necessary to categorize

watersheds as being either urban or semi-rural.

Urban areas typically exhibited medium to high density

residential uses, a greater number of commercial, industrial

and institutional establishments, and a limited area in

vacant, agricultural, or park and recreation uses.

A selective inventory of environmental resources was

also conducted for all the urban streams utilizing the 1977

Natural Resources Inventory Maps (LIRPB, 1979), as well as

the 1984 and 1987 aerials mentioned above. Characteristics

of the stream/river corridors were identified. Extensive

tidal and freshwater wetlands were noted, as well as the

Designated Significant Coastal Fish and Wildlife Habitats

(NYSDOS, 1987). Stream/rivers with USGS gauging stations

were also listed (Spinnello, A.G., et al., 1987).

Overall, the urban stream/river corridors lacked

significant environmental resources, such as freshwater

wetlands, in addition to natural shoreline features.

Rather, they were typified by structural alterations of the

shoreline, such as bulkheads, wetland filling, and

stormwater runoff drainage structures discharging to surface

waters.

Stream/river corridors from the western boundary of the

Town of Babylon east to the Connetquot River, were

extensively evaluated in 1980 as part of the EPA funded Flow

Augmentation Needs Study (FANIS) which was conducted by the

Suffolk County Department of Health Services. The

freshwater component of these corridors was the primary

focus of this study. Those stream/river corridors that were

evaluated under this study were noted in the table.

Under the Long Island Comprehensive Waste Treatment

Management Plan (LIRPB, 1978) and more specifically the Long

Island Segment of the Nationwide Urban Runoff Program

(LIRPB, 1982a), water quality monitoring and computerized

modeling efforts were undertaken to examine various

parameters that effect the Great South Bay system, such as

coliform loading, point source inputs and stormwater runoff.

Information in these three reports relating to the
stream/river corridors of Great South Bay were evaluated and
compared with respect to point and nonpoint loadings and

marine and fresh water quality.

Availability of other data/information on pollutant

sources and water quality was ascertained through interviews

with personnel from the USGS, NYSDEC, SUNY @ Stony Brook
Marine Sciences Research Center, Suffolk County Department
of Health Services, and the Towns of Babylon, Islip and

Brookhaven.

Another criteria that was considered for comparing
these corridors included the question of multiple municipal
jurisdiction over a watershed area, and hence, the need to

consider different zoning codes and other regulations on
land use within the watershed. Additional questions were

directed to the town representatives for discussion

regarding proposed development, rezoning plans, and

availability of any local natural resource analyses or town

water quality monitoring programs that were conducted. This

information was helpful in forecasting potential impacts in
the stream/river corridors, as well as obtaining historical
field data beneficial to understanding existing conditions

in the urban stream/river corridors.

Task III: Select case study area for detailed evaluat ion.

Product: Memorandum that describes the rationale for
selection of the case study area with base map.

Comparative size was the first criteria that was

evaluated. Small stream/river corridors were eliminated due

to their small impact on the water quality of Great South

Bay, due to less stream flow and smaller drainage basin

area. Large stream/river corridors were also eliminated

based on the greater potential difficulty in identifying
specific nonpoint pollutant sources from a larger drainage

basin, as well as the demands a large stream/river corridor

would impose on additional water quality monitoring and land

use evaluation efforts. Table 3 lists those urban

stream/river corridors that were eliminated due to size

constraints.

Land use was then compared. Areas that included high

density uses were classified as urban stream/river

corridors; and those exhibiting low density uses and

expansive areas of vacant land were classified as semi-rural

stream/river corridors. Environmental resources were noted.

Areas with natural shorelines, large areas of tidal or

freshwater wetlands, or wooded lots were generally

categorized as semi-rural stream/river corridors. There

were no stream/river corridors flowing into Great South Bay

that did not exhibit some degree of development. Therefore,

no strictly rural stream/river environments were found along

the north side of Great South Bay.

Table 3. List of Great South Bay urban stream/river
corridors not considered due to size limitations.

Carlls River - large
Skookwams Creek - small
Cascade Lakes - small
Lawrence Creek - small
Orowoc Creek - large
Homan's Creek - small
Patchogue River - large
Abets Creek - small
Hedges Creek - small

As part of the Long Island Comprehensive Waste

Treatment Management Plan (LIRPB, 1978) and The Long Island

Segment of the Nationwide Urban Runoff Program (LIRPB,
1982a), modelling studies were conducted to evaluate inputs
from both point and nonpoint pollutant sources entering
various embayments on Long Island, including Great South

Bay. Stream characteristics and baseflow drainage area, as
well as total coliform loadings by stream, were described.
Stream/river corridors were carefully evaluated as part of
the Flow Augmentation Needs Study Milestone I Report (SCDHS,
1980) and a water quality ranking was assigned to the 22

streams that were studied.

