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




































































          TD
          424.35
          A7
          L65
          1990










                     Evaluation of Land Use Impacts on
                    Environmental Quality in Urban and
       Semi-rural Streams Tributary to Great South Bay
                                 Long Island, New York















                                                           EVALUATION OF LAND USE IMPACTS ON
                                                        ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY IN URBAN AND
                                                              SEMI-RURAL STREAMS TRIBUTARY TO
                                                      GREAT SOUTH BAY, LONG ISLAND, NEW YORK



                                                                                     Dr. Lee E. Koppelman
                                                                                         Project Director



                                                                                        DeWitt S. Davies
                                                                                       Project Coordinator





                                                                                            March 1990





                                                                          Long Island Regional Planning Board
                                                                               H. Lee Dennison office Building
                                                                                  Veterans Memorial Highway
                                                                              Hauppauge, New York 11788-5401

                                                                                     in cooperation with the

                                                                                   New York Coastal Program
                                                                              Division of Coastal Resources and
                                                                                    Waterfront Revitalization
                                                                                 New York Department of State


                                                        This report was prepared for the New York State Department of State, Division of Coastal
                                                        Resources and Waterfront Revitalization, with financial assistance from the Office of Ocean
                                                        and Coastal Resource Management, National Oceanic and Atomospheric Administration,
                                                        provided under the Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972 as amended (Grant-in-Aid Award
                                                        No. NA-82-AA-D-CZ068; New York State Comptroller's Contract Numbers C005567, C005568,
                                                        C005569).





                                                                                          DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE NOAA
                                                                             COASTAL SERVICES CENTER
                                                                                2234 SOUTH HOBSON AVENUE
                                                                                                         
                                                                            CHARLESTON , SC 29405-2413




                                                                                                                     

													Property of CSC  Library
 										iii








         LONG ISLAND REGIONAL PLANNING BOARD









                                                 LONG ISLAND REGIONAL PLANNING BOARD




                        Morton Certilman, Esq.                                                             John J. Hart, Esq.
                               Chairman                             Dr. Frank Cipriani                        Vice Chairman
                                                                    Dr. Carl L. Figliola
                                                                     John Wickham



                                                                  Dr. Lee E. Koppelman
                                                                    Executive Director



                          NASSAU COUNTY                                                                   SUFFOLK COUNTY



                                                                        Ex Officio
                              Ludwig Hasl                                                                    Joseph Hurley
                              Commissioner                                                                     Commissioner
                       Department of Public Works                                                       Department of Public Works


                              Peter T King                                                                   Joseph Caputo
                              Comptroller                                                                      Comptroller


                                                                        Advisorv
                      Honorable Thomas S. Gulotta                                                      Honorable Patrick G. Halpin
                            Coitnt.v Executive                                                               Countv Executive
                     Honorable Joseph N. Mondello                                                    Honorable Donald Blydenburgh
                           Presiding Supen,isor                                                             Presiding Officer
                       Count.v Board of Supervisors                                                         Counr.v Legislatw-e


                                                                   Countv Coordination

                            Herbert J. Libert                                                                  Arthur Kunz
                                 Director                                                                        Director
                       Coitno, Planning Commission                                                      Countv Planning Department









                                                                             iv








                                                                                                                  ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS




                            Acknowledgements



                            T
                                he authors appreciate the assistance of the many people who participated in various ways in this study.
                                Personnel from the New York State Dept, of State, Division of Coastal Resources and Waterfront
                            Revitalization, recognized the need to address the issue of nonpoint source pollution of surface waters as
                            an integral component of the coastal management planning process. George Stafford, Charles McCaffrey,
                            Steven Resler, Paul Lanza and Tom Hart from this agency provided oversight and comment during the phases
                            of the project.
                            Many thanks are extended to those who contributed to the completion of the water and environmental quality
                            monitoring component. Volunteer assistants in the field sampling program included Karen Ireland. David
                            Williams. Ying-Jian Na and Dr. Joel O'Connor, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Dr. O'Connor. along
                            with Dr. Larry Swanson of the Waste Management Institute. Marine Sciences Research Center (MSRC), also
                            lent expert advice in the initial design of the field sampling program. Drs. Robert Cerrato and Elizabeth
                            Cosper, MSRC, provided technical assistance and field sampling equipment. Valerie Philbrick, MSRC,
                            oversaw the nutrient analyses. Drs. Terry Cosper and John Williams of Cosper Environmental Services, Inc.,
                            supervised the ambient water bioassay tests. Dr. Tracy Villareal, MSRC, conducted the analysis of
                            phytoplankton assemblages. Charles deQuillfeldt and Lenora Porter of the New York State Department of
                            Environmental Conservation conducted the coliform bacteria analyses. John Rickerman, Mark Wiggins, and
                            Bret Zielenski, MSRC, piloted the small boat used in sampling the marine reaches of each stream. The staff
                            of the MSRC Oceanographic Instrumentation Facility maintained two MARTEK VI water quality analysis
                            instruments. Mitzi Eisel, MSRC, prepared a number of the figures in the report.
                            The staff of the Long Island Regional Planning Board also acknowledges the following people who contributed
                            data/information and/or personal observations during the course of the work:
                                                    Frank Asselta                      Village of Lindenhurst
                                                    Elsa Brunn                         Town of Islip
                                                    Kenneth Feustel                    Town of Babylon
                                                    Neil Giff en                       Town of Brookhaven
                                                    Jean Gilman                        Town of Babylon
                                                    Richard Groh                       Town of Babylon
                                                    Penny Hadgeoff                     Town of Babylon
                                                    Jeffrey Kassner                    Town of Brookhaven
                                                    Peter Lambert                      S.C. Planning Dept.
                                                    Michael Litwa                      Town of Babylon
                                                    Julia Noeldechen                   Town of Islip
                                                    Dr. Robert Nuzzi                   S.C. Dept. of Health Services
                                                    Alan Svoboda                       Town of Islip
                                                    Carole Swick                       Town of Brookhaven
                                                    Brian Zitani                       Town of Babylon
                         Mr. James Fuchs provided the Board staff with environmental resource information on Beaverdam Creek.










                                                                                      v








        STUDY PARTICIPANTS












                                                           STUDY PARTICIPANTS



                                                                Project Director
                                                              Dr. Lee E. Koppelman

                                                              Report Preparation
                                                                DeWitt S. Davies
                                                               Lauretta R. Fischer
                                                               Christine Viladesau


                                                              Technical Advisors
                                                         Living Marine Resources Institute
                                                        Marine Sciences Research Center
                                                              SUNY @ Stony Brook
                                                                   W.M. Wise
                                                                      B. Li
                                                                  S. Jonasdottir
                                                                    W-S. Kim


                                                              Consulting Engineer
                                                                Eugene D. Driscoll

                                                                  Support Staff
                                                                  Sandy Martin
                                                                Jeanne Widmayer

                                                         Cartographic and Publication
                                                                  Anthony Tucci
                                                                    Carl Lind
                                                                Thomas Frisenda


                                                                   Accounting
                                                                 Lucille Gardella



























                                                                         vi










                                                                                                                                   PREFACE






                            Preface



                            Regional investigations have documented that pollutants from nonpoint sources constitute a large proportion
                            of the contaminants entering Long island's ground water and aquatic and marine surface waters. Nonpoint
                            source pollution emanates from many small sources spread diffusely over an area, which in the aggregate
                            cause water quality degradation. Stormwater runoff from impervious surfaces, overland flow. domestic
                            on-site wastewater disposal systems, agricultural chemical use, removal of riparian vegetation, streambank
                            disturbance, landfill leachate. boat pollution and spills, accidents and leaks of hazardous materials associated
                            with poor housekeeping at industrial and commercial facilities are typical sources and activities that contribute
                            to the nonpoint source problem on Long Island. In addition. acid rain is an area-wide nonpoint source. Point
                            sources of pollution result from a discharge at a specific single location (e.g., a sewage treatment plant outfall
                            pipe) and are regulated by a clearly identifiable agency. In contrast, the prevention/reduction of nonpoint
                            source contaminant loadings can only be achieved by actions taken by many agencies at ail levels of
                            government that modify land and water uses and practices, and by knowledgeable citizens in the conduct of
                            their daily activities.
                            On a bay-wide basis, pollutant loadings to Great South Bay and its tributary streams are predominantly from
                            nonpoint sources. In this report, the relationship between land uses and water/environmenta( quality in
                            stream corridor environments tributary to the bay is investigated. A case study approach was utilized wherein
                            two stream watersheds were investigated in detail - one indicative of urban conditions, and the other
                            typifying the semi-rural pattern of development along the south shore of Long Island. Hence, the scope of
                            this study is local in nature, but the approach used to identify problems and opportunities can be applied to
                            other areas experiencing similar surface water problems due to nonpoint source pollution. Recommenda-
                            tions are made for each of the watersheds for the control and/or mitigation of nonpoint pollution to the stream
                            environments, and ultimately to Great South Bay. Particular attention has been given to the control of
                            stormwater runoff and overland flow. The recommendations reflect the different density of development found
                            within the two areas; they are also designed to achieve other natural resource and open space objectives.
                            particularly in the semi-rural watershed where prevention is the philosophy employed. This is reflected in the
                            reliance on land use alternatives to mitigate nonpoint sources and to preserve the stream corridor. For the
                            urban stream watershed, fewer options are available from both the structural and non-structural points of
                            view. Here, source control options and stream maintenance have been emphasized.
                            The principal recommendation in the report is the need to establish stream corridor protection programs at
                            the town level having public education, liner reduction, stream corridor improvement and surveillance
                            components. The programs would provide a means for coordinating New York State. Suff olk County, town
                            and village activities targeted to the development and implementation of protection plans on a priority basis
                            for all of the streams tributary to Great South Bay.












                                                                                    Vii










                                                                                                                                       TABLE OF CONTENTS



                Table of Contents


                Chapter                                                                                                                           Page
                1     Introduction      . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .       1.1
                   1.0 Purpose of this Study        . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .     1-1
                   1.1 Study Approach         . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .       1-2
                   1.2 Overview of Nonpoint Source Pollution Problem            . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .     1-2


                2     Selection of Urban and Semi-rural Stream Corridors for Detailed Study                   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   2-1
                   2.0   Introduction   . . . . . . . . .                                                                                         2-1
                   2.1   Classification of Great South Bay Stream Corridors          . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    2-1
                   2.2   Rationale for Selection of Urban Stream Corridor         . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .       2-2
                   2.3   Rationale for Selection of Semi-rural Stream Corridor         . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    2-3
                   2.4   Case Study Area Base Maps         . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .      2-4


                3     Land Use and Environmental Resource Analysis                . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .     3-1
                   3.0 Introduction     . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .       3-1
                   3.1 Existing Land Use         . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .      3-1
                      3.1.1     Neguntalogue Creek        . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .     3-1
                      3.1.2     Beaverdam Creek        . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .      3-2
                   3.2 Zoning       . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .       3-3
                      3.2.1     Neguntatogue Creek        . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .     3-3
                      3.2.2     Beaverdam Creek        . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .      3-4
                   3.3 Land Available for Development           . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .     3-4
                      3,3*1     Neguntatogue Creel                                                                                                3-4
                      3.3.2     Beaverdam Creek        . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .      3-5
                   3.4 Population Analysis       . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .      3-5
                      3.4.1     Neguntatogue Creek        . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .     3-5
                      3.4.2     Beaverclam Creek       . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .      3-5
                   3.5 Environmental Resources            . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .     3-5
                      3.5.1     Neguntatogue Creek        . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .     3-5
                      3,1,2     Beaverdarn Creek                                             . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .                        3-1
                   3.6 Watershed Analysis           . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .     3-12
                      3.6.1     Neguntatogue Creek        . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    3-12
                      3.6.2     Beaverclarn Creek      . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .      3-13
                   3.7 Developmental Constraints          . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .     3-15
                      3.7.1     Neguntatogue Creek        . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .     3-15
                      3.7.2     Beaverdarn Creek       . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .      3-15
                   3.8 Watershed Comparison            . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .      3-15
                      3.8.1     Existing Land Use      . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .      3-15
                      3.8.2     Zoning     . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .      3-15
                      3.8.3     Land Available for Development        . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .     3-16
                      3.8.4     Population Analysis    . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .      3-16
                      3.8.5     Environmental Resources         . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .     3-16
                      3.8.6     Watershed Analysis        . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .     3-17
                      3.8.7     Developmental Constraints       . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .     3-17




                                                                                        viii










               TABLE OF CONTENTS




               4      Stream Environmental Quality             . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .           4-1
                   4.0 Introduction      . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .             4-1
                   4.1 Historical Information       . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .            4-1
                      4,1 *1    Neguntato,ue Creel          . . . .                                     . . . . . .                                      4-1
                      4.1.2     Beaverdam Creek           . . . . . . . . . . . . .     . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .        4-1
                   4.2 The Field Sampling Program            . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .           4-2
                      4.2.1     Physiochemical Parameters           . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .          4-2
                      4.2.2     Biologic Parameters         . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .     I . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .      4-2
                   4.3 Analytical Methods         . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .            4-3
                      4.3.1     Physiochernical Parameters          . . . . . . . .     - -    . .    . . . . . . .                                      4-3
                      4.3.2     Biologic Parameters         . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .          4-6
                   4.4 Results of the Field Sampling Program               . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .         4-7
                      4.4.1     Salinity .    . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .          . .    . . . . . . . . . .      . 4-7
                      4.4.2     Temperature       . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .            4-7
                      4.4.3     Dissolved Oxygen          . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .          4-7
                      4.4.4     Alkalinity    . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .          . . . . . . . . . . . . . .     4-7
                      4.4.5     pH   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .             4-17
                      4.4.6     Strearnflow     . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .            4-17
                      4.4.7     Nutrients     . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .            4-17
                      4.4.8     Chlorophyll a     . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .            4-17
                      4.4.9     Phytoplankton Community           . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .          4-17
                      4.4.10    Sediment Grain Size and Organic Content             . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .        4-18
                      4.4.11    Sediment Metals .         . . . . . . . . .     . . . . . . . . . .         . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .       .  . 4-18
                      4.4.12    Ambient Water Bioassay          . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .          4-18
                      4.4.13    Benthic Macrofauna          . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .          4-27
                      4.4.14    Bacterial Contamination         . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .          4-27
                   4.5 Discussion        . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .             4-28


                5     EIMPs for Control of Nonpoint Source Pollution                . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .        5-1
                   5.0 Introduction       . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .            5-1
                   5.1 Types of Urban BMPs                . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .        5-1
                      5.1.1     Detention Basins          . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .        5-1
                      5.1.2     Retention Devices         . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .          5-3
                      5.1.3     Vegetative Controls       . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .          . . . . . . . . .   5-4
                      5.1.4     Source Controls           . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .        5-5


                6     Recommended Actions                 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .        6-1
                   6,0 Introduction                                                                                         . . . . . . . .   * .      , 6-1
                   6.1 Relation Between Environmental Quality and Density of Land/Water Uses                       . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .     6-1
                   6.2 Recommended Planning and Control Actions                   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .        6-2
                      6.2.1     Stream Corridor Protection Programs             . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .        6-2
                      6.2.2     Neguntatogue Creek          . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .          6-4
                      6.2.3     Beaverdarn Creek          . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .          6-4
                   6.3 Suggested Refinements to the Field Sampling Program                   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .       6-5
                 References
                Appendix - Stream Environmental Quality Data Report (under separate cover)






                                                                                             ix











                               LIST





                               List of Figures

                            Figure                                                                                                                   Page
                               1-1     Map of Great South Bay showing the locations of Neguntatogue and Beaverdam Creeks                        . . .   2-2
                               4-1     Station locations, Neguntatogue Creek            . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .       4-4
                               4-2     Station locations, Beaverdam Creek        . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .          4-5
                               4-3     Surface salinity, marine stations       . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .        4-8
                               4-4     Bottom salinity, marine stations        . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .        4-9
                               4-5     Temperature, freshwater stations        . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .        4-10
                               4-6     Surface temperature, marine stations             . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .       4-11
                               4-7     Bottom temperature, marine stations          . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .       4-12
                               4-8     Dissolved oxygen, freshwater stations          . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .       4-13
                               4-9     Surface dissolved oxygen, marine stations            . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .       4-14
                               4-10    Bottom dissolved oxygen, marine stations           . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .       4-15
                               4-11    Alkalinity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .           4-17
                               4-12    pH, freshwater stations      . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .         4-18
                               4-13    Surface pH, marine stations         . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .        4-19
                               4-14    Bottom pH, marine stations        . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .        4-20
                               4-15    Ammonium and nitrate-nitrite          . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .        4-21
                               4-16    Phosphate       . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .          4-22
                               4-17    Chlorophyll a, freshwater stations         . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .       4-24
                               4-18    Chlorophylla, marine stations         . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .         . . . . .  4-25
                               4-19    Sediment grain size and loss on ignition       . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .       4-26
                               4-20    Benthic macrofaunal abundance, freshwater stations               . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .     4-29
                               4-21    Benthic macrofaunal abundance, marine stations              . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .      4-30
                               4-22    Benthic macrofaunal species richness, freshwater stations              . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .     4-31
                               4-23    Benthic macrofaunal species richness, marine stations              . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .     4-32
                               4-24    Benthic macrofaunal species diversity,freshwater stations              . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .     4-33
                               4-25    Benthic macrofaunal species diversity, marine stations             . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .     4-34
















                                                                                             X










                                                                                                                                                LIST






                             List of Tables



                          Table                                                                                                                   Page
                             2-1     List of the 38 Stream/Rivers Corridors that Flow into Great South Bay            . . . . . . . . . . . . .   2-2
                             2-2     Great South Bay Urban Stream/River Corridor Descriptions            . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    2-3
                             2-3     Great South Bay Semi-rural Stream/River Corridor Descriptions             . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    2-4
                             2-4     List of Great South Bay Urban Stream/River Corridors Eliminated from Consideration
                                     due to Size Limitations      . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .     2-5
                             2-5     Great South Bay Urban Stream/River Corridors Considered for Case Study - First Round.                        2-5
                             2-6     Great South Bay Semi-rural Stream/River Corridors Eliminated from Consideration
                                     due to Size Limitations      . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .     2-5
                             2-7     Great South Bay Semi-rural Stream/River Corridors Considered for Case Study - First Round                  . 2-5
                             3-1     Land Use - Neguntatogue Creek Watershed            . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .     3-1
                             3-2     List of Marina Facilities on Neguntatogue Creek, Lindenhurst, New York             . . . . . . . . . . . .   3-2
                             3-3     Distribution of Commercial and Industrial Uses in the Neguntatogue Creek and
                                     Beaverdarn Creek Study Areas         . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .     3-3
                             3-4     Land Use - Beaverdam Creek Watershed             . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .     3-3
                             3-5     List of Marina Facilities on Beaverdam Creek, Brookhaven, New York               . . . . . . . . . . . . .   3-3
                             3-6     Land Available for Development - Neguntatogue Creek Watershed Area                 . . . . . . . . . . . .   3-5
                             3-7     Land Available for Development - Beaverdarn Creek Watershed Area                                             3-6
                             3-8     Population Summary         . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .     3-6
                             3-9     Developmental Constraints in the Neguntatogue Creek and Beaverdam Creek Watersheds                      .  . 3-16
                             3-10    Comparison of Neguntatogue Creek and Beaverdam Creek Study Areas                   . . . . . . . . . . . .   3-18
                             4-1     Sampling Schedule       . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .      4-6
                             4-2     Strearnflow (cfs), Neguntatogue & Beaverdam Creeks              . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    4-16
                             4-3     Phytoplankton (cells/ml)       . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .           . .   . . . . . . . .   4-23
                             4-4     Sediment-associated Metals (ppm)         . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .     4-27
                             4-5     Water Column Metals (ppb)          . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .     4-27
                             4-6     Ambient Water Bioassays          . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .     4-27
                             4-7     Bacterial Levels (mpn per 1 00ml)      . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .     4-28
                             5-1     Ratio of Basin Volume to the Mean Runoff Volume for Different Design Rules               . . . . . . . . .   5-3
                             5-2     Typical Percent Pollutant Removed for Different Ratios of Basin Volume
                                     to Mean Runoff Volume        . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .     5-3
                             5-3     Typical Percent Pollutant Removal for Retention Devices           . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    5-4
                             6-1     Nonpoint Sources of Pollution to Neguntatogue and Beaverdarn Creeks                . . . . . . . . . . . .   6-2
                             6-2     Applicability of BMPs for Control of Nonpoint Source Pollution in Urban and
                                     Semi-rural Watersheds        . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .     6-3







                                                                                        xi










                       LIST


                         List of Maps


                              Existing Land Use - Neguntatogue Creek
                              Existing Land Use - Beaverdarn Creek
                              Zoning - Neguntatogue Creek
                              Zoning - Beaverdam Creek
                              Land Available for Development - Neguntatogue Creek
                              Land Available for Development - Beaverdam Creek
                              Environmental Resources - Neguntatogue Creek
                              Environmental Resources - Beaverdam Creek
                              Watershed Analysis - Neguntatogue Creek
                              Watershed Analysis - Beaverdam Creek
                              Opportunities - Beaverclarn Creek









































                                                                         Xii













                                                                                                                     MASSACHUSETTS






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                                                                      Neguntotogue Creek                                    beaverdam Creek
                                                                              (Town of Babylon)                               (Town of Brookhaven)


                                                                                                          xiii







                                                                                                                                                   INTRODUCTION



           Chapter One

            Introduction
           G
                 reat South Bay is a large shallow estuary about 25 miles long,          li However, hard clam landings have plummeted since peak production
                 between 1 and 6 miles wide, and averaging 4 feet in depth. The          !  occurred in 1976. Deterioration of water quality and increased
           bay is on the south shore of Long Island stretching from near the             I  closure of harvest grounds have been cited as potential factors
           Nassau County line to the narrow straight between Bellport Bay and            1  contributing to the decline of the fishery. As of January 1990, 9,991
           Moriches Bay. The bay is protected f rom the Atlantic Ocean by barrier           acres of the bay were closed to shellfishing (Charles deQuillfeldt
           islands. (See Figure 1-1.) Fire Island Inlet allows direct exchange              pers. corrim.); this amounted to 17.2% of total bay area (58,000
           with the ocean with indirect exchange coming from Jones Inlet                    acres).
           through South Oyster Bay to the west, and from Moriches Inlet                      1.0 Purpose of this Stud
           through Moriches and Narrows Bays, to the east.                                                                 Y
           Thirty-eight streams discharge into Great South Bay. While few of                There has been much experience associated with the preparation of
           these streams have been extensively studied throughout their fresh-              comprehensive land use plans that focus on the aesthetic. efficient,
           water and marine reaches, available evidence suggests that, in their             and compatible distribution of land uses that address the needs of a
           natural state, hey were probably quite similar. The surficial sediment           population. These plans typically consider environmental resources
           along most of the southern portion of Long Island is composed of                 as constraints on the development process. There is relatively little
                                                                                         t  experience
           glacial outwash sands. deposited by streams during the most recent                           associated with planning for water use from the point of
           glacial retreat. The original northern shoreline of Great South Bay              view of specifying the mix of land uses and activities that will not
           was composed of sandy beaches punctuated by these numerous                       exceed the carrying capacity of marine systems, i.e., ...the ability of
           small streams, which were originally fed by glacial meltwaters, but              a natural or man-made system to absorb population growth or
           were partially drowned by the advancing sea and are now fed almost               physical development without significant degradation or breakdown
           exclusively by ground water from Long Island's aquifers (Suffolk                 (Schneider, Godschalk and Axler 1978). This is the crux of the
           County Executive Office: Special Projects 1980). Lining the marine               problem in that there must be a determination of what the limitations
           portions of these streams were fringing salt marshes.                            of the marine environment are, albeit even in a gross sense, in terms
                                                                                            of water and sediment quality, fish and wildlife populations, etc. The
           The mainland shoreline surrounding the western portion of Great                  planner must then assess the extent that mixes of land and water
           South Bay has been greatly modified due to residential and commer-               use, i.e., alternative plans, are compatible with the limitations. The
           cial development; this area, which includes the shoreline within the             limitations must be described by the scientific community in the form
           Town of Babylon and the western half of the Town of Islip, is within             of criteria that can be used to determine the controls that must be
           the boundaries of Suffolk County Southwest Sewer District No. 3                  placed on land and water use and associated activities so as to
           (SWSD #3). The mainland shoreline bordering the eastern portion of            I  achieve the desired ends.
           Great South Bay, including the eastern portion of the Town of Islip and       11
                                                                                         I  Even the most cursory examination reveals the general gradation in
           the Town of Brookhaven. has not been subjected to the same intensity          i
           of development as experienced in the western portion. Shoreline                  marine water quality in New York from the highly stressed and
           development along the eastern portion of Great South Bay is primarily            degraded conditions in New York Harbor, the inner New York Bight,
                                                                                            and extreme western Long Island Sound to the relatively undisturbed
           serviced by on-site septic systems and cesspools; two small sewage
           treatment plants (STPs) with marine outfalls flow into Patchogue                 and unpolluted environment of eastern Long Island Sound, the
           River.                                                                           Peconic-Gardiners Bay System, and coastal ocean waters off east-
                                                                                            ern Long Island. While the correlation between the density and
           The majority of the barrier beach shoreline bordering Great South Bay            extent of human development of coastal areas and the degree of
           is publicly owned and used for recreational/open space purposes.              I  degradation of adjacent coastal environments is clear, most coastal
           The western end of Fire Island, east of Robert Moses State Park,              I  fringes on Long Island feature a wide array of development activity
           contains 20 private residential summer communities. Only one of the           I  and land uses. In such situations, the identification of those land
           communities, the Village of Ocean Beach, is serviced by a small STP              use(s), activities, etc. that are responsible for specific coastal water
           which discharges into the Great South Bay.                                       quality impacts becomes problematic. This study attempts to deter-
                                                                                            mine these links. Identifying in practical, useful terms how land use
           Development of the Great South Bay watershed has resulted in                  1  affects coastal marine water quality is a prerequisite to the formula-
           impacts on the natural resources and environmental quality of the             1  tion of new or revised land use regulations. engineering-based
           streams tributary to the bay and on the bay itself. The 38 streams               mitigation or remedial measures, and other actions that will better
           that flow into Great South Bay are conduits by which pollutant                I  accommodate the pressure to deveiop/re-develop coastal areas and
           loadings reach open bay waters. Indeed, the quality of bay waters is             the need to preserve their ecological integrity and, thus, their
           determined by the cumulative impacts of these stream loadings,                   economic and social importance to society,
           ground-water underflow and ocean boundary conditions.                            The New York State Department of State (NYSDOS) identified the
           Great South Bay supports one of the nation's most productive hard             i  need to assess the adequacy of existing development standards and
           clam fisheries.     During the 21-year period from 1966-1986, an              1  regulations in protecting water quality and ecosystems in the Great
           average of about 436.000 bushels of hard clams per year were landed           I  South Bay with the intent to aid local governments in preparing their
           in the Great South Bay fishery (Suffolk County Planning Dept. 1987).          1  Local Waterfront Revitalization Programs. The extent to which the

                                                                                                                                                          CHAP 1-1







           INTRODUCTION





                        Neguntatogue                                                                                     Beaverdam
                             Creek
                                                                                                                            Cree*



                       dk.


                                                                               GREAT SOVrH BAY









                 Figure 1 -1 Map of Great South Bay showing the locations of Neguntatogue and Beaverdarn Creeks.


           regulatory approach can be used to maintain Great South Bay water           and text facilitate the comparison of conditions in the urban and
           quality and protect ecosystem function, in the face of development of       semi-rurai case study watersheds, and also provide the means
           vacant land and the redevelopment of shoreline areas, must be             i whereby similar conditions/situations can be found when dealing with
           evaluated in light of the magnitude of current problems and conditions      the watersheds of the remaining 36 streams tributary to Great South
           that represent the integrated impacts of historic land use and              Bay.
           regulatory practice. While regional evaluations of land use and             Stream environmental quality is the subject of Chapter 4. The results
           surface water quality relationships have been conducted for the Long        of a field-based, water and environmental quality monitoring program
           Island area, the opportunity to determine the extent to which               conducted on the two streams are presented. Significant differences
           regulatory changes, land use policy and structural measures can be          in environm
           employed at the local level to maintain or improve surface water                        ental quality between the two streams and pollutant
           quality remained to be addressed.                                           sources are identified and discussed.
           With funding from the NYSDOS, the Long Island Regional Planning             Chapter 5 contains a review of the Best Management Practices
           Board (LIRPB) has conducted this study on the extent to which land          (BMPs) that have potential for addressing nonpoint source (NPS)
           use patterns and activities have impacted the environmental quality         pollution problems in the Great South Bay watershed. General
           of stream corridors along the northern margin of Great South Bay.           design criteria and advantages/disadvantages of the various options
           The purpose of this study is to identify ways in which redevelopment        are discussed.
           of urbanized watersheds and development of semi-rural watersheds            Potential courses of action formitigating nonpointsources of pollution
           of Great South Bay can be planned and regulated to minimize impacts         to both creeks, and ultimately to Great South Bay, are the subject of
           on the quality of adjacent freshwater and marine environments in the        Chapter 6. The recommendations made reflect the different develop-
           tributary streams.                                                          ment patterns extant in each watershed, and are not restricted solely
              1.1 Study Approach                                                       to the maintenance/improvement of stream water quality. i.e., aes-
                                                                                       thetic, open space and terrestrial habitat considerations also provide
           Given the limitations on available resources to conduct this study, the   j justifications for the recommended actions.
           LIRPB elected to utilize the prototype approach, whereby a compara-            1.2 Overview of Nonpoint Source Pollution Problem
           tive assessment of two stream corridors would be conducted - one
           representative of the development scenario and aquatic habitat found        Historically, stormwater runoff systems in Suffolk County were
           in urbanized portions of the Great South Bay watershed; and the other       designed to transport stormwater oft paved surfaces and into
           more typical of semi-rural conditions to the east.
                                                                                       stormwater drainage systems as efficiently as possible. Most of the
                                                                                       stormwater and associated contaminants from coastal areas was
           Chapter 2 in this report describes the process used by the LIRPB to
           review the land use, environmental resources and water quality            i discharged without treatment through drainage systems into marine
                                                                                       surface waters. The Long Island Comprehensive Waste Treatment
           conditions within the 38 stream/river watersheds tributary to the bay     @;
           in the Towns of Babylon, Islip and Brookhaven, and the rationale for        Management Plan (Long Island Regional Planning Board 1978) and
           the selection of the two case study watersheds. The Neguntatogue            The Long Island Segment of the Nationwide Urban Runoff Program
                                                                                       (Long Island Regional Planning Board 1982a) clearly document that
           Creek watershed within he Town of Babylon was identified as the
           study area typifying urban conditions: the conditions in the Beaver-        stormwater runoff (overland flow and stream flow) is the primary
           dam Creek watershed within the Town of Brookhaven led to              its   contributor of coliform contamination to marine surface waters in
           selection as the semi-rural case study area.                                Suffolk County. In fact, over 90% of total and fecal colitorm entering
                                                                                       marine waters on a bay-wide basis in Suffolk County is a result of
           Land use, environmental resources and other factors are inventoried         stormwater runoff. Although STP contributions of total and fecal
           and discussed for the two study watersheds in Chapter 3. The maps           coliform appear to be small on a bay-wide basis in Suffolk County,

           CHAP 1-2







                                                                                                                                               INTRODUCTION

        STP effluents may have significant impacts an local receiving water            In this study of Neguntatogue and Beaverdam Creeks. an incremen-
        quality. It was concluded that on an areawide basis. the opportunities         tal approach is used to evaluate water quality and land use relation-
        for preserving the quality of currently certified waters for the harvest-      ships. The study focuses, in depth, on a relatively small area. as
        ing of shellfish far exceed those for improving the quality of condition-      compared to the region-wide studies, such as the 208 plan, and the
        ally certified or uncertified waters.                                          ongoing Long Island Sound Study. Detailed data on land use, natural
        Recommendations made in the stormwater runoff chapter of the                   resources and other topics have been collected and are portrayed
        Nonpoint Source Management Handbook, (Long Island Regional                     on large scale base maps. In addition to the parameters of water
        Planning Board 1984) include both nonstructural and structural                 quality, such as cotiform bacteria, nutrients. dissolved oxygen, etc.,
        stormwater control measures, such as the use of permeable paving,              other measurements have been made including phytoplankton, sedi-
        stormwater retention ponds, in-line storage systems, biotiltration sys-        ment metals. benthos populations and bioassays. This has resulted
        tems, natural depressions and cluster development to reduce the                in a more detailed prospectus on the health of the stream corridors.
        volume of stormwater runoff generated. The feasibility of implement-           Many study recommendations are parcel specific, as opposed to
        ing these techniques is obviously more favorable when dealing with             regional or areawide. Of course, those recommendations that per-
                                                                                       tain to source control, i.e., the reduction of pollutant loads in urban
        new development situations, or in those circumstances where re-                stormwater runoff, are generic in nature.
        development and/or renewal is scheduled to occur. Site specific              i
        plans are required.
























































                                                                                                                                                      CHAP 1-3







                                                                                 SELECTION OF URBAN AND SEMI-RURAL STREAM CORRIDORS FOR
                                                                                                                                               DETAILED STUDY




           Chapter Two

           Selection of Urban and Semi-Rural Stream
           Corridors for Detailed Study

             2.0 Introduction
           T
                his chapter summarizes land use, environmental resource infor-             cial, industrial and institutional establishments, and limited areas in
                mation and water quality data availability for the 38 stream/river         vacant, agricultural, or park and recreation uses. Semi-rural areas
           corridors tributary to Great South Bay. The basis for dividing the              were characterized by medium to low density residential uses, and
           stream into two groups - urban stream corridors and semi-rural                i few commercial, industrial or institutional establishments. Natural,
           stream corridors - is discussed. The process for selecting the two            i as opposed to man-modified shorelines, were predominant: and a
           detailed study areas indicative of urban and semi-rural watershed             1 portion of the watershed was vacant, used for agricultural purposes.
           development scenarios is then described.                                        or park and recreational facilities.
              2.1 Classification of Great South Bay Stream Corridors                       An inventory of environmental resources was also conducted for all
                                                                                           urban and semi-rural streams utilizing the 1977 Natural Resources
           The criteria selected to characterize the 38 stream/river corridors             Inventory Maps (Long Island Regional Planning Board 1979), as well
           listed in Table 2-1 from west to east that flow into the Great South Bay        as the 1984 and 1987 aerials mentioned above. Characteristics of
           include the following parameters:                                               the stream/river corridors were identified. Extensive tidal and fresh-
                   size of stream/river and watershed                                      water wetlands were noted, as well as the Designated Significant
                   mix of land uses within the watershed                                   Coastal Fish and Wildlife Habitats (New York State Department of
                   environmental resources                                                 State 1987). Stream/rivers with USGS gauging stations were also
                   availability of data/information on pollutant sources (point            listed (Spinnello et al. 1987).
                   and non-point)                                                          Overall, the urban stream/river corridors lacked significant environ-
                   availability of data on fresh and marine surface water quality          mental resources. such as tidal wetlands. in addition to natural
           The following information foreach of the 38 stream/river corridors was          shoreline features. Rather, they were typified by structural alterations
           assembled:                                                                      of the shoreline, such as bulkheads, wetland filling, and stormwater
                                                                                           runoff drainage structures discharging to surface waters. The semi-
                   stream/river length                                                     rural stream/river corridors contained viable tidal and/or freshwater
                   predominant land uses                                                 1 wetlands, many of which were Designated Significant Fish and
                   environmental resources                                               ! Wildlife Habitats. Natural shoreline features predominate. as op-
                   a determination of whether or not the stream was evaluated              posed to the structurally altered shorelines of urban stream/river
                   in the Flow Augmentation Needs Study (FANS) (Suffolk                    corridors. Two streams, the Connetquot River and the Carmans
                   County Executive Office: Special Projects 1980)                         River, are presently protected under the NYS Wild. Scenic and
                   the designation of the stream/river corridor as either urban            Recreational Rivers Act. Beaverdam Creek is currently being studied
                   or semi-rural                                                           for potential inclusion in this program.
           This information is   presented in Table 2-2 for the 23 stream/river          I
                                                                                         ' Stream/river corridors from the western boundary of the Town of
           corridors that were designated as urban streams: and in Table 2-3 for         1.
                                                                                         i Babylon east to the Connetquot River, were extensively evaluated in
           the 15 stream/river corridors classified as semi-rural.
                                                                                           1980 as part of the EPA funded FANS, which was conducted by the
           The length of the stream/river corridors was characterized as either            Suffolk County Dept. of Health Services. The freshwater component
           small, medium or large, To assure comparability of the selected                 of these corridors was the primary focus of         'his study.     Those
           urban and semi-rural stream/river corridors, length, stream flow and            stream/river corridors that were evaluated under FANS are noted in
                                                                                           Tables 2-2 and 2-3.
           size of drainage basin were considered.
           An evaluation of land use mix was conducted based on interpretation             Information in Long island Regional Planning Board (1978: 1982a)
           of 1984 (1      400' Town of Babylon) and 1987 (1          1,000' Town of       relating to the stream/river corridors of Great South Bay was
           Brookhaven and Town of Islip) aerial photographs and existing land            i evaluated and compared with respect to point and nonpoint source
           use maps (Long Island Regional Planning Board 1982b). Low,                    ! loadings and marine and fresh water quality. Availability of other
           medium and high density residential uses were identified, as well as          i data/information on pollutant sources and water quality was ascer-
           commercial. marine commercial. industrial. recreational, institutional,         tained through interviews with personnel from the USGS. NYSDEC,
           agricultural and transportation and utilities. Further clarification within     SUNY @ Stony Brook Marine Sciences Research Center, Suffolk
           these categories was based on preliminary field inspection. These               County Dept. of Health Services, and the Towns of Babylon. Islip and
           data provided the information necessary to categorize watersheds as           I Brookhaven.
           being either urban or semi-rural. Urban areas typically exhibited
           medium to high density residential uses, a large number of commer-

                                                                                                                                                         CHAP 2-1







          SELECTION OF URBAN AND SEMI-RURAL STREAM CORRIDORS FOR
          DETAILED STUDY
                                          TABLE 2-1                                        2.2 Rationale for Selection of Urban Stream Corridor
                                                                                          Comparative size was the first criteria that was evaluated. Short
                       List of the 38 Stream/River Corridors that                         stream/river corridors were eliminated due to their small impact on
                               Flow into Great South Bay                                  the water quality of Great South Bay, as a result of low stream flow
                                                                                          and limited drainage basin area. Long stream/river corridors were
                       Town of Babylon                                                    also eliminated based on the greater potential difficulty in identifying
                       Amityville Creek                                                   specific nonpoint pollutant sources from a larger drainage basin, as
                       oods Creek                                                         well as the demands a large stream/river corridor would impose on
                       Great Neck Creek                                                   water quality monitoring and land use evaluation efforts. Table 2-4
                       'Strong's Creek                                                    lists nine urban stream/river corridors that were eliminated from
                       Neguntatogue Creek                                                 further consideration because of size constraints.
                       Santapogue Creek - West and East Branch                            Land use was then compared. Areas that included high density uses
                       Caril's River                                                      were classified as urban stream/river corridors; and those exhibiting
                       Sumpwams (Sampawams) Creek                                         low density uses and expansive areas of vacant land were classified
                       Town of Islip                                                      as semi-rural stream/river corridors. Environmental resources were
                       Skookwams Creek                                                    noted. Areas with natural shorelines, large areas of tidal or fresh-
                       Willets Creek                                                      water wetlands, or wooded lots were generally categorized as semi-
                       Trues Creek                                                        rural stream/river corridors. There were no stream/river corridors
                       Tlompson's Creel                                                   flowing into Great South Bay that did not exhibit some degree of
                       Cascade Lakes                                                      development. Therefore, no strictly rural, i.e., undis-
                       Lawrence Creek                                                     turbed,stream/river watersheds were found along the north shore of
                       Watchogue Creek                                                 1  Great South Bay.
                       Pentaquit Creek - West and East Branch                             The Long Island Comprehensive Waste Treatment Management
                       Awixa Creek                                                        Plan (Long Island Regional Planning Board1978) and The Long
                       Orowoc Creek - West and East Branch                                island Segment of the Nationwide Urban Runoff Program (Long
                       Champlin Creek                                                     Island Regional Planning Board 1982a) included modelling studies
                       West Brook                                                         that were conducted to evaluate inputs from both point and nonpoint
                       Connetquot River                                                   pollutant sources entering various embayments on Long Island,
                       Brick Kiln Creek                                                   including Great South Bay. Stream characteristics and baseflow
                       Ludlows CreeklIndian Creek                                         drainage area, as well as total coliform loadings by stream, were
                       Green Creek                                                        described. Stream/river corridors were also evaluated in detail as
                       Brown's River                                                      part of the FANS Milestone I Report (Suffolk County Executive Off ice:
                       Homan's Creek                                                      Special Projects 1980), and a water quality ranking was assigned to
                       Nankee Creek                                                       the 22 streams that were studied.
                       Town of Brookhaven                                                 Based on the information outlined above, four additional urban
                       Stillman Creek                                                     streams were eliminated (Willets Creek, Awixa Creek, Green Creek
                       Carey Creek                                                     I  and Corey Greek), leaving the 10 streams identified in Table 2-5 as
                       Tuthills Creek                                                     the first round choices for additional consideration. Contacts were
                       Patchogue River                                                    then made with New York State and Suffolk County governmental
                       Swan River                                                         agencies and representatives from the Towns of Babylon, Islip and
                       Mud Creek                                                          Brookhaven to gather further information/data and to receive feed-
                       Abets Creek                                                        back on the preliminary list of candidate study areas. As a result,
                       Hedges Creek                                                       Great Neck Creek, Strongs Creek and Santapogue Creek were
                       Howell Creek                                                       eliminated from further consideration, with the remaining seven
                       Beaverdam Creek                                                    streams constituting the list of second round choices.
                       Carmans River                                                      Additional detailed discussions were then held on the second round
                          Big Fish Creek                                                  choices with the town representatives. Subjects that were discussed
                          Little Fish Creek                                               included: available water quality data: toxic pollutant data; detailed
                          Yaphank Creek                                                   stormwater drainage data: municipal boundary locations: shellfish
                          Little Neck Creek                                               sanitary survey data; wetlands; marina development and boating
                                                                                          activity; proposed development: natural vegetation analyses: USGS
                                                                                          gauging station information; ground-water monitoring wells; rezoning
           Another criteria that was considered for comparing these corriclors         1  plans; and town water quality monitoring programs.
           included the question of multiple municipal jurisdiction over a water-      I
           shed area, and hence, the need to consider different zoning codes              After review of the opinions expressed and information/data avail-
                                                                                          able, Neguntatogue Creek was selected as the urban steam corridor
           and other regulations on land use within the watershed. Additional
           questions were directed to town agency staff for discussion regarding       i  for detailed study. This creek is located in the incorporated Village of
           proposed development, rezoning plans, and availability of any local            Lindenhurst and the unincorporated hamlet of West Babylon, Town
           natural resource analyses or water quality monitoring programs                 of Babylon.
           conducted by the towns. This information was helpful in forecasting            According to the 1980 FANS study, Neguntatogue Creek has the
           potential impacts in the stream/river corridors, as well as obtaining          worst freshwater quality ranking of the 22 streams entering western
           historical field data beneficial to understanding existing conditions in       Great South Bay. The major land uses within this watershed include
           the stream/river corridors.                                                    high and medium density residential, institutional, industrial and

           CHAP 2-2







                                                                                       SELECTION OF URBAN AND SEMI-RURAL STREAM CORRIDORS FOR
                                                                                                                                                       DETAILED STUDY


                                                                                       TABLE 2-2
                                                         Great South Bay Urban Stream/River Corridor Descriptions
                             Name                       Size                          Land Use                            Environmental Resources                  FANS
                                                                                                                                                                   Study
                                                                                                                                                                Conducted
               1   Amityville Creek            medium                  med./high density residential@              stream-no. of Montauk Hwy.;                        X
                                                                       high school; apt. complex;                  lake/canal system;
                                                                       Town park                                   USGS gauging station
               2   Woods Creek                 medium                  med./high density residential               extensive canal development:                       X
                                                                       condo complexes;                            stream-no.of Montauk Hwy.;
                                                                       Town beach/recreation facility; marinas     USGS gauging station
               3   Great Neck Creek            medium                  med./high density residential;              interconnecting canal system stream-               X
                                                                       restaurant                                  no. of Montauk Hwy.; lake system
               4   Strong's Creek              medium                  med./high density residential;              extensive/interconnecting canal                    X
                                                                       undeveloped Co. park; marina                system; stream no. of Montauk Hwy.
               5   Neguntatogue Creek          medium                  med./high density residential;              stream-no. of Montauk Hwy.; USGS                   X
                                                                       large marina facilities; restaurants        gauging station
               6   Santapogue Creek            medium/large            medium density residential;                 diverted streanvn6r-of Montauk Hwy.;               X
                                                                       apt. complex; regional sh ping              east and west branches
                                                                                                  110
                                                                       center; Co. golf course; SM #3
                                                                       plant
               7   Cad's River                 large                   low/med. density residential;               extensive stream/pond/lake system-no.              X
                                                                       Town park- active; LIRR train station;      of Montauk Hwy.; freshwater wetlands;
                                                                       high school; State park                     culverts.
               8   Sumpwams Creek              medium/large            medium density residential;                 extensive stream/pond/lake system-no.              X
                   (Sampawams Creek)                                   LIFIR yard; lumberyard;;                    of Montauk Hwy.; USGS gauging station
                                                                       bus depot; marinas;
                                                                       major road systerri (Rte. 231
               9   Skookwams Creek             small                   low/med. density residential                                                                   X
               10  Willets Creek               medium                  medium density residential;                                                                    X
                                                                       junior & senior high schools;
                                                                       shopping center
               11  Cascade Lakes               small                   low/med. density residential;               extensive lake/stream system, culverts             X
                                                                       Village marinas
               12  Lawrence Creek              small                   low/med. density residential;               lake / pond system                                 X
                                                                       car dealership; commercial;
                                                                       restaurant
               13  Watcho,ue Creek             small Itributary to     low/med, density residential;                                                                  X
                                               Pentalaquit Creek)      restaurants; terry terminals;
                                                                       boat repair; large Town marina;
                                                                       commercial
               14  Penataquit Creek            medium/large            medium density residential;                 two branches: USGS gauging station                 X
                                                                       commercial; public school;
                                                                       restaurants: terry terminals;   regional
                                                                       shopping mail: boat repair
               15  Awixa Creek                 medium                  low density residential: condo                                                                 X
                                                                       complex; apt. complex; shopping mall;
                                                                       cemetery
               16  Orowoc Creek                large                   low/med. density residential;               extensive pond/lake/stream system; two             X
                                                                       restaurant; fishing industry; mobile        branches; freshwater wetlands;
                                                                       home complex; school facility; some         NYSDOS designated significant fish &
                                                                       vacant land                                 wildlife habitat
               17  Green Creek                 medium                  low/med. density residential; public
                                                                       school; vacant land
               18  Homan's Creek               small                   low/med. density residential; open
                                                                       space Town park; vacant land
               19  Corey Greek                 medium                  medium density residential;Town park; pond/stream system
                                                                       marinas; industrial; vacant land
               20  Tuthills Creek              medium/large            commerical; condo/coops; some               extensive lake/pond/stream system;
                                                                       vacant land                                 tidal wetlands
               21  Patchogue River             large                   med./high density residential;              extensive lake/pond/stream system
                                                                       industrial; town dock; Village STP
                                                                       facility; boat repair
               22  Abets Creek                 small                   low/med. density residential; vacant
                                                                       land; marinas
               23  Hedges Creek                small                   med./high density residential; vacant       extensive tidal wetlands: lake/stream
                                                                       land                                        system




                                                                                                                                                                  CHAP 2-3







            SELECTION OF URBAN AND SEMI-RURAL STREAM CORRIDORS FOR
            DETAILED STUDY


                                                                                       TABLE 2-3
                                                     Great South Bay Semi-rural Stream/River Corridor Descriptions

                    Name                             Size                           Land Use                            Environmental Resources                    FANS
                                                                                                                                                                   Study
                                                                                                                                                                Conducted
              1    Trues Creek               small                   low/medium density residential;               tidal wetiands@ NYSDOS designated                  X
                                                                     minimally developed Co. Park                  significant fish & wildlife habitat
              2    Thompson's Creek,         small                   low/medium density residential: Co.           tidal wetlands: NYSDOS designated                  X
                                                                     park; NYSDEC wetlands; condo                  significant fish & wildlife habitat
                                                                     development nearby
              3    Champlin Creek            medium/large            low/medium residential; Seatuck               take system: tidal wetlands: USGS                  X
                                                                     Preserve; private school; Town                gauging stations; NYSDOS
                                                                     park/recreation center                        designated significant fish & wildlife
                                                                                                                   habitat
              4    West Brook                medium (tributary       open space - State park                       arboretum-open space; freshwater                   X
                                             to Connetcluot                                                        wetlands: NYSDOS designated
                                             River)                                                                significant fish & wildlife habitat
              5    Connetiquot River         large                   extensive open space-State park;              fish hatchery; freshwater wetlands;                X
                                                                     college; marinas; restaurants                 NYSDOS des     ignated significant fish &
                                                                                                                   wildlife habitat:NYS Wild, Scenic &
                                                                                                                   Recreation River
              6    Brick Kiln Greek          medium/smail            medium density residentiai@ NYSDEC            two branches (all so.oi Montauk                    X
                                                                     wetlands: vacant land: Town park              Hwy.); 2-3 canals (man-made): all
                                                                                                                   marine waters: NYSDOS designated
                                                                                                                   significant fish & wildlife habitat
              7    Ludlow /Indian Creek      medium                  private school; vacant land; Co. park -       tidal wetlands (all so.of Montauk
                                                                     golf course                                   Hwy.); all marine waters: NYSDOS
                                                                                                                   designated significant fish & wildlife
                                                                                                                   habitat
              8    Brown's Creek             large                   open space - Co. park; restaurants;           two branches-, fresh/tidal wetlands
                                                                     marinas
              9    Nankee Creek              small                   vacant land; medium density                   tidal wetlands: NYSDOS designated
                                                                     residential                                   significant fish & wildlife habitat
              10   Stillman Creek            small                   vacant land: low/medium density               tidal wetlands
                                                                     residential
              11   Swan River                medium                  vacant land; low/medium density               lake/stream system: tidal wetlands;
                                                                     residential; Town park; marina;               LISGS gauging station: NYSDOS
                                                                     commercial                                    designated significant fish & wildlife
                                                                                                                   habitat
              12   Mud Creek                 medium                  vacant land; large marina: former             lake/stream system
                                                                     duck farm; medium density residential
              13   Howell Creek              small                   Villaqe golf course; low density
                                                                     resid'ential
              14   Beaverdam Creek           medium                  vacant land; low/medium density               tidal wetlands: canals; USGS gauging
                                                                     residential; agriculture                      station; NYSDOS designated
                                                                                                                   significant fish & wildlife habitat
              15   Carmans River             large                   vacant land; Federal/County parks -           extensive tidal wetlands: NYSDOS
                                                                     open space; commercial recreation:            designated significant fish & wildlife
                                                                     former duck farm                              habitat: NYS ild, Scenic &
                                                                                                                   Recreational River





















              CHAP 2-4







                                                                                SELECTION OF URBAN AND SEMI-RURAL STREAM CORRIDORS FOR
                                                                                                                                            DETAILED STUDY
                                          TABLE 2-4                                      Ultimately, final designation of the semi-rural stream corridor for case
                      List of Great South Bay Urban Stream/River                         study analysis was awarded to Beaverdam Creek. which is located
                        Corridors Eliminated from Consideration                          in the hamlet of Brookhaven, Town of Brookhaven.
                                   due to Size Limitations
                     Carlls River                                                        The Beaverdam Creek watershed is primarily vacant with extensive
                                                                large
                                                                                         tidal wetlands adjacent to the stream. Other major land uses include
                     Skookwams Creek                            small                    low to medium density residential and agriculture. It has been
                                                                                         designated by NYSDOS as aSignificant Fish and Wildlife Habitatand
                     Cascade Lakes                              small                    identified for study under the NYS Wild, Scenic and Recreational
                     Lawrence Cre    ek                         small                    Rivers Act.
                     Orowoc Creek
                                                                large                    Beaverdam Creek is approximately the same length as the urban
                     Homan's Creek                              small                    stream/river corridor selected for study - Neguntatogue Creek - and
                                                                                         both watersheds are comparable in area. While alterations have
                     Patchogue River                            large
                                                                                         been made to virtually all the 38 stream corridors leading into Great
                     Abets Creek                                small                    South Bay, the relative differences between these two streams
                                                                                         (based on the degree of development within the watersheds) also led
                     Hedges Creek                               small                    to their selection.

                                                                                            2.4 Case Study Area Base Maps
                                          TABLE 2-5
                                                                                         Sewage Works Studies Topographic Maps of the Five Western
                     Great South Bay Urban Stream/River Corridors
                                                                                        iTowns, Suffolk County, NY., at a scale of 1     200' published in 1965,
                        Considered for Case Study - First Round                          were utilized to determine the surface water drainage boundary for
               Town of Babylon                                                           Neguntatogue and Beaverciam Creeks. From this preliminary bound-
                                                                                         ary, final watershed boundaries were established by interpreting to
                     Amityville Creek*                                                   the nearest road or tax map parcel boundary as shown on Suffolk
                     Woods Creek*                                                        County Real Property tax maps. Base maps at a scale of 1 " = 300'
                                                                                         that show tax map parcels and study area boundaries were then
                     Great Neck Creek                                                    prepared for Neguntatogue and Beaverdam Creek watersheds.
                                                                                         These base maps were used to portray existing land use, zoning,
                     Strongs Creek                                                      iland available for development, environmental resources, and water-
                     Neguntatogue Creek*                                                 shed analysis information as described in Chapter 3.
                                                                                                                       TABLE 2-6
                     Santapogue Creek
                     Sumpwams (Sampawams) Creek*                                                     Great South Bay Semi-rural Stream/River-
                                                                                                              Corridors Eliminated from
               Town of Islip                                                                            Consideration due to Size Limitations
                     Watchogue Creek*                                                               Trues Creek                          small
                     Penataquit Creek*                                                              Thompson's Creek                     small
               Town of Brookhaven                                                                   Connetcluot River                    large
                     Tuthills Creek*                                                                Browns River                         large
                'Indicates that the stream was included in the list of second round choices.        Nankee Creek                         small

                                                                                                    Stillman Creek                       small
            marine commercial (particularly, restaurants and marina facilities). It                 Howell Creek                         small
            has the highest concentration of boats within the Town of Babylon;
                                                                                                    Carmans River                        large
            two major marina facilities are located at the mouth of the creek. A
            toxic survey conducted by NYSDEC in 1987 on this stream detected
            very high TBT (tributyltin) concentrations in bottom sediments                                              TABLE 2-7
            (Charles cleQuillfeldt pers. comm.).
                                                                                                Great South Bay Semi-rural StreamiRiver Corridors
               2.3 Rationale for Selection of Semi-rural Stream Corridor                              Considered for Case Study - First Round
                                                                                        I    Town of Islip
            The same general process used to select the urban stream corridor           i
            case study area as outlined in section 2.2 was employed to designate                   Champlin Creek*
            the semi-rural stream corridor for detailed study. Table 2-6 lists the
            eight semi-rural stream corridors that were eliminated from further         i          Brick Kiln Creek*
            consideration because of size constraints. Land use, environmental          I          Ludlow/Indian Creek
            resource information and water quality studies were reviewed with           1
            the result that six candidate streams remained on the first round list           Town of Brookhaven
            for additional review, as shown in Table 2-7. (West Brook was                          Swan River*
            eliminated due to it being tributary to Connetcluot River). Ludlow/
            Indian Creek was subsequently dropped from this list, with the              1          Mud Creek*
            remaining five streams advancing to second round choice status.                        Beaverdam Creek*
                                                                                        I
            Further detailed discussions with town agency personnel on the                      Indicates that the stream was included in the list of second round choices.
            second round choices identified in Table 2-7 were then held.

                                                                                                                                                      CHAP 2-5








                                                                                                        LAND USE AND ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCE ANALYSIS



            Chapter Three

            Land Use and Environmental Resource
            Analysis

               3 0 Introduction


                  xisting land use. zoning, land available for development, envi-                                                 TABLE 3-1
                  ronmental resources and watershed conditions within the                                    Land Use - Neguntatogue Creek Watershed
            Neguntatogue Creek and Beaverdam Creek watersheds are de-
            scribed in this chapter. Reference is made to the maps in the map
            appendix that display information pertaining to these topics. Esti-                     Land Use                                                        Acres
            mates of existing population and projected population in the study                    Low Density Residential         1 D.U./acre)                           0.0
            areas are also included in this chapter along with analysis of those                  Medium Density Residential ( 1 to 5 D.U./acre)                       175.9
            developmental constraints that are coupled with specific locations or
            resources found in the watersheds. Chapter 3 concludes with a                         High Density Residential         5 D.U./acre)                        287.1
            summary table and discussion that compares the range of conditions                    Commercial                                                            39.0
            found in the urban and semi-rural study areas.                                        Marine Commercial                                                     56.7
               3.1 Existing Land Use                                                              Industrial                                                            17.9
            3.1.1 Neguntatogue Creek                                                              Institutional                                                         51.0
                                                                                                  Open Space and Recreational                                           38.8
            The Neguntatogue Creek study area is located within the Town of                       Agriculture                                                            0.0
            Babylon and the Incorporated Village of Lindenhurst and has a total                   Vacant                                                                18.2
            area of 703.2 acres. About 75% of the study area is situated within
            the Village of Lindenhurst and the remaining area is located in the                   Transportation                                                        18.6
            hamlet of West Babylon. The predominant land use is high density                      Recharge Basins                                                        0.0
            residential. Other land use categories found in the study area include
            medium density residential, commercial and marine commercial,                         Utilities                                                              0.0
            industrial, institutional, open space and recreation, transportation,                                                                    Total             703.2
            utilities. and vacant. The distribution of these land uses is shown in
            Table 3-1. The Existing Land Use map was prepared by interpretation                   private docks are found along each side of the creek that moor boats.
            of aerial photographs taken in 1980 with confirmation through site                 I  as well as the 1,277 commercial marina slips reported in Table 3-2.
            visits in 1989.
                                                                                                  Industrial development is primarily located along East Hoffman Ave.,
            Residential land use in this area is described by two categories;                     particularly in the area south of the Long Island Railroad (LI RR) tracks
            medium and high density. The medium density residential use in-                       between Smith Street and Delaware Avenue. It encompasses ap-
            cludes lands having between 1 and 5 dwelling units (D.U.) per acre.                   proximately 17.9 acres. A list of commercial and industrial uses is
            The high density residential use includes those lands with 5 or more                  provided in Table 3-3.
            D. U. per acre. There are 175.9 acres of medium density residential
            and 287.1 acres of high density residential uses in the Neguntatogue                  There are 111 business-related establishments within the Negunta-
            Creek study area.                                                                     togue Creek study area of which 89 are commercial uses and 24 are
                                                                                                  industrial uses. The following categories are the most prevalent
            Two types of commercial land uses are found in the Neguntatogue                       commercial uses: general retail, automotive service station/repair,
            Creek study area: commercial and marine commercial. Commercial                        marina/repair. restaurant and deli/pizzeria. Manufacturing and bulk
            uses are concentrated along Montauk Highway, Wellwood Ave., East                      storage constitute the majority of industrial uses.
            Hoffman Ave., and the northern boundary of the study area along the
            south side of Sunrise Highway. These uses primarily include neigh-                    The entire Neguntatogue Creek study area is located within the
            borhood, retail and professional businesses for a total of 39 acres.                  Southwest Sewer District #3 (SWSD).To date, approximately 76% of
            The marine commercial uses. which total 56.7 acres, are primarily                     the residences in the district are currently hooked up to this facility
            located adjacent to Neguntatogue Creek south of Montauk Highway                       (J. Benedetto pers. comm.). Of the 113 commercial and industrial
            with a few establishments located along Montauk Highway. Marinas                      uses identified in this study, 72 have been hooked up to the SWSD
            and marine related facilities comprise these areas. A review of marina             J  to date. Presently, however, there is no mandatory requirement for
            facilities is found in Table 3-2. The number of boat slips was deter-                 connection. The sewer district went on line in 1981.
            mined for each facility from Boating Almanac Co., Inc. (1988) and
            1980 aerial photographs. Other information in the table includes the                  Lands in the institutional land use category are scattered throughout
            availability of marine pumpout stations. fuel service and engine/bulk                 the study area. Included in this category are churches. schools. a
            repair services. It should be noted that a substantial number of                      post office, and fire department property. However. the largest insti-

                                                                                                                                                                   CHAP 3-1






            LAND USE AND ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCE ANALYSIS

                                                                                    TABLE 3-2
                                               List of Marina Facilities on Neguntatogue Creek, Lindenhurst, New York

                                     Marina name and                              of boat pumpout station               fuel      enginelhull
                                     address                                      slips           (Y or N)           (Y or N)         repair
                                                                                                                                    (Y or N)
                                     The Anchorage                                 550                   Yes            Yes            Yes
                                     401 East Shore Rd.
                                     Karl Tank Shipyard                             10                   No              No            Yes
                                     612 Roosevelt Ave.
                                     Rutherig Marine Service                        30                   No              No            Yes
                                     640 Roosevelt Ave.
                                     Boatland                                      100                   Yes            Yes            Yes
                                     692 South Wellwood Ave.
                                     Surfside 3 Marina                             400                   Yes            Yes            Yes
                                     846 South Wellwood Ave.
                                     Village of Lindenhurst Marina                  62                   No              No              No
                                     Foot of South Wellwood Ave.
                                     Galley Restaurant                              5'                   No              No              No
                                     127 E.Montauk Hwy.
                                     Superboat Marina                              5-                    No              No              No
                                     694 Roosevelt Ave.
                                     Shore Gables Property Owners                 25*'                   No              No              No
                                     Assoc.
                                     300 East Shore Rd.
                                     W & G Marine (and others)                    90-                    No              No              No
                                     East Shore Rd. and Montauk
                                     Hwy.
                                                                      Total       1277                     3                3              5
                                       transient only
                                       approximate number
            tutional use is the Lindenhurst School District. Altogether, 51 acres             Use map was prepared by using 1987 aerial photographs with
            are in this category.                                                             confirmation through site visits in 1989.
            There are three areas of open space and recreational lands in public              There are two categories of residential land use in the study area:
            ownership. They include two Village of Lindenhurst parks, and a                   low density and medium density. Low density residential areas are
            Town of Babylon park and beach facility on Great South Bay known                  those with one or fewer dwelling units per acre. Medium density
            as Venetian Shores. Recreational facilities provided at this site                 residential areas have between one and five dwelling units per acre.
            include bay beach swimming, boat ramp and field sports. In addition,              There are 160.9 acres in low density residential and 295.6 acres in
            there are two private recreational land uses: one is a recreational               medium density residential uses in the Beaverdarn Creek study area.
            center and the other is a small marina for a local homeowners
            association for a total of 38.8 acres within this category.                       Commercial lands are limited in the Beaverdarn Creek study area.
                                                                                              Commercial land uses, such as neighborhood businesses. are con-
            The transportation land use category includes parking lots and asso-              centrated primarily along Montauk Highway and total 16.2 acres.
            ciated facilities of the LIRR, which bisects the area. There are 18.6             Two areas of marine commercial uses which total 6.1 acres are found
            acres in this category. Traffic count information was obtained from               along the creek south of Beaverdarn Road . A review of these uses
            New York State Dept. of Transportation for portions of Montauk                    can be found in Table 3-5. It is estimated that less than 100 boats
            Highway and Sunrise Highway which bisect the study area (D. Kost                  are accommodated in marina facilities along the creek.
            pers. comm.). For a 24 hr. period in May 1986, an average of 26,398
            vehicles traveled east and west on Montauk Highway, Rte. 27A. For                 A small industrial area of 4.5 acres is located on Arthur Ave., and is
            Sunrise Highway, Rte 27, during a day in May 1988, an average of                  occupied by a light industry woodworking shop, A list of commercial
            56,473 vehicles traveled east and west.                                           and industrial uses is provided in Table 3-3. There are 40 estab-
            Afew vacant parcels. whichtotal 18.2 acres, are scattered throughout              lishments within the Beaverdam Creek study area of which 36 are
            the study area. They consist of small individual lots located in                  commercial uses and four are industrial uses. The following catego-
            developed subdivisions. There are no recharge basins found in 1he                 ries were Ile most prevalent commercial uses:
            study area.                                                                           *  general retail
            3.1.2 Beaverdarn Creek                                                                e automotive service station/repair
                                                                                                     restaurant
            The Beaverclarn Creek study area is located in the Town of Brook-                        deli/pizzeria
            haven in the hamlet of Brookhaven. It is primarily used for low and                      professional office
            medium density residential purposes, and has an area of 1.314 acres.
            Other land use categories found here include commercial and                       Institutional uses are found on 66.1 acres within this study area. The
            marine commercial. industrial. institutional. open space and recrea-              Brookhaven School District owns the most property in this category.
            tion. agriculture. transportation, recharge basin, and vacant. The                Churches, post offices and fire department properties are also in-
            distribution of land uses is shown in Table 3-4. The Existing Land                cluded.

            CHAP 3-2







                                                                                                              LAND USE AND ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCE ANALYSIS


                                                                                              TABLE 3-3
                            Distribution of Commercial and Industrial Uses in the Neguntatogue Creek and Beaverdam Creek Study Areas
                            Commercial Uses                        # of establishments                     Industrial Uses                           # of establishments
                                                             Neguntatogue         Beaverdarn                                               Neguntatogue               Beaverdam
                 general retail                                  10                 12           dairying                                            2                         0
                 automotive                                                                      weld                                                1                         1
                 se,rvice station/repair                         19                   3          manufacturing                                       8                         0
                 sales                                             3                  2          sheet metal                                         1                         0
                 fleet storage yard/cab depot                      1                  0          cabinetry.                                          1                         1
                 anne                                                                            screen printing                                     1                         0
                 marina/repair                                   10                   2          research firm                                       1                         0
                 sales                                             3                  0          asphalt company                                     0                         1
                 restaurant                                      15                   4          cesspool service                                    0                         1
                 deli/pizzeria                                   10                   3          fuel oil storace                                    2                         0
                 dr, cleaner,laund,omat                            2                  1          upholstery creaning                                 1                         0
                 hair salon                                        6                  2          bulk storage                                        5                         0
                 car wash                                          1                  0          grinding service                                    1                         0
                 doctor/dentist                                    1                  2
                 professional office                               2                  3
                 motel                                             1                  0
                 funeral home                                      1                  0
                 r
                 hotographic service                               1                  0
                 andscaping/greenhouse                             1                  1
                 farm stand                                        1                  1
                 est control service                               1                  0
                 @otal # of establishments                       89                 36        Total    of establishments                           24                          4

                                                                                                       Approximately 45 acres of agricultural land are found in the study
                                                 TABLE 3-4                                             area. Almost one halt of this acreage is located south of Beaverdam
                            Land Use - Beaverdam Creek Watershed                                     I Road adjacent to Beaverdam Creek. A few smaller agricultural lots
                                                                                                     I are scattered throughout other areas of the watershed.
                 Land Use                                                             Acres            The categories of transportation and recharge basin account for a
                                                                                                       small percentage of the land in the study area. and total 15.3 acres
                 Low Density Residential         1 D.U./acre)                          160.9           in size. Transportation facilities associated with the LIFIR property
                 Medium Density Residential ( 1 to 5 D.U./acre)                        295.6           parallel Montauk Highway, and four town-owned recharge basins are
                 High Density Residential ( 2: 5 D.U./acre)                                0.0         located south of the highway. Traffic count information was obtained
                 Commercial                                                              16.2          from New York State Dept. of Transportation for portions of Montauk
                 Marine Commercial                                                         6.1         Highway and Sunrise Highway which bisect the study area (D. Kost
                 Industrial                                                                4.5         pers. comm.). For a 24 hr. period in April 1988. an average of 14,826
                 Institutional                                                           66.1          vehicles traveled Montauk Highway, Rte. 27A, east and west. On
                 Open Space and Recreational                                             22.8          Sunrise Highway, Rte. 27, 33,028 vehicles traveled east and west
                 Agriculture                                                             44.6          during a day in August 1988.
                 Vacant                                                                681.9           There are a few open space and recreation lands within this study
                 Transportation                                                          12.4          area, which include a cemetery north of Montauk Highway, a neigh-
                 Recharge Basins                                                           2.9         borhoodtown park atthe corner of South Country Roadand Fireplace
                 tilities                                                                  0.0         Road. New York State Dept. of Environmental Conservation wetlands
                                                                     Total            1314.0           located at the mouth of Beaverdam Creek. and a private tennis court
                                                                                                       facility in a nearby residential community. There is a total of 22.8
                                                 TABLE 3-5                                             acres in this category.
                                                                                                       A significant amount of vacant land - 681.9 acres - exists in the
                            List of Marina Facilities on Beaverdarn Creek,                             Beaverdam Creek study area. This acreage comprises over one half
                                         Brookhaven, New York                                          of the entire study area. South of Sunrise Highway and north of
                                                                                                       Montauk Highway, a large amount of vacant, old filed residential
                 Marina name        of boat         pumpout           fuel            enginel          subdivision lots are found. Large parcels of vacant land are also
                 and address        $lips            station        (YorN)         hull repair (Y      located along Beaverdam Creek, south of South Country Road, and
                                                   (Y or N)                            or N)           east of Edgar Ave.
                 Beaver Dam              65               No              No               Yes            3.2 Zoning
                 Boat Basin,
                 South                                                                                 3.2.1 Neguntatogue Creek
                 Country
                 Road                                                                                  The Zoning map reflects current zoning for the Neguntatogue Creek
                 Marina.                28*               No              No               No        I study area based on zoning code information from the Town of
                 Fireplace                                                                             Babylon (1988) and the Village of Lindenhurst (1987).
                 Lane                                                                                  Properties in the hamlet of West Babylon in the Town of Babylon
                                                                                                       comprise approximately one quarter of the study area. These prop-
                            Total         93                 0              0                 1        erties are located east of Neguntatogue Creek and south of Montauk
                 Approximate number                                                                    Highway, with another portion immediately south of Sunrise Highway.
                                                                                                       The majority of the Town of Babylon properties in the hamlet of West
                                                                                                       Babylon is zoned residential. This zoning category is broken down
                                                                                                     I into two classifications, the B and C districts. with minimum lot size