Based on the information ascertained to this point, a

first round choice list was prepared for the urban stream

corridors; see Table 4. Contacts were then made with

various governmental agencies and representatives from the

Towns of Babylon, Islip and Brookhaven to gather further

information/data and to receive feedback as to the

preliminary list of candidate study areas.

In conversation with R. Nuzzi (telephone conversation
11/2/88) of the Suffolk County Department of Health
Services, it was ascertained that SCDHS has rarely conducted

marine water quality monitoring in creeks or the mouths of

Table 4. List of urban stream/river corridors considered
for case study - First Round.

Town of Babylon

Amityville Creek
Woods Creek
Great Neck Creek
Strongs Creek
Neguntatogue Creek
Santapogue Creek
Sumpwams (Sampawams).Creek

Town of Islip

Watchogue Creek
Penataquit Creek

Town of Brookhaven

Tuthills Creek

creeks; however, it has conducted bay-wide surveys at

identified stations throughout Great South Bay from 1976 to

date. The few studies that were conducted for such

characteristics as salinity, red tide, etc. were noted.

According to C. DeQuillfeldt (telephone conversation

11/3/88), the NYSDEC Region I office is presently conducting

shoreline sanitation surveys (storm sewer outflow,

industrial point sources) and preparing shellfish growing

area reports. This information, however, is in field sheet

form at this time. Limited water quality data was collected

by NYSDEC in Great South Bay proper and at the mouths of

various streams in Babylon and Islip in the early 1980s.

Extensive 1987 and 1988 data is available for streams in

Brookhaven Town flowing into Patchogue Bay. A toxic survey

was conducted for TBTs in one Great South Bay stream/river

corridor in 1987.

A meeting with NYSDOS personnel (R. Lanza, S. Resler

11/23/88) resulted in the recommendation that the candidate

for the semi-rural stream/river corridor include a NYSDOS

designated significant coastal fish and wildlife habitat.

The representative for the Town of Babylon,

K. Feustel, stated (telephone conversation 11/3/88) that the

Town conducted a stormwater discharge survey, which

identified catch basin locations and pipe discharges to the

tidal surface water portion of the Town's streams, in 1983

and updated this information in 1986. This survey, however,

did not include those drainage areas and streams located

within the incorporated villages of the Town. In addition,

studies primarily dealing with flooding/wetlands issues were

conducted by the Town on three creeks. K. Feustel

recommended Sumpwams Creek as the urban stream/river

corridor for study under this program.

The Town of Islip representatives, (telephone

conversation 11/3/88) E. Brunn and J. Noeldechen, stated

that the Town has a map identifying the location of catch

basins that feed into the Town's stream corridors. In 1988

a small water quality survey was conducted of Knapps Lake

(Champlin Creek); fecal colitorm. studies have also been

conducted for this waterbody. The NYSDEC has been

conducting additional survey work at the mouth of Champlin

Creek, a winter conditional shellfish opening area; and at

Brown's River. They recommended Champlin Creek as the

semi-rural stream/river corridor for study.

J. Kassner, Town of Brookhaven, identified studies

(telephone conversation 11/3/88) which had been conducted on

stream/river corridors that flowed into GSB within the Town

of Brookhaven. He stated that coliform data was available

for Swan River; Mud Creek and its associated pond system,

Robinson's Pond; and Tuthills Creek. Water quality data,

including diurnal oxygen demand data, exist for Patchogue
River. Other stream/'river corridors mentioned where

historical water quality data has been collected included:

Corey Creek, Hedges Creek and Abets Creek. J. Kassner

recommended Swan River as the semi-rural stream/river

corridor for study under this program.

Further detailed discussion on the second round choice

list in Table 5 ensued with the Town representatives.

Subjects that were discussed included: additional water

quality data; toxic measurements; detailed stormwater

drainage data; municipal boundary locations; shellfish data;

wetlands; marina.development; proposed development; natural

vegetation analyses; USGS pumping station information;

groundwater monitoring wells;.rezoning plans; and town water

quality monitoring programs.

Discussions with Babylon Town (K. Feustel, P. Hadgeoff)
officials on 11/18/88 included a review of problems relating

to boating activities in Neguntatogue Creek. A proposed

condominium development along Sumpwams Creek was identified.

Additionally, a shoreline sanitation survey was conducted by

the Town of Babylon for NYSDEC along the tidal portion of

all the stream corridors leading into Great South Bay.

At a meeting with Islip Town officials (J. Noeldechen,

E. Brunn) on 11/14/89, monitoring/sampling programs were

recently conducted by the Town in Brown's River and Champlin

Creek. Improvements to the Town park at Knapps Lake in

Champlin Creek are underway.

Table 5. Urban stream/river corridors considered
for case study - Second Round.

Town of Babylon

Amityville Creek

Located within the Village of Amityville. Potential
problems include different goals/plans than those of
the Town of Babylon; drainage information might be
difficult to obtain from Village consultant.

According to the FANS study, Amityville Creek was
ranked 5th of 22 streams for water quality (1 = worst
in water quality; 17 = best).

Headwaters between Sunrise Highway and Southern State
Parkway.

Woods Creek

Located within both the Village of Amityville and Town
of Babylon boundaries. Potential problems include
different goals/plans between the two jurisdictions;
drainage information might be difficult to obtain for
Village.

Town of Babylon has proposed acquisition for a portion
of the creek for inclusion on State's EQBA list.

A vegetation analysis has been conducted for a portion
of the creek corridor. The freshwater wetlands have
been proposed for Town acquisition.

According to the FANS study, Woods Creek was ranked 6th
of 22 streams for water quality (1 = worst in water
quality; 17 = best).

Headwaters at or south of Sunrise Highway.

Neguntatogue Creek

Limited water quality data is available. In addition,
a toxic survey was conducted by NYSDEC which analyzed
TBT concentrations in the creek.

Located within Village of Lindenhurst and Town of
Babylon boundaries. Potential problems include
different goals/plans between the two jurisdictions;
drainage information might be difficult to obtain.

Stream corridor with highest concentration of boating
vessels in Town of Babylon.

List of marinas and pump out stations available from
the Town of Babylon, however, material is dated.

According to the FANS study, Neguntatogue Creek was
ranked 1st of 22 streams for water quality (1 = worst
in water quality; 17 = best).

Headwaters at or south of Sunrise Highway.

Sumpwams (Sampawams) Creek

Located within both the Village of Babylon and the Town
of Islip. Potential problems include different
goals/plans between the two jurisdictions; drainage
information might be difficult to obtain for Village.

More coliform data available than other streams in
Babylon.

Proposed residential condominium development for former
lumber yard.

1982 Town report identified steps the Town should take
to allow for orderly development and protection of
wetlands along this stream corridor.

According to the FANS study, Sumpwams Creek was ranked
13th of 22 streams for water quality (1 = worst in
water quality; 17 = best).

Headwaters north of Southern State Parkway.

Town of Islip

Watchogue/Pentaquit Creeks

Pending Town application for expansion of the South
Shore Mall.

Large watershed.

Additional NYSDEC coliform co unt data for Bay Shore
Cove.

According to the FANS study, Watchogue Creek was ranked
3rd and Penataquit Creek was ranked 8th of 22 streams
for water quality (1 worst in water quality; 17
best).

Headwaters of Watchogue Creek south of Sunrise Highway.
Headwaters of Pentaquit Creek between Sunrise Highway
and Southern State Parkway.

Town of Brookhaven

Tuthills Creek

Some water quality data available.

Recent condominium construction has altered a large
portion of the river corridor shoreline.

Located within the village of Patchogue and Town of
Brookhaven boundaries. Potential problems include
different goals/plans between the two jurisdictions;
drainage information might be difficult to obtain.

Water quality monitoring has been conducted by SCDHS
vicinity of the condominium development.

Future expansion of a large mall at the headwaters of

Penataquit Creek and subdivision activity on Brick Kiln

Creek were also discussed.

A meeting on 11/16/88 with Brookhaven Town officials

(C. Swick, J. Kassner, N. Giffen) provided further

discussions including a review of historical dredging data;

vegetation analyses conducted on various streams within the

Town; proposed rezoning of stream corridors within Town and

proposed subdivision activity along Beaverdam and Mud

Creeks. Stormwater discharge studies, if undertaken, have

not been coordinated on a townwide basis. Research into

town records will be required.
Afterreview of the opinions expressed and

information/data collected, final designation of the urban

stream corridor was awarded to Neguntatogue Creek. It is

located within the incorporated Village of Lindenhurst and

the unincorporated hamlet of West Babylon, Town of Babylon.

According to the 1980 FANS study, Neguntatogue has the

worst freshwater quality ranking of the 22 streams entering

western Great South Bay. The major land uses within this

watershed include medium density residential, institutJonal,

industrial and marine commercial (particularly, restaurants

and marina facilities). It has the highest concentration of

boats within the Town of Babylon; two major marina

facilities are located at the mouth of the stream. A toxic

survey conducted by NYSDEC in 1987 for this stream detected

the highest TBT concentrations found to date in the U.S.

Neguntatogue Creek is approximately the same length as

the semi-rural stream/river corridor selected for study -

Beaverdam, Creek - and both watersheds are comparable in

area. While alterations have been made to virtually all the

38 stream corridors leading into Great South Bay, the

relative differences between these two streams (based on the

degree of development within the watersheds) also led to

their selection.

Topographic maps (Western Suffolk Sewer Topographic

Maps 111 = 2001; 1964) were utilized to determine the surface

water drainage boundary for Neguntatogue Creek. From this

preliminary boundary a final boundary was established by

interpreting to the nearest road or tax map parcel boundary.

A base map at a scale of 1" = 300' that shows tax map

parcels and the case study area boundary has been prepared;

a copy of the base map is appended to this report.

DATE DUE

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