                                                                                                                                                                             CHAP 3-3







           LAND USE AND ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCE ANALYSIS

           requirements of 10,000 sq. ft. and 7,500 sq. ft., respectively. The             The amount of land available for development isfound by determining
           remainder of the land zoned within the Town's jurisdiction is for             1 the acreage in each category from parcel square footage on tax
           neighborhood business. This commercial zoning category is broken              i maps, and comparing same with the zoning code requirements. The
           down into two classifications, E and Eb. The difference between               i number of building lots is calculated utilizing the yield per acre factors
           these categories is that Eb has greater setback requirements than E.            in Vol. 11 of he Long Island Comprehensive Waste Treatment
           These commercial zones are located along Montauk Highway and                    Management Plan (Long Island Regional Planning Board 1978).
           Sunrise Highway in addition to the area of the dockominium at the             I This approach was utilized for the following categories: vacant
           southern end of East Shore Road. The dockorninium concept                       residential and private recreation and open space. Vacant non-
           provides for private ownership of individual boat slips (usually a            i residentially zoned land includes both commercially and industrially
           portion of the land adjacent to the slip) along with common areas               zoned parcels. For this category, acreage was determined, but the
           owned together by all boat slip owners.                                         number of lots available for development was not estimated.
           The remaining three quarters of the study area is within the Village            As shown in Table 3-6, there is very little land available for develop-
           of Lindenhurst, most of which is residentially zoned. In this area, the         ment in the Neguntatogue Creek study area. Vacant residential lots
           Village's residential zoning is divided into B and C districts. These           include the majority of the land available for development. This
           have the same lot size requirement of 7,500 sq. ft., but with different         category has the potential for 50 new residences and encompasses
           setback requirements.                                                           13.7 acres of vacant land in the study area.
           Several areas within the Village are zoned for neighborhood busi-               Private recreation and open space comprise less than one acre of
           ness. These areas are generally designated for retail trade estab-              land available for development.
           lishments and are primarily located along Montauk Highway and
           Wellwood Ave.                                                                   The remaining vacant land falls into the vacant non-residentially
                                                                                           zoned land category. This includes vacant land in commercially or
           There is also a section of the Village that is zoned for light industry.        industrially zoned areas of which 2.9 acres and 1.6 acres, respective-
           This section accounts for approximately 10% of the total study area             ly, are available for development.
           and is located primarily along Hoffman Ave. and the LIRR corridor.
           Neguntatogue Creek waterfront parcels south of Montauk Highway                  Altogether. there are 19.1 acres of land available for development in
           within the Village boundaries have been zoned for commercial and                the study area. This figure is less than 1% of the 703.2 acres
                                                                                           comprising the Neguntatogue Creek watershed.
           residential uses. North of Montauk Highway, properties adjacent to
           the stream are primarily in the Village's residential zoning category.          3.3.2 Beaverdam Creek
           3.2.2 Beaverdam Creek                                                           Land available for development is derived from land use and zoning
           The Zoning map reflects current zoning for the Beaverdam Creek                  data. Zoning data were collected from the Town of Brookhaven
           study area based on zoning code information from the Town of                    (1987). Land use data were obtained from 1987 aerial photographs
           Brookhaven (1987). The two major zoning categories in this area are             of Brookhaven, as well as field observations in 1989. In the Beaver-
           residential and commercial.                                                     dam Creek study area, vacant land was found to be in either a
           The vast majority of the land in this study area is zoned for residential       commercial or residential zoning category.
           use. This zoning category is divided into two classifications based             For purposes of this analysis, land available for development was
           on minimum lot size requirements. The A2 residential catego                     divided into the following categories: vacant residential, vacant
                                                                                     ry
           requires a minimum of 80,000 sq. ft. per lot. Areas in this zoning              residential old filed subdivision, agriculture (development rights not
           category are located between South Country Road and Bay Ave.                  li ceded), residential subdividable land, private recreation and open
           south of Beaverdarn Road and border both sides of Beaverdam                   I space (development rights not ceded), and vacant non-residentially
           Creek. The Al zoning category requires a minimum of 40,000 sq. ft.            i zoned land. Vacant non-residentially zoned old filed subdivision land
           Lands in this category are located in the remainder, and majority, of           was considered, but none exists in the study area.
           the study area.                                                                 The amount of land available for development is found by determining
           The commercial zoning district - J2 or general business - occupies a          i the acreage in each category from parcel square footage on tax
           relatively small portion of the study area, and is located primarily          1 maps, and comparing same with the town zoning code requirements.
           along Montauk Highway. There is also an area zoned commercial in                The number of building lots is calculated utilizing the yield per acre
           the vicinity of the existing marina establishment located on the west           factors in Vol. 11 of the Long Island Comprehensive Waste Treatment
           side of the creek south of Beaverdam Road.                                      Management Plan (Long Island Regional Planning Board 1978).
                                                                                           This approach was utilized for the following categories: vacant
              3.3 Land Available for Development                                           residential, agriculture, and private recreation and open space. For
           3.3.1 Neguntatogue Creek                                                        vacant residential old filed subdivisions, the land available for
                                                                                           development was determined by estimating the actual number of
           Land available for development is derived from land use and zoning              vacant lots. The residential subdividable land category includes lots
           data. Zoning data were collected from the Town of Babylon (1988)                which currently have a residence on them, but which can be further
           and the Village of Lindenhurst (1987). Land use data were obtained            i subdivided according to existing zoning regulations. For this study,
           from 1980 aerial photographs of Babylon, as well as field observa-            1 a parcel of land must have been two times the minimum lot size for
           tions in 1989.                                                                  its zoning designation to be considered in this category. Vacant
                                                                                           non-residentiaiiy zoned land includes only commercially zoned par-
           For purposes    of this analysis, land available for development was            cels in this study area. For this category, acreage was determined,
           divided into the following categories: vacant residential, private              but the number of lots available for development was not estimated.
           recreation and open space (development rights not ceded) and
           vacant non-residentially zoned land. Vacant non-residentially zoned
           old filed subdivision, vacant residential old filed subdivision, agricul-       The vacant residential category has the greatest potential for new
           ture (development rights not ceded), and residential subdividable               development in this study area as shown in Table 3-7. Comprised of
           land were considered, but do not exist in the study area.                     1 484.2 acres, this category has the potential for 292 one-acre zoned

           CHAP 3-4







                                                                                                    LAND USE AND ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCE ANALYSIS


                                                                                    TABLE 3-6
                                                Land Available for Development - Neguntatogue Creek Watershed Area

                                                     Village of Lindenhurst Zoning Categories                     Town of Babylon Zoning
                                                                                                                          Categories
               Land Use Categories             B Residential C Residential Busi- Industry                    C Residential         E        Eb           TO TA L
                                                (7500 sq. ft.)     (7500 sq. ft.)      ness                   (7500 sq. ft.)     Busi-      Busi-
                                                                                                                                 ness       ness
                                               Acres      Lots    Acres      Lots     Acres     Acres        Acres     Lots     Acres      Acres Acres          Lots
               Vacant Residential                10.6       38      0.7         3                             2.4         9                           13.7       50
               Vacant Residential
               Old Filed Subdivision
               Residential Subdividable
               Land
               Agriculture (Deveiopment
               Rights Not Ceded)
               Private Recreation and             0.9         3                                                                                         0.9        3
               Open Space (Develop-
               ment Rights Not Ceded)
               Vacant Non- Residentially                                                 1.1      1.6                              1.4         0.4      4.5
               Zoned Land              Total 11.5            41    0.7           3       1.1       1.6         2.4        9        1.4         0.4     19.1       53


             lots and 48 two-acre zoned lots. These vacant individual residentially           population estimates supplied by the Long Island Lighting Company,
             zoned lots are located throughout the study area.                                the 1989 population of the Neguntatogue Creek study area is es-
                                                                                              timated at 10,764 (a 3.3% increase over 1980). This area has
             A second residential category is vacant residential old filed sub-             I
             division. The lands in this category are located in the northern portion         experienced slower growth than Suffolk County as a whole, where
             of the study area. north and west of Montauk Highway and south of                the population increased an estimated 8.2% from 1980 to 1989.
             Sunrise Highway. Some of these old filed subdivision areas have                  The saturation population (population when all available land is
             been aggregated and repiatted, however, the existing old filed sec-              developed) in this study area was also determined. The Land Avail-
             tions comprise 195 acres of undeveloped land on which 589 lots are               able for Development map was used to arrive at this potential future
             available for development. It is important to note that some of these            population figure. There were 53 lots available for residential
             ots are owned by the Town of Brookhaven, Suffolk County and New                  development in the Neguntatogue Creek study area in 1989. Each
             York State.                                                                      of these vacant lots could potentially contain a housing unit. There-
                                                                                              fore the number of vacant lots was multiplied by the number of
             The residential subdividable land category includes lots which                   persons per household for the study area (3.05) to arrive at an
             presently have a residence on them, but could be further subdivided
             according to existing zoning regulations. There are 36.9 acres within            estimate of potential additional population of 162. This figure, when
             this category found scattered throughout the study area having a               I added to the 1989 population, yields a saturation population of 10.926
             potential for 30 new residences.                                                 for the Neguntatogue Creek study area, which is a potential increase
                                                                                              of only 1.5%.
             Commercially zoned vacant lands fall into the vacant non-residential-
             ly zoned land category. Total acreage in this category is only 2.7             1 3.4.2 Beaverdarn Creek
             acres. The commercially zoned areas available for development are
             primarily located along Montauk Highway. There are no industrially             I The approach and data sources used to analyze population in              the
             zoned areas within the boundaries of the Beaverdam Creek study                 1 Neguntatogue Creek study area were also applied to the Beaverdam
             area.                                                                            Creek watershed. Table 3-8 indicates that the 1980 population of the
                                                                                              Beaverdam Creek watershed was 1,825. The 1989 population es-
             Lands within the agriculture category are primarily located south of             timate is 1,847 (a 1.2% increase over the 1980 population). This area
             Beaverdam Road in addition to a section in the northeast corner of               also experienced a growth rate slower than Suffolk County.
             the study area. There is a total of 44.6 acres in this category, having
             the potential for 6 one-acre residential lots and 15 two-acre residential        In 1989 there were 986 lots available for residential development in
             lots. There are 7.9 acres of private recreation and open space                   the Beaverdam Creek study area. At an estimated 2.91 persons per
             available for development.                                                       household in the hamlet of Brookhaven, the potential additional
                                                                                              population in the area is 2,869. This figure, when added to the 1989
             Altogether, there are 771.3 acres of land available for development              population. yields a saturation population for the Beaverdam Creek
             in the study area. This amounts to 59% of the 1,314 acres of land in             study area of 4,716. This represents a 155.3% increase over the
             the Beaverdam Creek watershed.                                                   1989 population.
               3.4 Population Analysis                                                           3.5 Environmental Resources
             3.4.1 Neguntatogue Creek                                                         3.5.1 Neguntatogue Creek
             n 1980 the population of the Neguntatogue Creek study area was I
             10,417. (See Table 3-8.) This figure is based on an analysis of the              SURFACE WATER - The total length of Neguntatogue Creek is 2.5
             '1980 U. S. Census blocks included within the watershed. Using                   miles. (The length of the freshwater stream is 1.8 miles and 0.7 miles

                                                                                                                                                              CHAP 3-5







           LAND USE AND ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCE ANALYSIS


                                                                                            Table 3-7
                                                     Land Available for Development - Beaverdarn Creek Watershed Area


                                                                         Town of Brookhaven - Zoning Categories
             Land Use Categories                      A 1 Residential                            A2 Residential              J2 Business                       TOTAL
                                                      (40,000 sq. ft.)                           (80,000 sq. ft.)
                                                  Acres                 Lots              Acres                  Lots            Acres                Acres                Lots
             Vacant Residential                   364.7                  292              119.5                  48                                   484.2                  340
             Vacant Residential Old               195.0                  589                                                                          195.0                  589
             Filed Subdivision
             Residential Subdiviclable              36.9                  30                                                                           36.9                  30
             Land
             Agriculture (Development                7.5                    6               37.1                 15                                    44.6                  21
             Rights Not Ceded)
             Private Recreation and                  7.9                    6                                                                           7.9                    6
             Open Space (Develop-
             ment Rights Not Ceded)
             Vacant Non- Residentially                                                                                              2.7                 2.7                  -
             Zoned Land             Total         612.0                  923              156.6                  63                  2.7              771.3                  986



                                                                                            Table 3-8
                                                                                     Population Summary


                                      1980               Est. 1989         1980-1989      Lots Available-        Est.Persons        Potential         Saturation      Increase from
                                   Population         Population            Increase      For Residential Per Household            Additional         Population     1989 to Satura-
                                                                                                 Develop-          1989            Population                                tion
                                                                                            ment, 1989
             Neguntatogue               10,417             10,764                3.3%                53               3.05                 162            10,926               1.5%
             Creek Study
             Area

             Beaverclam                  1,825              1,847                1.2%               986               2.91               2,869             4,716             155.3%
             Creek Study
             Area
             is the marine segment length.) The surface water area of the Creek                     ifoliage during the growing season setting it apart from its tidal
             is approximately 29 acres.                                                             icounterparts. Various species of emergent vegetation include:
             TIDAL WETLANDS - Tidal wetland boundaries were identified                                           Cattails                      T%-pha spl).
                                                                                                                 Common Reed                   Phragnulff (Ommllrlis
             through the use of the NYS Tidal Wetlands Act map series (Article 25                                Joe Pye Weed                  Eupatortuni purpureum
                                                                                                 ,f 1
             of the NYS Environmental Conservation Law) and interpretation c                        I            Boneset                       Eupatormni perlohatum
             1980 Keystone Aerial Surveys, Inc. aerial photographs (1" = 2000')                                  Pond Lil                      Nvmphuea odorata
                                                                                                                 Swamp Losetrife               Decodon verticilianis
             for the Town of Babylon. Within the Neguntalo,ue Creek study area,                                  S(Water  Willow)
             no tidal wetlands exist due to extensive shoreline development. The                                  weet Pepperbush              Clethra alnifolia
             area immediately adjacent to the creek is almost entirely bulkheaded.                               Marsh St. Johnswart           Hypericisin vir0nica
                                                                                                                 Bladderworts                  Ultricolaria SPP.
             FRESHWATER WETLANDS - Freshwater wetlands within the                                                Sedges                        Carex spp.
             Neguntatogue Creek study area can generally be divided into two                                     Marsh Hibiscus                Hibiscus inoscheittos
                                                                                                                  (Swamp Rose)
             categories: emergent freshwater marsh and flooded deciduous                            I            Sundews                       Drosera spp.
             marsh. The freshwater wetland boundaries were identified through                       1            Arrowheads                    Sagittaria spp.
             the use of the NYS Freshwater Wetlands Act map series (Article 24                                   Bulrushes                     scilrus spp.
             of the NYS Environmental Conservation Law) and interpretation of                       I
             the 1980 aerial photographs utilized for the tidal wetland inventory                    Emergent wetlands        can be found at Feller's Pond in the Village of
                                                                                                    ILindenhurst park east of Irmisch Ave. and south of Charles St.,
             noted above. Further details were provided by the U. S. Fish and                       Ialthough the type and abundance            of species is sparse in this area
             Wildlife Service, Dept. of the Interior National Welland Invento                       I
                                                                                                 ry I
                                                                                                    idue to the development of the park itself. Emergent wetlands can
             Maps (1980). A total of approximately 16 acres exists within the                       I
                                                                                                    ialso be found along the streambed of Neguntatogue Creek within the
             Neguntatogue Creek watershed.                                                           Village of Lindenhurst park east of Lincoln Ave.
             The emergent category of freshwater wetlands includes herbaceous                       1
             plants that grow in standing water or waterlogged soils, particularly                   Flooded deciduous freshwater wetlands are areas characterized by
             near the edges of freshwater bodies. The rich diversity of species                      deciduous trees and shrubs growing in flooded or saturated soils or
             found in these emergent freshwater wetland areas provides luxuriant                    iopen freshwater. This type of wetland occurs along Neguntatogue

             CHAP 3-6







                                                                                                                         LAND USE AND ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCE ANALYSIS

                Creek at the Village of Lindenhurst Park east of Lincoln Ave. This                                       islands in Great South Bay-West. In recent years,
                park has been relatively undisturbed and has been retained in its                                        common terns J - threatened species) have been
                natural state. Typical vegetation species in this category include:                                      confirmed nesting on Elder Island, Seganus Thatch, on a
                            Red Maple                         Acer rubrum                                                marsh island north of Gilgo Beach and on the
                            Tupelo (Black Gum)                Nvssa svivatica                                            southeastern end of Captree Island. An estimated 315
                            Swamp Azalea                      Rhododendron viscosum                                      breeding pairs of common terns were observed in Great
                            Highbush Blueberry                I accinium (.01-v"Ibosun?                                  South Bay- West in 1985 and 340 pairs in 1984, with the
                            Grey Birch                        Benda populijblia
                            Black Willow                      Salix nigra                                                largest concentrations in both years located on Seganus
                            Swamp Loosestrife                 Decodon verticillatus                                      Thatch. Least terns (E - endangered species) nested on
                             (Water Willow)                                                                              Nazeras Island (a large spoil Island east of Cedar Island)
                            Northern Bayberry                 Mvl-ica pensYlvanica
                            Pitch Pine                        Pi.nus ilgida                                              in 1982 and 1983. but were absent in 1984 and 1985.
                            White Pine                        Pinus strobus                                  i           Approximately 65 pairs of least terns nested there in 1983.
                              weet Pepperbush                 Clethra ainifolia                                          Other bird species which nest in Great South Bay- West
                                                              llex glabia
                            Low Gallberry Holly                                                                          include Canada goose, herring gull, great black-backed
                            S(Ink Berry                                                                                  gull, American oystercatcher, black skimmer, black duck.
                            Cinnamon @ern                     0smunda cinnamonea
                            S 1ke Rushes                      Elochoris spp.                                             mallard, gadwall, willet, Virginia rail, clapper rail, marsh
                            Yarsh Fern                        Tlie@vpierrs palustris                                     wren,sharp-tailed sparrow, and seaside sparrow. Several
                            Skunk Cabbage                     Spatl@ventafioetida
                                                                                                                         heronries have been located on islands within Great South
                            Sphagnum Moss                     Spitagnum spp.
                            Speckled Alder                    Alnus rigosa                                               Bay-West, including Gilgo Island, Sexton Island, Seganus
                            Poison Ivy                        Rhus radicans                                              Thatch, and an unnamed spoil island southwest of
                            Rushes                            scirpus spp.                                               Nazeras Island. Species nesting in these areas include
                UPLAND HABITATS -              Four upland habitats were evaluated in this                               great egret, snowy egret, yellow-crowned night heron,
                study, including forests. old fields, agricultural areas, and beach and                                  black-crowned night heron. and glossy ibis, with the
                maritime flora. However. the only upland habitat identified in the                                       largest concentrations in 1984 on the island southwest of
                Neguntatogue Creek study area was beach and maritime flora.                                              Nazeras Island. Several pairs of northern harrier (T) have
                                                                                                                         been confirmed nesting in the northeastern end of Gilgo
                BEACH AND MARITIME FLORA AREAS - Beachfront exists along                                                 State Park, between Cedar Island and Oak Island. This
                the eastern side of the mouth of Neguntatogue Creek within the Town                                      locality is one of the largest areas of unditched salt marsh
                of Bab,lon Venetian Shores Park. Due to the development of he                                            on Long Island, it is the only area in New York State where
                beach for recreational swimming, the extent of maritime flora in the                                     black rails (SC - species of special concern) have been
                area is limited. Typical vegetation species found in this sandy en-                                      regularly found, and is the only documented breeding
                vironment include:                                                                                       location for soras on Long Island. Northern harriers and
                            Dusty Miller                      Artemisia stelleriana                                      short-eared owls (SC) are common winter residents of the
                            Field Rose                        Rosa carolina                                              marshes in Great South Bay-West.
                            Beach Rose                        Rosa rugosa
                            Seaside Goldenrod                 Solidagosem engens                                         The vast salt marshes, interfidal flats, and shallows in this
                            American Beach Grass              Ammoph          lei., 'gulata
                                                              Primus mai-itima
                            Beach Plum                                                                                   area provide valuable feeding areas for birds throughout
                            Switch Grass                      Paniciton virgatunt                                        the year. including species nesting in the area and large
                            Milkweed                          Asclepias spp.
                                                                                                                         concentrations of shorebirds during migration. In addition,
                            Beach Pea                         Latit'vras mai-itinia                                      Great South Bay- West is one of the most important
                            Poison I                          Toxicodendmit radicans
                            Smooth umac                       Rhusgiabra                                                 waterfowl wintering areas (November - March) on Long
                            Red Cedar                         Juniperas virginiana                                       Island. especially for brant and scaup. Nearly all of Great
                            Northern Bayberry                 N@vrica pens@vlvanica                                      South Bay- West is open to the public for waterfowl
                PRIME WILDLIFE AREAS - According to the NYSDEC (1976), the                                               hunting. and the area supports regionally significant
                mouth of Neguntatogue Creek and all waters south of the study area                                       hunting pressure.
                within Great South Bay are considered Prime Wildlife Areas (PWAs).
                                                                                                                         In addition to having significant bird concentrations. Great
                 SIGNIFICANT FISH AND WILDLIFE HABITATS - Great South                                                    South Bay- West is an extremely productive area for
                Bay-West has been designated a Significant Fish and Wildlife Habitat                                     marine finfish, shellfish, and other wildlife. Much of this
                by the NYSDOS (Executive Law of New York: Article 42; Sec.                                               productivity is directly attributable to the extensive salt
                910-920). (Neguntatogue Creek is tributary to this waterbody.) Final                                     marshes and tidal flats within the area. Great South
                designation of this area was approved by NYSDOS on 15 March 1987                                         Bay- West serves as a major nursery and feeding area
                and subsequently by the U. S. Dept. of Commerce, NOAA on 22 April                                        (April - November. generally) for bluefish, winter flounder,
                1987. The Town of Babylon will be required to incorporate this                                           summer flounder, kingfish. tautog, scup, blue claw crab,
                designation into its State approved local coastal management plan.                                       and forage fish species such as Atlantic silverSide,
                The following is excerpted from the NYSDOS Significant Fish and                                          mummichog, striped killifish, northern pipefish, and
                Wildlife Habitat Program narrative for Great South Bay-West                                              sticklebacks.
                (February, 1987):
                       This fish and wildlife habitat encompasses the entire                                             The entire bay area is inhabited by hard clams, and the
                       western half of Great South Bay, which includes extensive                                         I.slands along the south shore support soft clams and
                       areas of undeveloped salt marsh, tidal flats. dredge spoil                                        ribbed mussels. Most of the bay waters are certified for
                       islands, and a variety of open water areas.                                                       shellfishing, resulting in a commercial and recreational
                                                                                                                         harvest of statewide significance. Clam Pond, on the
                       Great South Bay- West comprises approximately one-haff                                            north shore of Fire Island, also contains a population of
                       of the largest protected, shallow, coastal bay area in New                                        bay scallops which have been reintroduced to the area.
                       York State. A tremendous diversity of fish and wildlife                                           Diamondback terrapin (SC) reside among the salt marsh
                       species occur in this vast wetiand area. Many species of                                          islands in the bay, and utilize sandy areas along the south
                       migratory birds nest among the salt marshes and spoil                                             shore for egg-laying.

                                                                                                                                                                                             CHAP 3-7







             LAND USE AND ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCE ANALYSIS

             CRITICAL ENVIRONMENTAL AREAS - Ne,unlato,ue Creek is not                       suitable for swimming activities. The determination for closure is
             considered a critical environmental area by Suffolk County under the           based on total and fecal coliform standards in Part 6 of the New York
             New York State Environmental Review Act (SEQRA).                               State Sanitary Code. According to SCDHS records, the Venetian
             TYPICAL PLANTAND, WILDLIFE POPULATIONS - A 1988 New York                       Shores bathing beach facility, located on Great South Bay on the
             State mid-winter aerial waterfowl survey was conducted by NYSDEC.              eastern side of.the study area, was closed twice during the 1989
             Neguntatogue Creek is included in the Great South Bay segment of               summer swimming season for the periods between June 16 through
                                                                                         i  June 30 and July 11 through July 20 (Robert Nuzzi pers. comm.).
             this survey. The following species were identified for this segmeW
                                 Mallard                        20                          TIDAL CIRCULATION - Water circulation in the marine portion of
                                                                                            Neguntatogue Creek, south of Montauk Highway, is dominated by
                                 Black Duck                   680                           tides, which have a mean range of 0.8 ft.
                                 Mute Swan                      59
                                 Merganser                    733                           The impact of land use on Neguntatogue Creek is a function of land
                                 Canadian Goose               110                           use type, location, pollution loading rate, and magnitude of tidal
                                 Coot                         100                           exchange. Contaminants are transported into the marine portions of
                                                                                            the creek via freshwater stream flow north of Montauk Highway,
                                             Total            1702
                                                                                            stormwater runoff, and groundwater flow, Pollutants that dissolve in
             Breeding bird census information was provided in Andrie and Carroll,           water, i.e., miscible pollutants, will eventually be removed from the
             eds. (1988). Data was gathered in blocks covering 9.65 square miles.           marine portion by tidal action after obtaining a steady state concentra-
                                                                                            tion.
             The Neguntatogue Creek study area was included in three blocks,
             which also covered areas outside the study area. Sixty-eight species           A parameter called Pollution Susceptibility has been used to quantify
             of breeding birdswere found within the three blocks.                           the relationship between discharge rates of conservative. miscible
             ENDANGERED AND THREATENED SPECIES OF FLORA AND                                 pollutants and resultant concentrations in tidal receiving waters
                                                                                            (Nassau-Suffolk Regional Planning Board 1976). Steady State Pol-
             FAUNA - Neguntatogue Creek study area contains no endangered                   lution Susceptibility (SSPS) contour lines indicate the pollutant con-
             pecies. However. Andrie and Carroll, eds. (1988) identifies two                centrations that would result from a discharge rate of one ton per day
             threatened species. the northern harrier (Circus cwneus) and the               of a conservative pollutant at various shoreline locations after steady
             cSommon tern (Stcrnu hirundo), within the area surveyed, which in-
                                                                                            state conditions are attained. Lower SSPS values reflect more
             cludes the Neguntatogue Creek study area.                                      effective flushing action. The SSPS values calculated for the Great
             FISHERIES - Neguntatogue Creek supports little or no recreational              South Bay areas adjacent to both Neguntatogue and Beaverdam
             fishing (Charles Guthrie pers. comm.). There is very little commercial         Creeks are greater than 1,000, making these areas very poorly
             fishing in Neguntatogue Creek as well. Commercial fishing, if it does          flushed. As a consequence, pollutants and fine grained materials
             occur, is most likely limited to seining for bait and some seasonal            discharged to the creeks and Great South Bay would remain in the
             eeling (Chester Zawacki pers. comm.).                                       I  area for longer periods as compared to other portions of the bay
                                                                                         1  closer to Fire Island Inlet that have low SSPS values. It is expected
             FRESHAND MARINE SURFACE WATER QUALITY- The NYSDEC                           i  that the estuarine portions of both streams are also very poorly
             has classified the marine and fresh waters of the State as to their            flushed, given restrictions in tidal circulation, low freshwater dis-
             potential best usage and has adopted water quality standards for               charge and impacts of channel dredging activities.
             each classification. Neguntatogue Creek has both tidal and fresh
             water sections. The tidal portion extends from the mouth of the creek          DREDGING HISTORY- Extensive dredge and fill activities occurred
             to Montauk Highway, and has been classified as 1. Best usage for               along the marine portion of Neguntatogue Creek during the pre-1 940
             waters in this class include secondary contact recreation and any           I  period. As a result, all tidal wetlands along the creek were obliterated.
             other usage except for primary contact recreation and shellfishing for
             market purposes.      Primary contact recreation includes activities           According to the Suffolk County Planning Dept. (1985). Negun-
             where the human body may come in direct contact with raw water to              tatogue Creek was dredged by the Suffolk County Dept. of Public
                                                                                         I  Works in 1977, Approximately 9,000 cubic yards of material was
             the point of complete body submergence (swimming, diving, water                dredged and placed upland on nearby Indian Island County Park in
             skiing. skin diving, surfing). Secondary contact recreation includes           Copiague.
             activities where contact with water is minimal and where ingestion of
             water is not probable (includes, but is not limited to. fishing and            SOILS - The majority of soil types in the study area consists of
             boating). The NYSDEC has recommended upgrading the tidal                    i  well-drained Riverhead and Haven soils with little slope. However,
             portion from I to SC (Colbath Tucker pers. comm.). The best usage           I  wet soils (Atsion Sand; Berryland mucky sand; Fill land - sandy)
             for SC waters is for fishing and fish propagation as well as primary           surrounding the creek present some constraints to development. A
             and secondary contact recreation even though otherfactors may limit            full discussion of soils, including their characteristics and suitability
             he use for that purpose.                                                    i  for development can befound in U. S. Dept. of Agriculture, Soil
                                                                                         1  Conservation Service (1975).
             The fresh water section of Neguntatogue Creek stretches from Mon-           ;
             tauk Highway to the creek's source near Sunrise Highway. In 1988,              3.5.2 Beaverdam Creek
             the classification of this portion was upgraded from D to C. Best           i
             usage for waters in class C include fishing, fish propagation, and all         SURFACE WATERS - The total length of Beaverdam Creek is 2.5
             other uses except as a source of water supply for drinking, culinary,       I  miles. (The length of the freshwater stream is 1.4 miles and 1. 1 miles
                                                                                         i  is the marine segment length.) The surface water area of the creek
             or food processing purposes.                                                i  .
                                                                                            is approximately 25 acres.
             According to NYSDEC, Neguntatogue Creek and surrounding waters
             at its mouth are presently closed to shelifishing activities due to            TIDAL WETLANDS - Tidal wetlands boundaries have been identified
             unacceptable coliform levels.                                                  on the Environmental Resources map according to the Tidal Wet-
                                                                                            lands Act (Article 25 of the NYS Environmental Conservation Law)
             The Suffolk County Dept. of Health Services (SCDHS) samples                 i  and interpretation of 1987 Aerographic Corp. aerial photographs
             various bathing beach waters throughout the County for fecal coliform          (1 " = 1000') for the Town of Brookhaven. Approximateley 41 acres of
             and total coliform to determine whether the bathing beach waters are        1  tidal wetlands exist along Beaverdam Creek.

             CHAP 3-8






						LAND USE AND ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCE ANALYSIS

The intertidal marsh lies between the range of the daily tides.  Its
dominant vegetation is salt marsh cord grass (Spartina alterniflora),
which is the most biologically productive plant of the wetland habitat.
Just inland of the intertidal marsh is the high marsh, which is generally
above the daily tidal flow and is regularly flooded only about 10 days
per month.  It is also flooded by storm tides.  This area consists
primarily of salt marsh hay (Spartina patens); as well as spike grass
(Distichlis spicata); sedges (Carex spp.); with scattered bushes of
marsh elder (Iva frutescens, groundsel tree (Baccharis halimifolia and
northern bayberry (Myrica pensylvanica).  The NYSDEC tidal wetlands
inventory also identified formerly connected tidal wetlands.  These
are areas that have been partially or entirely shut off by a roadway or
impoundment from the normal tidal flow.  These wetlands usually
retain theri marine plant community, although common reed (Phrag-
mites communis) does infiltrate the area to some degree.  Other
vegetation species that have also been identified with the tidal
wetland environment include:

	Glasswort			Salicornia spp.
	Black Grass			Juncus gerardi
	Switch Grass		Panium virgatum
	Sea Lavender		Limonium carolinianum
	Salt Marsh Aster		Aster tenuifolius
	Salt Marsh Gerardia	Gerardia maritima

Beaverdam Creek is surrounded by a significant wetland habitat.
However, some residential and marine commercial development has
occurred around the tidal portion of the creek, south of Beaverdam
Road.  The areas of intertidal marsh, high marsh, and formerly
connected tidal wetlands are identified on the Environmental Resour-
ces map.

FRESHWATER WETLANDS - Freshwater wetlands within the
Beaverdam Creek study areas can generally be divided into three
catergories:  coastal freshwater marsh, emergent freshwater marsh,
and flooded deciduous marsh.  The freshwater wetlands boundaries
were identified throuth the use of NYS Freshwater Wetlands Act
map series (Article 24 of the NYS Environmental Conservation Law)
and checked through interpretation of the 1987 aerial photographs
utilized for the tidal wetland inventory noted above.  Further details
were provided by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Dept. of the
Interior National Wetland Inventory Maps (1980).  A total of ap-
proximatly 121 acres exists within the Beaverdam Creek watershed.

Coastal freshwater marshes represent a type of transition zone where
tidal wetland species are interspersed among the freshwater wetland
vegetation.  This type of wetland is highly productive.  Vegetation
species that are typically associated with this brackish/freshwater
environment include:

		Freshwater Cordgrass	Spartina pectinata
		Cattails			Typha spp.
		Sedges			Carex spp.
		Marsh Fern			Thelypteris palustris
		Marsh-pink			Sabatia stellaris
		Canadian Burnett		Sanguisorba canadensis
		Arrowhead			Sagittaria latifolia
		Pickerelweed		Pontederia cordata
		Groundsel Tree		Baccharis halimifolia
		Marsh Elder			Iva frustescens
		Salt Marsh Aster		Aster tennifolius
		Salt Marsh Gerardia	Gerardia martima
		Button Bush			Cephanlanthus occidentales

In the Beaverdam Creek area, the coastal freshwater marshes are
primarily located south of Beaverdam Road adjacent and inland to
the tidal wetlands of Beaverdam Creek.

The second catergory of freshwater wetlands, called emergent, in-
cludes herbaceous plants that grow in standing water or waterlogged
soils, particularyly near the edges of freshwater bodies.  The rich
diversity of species found in these emergent freshwater wetland
areas provided luxuriant foliage during the growing season setting it
apart from its tidal counterparts.  Various species of emrgent vegeta-
tion include:


		Cattails			Typha spp.
		Common Reed			Phragmites communis
		Joe Pye Weed		Eupatorium purpureum
		Boneset			Eupatorium perfoliatum
		Pond Lily			Nymphaeo odorata
		Swamp Loosetrife		Decondon verticillatus
		  (Water Willow)
		Sweet Pepperbush		Clethra alnifolia
		Marsh St. Johnswart	Hypericum virginica
		Bladderworts		Ultricolaria spp.
		Sedges			Carex spp.
		Marsh Hibiscus		Hibiscus moscheutos
		  (Swamp Rose)
		Sundews			Drosera spp.
		Arrowheads			Sagittaria spp.
		Bulrushes			Scirpus. spp.

Emergent wetlands can be found in small pond-like areas along
Beaverdam Creek north of Beaverdam Road.

The third category of freshwater wetlands is referred to as flooded
deciduous.  These are areas characterized by deciduous trees and
shrubs growing in flooded or saturated soils or open water.  This type
of wetland is predominately found in a virtually undisturbed area north
of Montauk Highway in the Beaverdam Creedk study area, as well as
areas upland of the emergent pond systems south of Montauk
Highway.  Typical vegetation species include:

		Red Maple				Acer rubrum
		Tupelo (Black Gum)		Nyssa sylvrica
		Swamp Azalea			Rhododendron viscosum
		Highbush Blueberry		Vaccinium corynibosum
		Grey Birch				Betual populifolia
		Black Willow			Salix nigra
		Swamp Loosestrife			Decondon verticillatus
 		  (Water Willow)
		Northern Bayberry			Myrica pensylvanica
		Pitch Pine				Pinus rigida
		White Pine				Pinus stroubus
		Sweet Pepperbush			Clethra alnifolia
		Low Gallberry Holly		Hex glabia
		  (Ink Berry)
		Cinnamon Fern			Osmunda cinnamonea
		Spike Rushes			Elochoris spp.
		Marsh Fern				Thelypteris palustris
		Skunk Cabbage			Spathyema foetida
		Sphagnum Moss			Sphagnum spp.
		Speckled Alder			Alnus rigosa
		Poison Ivy				Rhus radicans
		Rushes				Scirpus spp.

UPLAND HABITATS - Four upland habitats were evaluated in this 
study, including forests, old fields, agricultural areas, and beach and
maritime flora areas.

FORESTS - Two upland forest associations were identified within the
Beaverdam Creek study area.  The first, a pitch pine/oak association,
represents a slightly dominated pitch pine over oak forest wiht an
understory of such species as lowbush blueberry and scrub oak.  This
type of association is found north of Montauk Highway in the study
area.  Vegetation found within this association includes:

		Pitch Pine			Pinus rigida
		Black Pine			Pinus Banksiana
		Red Cedar			Juniperus virginiana
		Scrub Pine			Pinus virginiana
		Scrub Oak			Quercus ilicifolia
		White Oak			Quercus alba
		Catbrier			Smilax rotundifolia
		Black Oak			Quercus velutina
		Scarlet Oak			Quercus coccinea
		Mockernut Hickory		Carya tomentosa
		Pignut Hickory		Carya glabra
		Black Huckleberry		Gayussacia baccata
		Lowbrush Blueberry	Vaccinium vacillans
		Northern Bayberry		Myrica pensylvanica
		Sweet Fern			Comptonia peregrina
		Wintergreen			Gaultheria spp.
		Trailing Arbutus		Epigea repens

The other upland forest identified in the Beaverdam Creek study area
is a mixed deciduous forest.  Dominant species types include oaks
(Quercus spp.) and American beech (Fagus grandifolia).

								CHAP 3-9

			

















             LAND USE AND ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCE ANALYSIS

             Typical forest species found in this association include:                                       by the NYSDEC (1976). The Creek itself supports concentrations of
                           American Beech                   Fagus qrandifi)lia                               salter brown trout. Marshes surrounding the mouth of the creek
                           White Oak                        Quercus alba                                     provide wintering areas for short-eared owls. marsh hawks, and
                           Scarlet Oak                      Quercus coccinea                                 rough-legged hawks. Wintering rafts of puddle ducks and geese can
                           Red Oak                          Quervusrubra                                     be found in Bellport Bay.
                           Scrub Oak                        Quercus ihc@fofla
                           Chestnut Oak                     Quercus prinus                                   SIGNIFICANT FISH AND WILDLIFE HABITATS - Beaverdam Creek
                           Black Oak                        Quervits velutina                                has been identified by the NYSDOS as a Significant Fish and Wildlife
                           Mockernut Hickory                Can-a tomentosa                                  Habitat (Executive Law of New York: Article 42: Sec. 910-920). Final
                           Pignut Hickory                   Car  'vaglabra
                           Flowering Dogwood                Cornus florida                                   designation of this area was approved by NYSDOS on 15 March 1987
                           Gre Birch                        Benda popidift)ha
                                                                                                             and subsequently by the U. S. Dept. of Commerce. NOAA on 22 April
                           ReYCeclar                        Julliperus virginiana
                           Sassafras                        Sassatras alhidum                                1987. The Town of Brookhaven will be required to incorporate this
                           Red Maple                        A cer rubrunt                                    designation into its State approved local coastal management plan.
                           Lowbush Blueberry                Vaccinhan racillans
                           Coastal Highbush                 I @icciniunz caesariense
                           Blueberry                                                                         The significant fish and wildlife habitat area encompasses the tidal
                           Maple Leaf Viburnum              vibuntum aceafolium
                           American Holly                   flex opaca                                       portion of Beaverdam Creek, up to Beaverdam Road bridge. includ-
                           Catbrier                         Smilax rotundi.folia                             ing the creek channel and approximately 130 acres of adjoining tidal
                           Wintergreen                      Gaidtheria spp.                                  wetlands. The NYSDEC owns approximately 16 acres of tidal wet-
             OLD FIELDS - Eleven                 sites, ranging from 3 to 65 acres in size, are              lands near the mouth of Beaverdam Creek. Portions of the area have
             identified on the Environmental Resources map as old field areas                                been disturbed by residential development and construction of boat
             Old fields provide open areas of grasses, shrubs and certain tree*                              docking facilities. The following discussion is excerpted from the
             species. which are in the initial stages of forest succession. These                            NYSDOS Significant Fish and Wildlife Habitat Program narrative for
             areas are evidence of a natural revegetation process resulting from                             Beaverdam Creek (February 1987):
             former clearing and/or farming practices. Typical species found at                                     Beaverdam Creek is a relatively undeveloped tidal stream
             these sites include:                                                                                   channel. bordered by a substantial area of productive
                           Goldenrod                        solidaco SPI).                                          marshland. Habitats such as this are relatively rare in
                           Milkweed                         Asclepias sYllaCu                                       Suffolk County, as a result of extensive residential
                           Broom Sedge                      Andropogon virginicus                                   development and marina development along the south
                           Meadow-Grass                     Poa spp.                                                shore. Beaverdam Creek is one of only about 5 streams
                           Fescue                           Festuca spp.
                           Ragweed                          Ambrosia artennsifolia                                  on Long Island which support significant concentrations of
                           Aster                            Aster pilosits                                          sea-run brown trout. During the fall (September -
                           Strawberry                       Fragaria virginiana
                           Pokeweed                         Phviolarca americana                                    November), this fisheries resource supports a recreational
                           Staghorn Sumac                   Rhus r"%'Phina                                          fishery of county-level significance. However, no formal
                           Dwarf Sumac                      Rhus copallina                                          public access to the area has been developed. No
                           Smooth Sumac                     Rinis Oahra                                             unusual concentrations of any wildlife species are known
                           Meadow Rose                      Rosa h1anda
                           Blackberry                       Rubttsspp.                                              to occur in the area. The tidal marshes adjoining
                           Sweet Fern                       Comptonia per@qrina                                     Beaverdam Creek contribute significantly to the biological
                           Raspberry                        Rubus idaeus                                            productivity of Bellport Bay.
                           Virginia Creeper                 Parthenocissus spi).
                           Northern Bayberry                Mvrica pensylvanica                              In addition, the NYSDOS has designated Great South Bay-East as
                           Red Cedar                                    virginiana                           a Significant Fish and Wildlife Habitat. (Beaverdam Creek is tributary
                           Wild Black Cherry                Primus serotina
                           Pitch Pine                       Pinus ri0da                                      to this water body.) The following is an excerpt from the NYS
                           Gray Birch                       Benda Popillif6fia                               Significant Fish and Wildlife Habitat Program narrative for Great
             AGRICULTURE - The Beaverdam Creek watershed contains tour                                       South Bay-East (February 1987):
             agricultural areas. One of the larger agricultural areas is located                                    This fish and wildlife habitat is an approximate 32, 000 acre
             south of Beaverdam Road along the western bank of Beaverdam                                            area, generally defined by the mean high water elevation
             Creek.                                                                                                 on the north and south sides (exclusive of federal lands),
                                                                                                                    by the Brookhaven town line to the west and by the Smith
             BEACH AND MARITIME SHRUBLAND - A narrow beachfront exists                                    I
                                                                                                                    Point bridge over Narrow Bay to the east. Great South
             along the Great South Bay. South of Beaverdam Road, Beaverdam                                i         Bay-East comprises approximately one-half of the largest
             Creek has extensive areas of maritime shrubland adjacent to the tidal                                  protected, shallow, coastal bay area in New York State.
             wetland area of its banks. Most of these areas were former dredged                                     This broad expanse of open water is highly productive.
             spoil sites where a predominance of Phragniitcs communis is evident.                                   and supports a tremendous diversity of fish and wildlife
             Vegetation species identified in these sandy environments include:                                     species. Many species of migratory birds which typically
                           Dusty Miller                     Artentisia stelleriana                                  occur in coastal habitats are found nesting or feeding in
                           Field Rose                       Rosa curohna                                            the remaining natural areas along the north and south
                           Beach Rose                       Rosa rugosa                                             shores of Great South Bay-East. These include
                           Seaside Goldenrod                Solidago sempervirens
                           American Beach Grass             Aniniophila breviliquIata                               green-backed heron, black-crowned night heron. snowy
                           Beach Plum                       Primus maritima                                         egret, American bittem, Canada goose. mallard, black
                           Switch Grass                     Panicium virt?atum                            i         duck, gadwall, northern harrier (T-threatened species),
                           Milkweed                         Asclepiasspp.                                 i         osprey (T), least tem (E-endangered species). herring
                           Beach Pea                        Lath vois maritima
                           Poison 1v                             s radicans
                                                 y          Rhu                                           i         blackbird, sharp-tailed sparrow, and seaside sparrow
                           Smooth Sumac                     Rhus vlabra.                                  1         Great South Bay-East is also one of the most important
                           Red Cedar                        Jum  'perus vir@muana                                   waterfowl wintering areas (November - March) on Long
                           Northern Bayberry                A@vrwa pensvivanica                           I
                                                                                                                    Island. especially for diving ducks. which feed on eelgrass,
                                                                                                          i
             PRIME WILDLIFEAREAS - Bellport Bay and Beaverdam Creek. with                                           invertebrates. and small fish. Nearly all of Great South
             its associated wetlands. are considered Prime Wildlife Areas (PWAs)                                    Bay-East is open to the public for waterfowl hunting, but

             CHAP 3-10







                                                                                                      LAND USE AND ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCE ANALYSIS

                  due to the limited amount of emergent wetlands within the                           Turk's cap 1111,             Lilium supe"i .. n,
                  bay, hunting pressure is of only local significance.                                Bur-reed                     Spargenium androcladiunt
                                                                                                      Lance-leaved violet          @ iola Iaiweolata
                  In addition to having significant bird concentrations, Great                   During field trips conducted by Karen Rowley on 14 June and 4 July
                  South Bay-East is an extremely productive area for marine                      1987, 21 species of birds were identified in the Beaverdam Creek
                  finfish. shellfish. and other wildlife. Much of this                           study area.
                  productivity is directly attributable to the salt marshes and                  ENDANGERED AND THREATENED SPECIES OF FLORA AND
                  tidal flats found throughout Great South Bay. Great South
                  Bay-East serves as a major spawning, nursery, and                              FAUNA - According to the NYSDEC, no known endangered species
                  foraging area (April - November, generally) for winter                         were identified in the Beaverdam Creek study area. However, two
                  flounder, kingfish. bluefish, blue claw crab, and forage fish                  threatened species, the osprey (Pandion haliactits) and northern
                  species, such as Atlantic silverside, striped killifish,                       harrier (Ch-cus (waneus), have been identified in the area surveyed in
                  mummichog, northern pipefish. and sticklebacks. A total                        AndrIe and Carroll, eds. (1988), which included the Beaverdam Creek
                  of 56 fish species were collected during an intensive                          study area. In addition, a threatened species of mud turtle (Kinostei-
                  survey of Great South Bay in 198 1. As a result of the                         non subnibnini) can be found in the Carmans River. which is in close
                  abundant fisheries resources in this area, Great South                         proximity to Beaverdam Creek. Beaverdam Creek has not been
                  Bay-East receives heavy recreational fishing pressure,           of            investigated for the existence of the mud turtle, but because it
                  statewide significance. Winter flounder predominates the                       provides a habitat similar to that of the Carmans River, Beaverdam
                  sportfishefy catch in Great South Bay-East. but portions of                    Creek may be a possible habitat for this species.
                  the habitat are regarded as hotspots for weakfish, scup,                       HSHL-RIES - Beaverdam Creek is stocked annually with 3,000
                  and summer flounder A commercial fishery for Atlantic
                  silverside and white perch has been established in the                         fingerling brown trout. Although recreational fishing does occur. no
                  Bellport Bay area. The entire Great South Bay-East area                        published information on recreational fishing activity in Beaverdam
                  is inhabited by concentrations of hard clams along with                        Creek is available (Charles Guthrie pers. comm.).
                  local concentrations of American oyster. Most of the bay                       The mouth of Beaverdam Creek and the waters of Bellport Bay are
                  waters are certified for shellfishing. resulting in a                          used for limited commercial bait fishing. This may include seining for
                  commercial and recreational harvest of statewide                               Atlantic silverside and mummichog, as well as seasonal eel fishing
                  significance.                                                                  (Chester Zawacki pers. comm.).
            CRITICAL ENVIRONMENTAL AREA - Under a recent amendment                               FRESH AND MARINE SURFACE WATER QUALITY - TheNYSDEC
            to the Suffolk County Charter (S.C. Resolution #660-87), the County                  has classified the marine and fresh waters of the State as to their
            has designated sensitive land areas within Suffolk County as critical                potential best usage and has adopted water quality standards for
            areas of environmental concern so as to ensure that any actions                      each classification. Beaverdam Creek is divided into tidal and fresh
            (construction or other activities undertaken by, funded by, or requiring             portions. The tidal portion, which occurs between the mouth of the
            permits from any agency) taking place within or contiguous to these                  creek and Beaverdam Road, is classified SC. Best usage of waters
            areas will be considered as Type I actions under the New York State                  in this class include fishing, fish propagation, primary and secondary
            Environmental Review Act (SEORA). This amendment will require                        contact recreation. Primary contact recreation includes activities
            the completion of a full environmental assessment form for each                  i   where the human body may come in direct contact with raw water to
            action proposed within or adjacent to these designated areas. This               I   the point of complete body submergence (swimming, diving, water
            process may possibly provide a greater review of environmental                       skiing, skin diving, surfing). Secondary contact recreation includes
            impacts which could result from such actions.                                        activities where contact with water is minimal and where ingestion of
            The entire Beaverdam Creek study area is included in the Coastal                     water is not probable (includes but is not limited to fishing and
            Zone Area South Critical Environmental Area.                                         boating).
            TYPICAL PLANTAND WILDLIFE POPULATIONS- A 1988 New York                               The fresh water portion of the creek extends from Beaverdam Road
            State mid-winter aerial waterfowl survey was conducted by NYSDEC.                    to its source near Sunrise Highway. This section is classified CTS
            Beaverdam Creek is included in the Carmans River segment of the                      which designates it as a trout spawning area. These waters are
            survey. The following species were identified in this segment:                       suitable for fishing and fish propagation. as well as primary and
                                                                                                 secondary contact recreation, even though other factors may limit the
                           Mallard                            75                                 use for that purpose.
                           Black Duck                       180
                           Mute Swan                           6                                 There have been petitions to change both the freshwater and tidal
                           Canvas Back                        25                                 section classifications (Colbath Tucker pers. comm.).
                           Canadian Goose                   130
                                            Total           416                                  According to NYSDEC, Beaverdam Creek and the surrounding
                                                                                                 waters at its mouth are presently closed to shellfishing due to unac-
            Breeding bird census information was provided in AndrIe and Carroll.                 ceptable coliform levels.
            eds. (1988). Data was gathered in blocks covering 9.65 square miles.                 NYS WILD, SCENIC AND RECREATIONAL RIVERS PROGRAM -
            The Beaverdarn Creek study area was included in two blocks, which                    Beaverdam Creek is under a five-year state building moratorium
            also covered areas outside he stud, area. Ninety-eight species of                    pending a decision whether to include it in the NYS Wild, Scenic and
            breeding birds were found within the two blocks.                                     Recreational Rivers Program. In July of 1988, Beaverdam Creek
            On a 25 July 1987 field trip conducted in the upper reaches (Montauk                 was put into the category of a study river. The moratorium will last
            Hwy. to Sunrise Hwy.) of Beaverdam Creek by Karen Blumer and Jim                     until the study is completed, or the five-year period ends. In the
            Fuchs. 41 species of plants were identified. The following eight of                  meantime, all development allowed in the study area must conform
            these species were considered uncommon to the area:                                  with the scenic category of the regulations, and no variances will be
                    Spreading dogbane            Apor@vnuni androsaenti lium                     entertained. (George Profus pers. comm.)
                                                                      'fo
                    Orchid                       Habencria spp.                                  TIDAL CIRCULATION - Water circulation in the marine portion of
                    White-tringed orchid         Habenaria hlephar@qioftis
                    Inkberry                     llexglabra                                      Beaverdam Creek. south of Beaverdam Road. is dominated by tides.
                    Canada rush                  Juncits canadensis                              which have a mean range of 0.7 ft.

                                                                                                                                                                CHAP 3-11







          LAND USE AND ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCE ANALYSIS

          The impact of land use on Beaverdam Creek is a function of land use            i seasonal high ground-water table levels less than 5 ft. from the land
          type, location, pollutant loading rate, and magnitude of tidal ex-             i surface have been identified on the Watershed Analysis map. It is
          change. Contaminants are transported into the marine portions of                 important to locate these areas where cesspools are likely not to
          the creek via freshwater stream flow north of Beaverdam Road,                    function properly, and water and sewer pipes must be specially
          stormwater runoff, and groundwater flow. (Mosquito control activities          i sealed to prevent freezing when located at depths of less than 3 ft.
          also introduce contaminants directly into the wetland/estuary sys-               In the Neguntatogue Creek study area, depth to seasonal high water
          tem.) Some dissolved and particulate pollutants may be transformed
          and/or trapped in the tidal wetlands that fringe the stream shoreline.           is less than 5 ft. within approximately 500 ft. on either side ofthe creek
          Pollutants hat dissolve in water, i.e., miscible pollutants, will even-          north of Montauk Highway and encompasses most of the study area
          tually be removed from the marine portion of the stream by tidal action          south of Montauk Highway. See section 3.6.2 for a discussion of
          after obtaining a steady state concentration.                                    Suffolk County Dept. of Health Services standards for location and
                                                                                           construction of domestic sewage disposal systems.
          For discussion on Pollution Susceptibility see Section 3.5.1 - Tidal
          Circulation.                                                                     According to U. S. Dept. of Agriculture, Soil Conservation Service
                                                                                           (1975), the following soils in the study area have seasonal high
          DREDGING HISTORY- Old aerial photographs (circa 1930) indicate                 i ground water less than 2 ft. from the surface: Atison sand and
          that the marine portion of Beaverdam Creek was dredged with the                1 Berryland mucky sand. These soils are located primarily in the
          result that the creel channel was shortened and widened.                         Neguntatogue Creek streambed.
          Bulkheaded canals were evident in the early 1960s adjacent to the
          west side of the Creek near its mouth on Great South Bay.                        It should be noted that presently there are no point discharges
                                                                                           entering Neguntatogue Creek (Philip Barbato pers. comm.). How-
          Beaverdam Creek was dredged by the Suffolk County Dept. of Public                ever, prior to their recent connections with the Southwest Sewer
          Works in 1965, according to the Suffolk County Planning Dept.                  1 District (SWSD) #3 over the last few years, three establishments were
          (1985). Approximately 163,100 cubic yards of material were dredged             I issued State Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (SPDES) per-
          and placed upland during this dredging project.                                  mits, which authorized the discharge of effluent eitherto ground water
                                                                                           or surface water, i.e., Neguntatogue Creek. One major discharger to
          SOILS - Most of the soils found in the Beaverdam Creek study area                Neguntatogue Creek was a dairy operation, Other industrial dischar-
          are deep. well-drained. and moderately coarse textured. Soils                    ges included a cooling discharge from a condenser manufacturer and
          presenting the most constraints to development are those on                      a discharge from a screen printing operation.
          moderately steep slopes (Riverhead sandy loam, Riverhead-Haven
          soils, Plymouth loamy sand) and wet soils associated with the                    Part of the impact of the SWSD #3 that is being monitored by the
          streambed (Muck, Tidal marsh, Sudbury sandy loam, Wareham                        SCDHS is its effect on ground-water levels, since the SWSD #3 has
          loamy sand). A full discussion of soils, including their characteristics,        an Atlantic Ocean outfall. Recently, streams in Nassau County have
          suitability, and constraints to development can be found in U. S. Dept.          experienced decreases in ground-water flow. This has been the
          of Agriculture, Soil Conservation Service (1975).                                affect of ground-water withdrawals that exceed recharge to local
             3.6 Watershed Analysis                                                        streambeds, which result in a decreased water table level in these
                                                                                           areas.
          3.6.1 Neguntatogue Creek                                                         The Suffolk County Flow Augmentation Needs Study (FANS) was
          A watershed can be defined as a hydrologic system in which all of the            conducted to identify actions for mitigating impacts from declines in
          land and surface waters drain to a single receiving water body (i.e.        '    streamflow attributable to sewering within the SWSD # 3, when and
          lake. bay, ocean. etc.). It is a region or land area bounded by a ridge          if these declines occur. The Suffolk County FANS Milestone /// report
                                                                                           (Suffolk County Department of Public Works 1990) will provide
          or connection between topographic high points. The Neguntatogue                I
                                                                                         I guidance to ensure that sufficient flow is maintained in certain sensi-
          Creek watershed drains into Neguntatogue Creek and is delineated                 tive areas to preserve wetland health and the aesthetic and recrea-
          by the surface water drainage boundary outlined on the Watershed
          Analysis map. The direction of surface water flow is generally toward            tional values of pond sites. Neguntatogue Creek was one of 12
          the streambed via roadways and overland flow.                                    streams selected for potential flow augmentation measures.
          Watersheds, with their various land uses and activities. have a major            To date, lowered ground-water elevations, strearnflow declines, and
          influence on the quality and quantity of fresh. surface and ground               stream shortenings have not been evident (Suffolk County Depart-
          waters. Drainage characteristics provide a means of linking the                  ment of Public Works 1990). Therefore, a set of triggering
          impacts of land uses and activities on marine water quality. Pollutants          mechanisms was developed to indicate if and when augmentation is
          from watersheds directly influence the biota, environmental produc-              necessary. The key parameter that will be measured is the average
          tivity. and commercial/economic value of coastal waters.                         depth to ground water in selected test wells. In addition. ecological
                                                                                           monitoring will identify wetland vegetation changes.
          The direction of surface water flow and the location of storm drains,
          storm pipes, manholes, recharge basins and drainage ditches have                 Neguntatogue Creek, specifically Feller's Pond, was recommended
          also been identified on the Watershed Analysis map. Detailed infor-              for ground water pumping - direct discharge. This alternative recom-
          mation of storm drains. storm pipes and manholes for this study area             mends that wells be constructed to pump ground water to a discharge
          was obtained from the Town of Babylon Highway Dept, and the Village            i site along the stream when necessary.
          of Lindenhurst Dept. of Public Works. As evidenced on the map, there             The Draft Environmental Impact Statement for the Suffolk County
          is an extensive network of storm drains and pipes in the study area,             FANS Milestone /// report examined nine alternatives. Other alter-
          27 of which lead directly into Neguntatogue Creek.                               natives included: reducing water consumption; employing a restric-
          The slopes found within the study area are almost entirely gradual,              tive barrier within the aquifer; restricting ocean flow into Great South
          from 0% to 10%. where mostly outwash deposits, as well as marsh                  Bay; among others. The construction of additional stormwater
          deposits, adjacent to the stream bed and Great South Bay, can be                 drainage facilities was also considered, however, it was concluded
          found. Furthermore, there are no major swales in the study area.                 that such additional stormwater contributions would provide insig-
                                                                                           nificant flow volumes, and would involve significant economic and
          In evaluating the topographic elevation of the land surface and the 5          1 construction related impacts (Suffolk County Department of Public
          ft. ground-water contour line, areas adjacent to the coast that exhibit I        Works 1990).

          CHAP 3-12







                                                                                              LAND USE AND ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCE ANALYSIS

          The 100-year tidal floodplain boundary delineates the area which               According to the same report, it was noted that a major source of
          would be inundated by a 1 00-year tlood@ a flood of the magnitude of           ground-water contamination in 1961 stemmed from increased use of
          a 1 00-year flood is likely to occur on the average of once every 100          synthetic detergents in commercial and home laundries. The report
          years. Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) prepared by the Federal               went on to say that,
          Emergency Management Agency provided the 100-year tidal
          floodplain boundary that includes both a V and A Zone. This area is                 ..in the face of increased urbanization and water use, the
          illustrated on the Watershed Analysis map. The V Zone is that area          1@      ground-water reservoir must be protected from excessive
          immediately adjacent to Great South Bay which extends landward to                   pollution by sewage disposal and contamination by
                                                                                              salt-water encroachment. If appears likely that in the
          the point where the I 00-year f lood depth is insuff icient to support a 3
          ft. breaking wave. The A Zone is located landward of the V Zone to          1       future an extensive sanitary sewer system will be
          the inland boundary of the 1 00-year flood. A significant portion of the    1       constructed to eliminate pollution.
          study area south of Montauk Highway is located within the A Zone,              The  SWSD #3 went on line in 1981 and provides sewer service to
          in addition to an area adjacent to the stream immediately north of             this area.
          Montauk Highway to Texas Street. The base flood elevation in the
          study area is 9 ft. above National Geodetic Vertical Datum (NGVD)              Virtually the entire Neguntatogue Creek study area is serviced by
          in the V Zone, where structures have to be elevated on piles or piers       i  public water provided by Suffolk County Water Authority. According
          to these heights or greater: and ranges from 7-8 ft., in the A Zone,           to he SCDHS (Martin Trent pers. comm.), one public water Supply
          where the first floor and basement must be elevated over 7 or 8 ft.            well is located west of the Neguntatogue Creek study area, north of
          above NGVD.                                                                    Hoffman Ave. There are also two water level test sites south of
                                                                                         Montauk Highway on either side of the creek. It should be noted that
          It was estimated that there were 452 residences in the A and V Zones           although the public water supply well does not exceed State health
          of the Neguntatogue Creek study area as of 1980 (Long Island                   drinking water standards, it does exceed the State Health
          Regional Planning Board 1984).                                                 Department's standard for iron. This is common in much of Long
                                                                                         Island's drinking water. The iron standard is applied for aesthetic
          The Neguntatogue Creek watershed is located in Hydrogeologic                   reasons, rather than for reasons of protecting public health.
          Zone VII. This zone is characterized as a generally shallow and
          horizontal ground-water flow system. This flow system discharges to            The SCDHS (James Pim pers. comm.) has inventoried potential toxic
          streams and Great South Bay, and hence will affect their quality.              waste sites throughout Suffolk County in cooperation with the
                                                                                         CLEARS (Cornell Laboratory for Environmental Applications of
          Article 6 of the Suffolk County Sanitary Code, Realty Subdivisions             Remote Sensing) program. One such site exists just east of the
          and Developments, empowers the Suffolk County Board of Health to               Neguntatogue Creek study area, south of Sunrise Highway. This 2-3
          control the density of on-site systems in new developments. The                acre area is the site of a former landfill, which has now been
          minimum lot size requirement for new homes with septic systems in              residentially developed.
           one VIII is 20,000 sq. ft. However, this area is within the SWSD #3,
          which enables connection to a sewage treatment plant in lieu of                3.6.2 Beaverdam Creek
          zinstalling a septic system.                                                   The Beaverdam Creek watershed is delineated by the surface water
          The ground-water table contour lines, which delineate the watertalle           drainage boundary outlined on the Beaverdam Creek Watershed
          altitude above NGVD, are shown on the Watershed Analysis Map in                Analysis map. The direction of surface water is generally toward the
          5 ft. intervals (Suffolk County Dept. of Health Services 1988). The            streambed, via roadways and overland flow.
          water table altitude in the Neguntatogue Creek study area ranges            i  The direction of surface water flow and the location of storm drains,
          from the NGVD along the southern portion, near Great South Bay, to          ,  storm pipes, manholes, recharge basins and drainage ditches have
          approximately 25 ft. above NGVD along the northern portion of the           i
          study area near Sunrise Highway.                                               also been identified on the Watershed Analysis map. This informa-
                                                                                         tion was obtained through field investigations.           Unfortunately,
          According to Pluhowski and Kantrowitz (1964), ground-water flow in             detailed mapping, particularly of storm pipes, was not available from
          the Upper Glacial aquifer is predominately horizontal and perpen-              Town of Brookhaven records. As evidenced on the map. there are
                                                                                         14 storm drains/pipes that discharge directly into Beaverdam Creek.
          clicular to the lines of equal water-table altitude. Ground water, which
                                                                                         Twelve of these drains are located in the residential subdivision along
          originates from the ground-water divide north of the study area,            I  the southwestern portion of the creek near its mouth.
          moves in a southerly direction. Ground-water discharges, in this            'I
          study area, move toward Neguntatogue Creek both laterally and from             The slopes found within the study area are generally gradual, from
          below. Below this upper zone, the flow is nearly parallel to the stream.       0% to 10%, where outwash deposits and marsh deposits adjacent to
          Ground-water flow to the creek begins at that point where the water            the streambed and Great South Bay are found. There are areas with
          table first intersects the stream channel bottom. For Neguntatogue             slopes greater than 10% along a ridge line to the west of the creek,
          Creek, this occurs in the vicinity of Sunrise Highway. Ground water            Associated with this area are swales that primarily slope in the
          not discharged into the creek moves southward where it eventually           i  direction of the streambed. Roadways adjacent to major swales may
          discharges to the tidal reaches of the creek or Great South Bay or the         increase the volume of stormwater flow into nearby surface waters.
          Atlantic Ocean.                                                             I  Areas have been identified on the Watershed Analysis map that
          The Upper Glacial aquifer is recharged by precipitation and, to a              exhibit seasonal high ground-water table levels less than 5 ft. from
          lesser degree, by upward leakage from the deeper Magothy aquifer               the land surface. It is important to locate these areas where
          in this area. The thickness of the Upper Glacial aquifer in the             i  cesspools are likely not to function properly and water and sewer
          Neguntatogue Creek study area is about 75 ft. with a depth to water         i  pipes must be specially sealed to prevent freezing when located at
          table in this aquifer ranging from 0 to 15 ft. depending on the land        1  depths of less than 3 ft. According to Suffolk County Dept. of Health
          surface elevation. According to the study by Pluhowski and                  1  Services (SCDHS) Standards forApproval of Plans and Construction
          Kantrowitz (1964), little or no upward flow reaches Champlin Creek             for Subsurface Sewage Disposal Systems for Single Family Residen-
          in Islip from deep within the water-table (Upper Glacial) aquifer. This        ces, ground-water elevations shall be measured at mean high tide
          creek is equidistant from both Neguntatogue and Beaverdam Creeks.              in areas subject to tidal action. Furthermore, a minimum distance of
                                                                                      1  75 ft. for septic tanks, and 100 ft. for leaching pools, should be

                                                                                                                                                    CHAP 3-13







           LAND USE AND ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCE ANALYSIS

           maintained from any surface waters. For areas where the depth to                stream-channel bottom which. for Beaverdarn Creek, is between
           ground water is less than 8 ft., the SCDHS requires that it be                  Sunrise Highway and Montauk Highway. Ground water not dis-
           consulted regarding leaching system construction.                               charged into the creek moves southward where it eventually dischar-
                                                                                           ges to the tidal reaches of the creek or Great South Bay or the Atlantic
           In addition, SCDHS (Robert Villa pers. comm.) recommends a 5 ft.                Ocean.
           minimum depth to ground water from the bottom of the leaching pool
           for single and separate family residences and an 8 ft. minimum depth            The Upper Glacial aquifer is recharged by precipitation and to a lesser
           to ground water for new residential subdivision development.                    degree by upward leakage from the deeper Magothy aquifer in this
                                                                                           area. The thickness of the Upper Glacial aquifer in the Beaverclarn
           In the Beaverdarn Creek study area, depth to seasonal high water is             Creek study area is about 100 ft., with a depth to water table ranging
           less than 5 ft. within approximately 400 feet on either side of the creek       from 0 to 45 ft. depending on the land surface elevation. Water in
           and encompasses greater than 50% of the study area south of                     the deeper part of the Upper Glacial aquifer may pass beneath the
           Beaverdarn Road.                                                                shallow flow systems associated with Beaverdarn Creek as it moves
           According to the Soil Survey of Suffolk County, New York (11975), the           south.
           following soils in the study area have seasonal high ground water less          According to Wexler (1988b). groundwater is generally of excellent
           than 2 ft. from the surface: Deerfield sand, Muck, Sudbury sandy                quality. However, use of lawn and agricultural fertilizers and dis-
           loam, Tidal marsh, Wareham loamy sand and Wa,ole sandy loam.                    charge from cesspools may have degraded ground water quality in
           These soils are located primarily within the Beaverdam Creek                    parts of Brookhaven hamlet.
           streambed.
           It should be noted that there are no point discharges entering Beaver-          No public water supply wells exist within the Beaverdam Creek study
           dam Creek. According to NYSDEC (Philip Barbato pers. comm.), no                 area. However, approximately half of the existing roadways do have
           SPIDES permits have been issued at the present time in this area that           public water mains provided by the Suffolk County Water Authority.
           allow discharge to the creek.                                                   According to tests conducted on 88 private wells by the SCDHS, nine
                                                                                           exceeded State drinking water standards (Martin Trent pers. comm.).
           The I 11-,ear tidal flood,lain boundary is illustrated on he Watershed        1 These wells have been identified on he Watershed Analysis map,
           Analysis map. The V Zone is that area adjacent to Great South Bay.              Contaminated well information for the Beaverdarn Creek study area
           The A Zone is located landward of the V Zone to the inland boundary             is as tollows:
           of the 1 00-year flood. The A Zone includes greater than 50% of the
           southern section of the study area north to Beaverdam Road. North
           of Beaverdam Road, the A Zone includes the area of the streambed                Contaminant                 Standard (ppb)            No. of Wells
           to a width of 300 ft.                                                                                                             exceeding standard
           The base flood elevation in the study area is 10 ft. above NGVD in              trichloroethane                       5.0                         6
           the V Zone, where structures have to be elevated on piles or piers to           dichloroethane                        5.0                         4
           these heights or greater: and ranges from 7-9 ft. in the A Zone, where          cis clichloroethylene                 5.0                         4
           the first floor and basement must be elevated over 7, 8 or 9 ft.,               vinyl chloride                        2.0                         3
           respectively, above NGVD.                                                       total coliforrin                      <2.2                        1
           It was estimated that there were 80 residences in the A and V Zones             chloride                             250.0                        1
           of the Beaverdarn Creek study area as of 1980 (Long Island Regional             The first five contaminants are organic.            Excess levels of
           Planning Board 1984).                                                           trichloroethane, the most common organic contaminant, were found
           The Beaverdarn Creek watershed is located in Hydrogeologic Zone                 in six of the nine contaminated wells. Four wells showed evidence
           VI. This zone is characterized by a shallow groundwater system,               1 of excess dichloroethane and cis dichloroethylene. Excess vinyl
           which directly impacts the water quality in eastern Great South Bay.            chloride appeared in three wells, and one well exceeded the total
           Because the flushing rate in eastern Great South Bay is so low,                 coliform standard. Four of these wells have multiple organic con-
           contaminant concentrations are not sufficiently dispersed and diluted.        1 taminations with combinations of trichloroethane, dichloroethane. cis
           Article 6 of the Suff olk County Sanitary Code, Realty Subdivision and          dichloroethylene, and vinyl chloride.
           Developments, empowers the Suffolk County Board of Health to                    Only one well showed inorganic contamination with excess levels of
           control the density of on-site systems in new developments. Accord-             chloride. It should also be noted that water from the majority of wells
           ing to this code, the minimum lot size requirement for a new home               in the study area exceeds the State Health Department's standard
           with a septic system in Zone VII is 40,000 sq. ft. (11 acre).                   for iron. This is common for Long Island drinking water. The iron
                                                                                           standard is applied for aesthetic reasons rather than for reasons of
           The round-water table contour lines, which delineate the watertable             public health.
           altitude above NGVD, are shown on the Watershed Analysis map in
           5 ft. intervals (Suffolk County Dept. of Health Services 1988). The             The Suffolk County Dept. of Health Services (James Pim pers.
           water table altitude in the Beaverdam Creek study area ranges from              comm.) has inventoried potential toxic waste sites throughout Suff olk
           the NGVD along the southern portion near Great South Bay, to                    County in cooperation with the CLEARS (Cornell Laboratory for
           approximately 20 ft. above NGVD along the northern portion of the               Environmental Applications of Remote Sensing) program. Two
           study area near Sunrise Highway.                                                potential toxic waste sites are located immediately outside the
                                                                                           Beaverdam Creek study area. One is an abandoned sand mining
           According to Wexler (1 988b), ground-water f low in the Upper Glacial           operation on Beaverdarn Rd., just west of the study area. The other
           aquifer is predominately horizontal and perpendicular to the lines of           is a five-acre area of disturbed land at a highway maintenance site
           equal water-table altitude noted above. The general direction of              I located along the west side of Arthur Ave.
           ground water, which originates from the ground-water divide north of
           the study area, moves in a south to southeastward direction.                  i In addition, the Town of Brookhaven operates a lined sanitary landfill
           Ground-water discharges in this study area occur principally as                 for the disposal of municipal solid waste, which is located ap-
           discharge to Beaverdam Creek. The exact point at which flow begins              proximately 2,000 feet northwest of the Beaverdam Creek study area.
           is determined by the point at which the water table first intersects the        The landfill was excavated in glacial outwash deposits that form the

           CHAP 3-14







                                                                                                  LAND USE AND ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCE ANALYSIS

             Upper Glacial aquile,, and is lined will a 0.02 inch thick polyvinyl            adequate depth to seasonal high wale, able, some moderate slopes
             chloride (PVC) membrane. Landfilling began in 1974. By 1983, the                and a large, undisturbed area of freshwater wetlands.
             landfill covered 60 of the site's 180 acres. Today, the landfill covers         In addition, the area west of the stream has a number of moderate
             approximately 65 acres (Elaine McKippen pers. comm.).
                                                                                          11 slope and swale areas. Appropriate recharge or diversion of
             According to a report conducted by the Wexler (11 988a), water quality          stormwater runoff in these areas should be carefully reviewed.
             in the Magothy aquifer and in Beaverciam Creek did not appear to be             Finally, the entire study area is considered a Critical Environmental
             contaminated by the landfills' leachate. Further studies are being              Area by Suffolk County under NYS SEORA regulations. Any future
             conducted by USGS at the present time that are re-evaluating the                development plans will require the completion of a full environmental
             effects of the landfill on nearby ground water and surface waters               assessment form in order for any project to be reviewed for ap-
             including Beaverdam Creek.                                                      proval/disapproval by local government.
               3.7 Developmental Constraints                                                   3.8 Watershed Comparison
             3.7.1 Neguntatogue Creek                                                        3.8.1 Existing Land Use
             This section discusses areas in which development should be                     The Neguntatogue Creek study area encompasses 703.2. acres
             precluded due to hazardous conditions. or where he adherence to                 whereas the Beaverdam Creek study area is almost double in size
             specific performance standards is needed in order to minimize pos-              with 1314.0 acres. Both, however, are within the mid- range of the
             sible impacts. Although there is little land available for development          watershed areas that are tributary to Great South Bay. Table 3-10
             in the Neguntatogue Creek watershed. a review of the Environmental              identifies the parameters discussed in this section for comparing the
             Resources and Watershed Analysis maps reveals several develop-                  Neguntatogue Creek and Beaverdam Creek study areas.
             mental constraints applicable to this study area. Table 3-9 lists the
                                                                                             Differences in land uses between these two areas are evident. The
             various areas subject to environmental constraints, what the diff erent         most significant difference in land use areas is vacant land. Ap-
             constraints to development are, and the preferred management
             measures.                                                                       proximately halt of the Beaverdarn Creek study area is vacant, while
                                                                                             in the Neguntatogue Creek study area. only 18.2 acres remain
             An important constraint to development in this area is the lack of              vacant.
             adequate depth to seasonal high water table for proper individual               In Neguntatogue Greek, the primary land use is high density
             septic system functioning. This occurs in the majority of the area              residential. Together with its secondary land use. medium density
             south of Montauk Hwy., as well as along the entire stream corridor.             residential, these lands account for approximately two-thirds of the
             At this time, sewer connections to the SWSD #3 are not mandatory                total area. Residential land use in the Beaverdam Creek study area
             and a number of residences and establishments have continued to
             use septic systems in these areas which are contributing to possible         i  is primarily medium density and accounts for approximately 20% of
                                                                                             its total area. Low density residential includes approximately 12% of
             ocal water quality impairments.                                                 the Beaverdam Creek study area, however, no lands exist within this
             Another developmental constraint, the 1 00-year floodplain, encom-              category in the Neguntatogue Creek study area.
             I


             passes a significant portion of the study area south of Montauk                 With regard to commercial and industrial uses, the Neguntatogue
             Highway and extends along the stream up to Texas Ave. In addition,           i  Creek study area has more than four times the acreage of the
             the freshwater wetland area, east of Lincoln Ave., presents another             Beaverdam Creek study area. In addition. Neguntatogue Creek has
             developmental constraint in that immediate area.
                                                                                             a significantly larger number of marine commercial land uses border-
                                                                                             ing its shoreline. The number of boat slips along Neguntatogue
             3.7.2 Beaverdam Creek
                                                                                             Creek is estimated at 1277, whereas 93 slips are found along
             A review of the Environmental Resources and Watershed Analysis                  Beaverdam Creek.
             maps reveals several different constraints to development in the                Transportation uses are similar in the two areas with the LIRR
             Beaverdam Creek study area. Table 3-9 in section 3.7.1 lists the                bisecting both stream corridors. The Neguntatogue Creek study area
             various areas subject to environmental constraints, what the diff erent      i  has a train station with related parking facilities adjacent to the Creek.
             constraints to development are, and the preferred management                    Traff ic counts for both Montauk Highway and Sunrise Highway in the
             measures.                                                                       Neguntatogue Creek study area are almost double those found in
             Multiple constraints to development are found south of Beaverdam                 eaverdam Cr    'ek
                                                                                             B
             Rd. The presence of tidal and freshwater wetlands, lack of adequale             Furthermore, Neguntatogue Creek has no lands used for agricultural
             depth to seasonal high watertable for proper individual septic system           practices; however, the Beaverdam Creek study area has ap-
             functioning, 100-year floodplain, moderate slopes, and beach areas              proximately 45 acres of agricultural lands.
             act in concert to discourage additional development in the area
             between South Country Rd. on the west and Bay Ave. on the east.                 Open space accounts for minor acreage in both the Neguntatogue
             In addition, this area is a NYSDOS Designated Significant Fish and              Creek and Beaverdam Creek study areas. Both study areas also
             Wildlife Habitat. It should be noted, that a portion of the large,              have small acreages of institutional uses which primarily include
             agricultural parcel along South Country Rd. has fewer constraints to            school properties.
             development than the area adjacent to Beaverdam Creek. Future                   3.8.2 Zoning
             development should be clustered along that portion of the farm near          i
             South Country Rd. away from the stream bed and its associated                   A comparison of the zoning regulations of the Neguntatogue Creek
             wetlands.                                                                       and Beaverclarn Creek study areas shows that both have similar
                                                                                             zoning components with, however, different proportions and distribu-
             Approximately half of a large old field area on Edgar Ave. falls within         tions.
             the 100-year floodplain and the area with depths to seasonal high            1
             water less than 5 ft.                                                           Both areas are zoned primarily for residential use. Lot size require-
                                                                                             ments in Beaverdam Creek provide for less dense residential areas
             The northern portion of the stream corridor (north of Montauk Hwy.)             than those in the Neguntatogue Creek study area. For example.
             has several developmental constraints: 1 00-year f loodplain, lack of           lands bordering on Beaverdam Creek are zoned 2 acre residential,

                                                                                                                                                         CHAP 3-15







           LAND USE AND ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCE ANALYSIS


                                                                                Table 3-9
                                 Developmental Constraints in the Neguntatogue Creek and Beaverdam Creek Watersheds


                                Area                                            Constraint                             Preferred Management Options
           Beach                                              Flooding. Unstable landform subject to            Preservation.
                                                              erosion and accretion
           Major Swales and Depressions*                      Area subject to stormwater flooding and           Preservation for steep slope swales:
                                                              groundwater seepage.                              maintenance of existing drainage patterns in
                                                                                                                minor swales.
           Depth to Seasonal High Water less than 5'          Interferes with building, laying of pipes and     Preservation for groundwater quality
                                                              paving. Flooding. Septic system failure.          protection:surface water quality protection;
                                                                                                                wetland protection.
           Moderate to Steep Slopes (> 10%)*                  Increased runoff, possible flooding,              Extra grading and stabilization required.
                                                              moderate to severe erosion, sedimentation         Erosion control. Preservation if adjacent to
                                                              of low lying areas. Roads should be kept to       surface water areas.
                                                              <1 0 % grade.
           Flood Hazard Areas - 1 00-yr. floodplain           Subject to severe flooding during storm           Preservation.
                                                              periods,septic system failure and possible
                                                              contamination of fresh water supply.
           Freshwater Wetlands and Surface Waters             Subject to flooding, failure of septic systems.   Preservation.
                                                              protection of vegetation under NYS ECL
                                                              Article 24.
           Tidal Wetlands*                                    Subject to flooding, failure of septic systems.   Preservation.
                                                              protection of vegetation under NYS ECL
                                                              Article 25.
           Endangered and Threatened Species of               Species protected under the Federal               Preservation.
           Flora and Fauna*                                   "Endangered Act of 1973," NYS ECL Article 9-
                                                              1503 (flora) and NYS ECL Article 11 -0535
                                                              (fauna).
             These areas are not located within the Neguntatogue Creek watershed.


           while a significant amount of land along Neguntatogue Creek is zoned
           7,500 sq. ft. residential. which is less than a 1/4 acre lot size.            3.8.4 Population Analysis
           Each study area includes sections that are commercially zoned. Only           The 1989 population estimate for the Neguntatogue Creek study area
           a small percentage of Beaverclarn Creek is zoned general business,          i is 10,764: it is 1.847 for the Beaverdam Creek study area. The
           most of which is located primarily along Montauk Highway. The               I projected saturation population figure for Neguntatogue Creek indi-
           Necluntatogue Creek study area. however. has a larger percentage            i cates a 1.5% increase over the 1989 population. In com     ,parison. the
           of commercially zoned areas. which are primarily found along Mon-           I Beaverclarn Creek saturation population represents a 155.3% in-
           tauk Highway, Hoffman Ave.. Wellwood Ave., and Sunrise Highway.               crease.
           Finally. the Neguntatogue Creek study area includes industrially              3.8.5 Environmental Resources
           zoned areas along Hoffman Ave. There are no industrially zoned                As the Environmental Resources maps indicate, a sharp contrast is
           parcels in he Beaverdam Creek study area.                                     evident between the Neguntatogue Creek and the Beaverdam Creek
           3.8.3 Land Available for Development                                          study areas. This is primarily due to the extensive development in
                                                                                         the Neguntatogue Creek study area, and a significant amount of
           A comparison between the Neguntatogue           Creek and Beaverdam           vacant land found in the Beaverdarn Creek watershed.
           Creek study areas clearly shows that Beaverdarn Creek has more
           land available for development. The largest land available for devel-       I Both streams are 2.5 miles in length. and have tidal ranges that are
           opment category for both study areas is vacant residential. Additional      i nearly identical. The most apparent difference between the two study
           acreage is available for development in the Beaverdam Creek study             areas is the amount of tidal wetlands acreage. The Neguntatogue
           area in he following categories: vacant residential old filed subdivi-        Creek study area contains no tidal wetlands due to extensive shore-
           sion. residential subdiviclable land. and agriculture. These categories       line development. In contrast. the Beaverclarn Creek study area has
           total 276.5 acres with a potential for 640 residential lots. The private      a approximately 41 arces of interticlal, high, and formerly connected
           recreation and open space category provided few acres for future              marsh areas because of the limited amount of development adjacent
           development in both study areas.                                              to the shoreline.
           In the Neguntatogue Creek study area there is the potential for 53            Freshwater wetlands are found in both study areas. However, the
           additional residential lots. whereas Beaverdam Creek has the poten-           Beaverdam Creek watershed contains more abundant freshwater
           tial for 986 lots. Of the 771.3 acres available for development in the        wetlands than the Neguntatogue Creek watershed (121 and 16
           Beaverdarn Creek study area, only 2.7 acres are available for com-            acres. respectively). Beaverclarn Creek also has three upland hab@-
           mercial uses. In Neguntatogue Creek. 4.5 acres of a total of 19.1           1 tats that are absent in the Neguntatogue Creek study area (forests.
           acres are available for commercial and/or industrial uses.                    old fields. and agricultural lands).

           CHAP 3-16








                                                                                                  LAND USE AND ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCE ANALYSIS

           More species of breeding birds utilize the Beaverdam Creek study               1 0 to 15 ft. in the Neguntatogue Creek study area and 0 to 45 ft. in the
           area as compared to the Neguntatogue Creek study area (98 to 68.               1 Beaverdarn Creek study area.
           respectively).                                                                   Virtually the entire Neguntatogue Creek study area is serviced by
           Differences in stream usage are evident in both study areas. While               public water provided by SCWA. One public water supply well is
           Neguntatogue Creek has little fishing activity. Beaverdam Creek is               located west of the study area which has exceeded State drinking
           stocked annually with trout and supports recreational and limited              I water standards for iron. In the Beaverclam Creek study area. there
           commercial fishing. Although waters in both creeks are closed to                 are no public drinking water supply wells. However. approximately
           shellfishing. the NYS Surface Water Classifications indicate that                half of the existing roadways in the study area do have public water
           waters in the NegunTatogue Creek have been determined as suitable                mains provided by SCWA- Tests conducted on 88 private drinking
           for fishing and secondary, contact recreation. In contrast, the waters           wells showed that 9 exceeded State drinking water standards.
           of Beaverdarn Creek are suitable for fishing, trout spawning, primary            Trichloroethane was the most common organic contaminant found in
           and secondary contact recreation.                                                6 of the 9 contaminated wells.
           Beaverdam Creek has been given several special designations in-                  An inventory of potential toxic waste sites identified one site just east
           cluding its identification as a Significant Fish and Wildlife Habitat by         of the Neguntatogue Creek study area. It is the site of a former
           NYSDOS. a Prime Wildlife Area by NYSDEC and a Critical Environ-                  landfill, which has now been residentially developed. Potential toxic
           mental Area by Suff oll County under the NYS Environmental Review                waste sites identified immediately outside of the Beaverdam Creek
           Act (SF-ORA). In addition, Beaverdarn Creek is under consideration             1 study area include an abandoned sand mining operation. 5 acres of
           for inclusion in the New York State Wild. Scenic and Recreational              1 disturbed land at a highway maintenance yard site. and a Town of
           Rivers Act. Such designations have not been assigned to Negunta-                 Brookhaven landfill (65 acres) located approximately 2000 ft. north
           logue Creek and environs.                                                        of the study area. Effects of the landfill on nearby ground water and
           3.8.6 Watershed Analysis                                                         surface waters are being studied at the present time.
           The Neguntatogue Creek study area has an extensive network of                  1 3.8.7 Developmental Constraints
           nterconnected storm drains with a total of 27 discharges to the creek.           Although there is little land available for development in the Negun-
           The Beaverdam Creek study area has a total of 14 storm drains that               tatogue Creek study area. there are certain constraints to develop-
           ilead directly into the creek.                                                   ment that should be noted. In the Beaverdarn Creek study area.
           Both the Neguntatogue Creek and Beaverdarn Creek study areas                     where over halt the land is presently vacant, multiple constraints to
           have generally gradual slopes (0-10%). However, the Beaverdam                  I development were identified.
           Creek study area has slopes >1 0% along a ridgeline westof the creek             Both the Neguntatogue Creek and Beaverdam Creek study areas
           with swales that convey surface waters toward the streambed.                     have a lack of adequate depth to seasonal high water table for proper
           n both the Neguntatogue Creek and Beaverclarin Creek study areas,                individual septic system functioning in the areas south of Montauk
           areas with depth to seasonal high water< 5'are extensive, particularly           Highway and Beaverdam Road, respectively, as well as along their
           'south of Montauk Highway and Beaverdarn Road, respectively.                     stream corridors north of these areas. This problem is of greater
                                                                                            concern in the Beaverdam Creek study area due to the tact that
           Point source discharges do not exist in either study area. However,              sewage treatment plant facilities are not available.
           in previous years. three industrial uses were issued SPDES permits
           in the Neguntatogue Creek study area allowing the discharge of                   The freshwater wetland east of Lincoln Ave. in the Neguntatogue
           effluents either to surface waters or ground water. In addition, the             Creek study area presents a developmental constraint within the
           Neguntatogue Creek study area is presently serviced by the South-                immediate area. The extensive freshwater wetlands found north of
           west Sewer District #3. The Beaverdarn Creek study area is not                   Montauk Highway and along the river corridor in the Beaverclam
           sewered: individual septic systems are utilized for sewage waste                 Creek watershed also constrain development in these locations.
           disposai.                                                                      !IBoth the Neguntatogue and Beaverdarn Creek study areas have
           According to 1980 estimates, 412 residences are located within the               minimal beach areas. Moderate to steep slopes and associated
           FIRMs A and V zones in the Neguntatogue Creek study area. For                    swales are located in the Beaverclarn Greek study area. These
           Beaverdarn Creek. there are only 80 residences in these zones.                   features pose certain constraints to development especially with
           The Beaverdarn Creek study area is in Hydrogeologic Zone VI.                     regard to stormwater runoff.
           Minimum lot size for new homes with septic systems in Zone VI is                 The extensive tidal wetlands in the Beaverdam Creek study area
           40.000 sq. ft. The Neguntatogue Creek study area is in Hydrogeologic             constrain development south of Beaverdam Road along the stream
           Zone VII. Both Hydrogeologic Zones are shallow groundwater sys-                  corridor. In addition, the entire study area is considered by Suffolk
           tems which discharge fresh water to both streams. The range f                  I County as a Critical Environmental Area under NYS SEORA regula-
           water table altitude above NGVD in both the Neguntatogue Cree                    tions.
           and the Beaverdam Creek study areas is similar. However. the dep..
           to water table is different for both study areas. whereas the range is













                                                                                                                                                          CHAP 3-17







            LAND USE AND ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCE ANALYSIS


                                                                                    Table 3-10
                                               Comparison of Neguntatogue Creek and Beaverdam Creek Study Areas


                              Parameter                                 Neguntatogue Creek Study Area                          Beaverdam Creek Study Area
            size of watershed                                     703.2 acres                                          1314.0 acres (almost twice as large as
                                                                                                                       Neguntatogue)
            primary land use                                      high density residential- 287.1 acres or 41 %        vacant- 681.9 acres or 52%
            secondary land use                                    medium density residential- 175.9 acres or           medium density res.- 295.6 acres or 22%
                                                                  25%
            commercial/industrial uses                            113.6 acres or 16%:113 establishments (89            26.8 acres or < 1 %; 39 establishments.(36
                                                                  comm./24 ind.).                                      comm./3 ind.)
            marine commercial uses                                56.7 acres or 8%:1277 boat slips                     6.1 acres: 93 boat slips
            primary zoning category                               residential (7.500 sq. ft)                           residential (.1 acre)
            commercial zoning                                     4 areas along: Montauk Hwy.. Hoffman Ave.,           1 area along Montauk Hwy.
                                                                  Wellwood Ave. and Sunrise Hwy.
            industrial zoning                                     mostly along Hoffman Ave.                            none
            traffic counts                                        26.398 vehicles/day average Montauk Hwy.             14,826 vehicles/day average Montauk Hwy.
                                                                  56,473 vehicles/day average                          33,028 vehicles/day average
                                                                  Sunrise Hwy. (almost double those found in           Sunrise Hwy.
                                                                  Beaverdam)
            land available for deveiooment                        19.1 acres or 3%: 53 potential lots                  771.3 acres or 59%: 986 potential lots
            land available for development:                       4.5 acres comm./ind.                                 2.7 acres commercial
            commercial/industrial
            1989 estimated population                             10,764                                               1,847
            saturation population                                 10,926                                               4,716 (43% of Neguntatogue's saturation
                                                                                                                       population)
            1989 population density                               15.3 people/acre                                     1.4 people/acre
            saturation population density                         15.5 people/acre                                     3.6 people/acre
            stream length                                         2.5 miles                                            2.5 miles
            surface water area                                    29 acres                                             25 acres
            mean tidal range                                      0.8 ft.                                              0.7 ft.
            tidal wetlands                                        0 acces                                              41 acres
            freshwater wetlands                                   16 acres                                             121 acres
            maritime flora                                        minimal                                              extensive on existing dredged spoil areas
            Prime Wildlife Area (NYSDEC)                          Great South Bay                                      GSB,Beaverdam Creek and associated
                                                                                                                       wetlands
            Significant Fish & Wildlife Habitats                  Great South Bay                                      GSB. Beaverdam Creek and associated
            (NYSDOS)                                                                                                   wetlands
            Wild Scenic & Recreational Rivers Act (NYS)           no                                                   yes
            Critical Environmental Area                           no                                                   yes
            (Suffolk County)
            breeding bird census survey                           68 species                                           98 species
            soils                                                 well drained, moderately coarse soils of             well drained, moderately coarse soilsiot
                                                                  slight slope                                         slight slope                               1-11
            upland habitats                                       no forests, old fields or agricultural areas of      forest: mixed deciduous,pine barrens; old
                                                                  any size                                             fields: agricultural uses
            fishing activity                                      little                                               trout stocked annually: supports recreational
                                                                                                                       & some commercial fishing
            shellfishing                                          closed                                               closed












            CHAP 3-18







                                                                                              LAND USE AND ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCE ANALYSIS


                                                                         TABLE 3-10 (cont'd.)
                                           Comparison of Neguntatogue Creek and Beaverdam Creek Study Areas


                             Parameter                              Neguntatogue Creek Study Area                      Beaverdam Creek Study Area
          NYS surface water classifications                  suitable for fishing and secondary contact        suitable for fishing, trout spawning and
                                                             recreation                                        primary & secondary contact recreation
          slopes                                             gradual                                           gradual with > 10% swales west of creek
          depth to seasonal high water< 5'                   500 ft. either side of creek and most of area     400 ft. either side of creek with > 50% of
                                                             south of Montauk Hwy.                             area south of Beaverdam Rd.
          100 year floodplain                                includes a significant portion south of           includes >50% of area south of Beaverdam
                                                             Montauk Hwy. and a portion of the                 Rd. and stream corridor north of Beaverdam
                                                             streambed north of Montauk to Texas St.           Rd. to a width of 300'.
          point source discharges                            none; 3 SPIDES permits were issued in             none
                                                             previous years
          sewage treatment plant facility available          yes (SWSD #3); approx. 75% of residences          none
                                                             are connected at present time
             of residences in FIRMs A & V Zones              452                                               80
          (1980)
          hydrogeologic zone                                 VII; 20,000 sq. ft. - minimum lot size            VI; 40,000 sq. ft. - minimum lot size
          water table altitude above NGVD                    0 to 25 ft. above NGVD                            0 to 20 ft. above NGVD
          depth to water table range                         0 to 15 ft. depending on land surface             0 to 45 ft. depending on land surface
                                                             elevation                                         elevation
          thickness of Upper Glacial Aquifer                 75 ft.                                            100 ft.
          public water                                       yes                                               some areas connected but many have
                                                                                                               private wells
          private drinking well tests by SCDHS               none                                              88 of which 9 exceeded NYS standards
          potential toxic waste sites                        1 east of the study area: former landfill         3 immediately outside of the study area:
                                                                                                               abandoned sand mining operation: highway
                                                                                                               storage yard; and Brookhaven landfill
          developmental constraints                          mostly developed: 100 year floociplain;           '/@ of area is vacant: depth to ground water <
                                                             freshwater wetlands: and depth to                 5'; tidal and freshwater wetlands; dredged
                                                             groundwater < 5'                                  spoil areas; slopes/swaies: and 100 year
                                                                                                               floodplain

































                                                                                                                                                    CHAP 3-19







                                                                                                                     STREAM ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY



           Chapter Four


           Stream Environmental Quality

             4.0 Introduction

                   chapter summarizes field work conducted by the Marine                Suffolk County Sewer District No. 3. Sampling in Neguntatogue
           Thsicsiences Research Center (MSRC), State University of New                 Creek under the FANS Study was done in 1978. The sewer system
           York at Stony Brook. to describe and compare the environmental               became operational in the drainage area of the creek in the fall of
           quality of Neguntatogue Creek and Beaverdam Creek. Data on water             1981. The FANS study focused solely on the freshwater portion of
           and environmental quality parameters are portrayed on graphs incor-          the Creek. No historical information on water quality or biotic char-
           porated into the text of the chapter. Numerical values of the various        acteristics of the marine portion of Neguntatogue Creek was iden-
           parameters are tabulated in the appendix to this report.                     tified during the present study.
                                                                                        Components of the FANS study included:
             4A Historical Information                                                       . analysis of streambed geology (horizontal & vertical)
           More than 30 streams feed into Great South Bay between the                        . streamflow determination
           Nassau-Suffolk County line and Smith Point. These streams have                    . floral & faunal analysis, including terrestrial and
           long been recognized as important conduits of fresh water and                       aquatic environments
           fine-grained sediment to the Bay, along with a variety of natural and             . water quality analysis
           anthropogenic substances. The watersheds and waterfronts of many             Neguntatogue Creek was rated the lowest in overall water quality of
           of these streams have been extensively developed for residential,            the 22 streams examined during the FANS study, based on its
           general commercial. and light industrial uses, and the streams serve         average ranking across a number of physical and chemical
           as principal points of access to the Great South Bay for thousands of        parameters A survey underthe FANS Study of freshwater fauna and
           recreational boaters and a greatly diminished population of baymen.          flora in the* Creek found a complete absence of fish and aquatic
           Notwithstanding the presumptive importance of these streams in               macrophytes and a benthic community comprised of only two families
           influencing water quality in Great South Bay, very little detailed           of aquatic worms and one family of midge. The watershed of Negun-
           information is available on the quality of their waters or the health and    tatogue Creek has been extensively developed since the 1940s.
           integrity of their biotic communities. This applies to both Negun-           Land use in the watershed of the Creek is primarily high density
           tatogue and Beaverdarn Creeks, particularly the latter.                      residential, but includes a variety of commercial and light industrial
                                                                                        facilities, including extensive marina development in the marine
           The headwaters of both streams are located a short distance south            segment of the stream. The freshwater segment has been exten-
           of Sunrise Highway. As with all the streams entering Great South           'I sively culverted and channelized in large stretches. while the marine
           Bay, the vast bulk (> 90% in low. baseflow conditions) of the water in       portion has been almost completely buikheaded. Prior to the instal-
           both Neguntatogue and Beaverdam Creek is subsurface                          lation of sanitary sewers, Neguntatogue Creek was subject to exten-
           groundwater that has percolated through the streambed where it is            sive infiltration of leachate from residential septic systems and,
           below the water table (Suffolk County Executive Office: Special              apparently, some direct industrial discharges, particularly from a dairy
           Projects 1980). Overland runoff of precipitaton is a minor contributor       processing facility located in the mid-stream area. Available data
           to total streamflow during dry, baseflow conditions. Reliable, quan-         from the NY State Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (SPDES)
           titative data on the apportionment of total strearnflow between up-          indicates that Neguntatogue Creek does not currently receive any
           welled groundwater and overland runoff during and immediately after          direct industrial discharges. As of this writing, approximately 75% of
           rainfall events were not available for either creek. However,                the residences in the watershed of Neguntatogue Creek, and 64% of
           strearnflow data from the U.S. Geological Survey from streams in the         the commercial and industrial establishments, are hooked up to the
           vicinity of Neguntatogue and Beaverdam Creeks (neither of which is         I sewer system. The Creek continues to be impacted by stormwater
           gauged) suggest that rainfall events can produce, for periods of a few     I runoff from the surrounding streets, parking lots, and other paved
           days, mean daily discharges 4-5 times higher than long-term mean             surfaces.
           daily discharges and instantaneous maximum flows an order-of-                4.1.2 Beaverdarn Creek
           magnitude or more higher than long-term mean daily discharges.
           4.1.1 Neguntatogue Creek                                                     Historical information on the water quality and environmental health
                                                                                        of Beaverclarn Creek is exceedingly sparse. From 1970-1972, peri-
           The bulk of the existing information on the physical, chemical,              odic surveys of the stream were conducted by the Fresh Water
           geological, and biological environment of Neguntatogue Creek                 Resources Bureau of the Suffolk County Department of Health.
           derives from the study of this stream as part of Suff olk County's Flow      Standard physiochemical constituents and parameters were
           Augmentation Needs Study(FANS) (Suffolk County Executive Off ice:            measured (nitrogenous nutrients, pH, coliform bacteria, chloride,
           Special Projects 1980). The FANS Study was undertaken to assess              total solids, etc.). Samples were apparently taken from a single
           the probable extent of decreased strearritlow and other impacts              station in the freshwater segment of the creek. A 1973 unpublished
           attendant to the sewering of Nassau County Sewer District No. 3 and        i report by a student at Alfred University (Brown 1973) summarizes the

                                                                                                                                                     CHAP 4-1






            STREAM ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY

            earlier County Health Department data and presents limited new data         i  septic systems in the surrounding watershed were identified by the
            on inorganic nutrients and chlorophyll a values in Beaverdam Creek          I  FANS Study (Suffolk County Executive Off ice: Special Projects 1980)
            waters.                                                                        as a primary water quality problem prior to installation of sewers in
            Land use in the watershed of Beaverdam Creek is a mixture of vacant            the region.
            and agricultural (and with (ow-to-medium density residential develop-          SEDIMENT ANALYSES - The sediments of a waterbody are closely
            ment. The marine segment has been dredged and the area around                  coupled to the overlying waters. In particular, excessive organic
            the mouth of the Creek is substantially altered, with several artificial       debris and various industrial pollutants (metals, PCBs, pesticides)
            canals dug in association with a housing development. Two small                have a propensity, when introduced into aquatic and marine environ-
            mannas/boatyards are located in the marine portion of the Creek.               ments, to adsorb onto fine-fraction suspended sediments. These
            Much of the original fringing Spartina marsh is gone, but enough of         I  materials of concern are then transported through the environment
            the native vegetation remains along the marine and freshwater                  with the suspended sediment load. eventually settling to the bottom
            segments to give Beaverdarn Creek a very natural look. As a                    in areas where current velocities are low. Once in the sediments,
            emi-rural stream, it makes an effective counterpoint to Negun-                 these pollutants are subject to periodic resuspension, transport,
            tatogue Creek.                                                                 and/or various mechanisms of biological action and mobilization until
                                                                                           they are eventually broken down into more refractive materials or
             4.2 The Field Sampling Program                                                become permanently incorporated into the sedimentary environ-
                                                                                           ment. The relative abundance of heavy metals and organic material
            A wide variety of biological, physical, chemical, and geological factors,      in aquatic or marine sediments is a more stable characteristic of these
            combine to create a particular environment. Time and resources did             environments and serves to integrate the more variable presence of
            not permit an analysis of all such factors in Neguntatogue Creek and           these materials in the water column. Both streams, especially
            Beaverdam Creek. The field sampling program examined a limited                 Neguntatogue Creek, receive heavy metals through street runoff,
            number of physical and chemical parameters that have traditonally              manna and boat operations, and atmospheric deposition. No active
            been used to describe the quality of freshwater and marine environ-            SPIDES permits, governing direct discharge of industrial eff luent, are
            ments. along with descriptions of the quantity and quality of several          on file for either creek.
            biotic assemblages in the streams. This approach will, we believe           'I
            be adequate to describe and compare the two streams for th@                    Sediment parameters examined in the present study were grain size,
            purpose of examining the impact of land use on their respective                loss on ignition (organic content), and the concentrations of selected
            quality.                                                                       heavy metals.
            4.2.1 Physiochernical Parameters                                               4.2.2 Biologic Parameters
            WATER TEMPERATURE - Most of the biological, chemical, and                      COLIFOM BACTERIAL LEVELS - Total and fecal coliform bacteria
            geochernical processes that define the relationship of an organism to          in fresh and marine waters are used as surrogates for pathogenic
            its aquatic or marine environment are temperatu,e-dependent. Field             bacteria and viruses associated with human sewage in determining
            data were collected during the warm months (April-August), when the            the relative risk posed by these waters to various human uses,
            effects of temperature are probably at a maximum.                              including bathing and shellfishing. Coliform bacteria occur naturally
            DISSOLVED OXYGEN - Chronic low levels of dissolved oxygen can                  in the environment as well, in soil and in the guts of all warm-blooded
            severely reduce the habitability of a waterbody to most organisms.             animals. Both streams support fairly abundant waterfowl popula-
            Temporary, but acute depressions in dissolved oxygen levels can                tions. Because of elevated coliform levels in open Bay waters
                                                                                           immediately outside their mouths, both Neguntatogue Creek and
            likewise have significant negative effects on biota. The seventy as            Beaverdam Creek are closed to shellfishing. We were interested in
            well as the spatial and temporal extent of hypoxic conditions in the           examining the levels of cofiform bacteria in the creeks proper and to
            two streams reflects the interaction of oxygen -producing and oxygen-          identify the source(s) of this contamination to each stream.
            consuming processes.        Anthropogenic impacts including excess
            loadings of nutrients and/or organic material can shift the balance of         PHYTOPLANKTON ABUNDANCE/PRODUCTIVITY/SPECIES
            these two processes towards oxygen consumption, particularly in                COMPOSITION - Phytoplankton account for about 85% of the total
            bottom waters.                                                                 primary production in the Great South Bay (Lively et al. 1983).
            STREAMFLOW - In addition to being an important determinant of                  Disruption in the phytoplankton can augur significant changes in the
            instrearn habitat quality in the freshwater reaches of the streams,            abundance and distribution of higher trophic level organisms.
            streamflow is a rough measure of the capacity of the streams to                Phytoplankton assemblages are influenced by many environmental
            transport materials from their freshwaterto their marine reaches, from         factors, including the total concentration of nutrients in the water
            whence some of these materials may be transported to the open                  column as well as the relative amounts of individual nutrients. The
            waters of the Great South Bay. Strearnflow is also an important                nature extent, and productivity of phytoplankton assemblages can
            aesthetic attribute of such streams.                                           also b@ influenced by the presence of various organic toxicants. For
                                                                                           example, nutrient enrichment may favor the dominance of smaller
            SALINITY - Most estuarine organisms have fairly broad salinity                 phytoplankton, while it appears that larger species are somewhat
            tolerances (euryhaline), necessary in an environment where substan-            more resistant to the effects of organic pollutants. Phytoplankton
            tial salinity changes occur over short spatial and temporal scales.            production (chlorophyll a), total abundance, and species composition
            The response of salinity in the marine reaches of the two creeks to            were assessed in the freshwater and marine reaches of each stream.
            rainfal events is of particular interest.                                      BENTHIC MACROFAUNA - Benthic invertebrates are an important
            INROGANIC MACRO-NUTRIENTS - Enrichment of fresh and marine                     component of the food web of freshwater and, particularly, marine
            waters with excess nutrients can produce advanced eutrophic condi-             systems. The benthos provides a food source for many commercially
            tions, including nuisance blooms of phytoplankton and macrophytes              and recreationally important finfish and are also a means by which
            which can lead to the establishment of hypoxic conditions as this              various pollutants in aquatic or marine sediments may be remobilized
            increased biomass is microbially decomposed in bottom waters.                  and made available to higher level consuming organisms. There is
            Also. the relative amounts of the various nutrients present in the water     I a vast literature documenting the differential impact of various sub-
            column influence the species composition of phytoplankton in fresh           ! stances, natural and anthropogenic, on benthic invertebrates. Be-
            and marine waters. Nutrients leaching into Neguntatogue Creek from           I cause of their limited mobility, the nature, abundance, and health of

            CHAP 4-2







                                                                                                                              STREAM ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY

            benthic macrofaunal populations can be used to evaluate the level of                 4.3 Analytical Methods
            environmental stress in an area. In some cases this stress is inherent
            in the system; in some cases it may reflect various anthropogenic                  4.3.1 Physio-chemical Parameters
            impacts to the system. Benthic studies assessed the abundance.                     At each station, water temperature. dissolved oxygen, and pH were
            distribution, species composition, species diversity, and species rich-            measured in situ using a MARTEK Mark VI Water Quality Analysis
            ness of macrobenthic communities in the streams.                                i
                                                                                            i  Unit, a portable unit with 4 digit readout that operates on external
            AMBIENT WATER BIOASSAYS - Bioassays are gaining increasing                         batteries (8 "D" cell pack or 12 VDC) or 120 Volt AC. Two units were
            use as a means of integrating a variety of physiochemical factors into             used, one from the small boat at marine stations and another con-
            a single diagnostic test to measure the quality of fresh and marine                figured as a backpack setup for sampling the shallow freshwater
            waters. In this study ambient water bioassays were employed, using                 stations. At marine stations, the unit also read conductivity, which
                                                                                               was subsequently converted to salinity through a calibration algo-
            full strength water from'each creek along with a series of dilutions.              rithm.
            These tests were not intended to identify specific compound(s)
            responsible for whatever mortalities were observed. Their use was                  At all freshwater stations, total (methyl-orange) alkalinity as calcium
            to evaluate any acute toxicity in the fresh and marine waters of either            carbonate (CaC03) was determined on station using a Hach titration
            creek to biota, or to suggest the presence of chronic levels of toxicity.          alkalinity test kit (Model AL-AP).
            Eight stations were established in each stream, running from                       Streamflow measurements were made using an Otto Kempen hand-
                                                                                               held, direct readout, propel I or-d riven current meter. At stations where
            location at or very near the source of the stream down the streams                 variable bottom topography induced obvious variability in flow across
            length to a final station at the mouth. The exact location of the stations         the stream's width, several readings were taken across the stream
            represented a balance between:
                                                                                               and averaged.
                    an attempt to achieve even longitudinal coverage of the                    Physio-chemical variables were measured in surface (0.5 m) and
                    stream                                                                     bottom waters of all marine stations, except during the April sampling,
                    accessibility (an important factor in the freshwater reaches)              when only surface data were taken. except for dissolved oxygen. The
                    the location of probable pollutant sources or adverse                      freshwater sections of these streams are very shallow (usually < 2
                    hydrographic conditions                                                    feet) and only a single. midwater reading was taken.
            Two additional stations were located in open Bay waters south of the               NUTRIENTS - Surface water samples for macronutrient analysis
                                                                                               were taken in April, June, and August at one freshwater and one
            mouth of each stream (stations N9 and 139). Station locations in                   marine station in each stream (N3, N6 and B3. 136) as well as at the
            Neguntatogue Creek are shown in Figure 4-1 @ stations in Beaverdam                 two open bay stations (N9, 139). Macronutrients analyzed were
            Creek are shown in Figure 4-2.                                                  i
                                                                                               nitrate, nitrite, ammonium, and orthophosphate. Sample bottles
                                                                                            I  were stored in iced coolers until returned to the laboratory. Samples
            Stations were sampled monthly from April to August, 19". 0everal                   were filtered in duplicate through a 0.2@im Millepore filter to remove
            of the parameters to be measured were likely to vary over short time               all particles and then measured using an Auto Analyzer 11 system as
            scales (hours to days); it was imperative that the sampling be as                  described in D'Elia et al. (1987).
            synoptic as possible. This was particularly important in view of the
            overriding interest in comparing the quality of the two streams. Both              CHLOROPHYLL a - Surface water samples for chlorophyll a analysis
            streams have freshwater reaches that are accessible only from the                  were taken at all stations on all sampling dates. Sample bottles were
            bank and marine reaches that can be effectively sampled only from                  stored in iced coolers until returned to the laboratory. Phytoplankton
            a boat. The two streams are approximately 25 miles apart. The                      were filtered on GF/F filters in triplicate for each station and extracted
            logistical problem of sampling the two streams synoptically was                    in 90% acetone for 24 hours. Chlorophyll a was then determined by
            solved by having two field teams operating independently, one sam-                 a fluormetric measurment as described by Yentsch and Menzel
            pling the freshwater reaches of both streams while the other team                  (1963).
            sampled the marine reaches. Beaverdam Creek was usually                            PHYTOPLANKTON COMPOSITION - Surface water samples for
            sampled first, followed by Ne,untatogue Creek. This system was                     analysis of phytoplankton abundance and species composition were
            employed beginning with the May sampling. The April sampling was                   taken in April, June, and August at a freshwater and a marine station
            not synoptic, Beaverdam Creek samples being taken on 07 April and                  in each stream (N3. N6 and B3, B6) and at the two open bay stations
            Neguntatogue Creek samples on 10 April. However, the intervening
                                                                                               (N9, B9). Samples were stored on ice in coolers until returned to the
            period was dry with little apparent change in meteorological condi-                laboratory. where they were fixed in Lugols solution and stored in cold
            tions.                                                                             and dark conditions until counted.
            Given the limited duration of the study, it was not possible to sample             SEDIMENT ANALYSES - Stream sediments were analyzed for grain
            these streams so as to fully document and evaluate seasonal                        size, organic content (loss on ignition), and concentrations of the
            variability in water quality. However, by focusing on the warm weather             metals copper, lead, zinc, and manganese. Sediment samples were
            months, information on worst-case conditions was obtained. At-                     taken in May. Sampling at the marine stations was done with a 0.1
            tempts were made to sample at least once in both drought. low-flow                 m 2 Ponar grab; at freshwater stations, samples were taken with a
            conditions and immediately following heavy rainfall. However, the                  0.03 m  2 hand-held grab. From the grab samples, two subsamples
            summer of 1989 was wet. without the periods of extended hot, dry                   were taken on station, one for metal analysis and the other for grain
            weather that have characterized several recent summers in the                      size/loss on ignition. Samples were kept in iced coolers until returned
            northeast U.S.                                                                     to the laboratory.
                                                                                               Samples for grain size and loss on ignition analysis were
            Table 4-1 details the sampling scheme employed in this project,                    homogenized in the sample jar and a separate subsample for each
            identifying the parameters measured, and the stations/sampling                     then taken. Particle size distribution was determined by wet sieving
            dates at which each parameter was measured.                                        and pipette analysis (Folk 1964). Grain size samples were dispersed
                                                                                               with a 1% Calgon solution and wet-sieved through 2mm and 634m
                                                                                               mesh sieves to separate the gravel, sand, and mud fractions. The

                                                                                                                                                               CHAP 4-3







            STREAM ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY




                                                             P,

                                                               @ k@-



                                                                           GA@"


                                                                                                                                                                                             P,





                                                                        L
                                                                                                                                                       aA
                                                                             I
                                                                                                                                                          sour"

                                                                                                       Al'
                                                                                                                                                                      sl






                                                      11K


                                                                                                                             N4*

                                                                       vi          oA




                                                                                                                                                          "co

                                                                  AW

                                                                                                  ,eL'

                                                                                                     to


                                                                 j  AVI                                                                                                               A




                           -3-



                                                   A



                                                                                                 W





                                                                                                                        cl



                                    A.E
                                       A@t





             Fi2ure 4-1
             STATION LOCATIONS
             Neguntatogue Creek


             CHAP 4-4







                                                                                                                                                                   STREAM ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY








                                                                                                                  Bl











                                                                                                                                 cc, I
                                                                                                                            B2



                                                                                                                                             Brookhaven





                                                   A


                                                                                                                           A Vf
                                                    X




                                                                                                                        5                      2-    Sl





                                                                                                                                               rfDAR S

                                                             Z/                                                                                                     Ij
                                                                                                                                                                                   L
                                                                                                                                  11 Al:l 1111                                            r-







                                           el
                                                                                                                                    If  1AW
                                             tp










                                                                                                                                                                     Post
                                                                                                                                                                     Point                                      Figure 4-2
                                                                                                                                                                                            STATION LOCATIONS
                                     4                                               B9
                                                                                                                                                                                                    Beaverdam Creek
                                                                                       B        E L L P 0 R T                                                                   B        A Y CHAP 4-5







            STREAM ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY


                                                                             TABLE 4-1

                                                                       Sampling Schedule


            Sample                     Station                  April             may                June              Ju/Y               August
            Temperature                All                      X                 X                  X                 X                  X
            Dissolved Oxygen           All                      X                 X                  X                 X                  X
            Strearnflow                N2,N4,1\15,132,133,134   X                                    X                 X
            Salinity                   N6,N7,N7.5,N8,N9,        X                 X                  X                 X                  X
                                       135,136,B7,138,139
            Alkalinity                 Nl,N2,N3,N4,N5           X                 X                  X                 X                  X
                                       B1,B2,B3,B4
            pH                         All                      X                 X                  X                 X                  X
            Nutrients                  N3,N6,N9,133,136,139     X                                    X                                    X
            Chlorophyll a              All                      X                 X                  X                 X                  X
            Phytoplankton              (See Nutrients)          X                                    X                                    X
            Sediment                   All                                        X

            Coliform bacteria          N4,N7,B4,B7                                X                  X                 X

            Benthos                    All                                        X                                    X                  X
            Bioassay                   N4,N6                    X                                    X                                    X


            mud fraction was then      separated into silt and clay through pipette            insoluble material. The sample volume was adjusted to 1 00ml with
            withdrawals. The several fractions were then dried in an oven for 24            i  cleionized distilled water and then analyzed by furnace atomic ab-
            hours at 90 OC, cooled to room temperature, and weighed.                           sorption spectrophotometer.
            Samples for percent (by mass) loss on ignition analysis were dried in
            an oven, disaggregated, and dry-sieved through a 2mm sieve to                      4.3.2 Biologic Parameters
            remove the gravel fraction. Approximately 20 grams of sample                    I
            material were combusted at 55OuC for 5 hours, cooled, and weighed                  COLIFORM BACTERIA - In May, June. and July. surface water
            to determine percent mass loss on ignition.                                        samples for coliform bacteria analysis were taken at one freshwater
            Analysis of hydrofluoric/boric acid digests by atomic adsorption                   and one marine station in each stream (N4, N7 and B4. B7). Samples
            spectrophotometry was used to determine the concentrations of                      were taken in clean, screw-capped 38 mm x 200 mm culture tubes.
            cooper, zinc, lead. and manganese in stream sediments, using a                     Following procedures of the Shellish Sanitation Laboratory of the
            method modified from that of Silberman and Fisher (1979). Sediment                 New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC),
                                                                                               three tubes were taken at each station, one experimental tube, one
            samples for metal analysis were freeze-dried and ground using a                    temperature control, and one field blank. Samples were stored on
            mortar and pestle. Approximately 0.5 g of dried sample was then
            weighed to 0. 1 g and placed into 125 ml Nalgene plastic bottles with              ice and brought to the DEC shellfish sanitation laboratory on the
            10 ml of distilled-deionized water and 10 ml of concentrated                    1  SUNY/Stony Brook campus immediately upon return from the field.
                                                                                            1  Bacterial analysis was conducted by DEC staff following procedures
            hydrolluoric acid (HF). The mixtures were shaken for 24 hours,                     set out by the American Public Health Association (11970).
            whereupon 70 ml of saturated boric acid solution was added and the
            sample shaken again for 24 hours, followed by ultrasonication for one              BENTHIC MACROFAUNA - Samples of benthic macrofauna were
            hour. Digests were filtered through a 0.45 prn Millepore filter and                collected at all stations in May, July, and September. Samples at
            transferred to 100 ml glass volumetric flasks and brought to volume             11 marine stations were collected with a 0.06 m       2 Ponar grab. Fresh-
            with saturated boric acid. Digests were refrigerated at 50C prior to               water samples were taken with a hand-held 0.03 m         2grab. Samples
            analysis. Three replicate samples from each station were analyzed                  were wet-sieved on station through a 1 mm Nitex screen. After
            for Cu. Pb, Mg, and Zn by atomic adsorption spectrophotometer                      washing, all remains on the screen were preserved in 10% buffered
            (AAS), using a flame graphite furnace.                                             formalin with rose bengal stain. In the laboratory, benthic samples
            In an effort to better understand the sources, distribution, and fate of           were rewashed using a 1 mm screen. Animals were picked out from
                                                                                               the samples under a dissecting microscope and transferred to 70%
            metals in the streams. water samples at all freshwater stations were               ethyl alcohol for subsequent identification and enumeration. Sorted
            taken in August for the determination of water column dissolved metal              animals were identified to the species level. if possible. Total num-
            concentrations (Zn, Pb, Cu, and Mn). Water samples were taken in                   bers were determined for each species or for a higher taxonomic
            300ml plastic bottles and kept on ice until returned to the laboratory.            group when identification to species level was not possible.
            In the laboratory, the sample was shaken and 1 00ml transferred to a            I
            250ml glass beaker, to which was added 2.0 ml (1 +11) HN03 and 10.0                Abundance, species richness, and a species diversity index were
                                                                                                                                                              2
            ml (1 +1) HCL. The beaker was covered with a watch glass and heated                calculated. Abundance is the number of animals per m . obtained
            on a hotplate for 2 hours at 950C until the volume was reduced to                  by multiplying organism counts by a conversion factor. Conversion
            25-50ml. The sample was then cooled and filtered to remove any                  i  factors were determined based on the sampling unit area (freshwater

            CHAP 4-6







                                                                                                                                  STREAM ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY
              sample 0.03 m    2: marine sample (0.06 m          2). Species richness is           progresses towards the mouth of both creeks. this vertical tempera-
              presented as the number of species per unit sampling area. The                    I  ture difference diminishes and. at the open bay stations South of the
              species diversity index was calculated using the following Shannon-                  creek mouths, the water column is basically of uniform temperature.
              Wiener function:                                                                     Both streams displayed the expected seasonal variation in water
                                                                                                   temperatures. with a summer maximum in July and August. On
                                         Isd=     n Pi logio Pi                                    balance, there is little difference in the temperature regimes of the
                                               i= 1                                                two streams.
              where i is the total number of      species and     Pi is the proportion of          The FANS Study (Suffolk County Executive Office: Special Projects
              individuals in the sample of the ith species.                                        1980) documented a temperature range in the freshwater reaches of
                                                                                                   Neguntatogue Creek in July, 1978 of 16-230C across 8 stations,
              AMBIENT WATER BIOASSAY - Bioassay                   tests were conducted             agreeing well with data from the present study, which show a
              using ambient stream water from stations N4, N6, B3, and B6                          temperature range in July, 1989 of 14.5-24.70C at Neguntatogue
              collected during the April, June, and August samplings. Surface                   I  Creek freshwater stations.
              water from each station was stored in 5-gallon carboys and returned               i
              to Cosper Environmental Labs, Inc. of Northport, NY, where the                    1  4.4.3 Dissolved Oxygen
              carboys were kept cool and dark until the tests were initiated. Bioas-
              say tests were initiated within 24 hours of sample retrieval, The tests              Dissolved oxygen is an important determinant of the habitability of a
              were 96-hour acute daily replacements. Freshwater samples were                       waterbody for marine organisms. When dissolved oxygen levels fall
              tested using the fathead minnow, Piniephales promelas. and the                       below 3.0 mg/L (hypoxic conditions), most marine organisms begin
              cladoceran, Ceriodaphnia duhia. Marine samples used the sheep-                       to experience stress and. unless oxygen concentrations increase or
              shead minnow, CYprinodon variegatits, and the mysid shrimp, A@vsidop-                the organism moves, persistence of depressed oxygen levels can
              sis bahia. Control water for the marine tests was from central Long                  cause the animals to suffocate. A dissolved oxygen concentration of
              Island Sound@ control water for the freshwater tests was reconstituted            i  approximately 4.0 mg/L is viewed as the minimum long-term average
              well water. For each sample. the following dilutions of sample water                 required to avoid significant hypoxic impacts to marine fauna.
              were assayed: 100%: 50%: 25%: 12.5%: and 6.25%. Results are                          Sources of dissolved oxygen in natural waters include photosyn-
              reported as percent mortality of test organisms.
                                                                                                   thesis and atmospheric inputs; sinks include respiration. vaporiza-
                                                                                                   tion, and various chemical reactions. As noted above. water
                4.4 Results of the Field Sampling Program                                          temperature can play a significant role in determining the oxygen
              4.4.1 Salinity                                                                       carrying capacity of a body of water, both directly and through
                                                                                                   mediation of various oxygen-producing or oxygen-consuming
              In their marine reaches, strea-is such as Neguntatogue and Beaver-                   biological and chemical reactions.
              dam Creeks are transtormea into mini-estuaries, frequently display-
                                                                                                   Surface and bottom water dissolved oxygen data were recorded at
              in, sharp vertical and horizontal gradients in salinity. Salinity at the
              surface and bottom was recorded for all stations during each sam-                    each marine station during all sampling events. except in April, when
                                                                                                   only surface readings were made. Only one measurement was made
              pling event, except in April, when only surface salinities were taken.               at freshwater stations. Dissolved oxygen data are shown in Figures
              Salinity data are shown in Figures 4-3 and 4-4.                                      4-8 to 4-10.
              Salinities in both surface and bottom waters of Neguntatogue Creek
                                                                                                I  Due to the shallow water depths and continual flow. dissolved oxygen
              were, on average, several parts per thousand higher than in Beaver-               i
                                                                                                :  levels in the freshwater stretches of both streams stayed above
              dam Creek. This is attributable to Neguntatogue Creek's proximity                 ,  critical levels (approximately 4.0 mg/L) except at the two most nor:
              to Fire Island Inlet. a major source of higher salinity ocean water to            i  therly freshwater stations in Neguntatogue Creek (N 1 @@N2Y. OiFg@n
              the Great South Bay. The vertical gradients in salinity were less                 i  levels in the freshwater portion of Beaverdam Creek remained above
              pronounced in Neountatogue than in Beaverdam Creek, particularly                     4.0 mg/L throughout the study period. There was a general decline
              in the more southerly marine stations: the data suggest that a                       in dissolved oxygen at all freshwater stations from April to August.
              traditional estuarine two-layer density structure and circulation is a
              more persistent feature of Beaverdam Creek than of Neguntatogue                      At the marine stations in Neguntatogue Creek. surface dissolved
              Creek. In both streams, this vertical salinity structure was more                    oxygen concentrations were generally high except at the two north-
              pronounced in the spring and lessened as the season progressed.                      ernmost stations during the July sampling. The marine surface
              4.4.2 Temperature                                                                    waters of Beaverdam Creek were generally well-oxygenated. except
                                                                                                   at station B5 beginning in May, when persistent hypoxic conditions
              Ambient water temperature is a critical environmental parameter                   1  set in and remained throughout the balance of the duration of the
              because it affects the metabolic rate of biota and the rate of a variety             study. The super-saturated levels of dissolved oxygen detected in
              of physiochemcial reactions in the aquatic environment. It directly                  the surface waters of stations B6, B7, and 68 reflect accelerated
              affects dissolved oxygen tensions in the water column.                               photosynthesis at these sites stemming from phytoplankton blooms.
              Surface and bottom temperatures were taken at all marine stations                    Beginning in May, the bottom waters of Beaverdam Creek were
              duri                                                                                 usually mildly to severely hypoxic with the exception of station B6 in
                  ng all sampling events except April, when only surface water                  1  August. Particularly low values were recorded at station B8. the back
              temperatures were obtained. Only one measurement was made at                      1  end of one of several canals created in association with a residential
              freshwater stations. Temperature data are shown in Figures 4-5                       development. The bottom waters of the northern portion of Negun-
              to 4-7 .                                                                             tatogue Creek's marine reach were severely hypoxic for most of the
              Water temperatures in the marine reaches of both streams are 2-40C                   sampling period.
              higher than in the freshwater reaches; this reflects the dominance of                4.4.4 Alkalinity
              cooler groundwater as the primary source of water to the freshwater               I
              portions of these streams. Bottom water temperatures are higher                      The alkalinity of a waterbody is a measure of its capacity to neutralize
              than surface temperatures at the more landward marine stations in                    acids. The alkalinity of natural waters is due primarily to the salts of
              both streams, a result of the inflow and superposition of cooler water            i  weak acids, although strong or weak bases may also contribute.
              from upstream over the more saline, warmer marine waters. As one                     Bicarbonates represent the major form of alkalinity, since they are

                                                                                                                                                                    CHAP 4-7







        STREAM ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY


                         30 PPT, SURFACE

                         25                                                 ..........


                         20-





                         10



                                                                 .....        .....
                          5
                                                    ....         ...           ...


                          0
                                APRIL         MAY          JUNE         JULY        AUGUST


                                      N-6        N-7        N-7.5        N-8    EZ N-9


                      NISMARINE STATIONS SURFACE



        Fieure 4-3(a)
        SALINITY
        Neguntatogue Creek (MS)


                          30 PPT, SURFACE

                          25                                                       - - - ----------


                          20-          .....    . .. ....


                          15


                          10

                                                                               .....         .....
                                                                               .....         .....

                                          .. ....              . .....



                           0
                                 APRIL         MAY          JUNE         JULY        AUGUST


                                        B-5   EM B-6          B-7        B-8        B-9


                       MS:MARINE STATIONS SURFACE



        Figure 4-3(b)
         L-
        SALINITY
        Beaverdam Creek (MS)






        CHAP 4-8







                                                                                                              STREAM ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY



                                      PPT,BOTTOM
                                   30


                                   25


                                   2 0


                                   15


                                   10 . . ........                     ..........
                                   5         N.D-

                                   0                                                                                     ....
                                          APRIL              MAY              JUNE             JULY             AUGUST



                                                   N-6           N-7            N-7.5           N-8            N-9


                             MB:MARINE STATIONS BOTTOM, ND:NO DATA



                                                                                                                                         Fi-ure 4-4(a)
                                                                                                                                           c
                                                                                                                                         SALINITY
                                                                                                                         Neguntatogue Creek (MB)



                                      PPT,BOTTOM
                                   30


                                   25


                                   20


                                                                                      .....             .....

                                   15                                                                      . ....... .. ....... . .....


                                   10
                                              ND

                                      5


                                      0                              ....
                                            APRIL             MAY              JUNE             JULY            AUGUST


                                                    B-5            B-6            B-7           B-8            B-9
                              MB:MARINE STATIONS BOTTOM, ND:NO DATA                                                                      Figure 4-4(b)
                                                                                                                                          SALINITY
                                                                                                                             Beaverdam Creek (MB)






                                                                                                                                            CHAP 4-9







         STREAM ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY


                            30 DEGREES CENTIGRADE


                                                                      . . ... . ......
                            25


                           2 0 - - -



                                 . . .................. . ......



                             10


                                                                       .....      . .....           ....
                               5-


                               0
                                   APRIL           MAY          JUNE           JULY         AU  UST



                                           N-1         N-2         N-3         N-4         N-5


                        F:FRESHWATER STATION



         Fi2ure 4-5(a)
         TEMPERATURE
         Neguntatogue Creek (F)



                               DlidREES CENTIGRADE
                             30


                             25


                             20


                             15      ------


                            10-



                                             ............  ........ .               . ....... .-
                               5 -


                               0
                                    APRIL          MAY           JUNE           JULY        AUGUST


                                             = B-1           B-2         B-3         B-4


                         F:FRESHWATER STATIONS



         Fieure 4-5(b)
         TtMPERATURE
         Beaverdam Creek (F)





         CHAP 4-10







                                                                                     STREAM ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY



                             DEGREES CENTIGRADE, SURFACE
                          30


                          25 . ..... .... .. .....


                           20
                                                                             .......... ....

                           1,5 . ............ . ......... ........ . .. .


                           10


                            5


                            0          .....
                                 APRIL         MAY          JUNE          JULY        AUGUST


                                       N-6    EM N-7          N-7.5        N-8        N-9


                       MS:MARINE STATIONS SURFACE



                                                                                                          Fieure 4-6(a
                                                                                                   TEMPERATURE
                                                                                              Neguntatogue Creek (MS)


                           30 DEGREES CENTIGRADE, SURFACE

                           25


                           20




                                                      ...      . . ....


                                        .. . . ........-
                            10





                             0
                                  APRIL         MAY          JUNE          JULY        AUGUST


                                          B-5       B-6        B-7         B-8        B-9


                       MS: MARINE STATIONS SURFACE


                                                                                                           Figure 4-6(b)
                                                                                                     TEMPERATURE
                                                                                                 Beaverdam Creek (MS)






                                                                                                            CHAP 4-11








       STREAM ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY


                           30 DEGREES CENTIGRADE, BOTTOM


                           20


                            15 . ....


                            10 . .....-





                             0
                                  APRIL         MAY           JUNE          JULY        AUGUST


                                   = N-6       EM N-7      = N-7.5           N-8        N-9
        Finre 4-7(a)   MB:MARINE STATIONS BOTTOM, ND:NO DATA
        TEMPERATURE
        Neguntatogue Creek (MB)



                              DEGREES CENTIGRADE, BOTTOM
                            30


                            25


                            20


                            15
                                                                               ... .....         ...






                                                        ...      . . .....




                             0-
                                  APRIL          MAY           JUNE          JULY        AUGUST


                                          B-5    EM B-6          B-7        B-8         B-9


                        MB: MARINE STATIONS BOTTOM, ND:NO DATA



        Fi2ure 4-7(b)
        TEMPERATURE
         Beaverdam Creek (MB)






        CHAP 4-12







                                                                                            STREAM ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY

                             10 D.O. (mg/L)

                             8




                               . . . . ........
                             6                                             . . . .... . ..............







                             2 -

                                    N

                             0
                                    APRIL           MAY           JUNE          JULY         AUGUST

                                            N-1    EM N-2           N-3         N-4    EEN-5


                         F:FRESHWATER STATIONS, ND:NO DATA



                                                                                                                   Figure 4-8(a)
                                                                                                     DISSOLVED OXYGEN
                                                                                                        Neguntatogue Creek (F)



                                D.O. (mg/L)
                             10-



                              8-



                              6-



                              4-



                              2-
                                                                                           ... .... . .....
                                                                                                    Sol
                              ol
                                     APRIL           MAY           JUNE          JULY         AUGUST


                                                   B-1         B-2         B-3         B-4


                          F:FRESHWATER STATIONS


                                                                                                                    Figure 4-8(b)
                                                                                                      DISSOLVED OXYGEN
                                                                                                           Beaverdam Creek (F)





                                                                                                                     CHAP 4-13







      STREAM ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY


                             D.O. (mg/L), SURFACE
                           14


                           12


                           10



                                                             . .......... . ..
                           8


                           6-


                           4


                           2


                           0
                                 APRIL          MAY           JUNE          JULY        AUGUST


                                        N-6         N-7        N-7.5         N-8        N-9


                       MS: MARINE STATIONS SURFACE



       Fizure 4-9(a)
       DISSOLVED OXYGEN
       Neguntatogue Creek (MS)


                           14 D.O. (mg/L), SURFACE

                           12                                                             ......................


                           10                                     . . ......... . .....


                             8-          ....                                         ............ . ..


                                                                        -------       ........
                             6-


                             4


                             2-


                             0
                                  APRIL          MAY          JUNE           JULY        AUGUST


                                          B-5        B-6         B-7        B-8     EM B-9
        FiLyure 4-9(b)  MS: MARINE STATIONS SURFACE
        DISSOLVED OXYGEN
        Beaverdarn Creek (MS)






        CHAP 4-14







                                                                                       STREAM ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY


                          14 D.O. (mg/L), BOTTOM

                         12-


                          10






                                                                             ............. .



                                                ...........



                                         . . .........
                           2


                           0
                                APRIL          MAY           JUNE          JULY        AUGUST


                                       N-6    EM N-7          N-7.5         N-8        N-9
                      MB: MARINE STATIONS BOTTOM                                                           Fieure 4- 1 0(a)
                                                                                               DISSOLVED OXYGEN
                                                                                                Neguntatogue Creek (MB)


                           14 D.O. (mg/L), BOTTOM

                           12







                            6-                                        . ......... . ....

                                                                                                MM
                            4-


                            2-


                                                   . ....           ......
                            0
                                 APRIL          MAY          JUNE           JULY        AUGUST


                                        B-5    EM B-6           B-7        B-8         B-9


                      MB: MARINE STATIONS BOTTOM


                                                                                                            Figure 4- 1 0(b)
                                                                                               DISSOLVED OXYGEN
                                                                                                   Beaverdam Creek (MB)






                                                                                                             CHAP 4-15








          STREAM ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY

          formed in considerable amounts from the action of carbon dioxide                  Weather Service recording station in Islip averaging nearly 0.25
          (C02) upon soils.                                                                 inches during the period 04-06 April 1989.
          Total alkalinity was calculated at all freshwater stations in both              I Similarly, greatly increased flows were recorded in Neguntatogue
          Negunlatogue and Beaverdam Creel on each of the live sampling                     Creel on 16121, when no significant precipitation had occurred
          dates. Results are shown in Figure 4-11.                                          anywhere on Long Island for the prior three days. The flow of 2.06
                                                                                            cfs recorded at station N4 on 07/27 compares well with historic data
          The alkalinity of Neguntatogue Creek was remarkably stable                      I
          throughout the length of the freshwater portion of the stream and                 for dry weather baseflow from the same location. Stream station 5-6
          throughout the sampling period. Conversely, alkalinities in Beaver-               of the Neguntatogue Creek report of the FANS Study (Suff olk County-
                                                                                            Executive Office: Special Projects 1980) indicates an average flow
          dam Creek varied considerably over the sampling period. averagin
                                                                                       g    at this point in the creek during June - September of 2.01 cfs. At the
          25-35 mg/L in April and May and then increasing in the warmer
          months to as high as 130 mg/L at station B1. Moreover, the alkalinity             southernmost station of the freshwater reach of Neguntatogue Creek
          of Beaverdam Greek clearly decreases from the northerly to the more               (Station N5), the flow value of 4.06 cfs likewise is consistent with flow
          southerly stations.                                                               data at FANS station 5-9, which averaged 3.96 cfs during the period
                                                                                            June - September, 1978.
          Data from the FANS Study (Suffolk County Executive Office: Special              1.
          Projects 1980) show significantly lower total calcium carbonate                 1 4.4.7 Nutrients
          alkalinities than those observed in the present study. The range                i
          observed in July 1978 was 15-31 mg CaC03/L, in contrast to a range              I The amount and type of nutrients in natural waters influence the
          of 72 -85 mg/L found in this study. No explanation is readily apparent          i abundance and composition of the phytoplankton community.
          to account for this apparent increase in alkalinity of the Creek's                Phytoplankton multiply by taking up dissolved nutrients in the
          waters. Alkalinities from groundwater samples in the vicinity of the              presence of light during photosynthesis. Nutrients can be either
          Creek ranged from 18 - 169 mg CaC03/L, however.                                   inorganic or organic compounds. The most important factors con-
                                                                                            tributing to primary production of phytoplankton are light and nutrient
          4.4.5 pH
                                                                                            availability (Raymont 1980). Among the inorganic nutrients most
          pH is a term universally used to express the intensity of the acid or             important for primary production are nitrate, nitrite, ammonia. and
          alkaline condition of fresh and marine waters. It is a way of describing          phosphate. Nutrients are often contributed in excess to an aquatic
          the activity of the hydrogen ion. All freshwater and marine organisms             system as a result of human activities.
          have pH tolerance ranges, waters of a pH outside this range being               i
          intolerable to these species for any length of time. The carbonic acid          i Nutrient analyses of surface waters of the two streams are shown in
                                                                                          I Figures 4-15 and 4-16. Several nutrient samples from Beaverdam
          system of the ocean provides a significant buffering system against               GreeK were contaminated by an unknown flocculating agent and had
          pH variations in the sea, which in open ocean waters rarely fall outside          to be destroyed. The U.S. Geological Survey recently conducted a
          the range 7.8-8.2. Freshwaters are much more likely to have wide                  survey of groundwater and surface water quality in the freshwater
          variability in pH.                                                                reaches of Beaverdarn Creek and provided data on nutrient levels in
          Data on pH frorn the two streams are shown in Figures 4-12 to 4-14.               this portion of the Creek.
          There is little difference in the pH characteristics of Beaverclarn and
          Ne,untatogue Creeks,                                                              Ammonium levels in Beaverdam Creek (Figure 4-15) are well within
                                                                                            normal except for a high pulse of ammonium at station B6 in June.
          4.4.6 Strearnflow                                                                 This could be a consequence of fertilizer runoff from a farm adjacent
          Measured strearnflow data is shown in Table 4-2. As expected,                     to the Creek; ammonium salts are a principal component of agricul-
          strearnflow is highly variable between the two creeks and between                 tural fertilizers. In Neguntatogue Creek, stations N3 and N6 show
          sampling dates within a single creek. These limited data suggest that             extremely high levels of ammonium for all three months. The bay
          streamflow in Beaverclarn Creek is somewhat less variable than the                station (N9) has normal levels of ammonia throughout the sampling
          flow in Neguntatogue Creek. None of the strearnflow measurements                  period- Station N3 is Feller's Pond in the municipal park and the
          were made during active rainfall events, when the creeks would be                 presence of an abundant waterfowl population is the most likely
          subject to large volumes of direct overland runoff. Scour marks and             I explanation of the high ammonium levels at this station.
          windrows of debris, particularly along Neguntatogue Creek, suggest                The levels of nitrate and nitrite from the present study show a pattern
          that intense rainstorms can produce flows in both streams very much
                                                                                            very similar to that of ammonium (Figure 4-15). June and August
          in excess of those reported here.                                                 nutrient samples from station B3 in Beaverdam Creek were con-
                                          TABLE 4-2                                         taminated and had to be discarded. However, recent data collected
                            Strearnflow (cfs), Neguntatogue &                               in the freshwater portion of Beaverdam Creek at a station near
                                     Beaverdarn Creeks                                      Montauk Highway by the U.S. Geological Survey in Fall 1989 reveal
                                                                                            nitrate levels of approximately 10 gg-at/L. similar to levels found at
                                                                                            our station B3 in April 1989. However, where ammonium levels at
                        Station      04107189      06125189    07127189
                                                                                          I station B3 in April were approximately 4 pg-aVL, the USGS found
                        N4                0.53         8.80        2.06                     ammonium levels of approximately 550 pg-aVL. The USGS data
                        N5                0.55        17.67        4.06                     were taken as part of a study by the Town of Brookhaven to examine
                        B2                1.32         1.20        1.37                     the influence of leachate on Beaverdam Creek from the Town of
                        B3                2.89         6.57        5.62                     Brookhaven Landfill on Horseblock Road. The landfill is located less
                                                                                            than a mile northwest of the headwaters of the Creek. Such elevated
                                                                                            ammonium levels, apparently taken during dry, baseflow conditions
                                                                                            (Steven Feldman pers. comm.), may indicate the contamination of
          The lowest streamf low of the three sampling dates was in April. This           I the surface waters of the upper reaches of the Creek with leachate
                                                                                          ! from the landfill. Orthophosphate concentrations (Figure 4-16) in the
          is curious as, of the three sampling dates, only the April sampling was         ,
                                                                                            two streams appear to be within normal ranges. The relatively high
          preceded by significant rainfall, daily precipitation at a National               elevation in phosphate at station 66 in June may be an effect of
                                                                                            fertilizers from the adjacent active farm. This enrichment of phos-

          CHAP 4-16







                                                                                     STREAM ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY



                             mg CaC03 /L
                         120


                         100


                         80 -           ..... ...   ....... ....... .............


                         60-


                         40


                         20-

                                ND
                                       N
                           0
                                APRIL         MAY          JUNE          JULY       AUGUST


                                       N-1        N-2        N-3        N-4         N-5


                     ND:NO DATA



                                                                                                         Figure 4-11 (a)
                                                                                                      ALKALINITY
                                                                                                  Neguntatogue Creek





                             mg CaC03 /L
                         140


                         120-----


                         100                     . . .. . . .......... . . ............. ..... . . . . . ..... . ............. ................ . . .


                           80                                       ..........


                           60                    . . .......... . ...... ....... . . . . ....... ....... ....-. . .....


                           40---
                                                                   . ..............
                                                                             .... ......



                           20                                      ...... . ... . .. .... . .
                               MUL
                               WON    m
                            0
                                  APR          M AY          JUN          JUL          AUG



                                              B-1       B-2         B-3        B-4



                                                                                                         Figure 4-11 (b)
                                                                                                       ALKALINITY
                                                                                                     Beaverdarn Creek







                                                                                                           CHAP 4-17







       STREAM ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY


                            10



                             8









                                         . . . . . ..........
                             4

                                      .. .....     ....


                             2


                             0L
                                   APRIL          MAY           JUNE          JULY
                                                                                           AUGUST


                                          N-1         N-2         N-3         N-4         N-5


                        F:FRESHWATER STATIONS, NO-.NO DATA



        Figure 4-12(a)
        pH
        Neguntatogue Creek (F)



                             10







                              6



                              4--                                        . .......     .. . .......



                              2
                                                       . .........




                              0
                                   APRIL           MAY          JUNE           JULY         AUGUST


                                                 B-1         B-2         B-3         B-4


                         F:FRESHWATER STATIONS, ND:NO DATA


        Figure 4-12(b)
        pH
        Beaverdam Creek (F)






        CHAP 4-18







                                                                                                                                                              STREAM ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY


                                                10    SURFACE

                                                  8



                                                  6-.



                                                  4-                                                                                                                 .. ....



                                                  2



                                                  0
                                                            APRIL                      MAY                     JUNE                      JULY                  AUGUST


                                                                        N-6                  N-7                  N-7.5                   N-8                   N-9


                                         MS-MARINE STATIONS SURFACE



                                                                                                                                                                                                    Fieure 4-13(a)
                                                                                                                                                                                                                   PH
                                                                                                                                                                               Neguntatogue Creek (MS)


                                                  10  SURFACE

                                                      8



                                                      6 -



                                                      4                                                                                                                          HM


                                                                                                                                                      .....                      .....

                                                      2-                                    . . ....



                                                      0
                                                              APRIL                      MAY                      JUNE                     JULY                   AUGUST


                                                                            B-5         EM B-6                        B-7                  B-8                  B-9


                                            MS:MARINE STATIONS SURFACE


                                                                                                                                                                                                     Figure 4-13(b)
                                                                                                                                                                                                                     PH
                                                                                                                                                                                    Beaverdam Creek (MS)
                                                                                                                             .....                                               ....
                                                                                                                             .....                                               ....
                                                                                                                             .....                                               ....
                                                                                                                             .....                                               ....
                                                                                                                             .....                                               ....
                                                                                                                             .....                                               ....
                                                                                                                             .....                                               ....



























                                                                                                                                                                                                        CHAP 4-19







        STREAM ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY


                             BOTTOM
                          10



                             8




                                               . . . . . . ...................




                             4         . ... . ........ ....



                             2
                               ND
                             ol
                                APRIL          MAY         JUNE          JULY        AUGUST


                                      N-6    M N-7           N-7.5   EM N-8     M N-9


                      MB:MARINE STATIONS BOTTOM, ND:NO DATA



        FiLyure 4-14(a)
        PH
        Neguntatogue Creek (MB)



                             BOTTOM
                             10



                             8



                             6                        ..........    . . ....... ..........




                                                                                  .......      ...



                             2                                    .... ..
                                ND

                             0                                    .....                      ..... .
                                 APRIL         MAY          JUNE         JULY        AUGUST


                                        B-5    EM B-6         B-7        B-8         B-9


                       MB:MARINE STATIONS BOTTOM, ND:NO DATA


        Fioure 4-14(b)
          t4
        PH
        Beaverdam Creek (MB)






        CHAP 4-20







                                                                                     STREAM ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY


                            AMMONIUM (ug-at/L)
                         80




                         60--




                         40




                         20                                . . . ....... ....... .. ...... ....... ......




                                                                N                    'Nomn
                                     APRIL                  JUNE                 AUGUST


                                  N-3        N-6         N-9        B-3    IM B-6     UM B-9


                      ND: NO DATA



                                                                                                         Figure 4-15(a)
                                                                                                       AMMONIUM
                                                                                    Neguntatogue and Beaverdam Creeks



                             NITRATE-NITRITE(ug-at/L)
                         100



                          80



                          60 -                             - - - -------- -. . ................ .... . ..... . .. . .. . ... .....



                          40



                          20-


                            0                                   N                    iNoNn
                                      APRIL                  JUNE                AUGUST


                                  N-3         N-6        N-9         B-3        B-6    UM B-9


                      ND; NO DATA



                                                                                                          Figure 4-15(b)
                                                                                                   NITRATE-NITRITE
                                                                                    Neguntatogue and Beaverdam Creeks





                                                                                                            CHAP 4-21







       STREAM ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY

                           2.5 PHOSPHATE (ug-at/L)

                             2



                           1.5



                                                               ...                   . ..... . .




                           0.5
                                      .....                  ......


                                                                  ND
                             0
                                       APRIL                   JUNE                  AUGUST


                                   N-3         N-6         N-9         B-3         B-6         B-9


                       ND: NO DATA



       Fi2ure 4-16(a)
       PHOSPHATE
       Neguntatogue and Beaverdam Creeks
                                                                , @mn






        CHAP 4-22







                                                                                                                                                      STREAM ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY

               phate may have triggered the phytoplankton bloom occuring at this                                                                      TABLE 4-3
               station and stations B7 and B8 at this time
                                                                                                                                                   Phytoplankton (cells/ml)
               4.4.8 Chlorophyll a
                                                                                                                  Species Group                           Abundance At Each Station
               With the exception of station N3 in August, chlorophyll a values from                          I                                    N3     N6          N9          B3         B6          B9
               the freshwater reaches of Neguntatogue Creek were slightly higher                              I
               than the values from the freshwater reaches of Beaverclarn Creek                                   APRIL 1989
               (Figure 4-17). Station N3 is Feller's Pond on Neguntatogue and the                                 Diatoms                          61    1015       7777             94      965       4143
               August value suggests a temporary phytoplankton bloom. Thefresh-                                   Chlorophytes                     12                            284
               water stations in Beaverclam Creek have very low levels of
               chlorophyll, probably attributable to the low retention of phytoplankton                           Euglenoid Flagel-                21                                8
               due to flushing. Chlorophyll -a values from the marine portion of                                  lates
               Neguntatogue Creek (Figure 4-18) were well below the values in                                     Chrysophytes                     41                                4       100
               Beaverclam Creek and showed a steady increase in a seaward                                     I   Dinofiagellates;                 8        10      1210                       7         20
               direction. Neguntatogue Creek chlorophyll -a values are consistent                             i
               with the normal range of chlorophyll a concentrations in local waters                              Cryptomonads                     4                   62                     24       1260
               under non-bloom conditions.                Chlorophyll values in Beaverdam                         Coccoid nano-            153332       16667       52222      11111       62222     52222
               Creek did not show an increasing trend towards the Bay; station B8                                 plankton
               was consistently characterized by extremely high chlorophyll values                                Microllagellates                 74444  44444   408884       33333       34444     52222
               beginning with the May sampling.
               No consistent patterns appear between chlorophyll a values in July
                                                                                                              :   JUNE 1989
               (relative drought) and August (immediately after heavy rainfall).
                                                                                                                  Diatoms                          48   66700     434440             51    5692        1172
               4.4.9 Phytoplankton Community                                                                      Chlorophytes                     184      20                             3814           21
               Phytoplankton distribution and abundance showed considerable spa-                                  Euglenoid Flagel-                21                                3
               tial and temporal variability during the study. Table 4-3 presents the                             lates
               abundances of major components of the phytoplankton during April,                              i   Chrysophytes                     515     272                                            33
               June, and August, In both Beaverclarn and Negunlatogue Creeks,                                     Dinotlageilates                  371                144                  3340          422
               stations N3 and 63 clearly displayed a freshwater flora during the                             i
               April, June, and August samplings. These stations were dominated                                   Cryptomonads                     1194     10        103                                280
               by small coccoid nanoplankton and various microflageliates with                                    Coccoid nano-                    31111  34444     91110      19999       32221     131110
               occasional blooms of he diatom Rhi::oselenia eriensis, a cryplomonad                           1   plankton
               species, and several chrysophycean flagellates. Stations B6, B9, N                             i
                                                                                                         6,       Microflagellates        1244443       24444       91110      15555       844"       21111
               and N9 contained a marina flora. Small nanoplankton and
               microflagellates numerically dominated all samples except for N6 and                           I
               N9 during June, In April, diatoms were the most abundant                                       1   AUGUST 19"9
               netplankton component with the chain-forming species Chaetoceros                                   Diatoms                          8888    376      10671            21        21     26574
               socialis. Rhiz-oselenia delicanda. and R. fi-agilissinia abundant. Large
               flagellates were generally unimportant except for small local blooms                               Chlorophytes                     41       69                       54
               of Katodinium rotunduntin at N9 and cryptomonads at B9. June                                       Chrysophytes                     61235      7         31           4
               samples (N6 and N9) were remarkable for high abundances of the
                                                                                                                  Dinoflagellates                          192          30                 13333
               small diatom Minutocclitisspp.
                                                                                                                  Cf. microcystis so.              855     268
               The June B6 netplankton was dominated by an unidentified green                                     Coccoid nano-                    55555  12222     51111      26666 168887 651104
               flagellate and a large clinoflagellate similar to GYmnodinium sangi                  .neunt.   i   plankton
               By August. the flora had shifted slightly with large numbers of the                            i   MICN)Tlagellates                 64444  6666      46662      13333       93332      64444
               small diatom C      *vclotella spp. present at B9. GYmnodinium continued
               to occur at high numbers at 66. Phytoplankton abundances had
               decreased considerably at N6, but Minutocellits continued to                                       Observation suggests that most of the organic material in Beaverclarn
               dominate at N9 although at much lower abundances than in June.                                     Creek was terrestrial in origin (leaf litter. roots, etc.); organic material
               Co-dominants included the diatoms C               'velotella spp. and, curiously, the          I   in Neguntatogue Creek sediments was partly terrestrial. but included
               freshwater species Rhizoseienia eriensi's.                                                     I   significant amounts of decaying eelgrass.
               4.4.10 Sediment Grain Size and Organic Content                                                 1   The low loss on ignition values for the two open Bay stations (N9/B9)
                                                                                                                  are representative of historic values for Great South Bay. It is unclear
               Information on grain size and loss on                 ignition of the sediments of                 the extent to which Beaverdam and. particularly. Neguntatogue
               Neguntatogue and Beaverclarn Creeks                    is found in Figure 4-19 and                 Creek is a significant source of organic detritus to the main body of
               Appendix Table A-1 0.                                                                              the Bay.
               The substrate in the freshwater reaches of both streams is primarily
                                                                                                                  4.4.11 Sediment Metals
               composed of sand and gravel, reflecting the higher water velocities                            ii
               present in these reaches. Bottom sediments of the marine reaches                                   Results of the sediment metal analyses for both streams is shown in
               in both streams contain primarily silty sand. except for stations B5                               Table 4-4. Sediments in the freshwater reaches of each stream have
               and B6. where the sediments have a much higher percentage of silt                                  much lower levels of the metals tested than do sediments in the
               and clay. As expected. the loss on ignition data track the relative                                marine reaches. The metal content of Neguntatogue Creek sedi-
               percentage of silt and clay quite closely; the most organic sediments                              ments is generally much higher than that of Beaverdarn sediments;
               (approximately 50% by weight) were those from stations B4 and B5.                                  for copper and lead in upstream sections of both freshwater and
               clearly indicating a depositional environment.                                                     marine reaches. this difference is often an order of magnitude or

                                                                                                                                                                                            CHAP 4-23







       STREAM ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY


                               CHLOROPHYLL A (ug/L)
                         1000


                           100


                            10





                            0.1


                          0.01


                         0.001
                                  APRIL         MAY          JUNE         JULY       AUGUST


                                       N-1         N-2         N-3         N-4         N-5


                  F: FRESHWATER STATIONS



         Fi(-,ure 4-17(a)
         CHOROPHYLLa
         Neguntatogue Creek (F)



                               CHLOROPHYLL A (ug/L)
                          1000


                           100


                             10





                            0.1


                           0.01                       ....          ....


                          0.001
                                   APRIL         MAY         JUNE          J U        AUGUST


                                              B-1    M B-2           B-3     IM B-4


                   F: FRESHWATER STATIONS



         FiLyure 4-17(b)
         CHOROPHYLLa
         Beaverdarn Creek (F)






         CHAP 4-24







                                                                           STREAM ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY



                        CHLOROPHYLL--A (ug/L)
                     1000


                      100


                       10




                                                              ... . .. ....


                      0.1


                     0.01


                    0.001
                            APRIL      M AY      JUNE       JULY      AUGUST


                               N-6   EM N-7        N-7.5      N-8       N-9
              M: MARINE STATIONS ND:NO DATA                                                 Figure 4-18(a
                                                                                     CHLOROPHYLLg
                                                                                    Neguntatogue Creek (M)



                         CHLOROPHYLL A W/O
                     1000


                       100


                        10





                       0.1


                      0.01


                     0.001
                            APRIL       MAY       JUNE       JULY     AUGUST


                             = B-5        B-6       B-7       B-8       B-9


               M: MARINE STATIONS


                                                                                             Figure 4-18(b)
                                                                                      CHLOROPHYLLa
                                                                                      Beaverdam Creek (M)






                                                                                              CHAP 4-25







       STREAM ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY




                                 % SEDIMENT & % 1-01

                                                                                             5

                                                                                             4
                              lUU
                                                                                             3

                                                                                             2
                              80



                              60



                              40



                              20



                               0
                                  Ni N2 N3 N4 N5 N6 N7 N7.5 N8 N9


             1 GRAVEL. 2   SAND: 3 = SILT, 4CLAY; 5  LOSS ON IGNITION;




         FiLyure 4-19(a)
         SEDIMENT GRAIN SIZE and LOSS ON IGNITION
         Neguntatogue Creek





                                 % SEDIMENT & % LO I


                                                                                              5

                                                                                              4
                              100
                                                                                              3

                                                                                              2
                               80
                                                       ..... .....



                               60



                               40



                               20
                                                              @ \ El,
                                 0
                                   BI   B2    B3   B4   B5   B6    B7   B8   B9


             1 GRAVEL: 2   SAND: 3 = SILT 4 = CLAY; 5 = LOSS ON IGNITION;



         Figure 4-19(b)
         SEDIMENT GRAIN SIZE and LOSS ON IGNITION
         Beaverdam Creek






         CHAP 4-26








                                                                                                                             STREAM ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY

                                           TABLE 4-4                                          4.4.12 Ambient Water Bioassay
                            Sediment-associated Metals (ppm)                               1  Results of the ambient water bioassay tests are shown in Table 4-6.
                                                                                              Only the undiluted (100%) samples from both creeks produced
                         Station        Cu        Pb        Zn      Mn                        mortalities above the 10% threshhold considered acceptable in con-
                         N1                5      23        71       79                       trol organisms and indicating significant acute toxicity to experimental
                                                                                              organisms.
                         N2                5         7      67       33
                         N3                2         5      20      221                       The freshwater Neguntatogue Creek station appears to present
                         N4                5         2      18      123                       somewhat greater acute toxicity than the freshwater Beaverdam
                                           5         2        5      94                       Creek station, particularly for fintish. Conversely, the Beaverdam
                         N5                                                                   Creek marine station appears to present somewhat greater acute
                         N6             444       671       506     305                       toxicity than the Neguntatogue Creek marine station; again, this is
                         N7             420       286       374     211                    i  particularly so for finfish. Our finding of lower mortalities of inver-
                         N7.5           275       169       330     291                    1@ tebrate test animals than of tinfish is frequently observed in ambient
                         N8             172       61        363      76                       water bioassays (T. Cosper pers. comm.). The temporal variability
                         N9              15       23        55      394                       in mortalities observed in these tests indicates that the toxic agent(s)
                                                                                              operating in the spring may notbe the same as those impacting these
                         Bi                1         1        2      52                       two streams later in the year. Unexpectedly. August water samples
                         B2                1         1        4      81                       produced relatively low mortality for freshwater organisms. Conver-
                         B3                2         1        1      40                    i  sely, for the mysid shrimp, August produced the highest mortality.
                                                                                           1  The reasons for this. and its possible significance, are unknown.
                         B4                5      72        19       88
                         B5              10       67        113     161
                                                                                                                             TABLE 4-5
                         B6              51       61        139     338
                                                                                                                   Water Column Metals (ppb)
                         B7              27       23        110     221
                         B8              96       56        156     265
           more. The data for manganese do not follow the trends displayed by                        Station          Cu            Pb         Zh           Cd
           the other metals. the highest levels being found in the open Bay                          N2               0.01          5.32      98.60         0.83
           station sediments south of each stream. Manganese is a relatively                         N5               0.02          0.51      63.00         0.77
           abundant trace metal in marine sediments and the observed distribu-
           tion is not surprising.                                                                   B2               0.00          1.19      30.80         0.39
           Within both the freshwater and marine reaches of Neguntatogue                   I         B4               0.03          0.12      22.00         0.55
           Creek, the levels of all metals other than manganese decrease as                i
           one moves downstream and into the open Bay waters, with the                     I
           exception of a rise in the level of zinc at station N8. The same pattern
                                                                                                                              TABLE 4-6
           of decreasing metal concentration in the downstream direction is
           generally found in Beaverdam Creek sediments, with the exceptions                                        Ambient Water Bioassays
           of stations B4 and B8 and a slight rise in zinc concentration at station
           B6.
                                                                                                   Station            Organism                    % Mortality
           The sediments of Neguntatogue Creek are greatly enriched in metals              i                                                 April   June    August
           compared to levels found in the open waters of Great South Bay and                      N4        Piniephales promelas             50       20       10
           other waterbodies around Long Island. For example, Behrens (1978)                       B3        Piniephaies promelas             30       10         0
           found the following metal concentrations in sediments in the Great
           South Bay southeast of Awixa Creek, near the Islip/Brookhaven town
           line: Cu = 1.9 ppm; Pb = 4-5 ppm; Zn 13-15 ppm. Elevated sediment                       N4        Ceriodaphnia dubia                0       20         0
           metal concentrations are found in the Throgs Neck area of Long                          B3        Ceriodaphnia dubia               15         0        5
           Island Sound: Cu = 258 ppm; Pb = 210 ppm; Zn = 291 ppm (Greig
           1977). For comparative purposes, Benninger et al. (1979) estimated
           the background. pre-industrial concentration of Cu in Long Island                       N6        Cyprinodon variegatus             0       30         0
           Sound at 9-17 ppm. Zn at 73-85 ppm, and Pb at 17-21 ppm.                                B8        Cyprinodon rariegatus             0       50       25
           In an examination of levels of metals in the surficial sediments of                     N6        Af vsidopsis bahia               10         0      20
           several streams feeding into the Great South Bay, David Hirschberg                                                                                   15
           (pers. comm.) found average lead concentrations of approximately                        B8        MYSidopsis bahia                  5       10
           1110 ppm with copper values of approximately 60 ppm, Coring data                i
           from open Great South Bay waters suggest basal, preindustrial levels
           of lead and copper of < 10 ppm.
                                                                                              I ne b0% mortality of fathead minnows in April N4 water occurred
           The elevated concentrations of         metals in the sediments of Negun-           when dissolved oxygen levels in the experimental chamber remained
           tatogue Creek prompted a subsequent analysis of the levels of metals               above 7.0 mg/I throughout the 96-hour exposure; the similar mortality
           in the water column of the freshwater reaches of the creek, to help                of sheepshead minnows in June B8 water occurred over a 96-hour
           assess the importance of downstream transport into the marine                      test during which the dissolved oxygen in the chamber dropped after
           reaches as a source of metals into the marine sediments. Water                     48 hours to 4.0 mg1I but subsequently rose to above 5.0 mg1l. This
           column levels of the four metals assayed are shown in Table 4-5.                   temporary decline in oxygen concentrations may have imposed
                                                                                              additional stress on experimental animals and contributed to the
                                                                                              observed mortalities.


                                                                                                                                                             CHAP 4-27







           STREAM ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY

           4.4.13 Benthic Macrofauna                                                         abundances from replicates at a single station. The State of New
                                                                                             York uses the following standards for determining waters certified for
           SPECIES COMPOSITION - From 57 samples (19 on each sampling                        harvesting shellfish for consumption:
           date from both creeks), 40 benthic taxa were obtained. Complete
           benthic data from each sampling late for each creel are lound in                     ,  total coliform median shall not exceed 71 per 1 11ml of
           Appendix Tables A-11AtoA-11C. These 40 taxa were composed of                            water and not more than 10% of the samples exceed 230
           17 polychaetes. 14 crustaceans, 4 bivalves, 2 ofigochaetes, 1                           per 100ml.
           hydrozoan, and 2 insect larvae from the freshwater reaches of the                    .  fecal coliform median shall not exceed 14 per 1 00ml of
           streams.                                                                                water and not more than 10% of the samples exceed 43 per
           Tubificid worms were the dominant benthic organisms at all fresh-              I        I 00ml.
           water stations in both Beaverdarin Creek and Neguntatogue Creek;
           in the latter, they were the only taxon found at any of the freshwater                                         TABLE 4-7
           stations. At Beaverclarn Creek freshwater stations, various crus-                                 Bacterial Levels (mpn per 100ml)
           taceans (amphipods. ostracods, isopods) and insect larvae were
           also present except during the August sampling.                                                   Fecal Coliform                   Total Coliform
           In May, the polychaete worm Capitella capitata and he bivalve Spisul,             Station   06125      07127      08129       06125      07127      08129
           solidissinia were dominant at the marine stations in Beaverciam Creek,            N4            93       210      1100        1100       2400       2400
           while dominant organisms at the marine stations at Neguntatogue                   N7          460        460      1100        1100       1100       2400
           Creek included the amphipod Ampelisca ah&ta and the polychaete
           worms Scoloplosacums, PoNdora ligni, and Capitella capitaw. By July,                          240        460      2400        1100       2400
           the polychaete worms Cl.vnianella torquata. Pectinaria gouldii. and                             93                            1100
           Tcrebelfidaespp. were dominant at the marine stations in Beaverclam,
           while Anipelisca abdita remained the most abundant organism in the             'I
                                                                                          !  B4          460          93     2400        2400       2400       2400
           marine section of Neguntatogue Creek. During September, Nereis                 ,
                                                                                                         240        460      2400        1100         460      2400
           arenaccodonta along with other, uniclentifed polychaete worms were                B7
                                                                                          i              150        460                  2400         460
           present at the marine stations in Beaverclarn Creek, but overall               i
           abundances were low at this time. The amphipodAmpeliscu abdiia                 1
           remained dominant in Neguntatogue Creek.                                          As the data is  Table  4-7 clearly show,    the freshwater and marine
                                                                                             reaches of both streams    consistently exceeded the total and fecal
           ABUNDANCE - The spatial and temporal patterns in total abundance               1  coliforrin standards throughout the study period, regardless of the
           of benthic animals in each creek are shown in Figures 4-20 and 4-21.           i
           Abundances ranged from 0 to 42,959 individuals/m2. Generally, total               level of precipitation in the several days prior to sampling. The August
           benthic abundance at the freshwater stations was higher than at the               samples were taken after an intense early morning thunderstorm
                                                                                          I  struck most of Long Island's south share and reflect a substantial
           marine stations in each stream. As noted above, the abundances at                 increase in coliforrin levels at all stations that afternoon.
           freshwater stations generally reflect the presence of a single taxon,
           oligochaete worms. Because Neguntatogue Creek had significantly                    4.5 Discussion
           consistently higher abundances of this organism, its composite ben-
           thic abundance is higher than that of Beaverclarn Creek. No benthic            I  A visual comparison of Neguntatogue Creek and Beaverdarn Creek
           organisms were found at three of the marine stations in Neguntatogue              is a study in contrasts. Neguntatogue Creek meanders through a
           Creek (N6, N7. N7.5) at any time. The lower marine stations of                    heavily developed watershed where vacant land is sparse, the
            eaverdarn Creek also displayed an impoverished benthic fauna,                    population density is high, and the Creek corridor is frequently littered
           although richer than that of Neguntatogue Creek. At the open bay                  with debris. A large number of storm drains empty directly into the
           's'tations off the mouths of both creeks (N9 & 89), benthic abundances            Creek throughout its entire length. The entire marine reach at the
           were relatively high (83 to 11, 154 organisms/m       2), compared to the         Creek south of Montauk Highway is bulkheaded with the exception
           creeks proper, throughout the study period.                                       of a small natural beach on the eastern bank. Throughout the marine
           SPECIES RICHNESS - Spatial and temporal patterns in the species                   reach, floatable wastes are extremely evident. Neguntatogue Creek
                                                                                             is home to a very large number of pleasure boats, principally motor-
           richness of Neguntatogue and Beaverclam Creeks are shown in                       boats. Visually, the natural character of Neguntatgoue Creek has
           Figures 4-22 and 4-23. The number of species at each station ranged
           from 0 to 20. Generally, maximum species richness was found at the             I  been completely removed by human development.
           two open bay stations, with significantly fewer numbers of species             I  In contrast. throughout its freshwater and, particularly, its marine
           found at both the freshwater and marine stream stations. On balance,              reaches, Beaverdarn Creek has the look and feel of a waterbody in
           benthic species richness was higher in Beaverdam Creek than in                    a relatively natural state, only moderately altered by human develop-
           Neguntatogue Creek, except at the open bay stations, N9 and B9.                   ment and activity. The watershed of Beaverdam Creek is lightly
                                                                                             developed, largely for residential purposes. Homes line both banks
           SPECIES DIVERSITY - Spatial and temporal patterns in the species                  of the Creek along its freshwater reaches, but do not seem to change
           diversity of each creek are shown in Figures 4-24 and 4-25. The Y                 the character of the stream. Only a few storm drains empty directly
           axis of the plot shows the value of the species diversity + 1, in order           into Beaverclarn Creek, at its most seaward end. Natural vegetation
           to avoid the confusion between a species diversity at 0 due to the
                                                                                             lines both banks along much of its freshwater reach. The Creek's
           presence at a station of only a single species and the meaningless                marine reach is also extensively vegetated. although primarily with
           value of 0 for species diversity at a station where the benthic abun-             Phragmites, indicative of significant disruption along the stream's
           dance was also 0. Species diversity values ranged from 0 - 0.79, with             margins in past years, primarily occasional dredging of the channel
           the higher values generally found in Beaverdarn Creek.                            in the Creek. Only small patches of native Spartina marsh persist
           4.4.14 Bacterial Contamination                                                    near the Creek's mouth and along the eastern bank.
           The results of the coliform bacteria assay of each stream are shown               This study has found some evidence of water and environmental
           in Table 4-7. The statistical variability of the three-tube test for              quality differences between the two streams that support this visual.
           coliform bacteria is inherently quite high, producing widely differing            aesthetic contrast. But for some important parameters. there was

           CHAP 4-28







                                                                                                  STREAM ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY


                                LOG (#/m2 + 1)
                              5



                              4



                              3                      . ...... . ...... . .. . .......



                              2 . ......                  . . . ......






                                                                                  4
                              0-
                                                                                                 S
                                            MAY                       JUL                         EP


                                              N-1          N-2         N-3          N-4           N-5


                           F: FRESHWATER STATION



                                                                                                                       Fiaure 4-20(a)
                                                                                                                   ABU@DANCE
                                                                                                             Neguntatogue Creek (F)



                                 LOG (#/m2 + 1)



                               4



                               3  . ..... . ...... ....                . . . .....



                               2






                               0-                                                                             __j
                                             MAY                       JUL                        SEP


                                                      B-1    M B-2             B-3     IM B-4


                            F: FRESHWATER STATION


                                                                                                                        Figure 4-20(b)
                                                                                                                    ABUNDANCE
                                                                                                                Beaverdam Creek (F)
                                                                               .........
































































                                                                                                                          CHAP 4-29







             STREAM ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY


                                                      LOG (#/m2 + 1)



                                                    4                                                                             .........



                                                    3                          .. . . ............   . . . . . . ...... ......... . . ........ ......... . .             ...... . ....



                                                    2                                                                                                                    ..... . .......






                                                    0                                  .........                                  .........
                                                                        MAY                                        J6L                                         SEP

                                                                           N-6                  N-7                  N-7.5                   N-8                   N-9

                                 NOTE: NO VALUE FOR A STATION INDICATES NO ORGANISMS FOUND.                                                                              M: MARINE STATION



                Figure 4-2 1 (a)
                ABUNDANCE
                Neguntatogue Creek (M)



                                                       LOG (#/m2 + 1)
                                                    5



                                                    4-



                                                    3                                                                             . ....








                                                                                                                                                                .... .. . ....-


                                                                                        =E-ii                                       .......
                                                    0                                   .......
                                                                         M AY                                       JUL                                          SEP


                                                                             B-5          M B-6                        B-7          ME B-8                         B-9

                                  NOTE: NO VALUE FOR A STATION INDICATES NO ORGANISMS FOUND.                                                                             M: MARINE STATIONS



                Figure 4-21 (b)
                ABUNDANCE
                Beaverdam Creek (M)
                                                                                                                                                                                   L


























































                CHAP 4-30







                                                                                                          STREAM ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY



                                  SPECIES NUMBERS



                               5-


                               4





                               2 -
                                          11I       ME
                               0-
                                               M AY                          JUL                         SEP


                                            Will N-1      EM N-2             N-3      ME N-4 M N-5


                             F: FRESHWATER STATIONS


                                                                                                                                   Figure 4-22(a)
                                                                                                                     SPECIES RICHNESS
                                                                                                                       Neguntatogue Creek (F)



                                    SPECIES NUMBERS





                                                                                                             ..........






                                                        ...                      .... . ....
                                                    ........ .                   ...... ....
                                                    .........                    .... .....
                                                     .... ..                     .......-

                                                     ......                      ......
                                                       ....                      ..... .







                                 0-
                                                M AY                          JUL                         SEP



                                                          B-1           B-2           B-3           B-4



                              F: FRESHWATER STATIONS


                                                                                                                                   Figure 4-22(b)
                                                                                                                     SPECIES RICHNESS
                                                                                                                          Beaverdam Creek (F)
                                                                                                 L




















                                                                                                                                     CHAP 4-31







      STREAM ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY



                SPECIES NUMBERS FOR STATIONS WHERE ORGANISMS WERE FOUND
                        20-




                        is-                                     . . .......... ... . . ..... . .... . ....... . ..........








                         5                                                             . . . ........



                         0 t                                         ifl:11ii!
                                     MAY                     JUL                   SEP


                                      N-6         N-7         N-7.5       N-8    EM N-9

                     M: MARINE STATIONS


       Fiuure 4-23(a)
       SPECIES RICHNESS
       Neguntatogue Creek (M)




                SPECIES NUMBERS-FOR STATIONS WHERE ORGANISMS WERE FOUND
                         20-




                         15--




                                                                 .. . ... . .......
                                                                                       ....... ... ...
                         10-








                          0-                  ........
                                      MAY                    J6L                    SEP


                                        B-5         B-6         B-7        B-8        B-9
       Figure 4-23(b) M: MARINE STATIONS
       SPECIES RICHNESS
       Beaverdam Creek (M)






       CHAP 4-32







                                                                                            STREAM ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY



                              SPECIES DIVERSITY        1





                          1.5 -












                            0                                                                    HL
                                        MAY                      JUL                     S@p


                                          N-1         N-2         N-3          N-4         N-5


                       F: FRESHWATER STATIONS



                                                                                                                 Fi2ure 4-24(a)
                                                                                                     SPECIES DIVERSITY
                                                                                                       Neguntatogue Creek (F)



                                SPECIES DIVERSITY       1
                             2-




                           1.5 . ....... ..... ..... .... .-                                    .................





                                                      ... . ......





                           0.5-                                                 . ...........




                             0
                                          MAY                     JUL                     SEP


                                             IM B-1           B-2         B-3         B-4


                         F: FRESHWATER STATIONS


                                                                                                                  Figure 4-24(b)
                                                                                                     SPECIES DIVERSITY
                                                                                                          Beaverdam Creek (F)






                                                                                                                   CHAP 4-33







        STREAM ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY



                 SPECIES DIVERSITY +1 FOR STATIONS WHERE ORGANISMS WERE FOUND

                           2-





                                                    . . . . . . . . . . ..............
                         1. 5 -









                                               ........               .........               .........
                                                               .... . ......
                         0.5



                          0
                                       MAY                    JUL                     SEP



                                        N-6        N-7         N-7.5        N-8         N-9

                      M: MARINE STATIONS



        FiQure 4-25(a)
        SOECIES DIVERSITY
        Neguntatogue Creek (M)




                 SPECIES DIVERSITY +1 FOR STATIONS WHERE ORGANISMS WERE FOUND
                            2-




                         1.5 . ... ................... ................ ...











                                                               ...     .........




                           0
                                       MAY                     JUL                    SEP


                                         B-5         B-6        B-7         B-8         B-9

                       M: MARINE STATIONS


        Figure 4-25(b)
        SPECIES DIVERSITY
        Beaverdam Creek (M)





        CHAP 4-34







                                                                                                                         STREAM ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY

           I ittle persistent, sign if icantdiff ere nce found between the two streams.     The streamflow data collected during the course of this study suggest
           For some parameters. this may be partially attributable to an inability          that streamflow in Neguntatogue Creek has not been substantially
           to sample frequently enough to detect variations at time scales of less          reduced from that present prior to the sewering of the watershed in
           than one month.                                                                  1981. From the limited data presented here. strearnflow in Beaver-
                                                                                            dam Creek appears somewhat more stable over time than that of
           This section discusses the environmental quality of the two streams              Neguntatogue Creek. but the time variability of flow within a stream
           in terms of the parameters examined in this study and, based on the              is almost undoubtedly greater than the difference in average flow
           data collected, identifies the major water quality problems in the two           between the two creeks.
           streams and the differences between them.
                                                                                            The freshwater and marine waters of Neguntatogue Creek are en-
           The salinity and temperature profiles of the two streams are quite               riched in the nutrients nitrate, nitrite, and ammonium over those found
           similar and consistent with profiles developed for other streams in the          in Beaverdam Creek. Differences in phosphate levels between the
           region. Salinities were higher in Neguntatogue Creek than in Beaver-          i  two streams were much less pronounced. The marine waters of
           dam Creek, reflecting the higher salinities found in western Great               Beaverdam Creek had nutrient levels well within the normal range for
           South Bay as compared to eastern portions of the Bay, itself a                   Long Island coastal waters with the exception of a pulse of phosphate
           reflection of the proximity of the western Bay to Fire Island Inlet.             in June in the mid-creek area, possibly reflecting fertilizer runoff from
           While both creeks display vertical and longitudinal gradients in                 an adjacent farm. The status of the levels of nutrients in the fresh-
           temperature and salinity, those of Beaverdam Creek are sharper and               water reaches of Beaverdam Creek is uncertain. Our April sampling
           persisted somewhat more throughout the study period. The bottom                  revealed low levels, but the June and August samples were lost to
           waters in the marine reaches of both creeks become rapidly hypoxic               contamination. Recent data from an examination of the Creek by the
           with the onset of thermal stratification in the spring. Bottom waters            Town of Brookhaven reveal elevated nutrient levels in the upper
           in the northern portion of the marine reaches of both streams were               waters of Beaverdam Creek, perhaps reflecting contamination from
           essentially anoxic in July and August. Average bottom dissolved                  the nearby Brookhaven landfill on Horseb(ock Road (USGS un-
           oxygen levels were slightly lower in Neguntatogue Creek, although                published data).
           stations B5 (northernmost station in the marine reach) and 88 (at the            Primary production as measured by chlorophyll a differed between
           head of a canal) in Beaverdam Creek had bottom dissolved oxygen
           levels as depressed as those in Neguntatogue Creek.                  Super-      the two streams. Neguntatogue Creek freshwater stations revealed
           saturated surface dissolved oxygen levels were encountered in the                slightly higher chlorophyll levels than the freshwater stations of
           marine reaches of Beaverdarn Creek, associated with intense                      Beaverdam Creek. But chlorophyll levels in the marine waters of
           phytoplankton blooms. This was not observed in the surface waters                Neguntatogue Creek were generally lower than those of Beaverdarn
           of Neguntatogue Creek's marine reach, although these waters were,                Creek, the greater nutrient levels in Neguntatogue Creek not-
           for the most part, well oxygenated throughout the study period.                  withstanding. This may reflect some other inhibiting factor governing
                                                                                            phytoplankton production in Neguntatogue Creek. As mentioned
           As in their respective marine reaches, dissolved oxygen levels in the            earlier, the marine reaches of Beaverdam Creek are subject to
           freshwater reach of Neguntatogue Creek were somewhat lower than                  periodic algal blooms.
           in Beaverdam Creek, although hypoxic conditions were presen                   I
                                                                                       I I  There were no clear, persistent differences in the phytoplankton
           during the period of study only at the two most northerly freshwater          ,
                                                                                         i  assemblages of the two streams in terms of total abundances or
           stations in Neguntatogue Creek. The shallow depths and constant
           flow in the freshwater portions of the streams combined to keep the              species composition. The short and episodic nature of phytoplankton
                                                                                            blooms relative to the sampling interval constrain the ability to distin-
           water fairly well oxygenated.
                                                                                         i  guish between the flora of the two streams. The species observed
                                                                                            at the various stations are common members of the phytoplankton
           Alkalinities in the freshwater reaches of the two creeks appear quite            and suggest no unusual shifts in community structure were occurring.
           dissimilar. Alkalinity in Neguntatogue appears to be more stable,
           varying between 60 - 90 mg CaC03/1 and dropping only slightly                    The high abundance of Minutocellits in June at Station N9 was
           between the northernmost and southernmost freshwater stations.                   remarkable. but the spatial and temporal extent of this event cannot
           Alkalinity in Beaverdam Creek. conversely, varies considerably over              be determined from the samples.
           time and longitudinally. Beginning with the June sampling, alkalinities          The marine sediments of Neguntatogue Creek contain greatly
           at the two northernmost freshwater stations in Beaverdam Creek                I  elevated levels of several heavy metals. In particular. lead and
           increased from 25-35 mg/I to 85-136 mg1l. Recent (Fall 1989) sur-                copper are found at levels that are among the highest recorded in the
           veys of Beaverdam Creek surface waters near these two stations                   Long Island area, Sediment metals in Beaverdam Creek are much
           found similar high alkalinities (119 mg1l) (Steven Feldman pers.                 lower, although still above the pre-industrial basal levels believed
           comm.). Unlike Neguntatogue Creek, alkalinity in Beaverdam Creek                 typcial of Great South Bay sediments. The presence of these high
           decreases in a north-south direction, particularly during the June -             metals levels in the sediments of Neguntatogue, and the lower levels
           August period, dropping to 15-15 mg1I a, station B4, the southernmost            found in Ile several pockets of line-grained sediment in Ile Great
           freshwater station.                                                           1  South Bay proper, suggest that Neguntatogue Creek. and perhaps
                                                                                            many of the other creeks entering the Great South Bay, are sinks for
           Streamflow in groundwater-fed surface waters is generally highly                 heavy metals and do not serve as important conduits whereby metals
           variable, depending on the height of the water table and local                   contained in stormwater runoff eventually reach the open waters of
           meteorological conditions. The limited strearnflow data for the two              the Bay.
           creeks collected during this study reflect this variability. The elevated
           strearnflows in Neguntatogue Creek recorded in June have no ready                The benthic invertebrate community of the two creeks is charac-
           explanation. The nearest weather station to the Creek is at Islip                terized by the dominance of oligochaete worms in the freshwater
           airport, which reported no significant precipitation overthe three days          reaches and a depauperate community orcomplete absence attimes
           prior to the sampling date. It is possible, however, that a localized            of organisms in much of the marine reaches. The benthic com-
           thunderstorm affected the watershed of Neguntatogue Creek during                 munities at the two open Bay stations south of each Creek are
           this period but was not felt at Islip Airport. Review of daily discharge         representative of those found in nearby coastal and estuarine waters.
           records for gauged streams in the vicinity of Neguntatogue Creek                 For example, O'Connor (1972) observed mean benthic macrotaunal
                                                                                                                                                 2
           suggest that local rainfall can affect strearnflows for a period of up to        abundances in Moriches Bay of 5,402 animals/m ,        while a later study
           5 days after the event.                                                          in the same area found a mean benthic abundance of 4,445

                                                                                                                                                         CHAP 4-35







             STREAM ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY
             animals/m  2 (Cerrato 1986). The mean abundance of benthic or-                   Program (NURP) (LIRPB 1982) demonstrated that local waterfowl
             ganisms. including aii stations from both creeks and open bay sta-               poulations could add significantly to total and fecal coliform levels
                                              2
             tions, was 3,082 animals/m .        Benthic abundances are less in               present in runoff and receiving waters.
             stressed environments. The benthic abundances observed in this
             study, particularly at the marine stations in each creek, approximate            Little direct stormwater runoff reaches Beaverdam Greek, except at
             those observed in seriously degraded coastal waters. For e                       its most southerly end. The elevated bacterial levels found in Beaver-
                                                                                      x-      dam Creek are probably due to the area's waterfowl and small
             ample,Cerrato and Bokuniewicz (1985) oqerved a mean benthic                   i  mammal populations and to the contamination of local groundwater
             abundance in Raritan Bay of 795 animals/m , in Flushing Bay of 590            1
                        2                                                   2
             animals/m ,   and in Bowery Bay of only 127 animals/m . Lowered                  by residential septic systems.
             benthic abundances can be reflective of either pollutant related water           The limited ambient water bioassay tests conducted in the course at
             quality degradation, the naturally variable environment of shallow            I  this project suggest that the freshwater and marine reaches of
             tidal creeks, or frequently. a combination of both. The pattern of higher     I  Neguntatogue Creek and Beaverdam Creek are. at times.toxic to
             abundances in freshwater portions of a creek that fall to very low            1  finfish, although the specific agent(s) and/or condition(s) creating this
             levels in the marine portions before rising again in open estuarine           i  toxicity are unknown. This toxicity apparently declines in Neguntat-
             waters is one that is commonly encountered (R. Cerrato pers.                     goue Creek from April to August. Acute toxicity of Beaverdam Creek
             comm.).                                                                          water to finfish appears to be somewhat less than that of Negun-
                                                                                              tatogue. Toxicity of the waters of both Creeks to invertebrate test
             The higher abundances at the oligochaete worm Tubificidae spp. at                organisms is low.
             the freshwater stations in Neguntatogue Creek suggest that these              i
             stations are more organically enriched than those of Beaverdam                   On balance, the water quality and general environmental quality of
             Creek. Tubifex worms are generally indicative of polluted environ-            I  Neguntatogue Creek is lower than that of Beaverdarn Creek. For
             ments. Moreover, benthic species richness and diversity were lower               some of the parameters assessed in this study, this difference is
             in Neguntatogue Creek than in Beaverdam Creek, again indicating                  striking (eg. sediment metal contamination). For other parameters,
             that Neguntatogue is the more stressed environment.                              the differences are much less.         Additionally, for some of the
             T
                a notable features of the benthic community structure in the                  parameters sampled. it is impossible to determine how removed each
             streams are the steady decrease in the abundances of benthic                     creek is from a natural, pre-industrial level of that characteristic. This
              rganisms in the southerly direction in Beaverdam Creek and the                  is the case, for example, with dissolved oxygen and coliform bacteria.
             complete absence of benthic organisms from several of the marine                 two parameters whose profiles reflect poor water quality conditions
             stations in Neguntatogue Creek from May to September. These data                 in both creeks. The marine bottom waters of both Neguntatogue and
             on benthic macrofauna in the two Creeks indicate that Neguntatogue               Beaverdam Creeks annually suffer a certain level of oxygen loss
             is the more stressed environment.                                                through mineralization and decomposition of natural ly-occurri ng or-
                                                                                              ganic material. Data on bottom oxygen levels from truly pristine creek
             The waters of the freshwater and marine reaches of both creeks                   environments on Long Island are not available to estimate the degree
             persistently contravene New York State standards for total and fecal             of this natural hypoxia.
             coliform bacteria. Most of the coliform bateria present in stormwater            Similarly, there is no information on naturally occurring coliform
             runoff are naturally occuring bacteria washed from soil particles.            i  bacterial levels in poorly-flushed tidal creeks on Long Island. It is
             Most of the fecal bacteria in runoff, however, are contributed by                possible that the total or fecal coliform standard would be approached
             various warm-blooded animals. On Long Island, these are primarily                or even exceeded in these environments under entirely natural
             cats, dogs,opossums. and birds.                                                  conditions.
             Major sources of bacterial contamination to Neguntatogue Creek                I  While Neguntatogue Creek may be degraded in a number of ways
             appear to be stormwater runoff and resident bird populations. Prior              relative to Beaverdam Creek, this does not suggest that these and
             to sewering of the surrounding area in 1981, leakage from residential            the other creeks entering the Great South Bay necessarily export all
             septic tanks had a significant impact on groundwater and surface                 of their water quality problems to the Bay proper.           While such
             water quality in the watershed of Neguntatogue Creek (Suffolk Coun-              transport does take place for many of the dissolved consitutents, the
             ty Executive Office: Special Projects 1980). Such leakage may                 11 bottom sediments of these creeks appear to be effective traps for
             remain an important source of excess nutrients, because significant           I  sediment-bound metals (and perhaps sediment associated organic
             numbers of residences and commercial or industrial establishments             I  pollutants) as well as organic material. which enters the marine
             have not hooked up to the sewer system. Feller's Pond at Firema          .n's    reaches of these streams through streamflow from the freshwater
             Memorial Park supports a variable waterfowl population averaging                 reaches and bottom influx of Bay water.
             75-100 birds (primarily ducks, geese, and seagulls) at a particular           1
             time. Studies conducted as part of the Nationwide Urban Runoff                I


















             CHAP 4-36







                                                                                               BMPs FOR CONTROL OF NONPOINT SOURCE POLLUTION




            Chapter Five


            BMPs for Control of Nonpoint
            Source Pollution


              5.0 Introduction
            T
                he term BMP. or Best Management Practice, has gained wide                   .... STRUCTURAL
                acceptance as a general term designating any method for con-                       DETENTION BASINS - The term detention is applied where
            trolling the quantity and quality of stormwater runoff. A best manage-                 the runoff is temporarily stored. and apart from relatively
            ment practice (BMP) is considered to be either:                                        minor incidental losses due to evaporation or percolation, it
                   a practice (routine procedure) that reduces the pollutants                      is subsequently discharged to a surface water. Control
                   available for transport by the normal rainfall-runoff process or                results from a reduction in pollutant concentrations due to
                   a device that reduces the amount of pollutants in the runoff                    settling during the period the runoff is detained.
                   before it is discharged to a surface water body                                 RETENTION DEVICES - The term retention is applied
                                                                                                   when a practice results in the permanent capture of all or
            It is almost impossible technically and economically to completely                     part of the runoff, so that it never discharges directly to a
            eliminate NPS pollutant discharges to a receiving water body. Realis-                  surface water. The usual mechanism by which stormwater
            tic objectives of an urban NPS management program are either:                          controls permanently capture surface runoff is by infiltration.
                . to sufficiently reduce pollutant levels to eliminate or mitigate                 These techniques are often referred to as infiltration BMPs.
                   an existing water quality problem or                                     .... NON-STRUCTURAL
                - to avoid the creation of a future problem where none exists
                   now                                                                             VEGETATIVE CONTROLS - Vegetative controls include
                                                                                                   techniques that provide for controlled contact between
            This chapter presents an overview of the different types of BMPs that                  stormwater runoff and vegetated areas. Pollutant removal
            may be considered in the development of urban NPS management                           occurs by a combination of processes such as filtration.
            plans. Institutional aspects of the development of an effective urban                  sedimentation and biological uptake that reduce pollutant
            NPS management program are not emphasized here, but planning                           concentrations, and/or by a reduction in runoff volume due
            activities must include a recognition of the need to develop an                        to infiltration or evapo-transpi ration.
            understanding of the issues at several levels of local government,                     SOURCE CONTROLS - Source control techniques include
            and provide support for the resolution of institutional issues. This may               any practice that either:
            involve the identification of the relationships between NPS manage-                        reduces the amounts of accumulated pollutants on the
            ment plan features and existing programs. plans and activities of New                      land surface available for washoff by rainfall or
            York State, Suffolk County, town and village officials, planners and                       regulates the amount of impervious area to reduce the
            public works personnel, whose responsibilities will provide the institu-                   portion of rainfall that will appear as runoff or
            tional framework for implementation of many of the important ele-                          excludes inappropriate discharges to storm drains
            ments of a NPS management plan.                                                 5.1.1  Detention Basins

               5.1 Types of Urban BMPs                                                      The dominant treatment mechanism is the reduction of pollutant
                                                                                         i  concentrations by sedimentation, so that this practice is most effec-
            Control techniques that have proved effective for the control of             l@ tive for suspended solids and the traction of a pollutant associated
            nonpoint runoff pollutant discharges from urban areas are identified            with particulate matter. For example, most of the lead that is present
            below, These techniques include both structural and non-structural              in urban slormwater is present in particulate form. The soluble fraction
            techniques, and can be grouped into the following four categories,              of total lead is typically on the order of only about 10 percent. and as
            based on the operating principle or the physical mechanism that                 a result the removal efficiency for lead is comparable to that for
            reduces the amount of runoff pollutants discharged to surface waters.           sediment. In contrast, as much as 40 or 50 percent of a pollutant
            There is no generic method by which these different control techni-             such as copper in runoff may be present in a dissolved form. and not
            ques can be ranked either qualitatively or quantitatively, Site-specific        susceptible to removal by sedimentation.
            conditions usually determine which practices are best, or even                  Although the main benefit results from the reduction of pollutant
            whether a particular approach is appropriate to consider.
                                                                                            concentrations in the runoff, water quality impacts may also be
                                                                                         i  reduced by the delayed release of stormwater runoff volumes. The

                                                                                                                                                          CHAP 5-1







          BMPs FOR CONTROL OF NONPOINT SOURCE POLLUTION

          resulting reduction in peak discharge flows will lend to reduce stream              rule, using I inch, is sometimes used. This rule is
          bank erosion and place less stress on the physical habitat. A slower                attractive. because it is simple to use and apply.
          release of stormwater to a flowing stream will produce lower con-                   MEAN STORM VOLUME BASIS - Basin volume is
          centrations of runoff pollutants in the stream after dilution.                      specified as a multiple of the mean runoff volume of all
                                                                                              storms. The value of mean runoff is determined by a
          Depending on the design of the inlet and outlet structures, detention               statistical analysis of the rainfall records. This method has
          basins can be classified into the following three catgories.                        the advantages of being able to base the size on the
                                                                                              desired level of performance, and to account for regional
                 DRY PONDS - These are basins with the outlet located at                      rainfall characteristics. For example, the storm that
                 the bottom. They are almost always dry, except                               produces 1/2 inch of runoff per impervious acre is a more
                 infrequently and for relatively short periods following larger               frequent event in the southeast portion of the US, than it is
                 storm events. The outlet size is restricted to limit the                     in the midwest, and there would be corresponding
                 maximum flow rate. Dry ponds are used for flood and                          differences in the long-term pollutant removal efficiencies
                 erosion control and are not effective for water quality control              for otherwise similarly sized basins in the two regions. For
                 purposes. They may often be practical to retrofit for                        some areas, this approach has been used (with local
                 purposes of water quality control.                                           rainfall characteristics) to determine the storage volume
              ï¿½  WET PONDS - These basins employ outlet structures                            required to produce a particular performance level, e.g.,
                 designed to maintain a permanent pool of water. They can                     70% TSS (Total Suspended Solids) reduction, and then
                 provide high removal efficiencies for particulates, and have                 translated to a simple-to-apply sizing rule for everyday use.
                 also been observed to be effective in significantly reducing                 RESIDENCE TIME BASIS - Basin volume is designed to
                                                                                              provide a specified residence time. Where this is used. long
                 soluble nitrogen and phosphorus concentrations by means
                 of biological activity such as algal growth in the pool of                   residence times (typically 14 days) are used. This rule
                                                                                              generally results in larger basins that provide higher levels
                 water.                                                             I
              ï¿½  EXTENDED DETENTION DRY PONDS - These basins                                  of reduction of most pollutants. However the principal
                 employ an outlet structure that will cause most storms to                    objective is to enhance the removal of soluble nutrients by
                 pond in the basin. Following a storm these basins drain in                   improving conditions favorable for growth of algae and
                 about 24 to 48 hours and will be dry at all other times. The                 aquatic plants.
                 outlet structures may be either perforated risers or
                 subsurface drains. They provide a practical technique for          I  A comparative evaluation of the above four approaches to determine
                 retrofitting dry ponds to obtain water quality benefits, and          basin size can be obtained by the approximate ratio of the basin
                 can provide particulate (and the associated pollutant)                volume (VB) and the mean runoff volume (VR). This requires an
                 removal efficiency equivalent to that for wet ponds.                  appropriate analysis of the rainfall record and the characteristics of
                                                                                       the contributing drainage area. For this region of the country, the
          Pollutant removal efficiency of an otherwise properly designed and        i  rainfall volume for the mean storm event is approximately 0.6 inches.
          maintained detention basin may be influenced by seasonal factors             This can be taken as an approximation of the runoff volume if we
          such as algal growth, shoreline vegetation, and ice formation. How-          consider only the impervious acres. On this basis, a basin with a
          ever, overall efficiency is determined principally by the size of the        VBNR ratio of 1.0 would provide approximately 2200 cubic feet of
          basin (the available storage volume provided) relative to the amount         storage per impervious acre in the watershed. Note that the design
          of runoff it receives during storm events. For any storm event, the          volume of a basin is directly proportional to the value of VB/VR.
          volume of runoff will depend primarily on the size of the contributing       Approximate values of VB/VR for different basin sizing rules are
          drainage area. and the proportion of impervious area. The latter is          presented in Table 5-1.
          influenced by land use. Since performance of a basin will vary with
          storm size. pollutant removal estimates reflect the long-term average        Depending on the size selected, wet ponds and extended detention
          removal efficiency overall storms.                                           ponds can reduce suspended solid concentrations in stormwater
                                                                                    i  runoff by 50 to 95 percent. Removal efficiency for other pollutants is
          A variety of basin sizing rules are  in current use, depending on the        generally proportional to the pollutant fraction associated with (ad-
          experience and/or preference of      the jurisdiction. In some of the        sorbed on to) the particulates. For screening level analysis, ap-
          agencies that have been active in the implementation of urban                proximate removal ranges that can be expected for detention basins
          stormwater controls for a number of years, the sizing rules have          I  are shown in Table 5-2. The performance levels shown are estimates
          changed over time, or alternate rules have been adopted for different        of the approximate order of the removal efficiency for different pol-
          situations. There is no generally accepted rule or standard for the          lutant types and basin sizes. Note in general that the larger the basin
          size of a detention basin. Four commonly used basin sizing rules             volume, the greater the removal efficiency. However for VB/VR ratios
          are discussed below.                                                         larger than 2.5 or 3, increases in the basin size result in diminishing
                                                                                       improvements in the performance efficiency.
                 DESIGN STORM BASIS - Basin volume is set equal to the
                 runoff produced by a specified design storm. For example,             Note also that there is very limited data available on the removal of
                 the 1 year or the 2 year, 24 hour duration storm event is             bacteria. The high removal efficiencies shown for bacteria in Table
                 sometimes used to specify the size of an extended                     5-2 may be deceptive, because the water quality criteria levels are
                 detention basins where a reduction of flooding and peak               very low relative to the concentrations usually present in stormwater.
                 flow are important, The volume of rainfall must be
                 converted to the amount of runoff it will produce, and this           .... ADVANTAGES:
                 will vary with the land use distribution (percent impervious
                 area) of the watershed.                                                      Detention basins are effective runoff control devices. and
                 FIRST FLUSH BASIS - Basin volume is designed to store                        there is an appreciable body of experience that attests to
                 112 inch of runoff per impervious acre of the contributing                   their performance capabilities, and provides a source of
                 watershed. This is the most common rule, but the same                        guidance for many important design details.

          CHAP 5-2







                                                                                                 BMPs FOR CONTROL OF NONPOINT SOURCE POLLUTION


                                                                                    TABLE 5-1

                                           Ratio of Basin Volume to the Mean Runoff Volume for Different Design Rules


                     Rule                                                 Characteristic value                             Volume Ratio (vblvr)
                     First flush                               1/12 inch per impervious arce                                        1 to 2
                     Mean storm volume                         1 inch per impervious arce                                           2 to 4
                     Residence time'                           14 day residence time                                                4 to 5
                     Design storm                              1 year storm                                                         7 to 8
                     Design storm                              2 year storm                                                         8 to 9




                                                                                    TABLE 5-2

                                    Typical Percent Pollutant Removed for Different Ratios of Basin Volume to Mean Runoff
                                                                                       Volume



                                 Pollutant                                          Percent Removal For Indicated vb/vr

                                                                        1                   2.5                    5                   7.5

                                 Suspended                        50-60                  70-80                85-90                 90-95
                                 Organics (BOD, COD)              25-30                  35-40                40-45                 45-50

                                 Total IN and total P             30-40                  40-50                50-60                 60-70

                                 Lead                             45-50                  60-70                70-80                 80-90
                                 Other heavy metals               30-35                  40-45                40-50                 45-60
                                 Bacteria                               about 90 percent to about 99 percent                                      +



                - They are suitable for relatively large drainage areas, and                   reach the surface water body. usually after a considerable delay, and
                  can be readily incorporated into the overall plans for new                   after being treated by contact with the soil. Retention devices can be
                  developments, Properly designed detention basins can                         classified into the following three catgories.
                  enhance the value of the surrounding property.
                - Existing dry ponds. previously installed for flow control, can                     INFILTRATION BASINS - These are relatively large open
                  often be economically converted to serve as extended                               depressions. produced by either natural site topography or
                  detention basins and provide water quality control.                                by excavation, in which runoff is temporarily stored while
                                                                                                     percolation occurs through the bottom or the sides. Outlet
           .... LIMITATIONS:                                                                         devices to allow overhow, of excess inflows are generally
                                                                                                     provided but are elevated so to maximize the storage
                ï¿½ It is important to note that detention basins can become                           volume. Infiltration basins are normally designed so that
                  eyesores if routine maintenance is not performed.                                  any stored runoff will percolate in no more than a day or
                ï¿½ Removal of accumulated sediments will be required after 10                         two. Thus such basins are generally dry.
                  to 20 years of service, and can be quite expensive.                                INFILTRATION TRENCHES AND DRY WELLS - The
                ï¿½ The availability of sufficient land area at an appropriate                         design of infiltration trenches and dry wells is similar. The
                  location in the watershed can be a problem.                                        major difference is in the size and the configuration. These
                ï¿½ Finatly, it is usually difficult and often impossible to construct                 are essentially excavated holes tilled with coarse aggregate
                  detention ponds in an existing built-up area.                                      and then covered. Dry wells are used primarily for root
           5.1.2  Retention Devices                                                                  drainage from residential and commercial sites. Trenches
                                                                                                     or modifications of trenches serve larger drainage areas,
           Retention or infiltration devices enable a fraction of the runoff volume                  and are particularly applicable for streets and parking lots in
           to percolate into the ground, and hence reduce the discharge to a                         commercial areas.
           surface water body. Consequently, the removal efficiency is the same                   o  POROUS PAVEMENT - The main practical application is for
           for all pollutants. and is proportional to the percentage of the total                    parking lots. Heavy traff ic and heavy loads that would tend
           runoff volume that infiltrates. Many of the pollutants in urban runoff                    to occur in most streets would compact the surface and
           are effectively trapped in the upper soil layers, and do not reach the                    reduce the infiltration rate in time. Also, the vacuum
                                                                                                     sweeping to remove fine sediments from the pavement,
           subsurface aquifer. This filtration or adsorption mechanism is par-                       which is an important recommended maintenance
           ticularly effective in the case of suspended solids, bacteria. heavy                      procedure. is most realistic for parking lot areas.
           metals and phosphorus. Note that some of the percolating runoff may I

                                                                                                                                                              CHAP 5-3







            BMPs FOR CONTROL OF NONPOINT SOURCE POLLUTION

            Key design factors that determine performance are the hydraulic                           This has the desirable effect of reducing flow variations in
            conductivity of the underlying soil and the size of the device relative        1          streams.
            to the contributing drainage area. In this case. the size refers to the            .... LIMITATIONS:
            surface area available for percolation. and to the storage volume.             1
            Examples of typical sizin, rules that have been applied include the                    *  A variety of site specific factors (impermeable soils. high
            following:                                                                                water table, bedrock, etc) restricts the applicability of this
                                                                                                      type of BIVIP.
                   Storage volume for 1/2 inch of runoff per impervious acre,                      0  Care during installation is necessary to prevent compaction
                   or storage volume for 1 inch of runoff from the entire                             of soil by construction machinery, or the sealing of
                   watershed. These rules are usually applied for infiltration                        infiltration surfaces by sediment generated during
                   trenches. Generaily. trenches are made relatively wide and                         construction activities.
                   shallow. and percolation rates range from 0.5 to 1 inches                       9  Even during normal operating conditions. infiltration devices
                   per hour.                                                                          require pretreatment (e.g., grass filter strips, geo-textile
                   Storage volume equal to the volume of runoff from a 2 year                         doth) to reduce the amount of coarse sediment reaching
                   storm. This sizing rule is usually limited to infiltration                         the infiltration surface.
                   basins. and makes assumptions comparable to the
                   preceeding rule.                                                            5.1.3  Vegetative Controls
                   Percolating area and storage volume may be determined by
                   analyzing the rainfall records and soil percolation rates for               Vegetative BIVPs include a variety of landscaping arrangements that
                   the site or area.                                                           serve to increase the contact of rainfall and stormwater runoff with
                                                                                               appropriate types of vegetation. Vegetative control practices have the
            Depending on the size and the soil characteristics, infiltration devices           ability to reduce pollutant discharges by reducing the quantity of
            are capable of achieving removal efficiencies up to 99 percent. The                runoff through enhanced infiltration. and to reduce concentrations
            removal of pollutants for different sizes and designs in the Maryland-             through a combination of filtration, sedimentation and biological
            Northern Virginia area are listed in Table 5-3. Performance can be                 uptake. The major types of vegetative BMPs include the following.
            expected to differ for areas with different rainfall and soil types, but
            the indicated efficiencies are typical of the water quality performance                   BASIN LANDSCAPING - Basin landscaping can be
                                            TABLE 5-3                                                 addressed during early development of a watershed and
                                                                                                      can have a significant effect on the control of NPS
              Typical Percent Pollutant Removal for Rentention Devices                                pollutants. The objectives of basin landscaping include but
                                        Percent Removal for Indicated Size                            are not limited to minimization of impervious surface area:
            Pollutant                112 inch            1 inch               2 yr.                   protection and utilization of existing wetlands; provision for
                                per impervious            from             runoff vol                 green-belt buffers along stream banks: routing of runoff flow
                                      acre             total area                                     through vegetated areas and away from erosion-prone
            Suspended                      75                  90                 99                  steep slopes. Careful selection of vegetation most suitable
            solids                                                                                    for site conditions has an important bearing on physical
            Organics                       70                  80                 go                  appearance and the long-term performance of          basin
                                                                                                      landscaping.
            (BOD, COD)                                                                                WETLANDS - As part of site landscaping, it is possible to
            Total N and                45-55               55-70              60-75                   create new shallow marsh wetlands specifically designed to
            total P                                                                                   operate as an urban runoff control measure. In rare cases,
            Heavy metals               75-10               85-90              95-91                   there may be an existing wetland of appropriate type, size
            Bacteria                       75                  90                 98                  and location. to warrant its consideration as a BMP for
                                                                                                      urban runoff. However. in such cases, issues that will be
                                                                                                      difficult to resolve with current knowledge, such as the
            that could be produced by infiltration BMPs,          in otherwise suitable               potential of urban runoff flows or pollutants to damage the
            areas on Long Island.                                                                     existing wetland ecosystem, need to be addressed.
                                                                                                      GRASSED SWALES - Grassed swales are a shallow grass
            For retention basins, treatment rate can be thought of as the product                     covered channel, rather than a buried storm drain. that is
            of the percolation rate and the available percolating area, The                           used to convey slormwaler, Grass channels are mostly
            performance improves as the treatment rate is increased, either                           applicable in residential areas. They require shallow
            because of higher soil percolation rates or larger percolation surface                    slopes, and soils that drain well, Often grassed swales are
            areas. Efficiency can be enhanced by the amount of storage volume                         used to provide pretreatment of runoff to other controls,
            provided. However, large excess storage volumes that do not have                          particularly infiltration devices.
            time to drain between storms are not only wasteful of resources, but                      FILTER STRIPS - These are similar in concept to grass
                                                                                                      swales. but are designed to distribute runoff across the
            may be detrimental to basin performance by preventing the rejuve-                         entire width and result in an overland sheet flow. These
            nation that occurs during dry periods.                                                    strips should have relatively low slopes, adequate length,
                                                                                                      and should be planted with erosion resistant plant species.
            .... ADVANTAGES:                                                                          They are often used as pretreatment for other BMPs, for
                                                                                                      example, by being placed in the flow path between a
                   Infiltration devices are capable of very high pollutant                            parking lot and an infiltration trench.
                   removals.                                                                   Performance of vegetative controls is strongly influenced by the
                   in many cases they can be built in developed areas.                         depth and velocity of flow through or across the device (determined
                   In addition to water quality control. they also reduce
                   stormwater runoff to surface water bodies during and after                  by slope and flow distribution). and by contact time (determined by
                   storm events and provide desirable subsurface recharge                      the length of the flow path). The use of small check dams to produce
                   resulting in an increase in low, dry-weather stream flows,                  temporary ponding of runoff improves performance by enhancing the

            CHAP 5-4







                                                                                                 BMPs FOR CONTROL OF NONPOINT SOURCE POLLUTION

           infiltration rates. Care in selecting plant species appropriate for site                 agency. Where this may deviate from the historical role.
           specific conditions. and routine maintenance to maintain optimum                         education and persuasion will be important. There may be
           height are important maintenance requirements.                                           d need for redefining roles or establishing new agencies or
                                                                                                    departments. For example, an appropriate regulation
           The pollutant reduction capabilities of vegetative controls are not                      against a particular form of pollutant discharge and legal
           documented as well for the other types of BMPs. Available informa-                       enforcement authority may exist. If however. the
           tion suggests that under favorable conditions, vegetative controls can                   enforcement authority resides in a police department. the
           achieve moderate removals of particulates such as sediment and                           situation may fall so far down on the priorities dictated by
           heavy metals. They are generally not effective in reducing nutrients.                    the general mission of a police agency, as to preclude any
                                                                                                    realistic expectation of active enforcement. This is an
           Many of the important design features are determined by physical                         example of one of the variety of issues that will have to be
           characteristics of the site, over which the planner or designer has little               resolved. that may not be apparent in a simple listing of the
           or no control. Thus. both the applicability and the degree of perfor-                    elements of a particular NPS control action.
           mance that can be expected are highly site-specific.                                     GUIDANCE - For some source controls, specific formal
                                                                                                    technical guidance may have to be developed and
           .... ADVANTAGES:                                                                         distributed to assure effective implementation. Examples
                                                                                                    include details of erosion control practices. oil separators
                   The costs for vegetative controls tend to be lower than                          that may be required for service stations, or detention
                   those for detention and infiltration practices.                                  facilities for new residential developments.
                   With appropriate planning and design, they can enhance
                   the visual attractiveness of a site.                                     There is no consistent way to characterize the salient design features
                   Vegetative controls are usually most appropriate to provide              of the variety of different types of practices that can be included in
                   pretreatment of runoff in order to improve the operation and             the source control BMP category. An important factor is the applica-
                   maintenance of other BMPs.                                               tion density. This generally (depending on the nature of the particular
           .... LIMITATIONS:                                                                practice) addresses how actively. frequently and/or thoroughly the
                                                                                            practice is pursued, and over how much of the total urban area it is
                   Vegetative controls are usually not adequate to serve as the             applied. For example, the frequency at which each catch basin is
                   only runoff control practice for a site.                                 cleaned; the number of streets or parking areas that are swept and
                   The overall pollutant reduction that can be obtained from                how often the sweeper returns to a particular location; are examples
                   vegetative practices is usually limited, and depends to a                of application density, and ultimately of how effective a source control
                   substantial degree on the physical characteristics of
                   individual sites.                                                        practice will be in reducing NPS pollutant loads from an overall urban
                   Seasonal differences in performance can be important.                    area.
                   Removal effectiveness for some pollutants can be markedly
                   different during growing and dormant periods.                            Some specific source control BMPs that have broad general ap-
                                                                                            plicability are identified below, with examples of some of the more
                   Information on removal efficiencies for the range of
                   conditions that might be encountered is relatively limited.              important elements of the general practice that are necessary for
           5.1.4   Source Controls                                                          effective implementation. The list is not exhaustive*. local situations
                                                                                            can be expected to suggest other practices that are not included in
           This category of IBMPs      includes any practice that (a) reduces the           this discussion. In addition, some of those that have been included
           amounts of accumulated pollutants on the land surface available for              in the list may not be applicable in all areas.
           washoff by rainfall. or (b) regulates the amount of impervious area to
           reduce the amount of runoff, or (c) excludes inappropriate discharges                 Exclude Inappropriate Discharges to Storm Drains
           from storm drains. The basic nature of the practices that can be                      ELIMINATE ILLICIT CONNECTIONS - This is one of the more
           included in the source control category, and in the elements involved                 important categories. The NPS stormwater permit regulations
           in their implementation, cover such a broad range that there is no                    emphasize the detection and elimination of non-stormwater dis-
           single best way to organize and classify them.                                        charges to storm drainage systems. Elements of such an action
                                                                                                 include the following:
           Source controls may be considered in terms of specific practices that
           address one or more of the above objectives. Depending on the basic                   .  Develop. strengthen (if necessary), and enforce regulations
           nature of a practice. it may be associated with specific parcels or                      which give local areas the legal authority to eliminate
           localized sites, or alternatively it may relate to application over broad                cross -connections that allow sanitary sewage or industrial
           areas. In most cases. a management plan will incorporate an array                        wastewater to enter storm drainage systems.
           of diff erent source controls that are applicable for the area. All source            .  Develop and implement a field program to search for. detect
           control BMPs involve each of the following implementation aspects,                       and control domestic, commercial or industrial
                                                                                                    cross-connections.
           to a greater or lesser degree.                                                        .  Develop and implement a field program to search for,
                   EDUCATION - Since many source control practices require                          detect, and control sanitary sewer leaks and areas where
                   either active public participation, or general public                            surcharging or overflows would be most likely to occur.
                   acceptance, public education elements are an important                        PREVENT RAINFALL AND RUNOFF FROM CONTACTING
                   feature. Developing a public understanding of the need for                    POTENTIAL CONTAMINANTS - This is a well established stand-
                   an action, the benefit it can produce, and the pertinent
                                                                                                 ard practice that has obvious benefit. It applies primarily to in-
                   details of its implementation, will be critical to success. and
                                                                                                 dustrial or commercial sites.
                   will require a specific program element that addresses this
                   requirement.                                                                     Educate re: the need to keep rainfall and runoff from
                   REGULATION - In many cases appropriate legal authority                           contacting potential contaminants. Describe typical
                   will have to be developed and assigned to an appropriate                         examples of the problem and practical solutions.

                                                                                                                                                           CHAP 5-5







         BMPs FOR CONTROL OF NONPOINT SOURCE POLLUTION

                  Develop and implement regulations to require covers for                      Develop and implement regularly scheduled cleanup days
                  outdoor storage areas that contain contaminants. Keep                        and corresponding curbside collection of trash and
                  runoff from passing over areas that contain contaminants.                    household debris.
                  Emphasize good housekeeping for open loading-unloading                       Provide, collect and maintain an adequate number of litter
                  areas.                                                                       receptacles in strategic public areas, and during major
                  Develop and implement a field program to search for, detect                  public events.
                  and correct situations where rainfall or runoff presently                    Coordinate with efforts (by others) to establish practical
                  contact potential contaminants.                                              controls regarding potentially harmfu packaging of
                                                                                               consumer products.
            PROPER USE AND DISPOSAL OF MATERIALS BY HOME-
            OWNERS - The contaminants addressed by this control activity                   CONTROL ANIMAL WASTES - The specific practices should
            include materials such as fertilizers, pesticides and herbicides, oil          consider both household pets and where appropriate, suburban
            and antifreeze, paints, and solvents, Specific actions for prevent-            livestock such as horses and waterfowl,
            ing the discharge of household contaminants include the following:                 Educate re: the need to clean up and properly dispose of
                  Educate re: the proper storage and use of fertilizers,                       pet wastes, and where appropriate, the need for proper
                                                                                               management of wastes from suburban livestock and
                  herbicides and pesticides; application methods, rates and                    agricultural operations in the watershed.
                  frequency appropriate for the area; and the                                  Educate re: the effects on water quality from large
                  potential environmental damage that can be caused                            concentrations of residential and migratory waterfowl, that
                  by these materials. Identify alternative methods for                         are common to the area.
                  controlling insects and weeds (e.g., physical controls,                      Develop, strengthen (if necessary), and enforce regulations
                  biological controls, less toxic chemicals).                                  which deal with the sale and/or release of domestic
                  Educate re: the need to keep oils, paints and similar                        waterfowl.
                  contaminants out of storm drains; the potential                              Provide informational signs and dispense doggie litter bags
                  environmental damage that can be caused by these
                                                                                               in parks and other selected areas.
                  materials: and acceptable disposal methods. Describe                         Implement and enforce leash laws and pet waste cleanup
                  typical examples of the problem and practical solutions.                     ordinances in selected public-use areas.
                  Develop and implement programs and set up receiving
                  facilities and procedures for specific pollutants such as                IMPROVE THE MAINTENANCE OF MAJOR PAVED AREAS -
                  crankcase oil, pesticide or paint containers, and other                  Activities in this category include both physical repairs to maintain
                  potentially harmful chemicals. Recycle it possible. The                  pavement surfaces in good condition so that pavement debris and
                  success of such a practice depends on the number and                     degradation products are not washed into storm drains, and street
                  location (convenience) of stations and the awareness of the              cleaning practices that remove litter and externally generated dust
                  community about the effect of pollutants on the environment.             and associated pollutants that accumulate on paved surfaces.
                  Research, strengthen (if necessary), and enforce existing
                  egulations which give local areas the legal authority to                   . Improve pavement repair and maintenance programs on
                  orevent improper disposal of pollutants into storm drainage                  streets and parking areas (e.g., fill potholes, seal cracks,
                  systems.                                                                     apply surface treatments).
                  Label storm drain inlets and provide signs along the banks                 . Develop and implement sufficiently intensive street
                  of drainage channels and creeks explaining the                               sweeping programs for strategic locations. For example,
                  environmental impacts of dumping wastes.                                     paved surfaces in central business districts. shopping malls.
                                                                                               major parking lots and industrial areas tend to produce
                  Develop and implement a field program to search for, detect                  more concentrated surface sources of heavy metals. oil and
                  and prevent dumping or the routine discharge of pollutants                   similar contaminants.
                  into storm sewers, drainage channels and urban streams.                      Implement street parking regulations (e.g.. alternate side
                  This should involve re-evaluating previous decisions to
                  allow certain relatively clean waters to be discharged to the                parking days) where necessary for effectiveness of street
                                                                                     i         sweeping programs.
                  stormwater system.                                                 I
                                                                                           INSTITUTE PROGRAMS TO REMOVE ACCUMULATIONS OF
                                                                                     i
             Reduce Street and Land Surface Sources of Pollutants                    i     LITTER AND DEBRIS - Floatables and accumulations of debris
                                                                                           represent an important aesthetic problem for urban streams in
             CONTROL LITTERING AND IMPROPER WASTE DISPOSAL                                 many areas.
             PRACTICES - In addition to its pollution control benefits, an                     Sponsor periodic stream bank cleanup programs to remove
             effective litter control program will improve the general aesthetic               accumulations of litter and debris in urban streams or on
             appearance of an area. Because such programs can easily gain                      their banks. Floatable materials often accumulate behind
             pub@ic acceptance, with visibile effects. they can assist in develop-             roadway culverts. Encourage participation by suitable
             ing interest and acceptance of other BIVIPs where the relation                    community groups (e.g.,Boy Scouts, etc.). Coordinate with
             between practice and benefit may be less obvious. Specific actions                public works departments for hauling and disposal of
                  ght include the following:                                                   removed materials.
                  Educate re: the NPS pollution impacts that result from                     . Provide for routine sweeping of streets that border urban
                                                                                               stream courses.
                  littering and improper waste disposal practices.                           . Provide surveillance and enforce regulations against
                  Develop, strengthen (if necessary), and enforce existing                     dumping.
                  regulations which give local areas the legal authority to
                  control littering and the improper disposal of potentially               CONTROL AIRBORNE POLLUTANTS - A significant source of
                  harmful or aesthetically objectionable materials.                        many of the pollutants present in urban stormwater runoff is the
                  Provide litter bags for use in cars. Work with citizen action            atmospheric particles that originate from a variety of sources, and
                  programs to facilitate efforts to report littering incidents and         deposit on land surfaces in the urban area. Source control ac-
                  illegal dumping.                                                         tivities that can address this situation include the following:

          CHAF'5-6







                                                                                              BMPs FOR CONTROL OF NONPOINT SOURCE POLLUTION

                 Educate re: the relationship between air pollution and NPS                  are compatible with control of NPS discharges and the protection
                 water quality problems, and the need to coordinate with                     of receiving waters.
                 programs (by others) that seek to reduce particulate
                                                                                              .  Zone to limit dwelling unit density and control the amount of
                 atmospheric emissions of pollutants from individuai. public,                    on-site runoff and pollutants generated by limiting the
                 commercial and industrial sources.
                 Educate re: the potential benefits of reduced automobile                        impervious surface area created.
                 use by various means (e.g., ride sharing, carpooling, public                 .  Restrict development adjacent to streambanks. Require
                 transportation), and the importance of frequent vehicle                         vegetated buffer strips along streambanks.
                                                                                              .  Restrict development on sites with soils and slopes that are
                 inspection and maintenance efforts to reduce atmospheric                        susceptible to serious erosion.
                 emissions.
                 Educate re: the proper operation of fireplaces and wood                         Limit The Directly Connected Impervious Area -
                 burning stoves to minimize the emissions of particulate
                 matter.                                                                      -  Develop planning guidelines illustrating favorable
                 Cooperate with public transportation agencies, public                           development techniques.
                 agency motorpools, and public works departments to                           *  Use grass swales for drainage in preference to curbs and
                 provide effective air pollution controls on publically owned                    gutters and piped drains, where feasible.
                 vehicles and motorized equipment, and, where practical, on                   .  Encourage use of cluster housing, buffer strips, open
                 the use of alternative clean-burning fuels.                                     space, or other patterns that reduce the quantity of runoff
                                                                                                 from the site.
             Control Erosion                                                                     Avoid direct connection of roof leaders to drain pipes or
                                                                                                 paved surfaces.
             CONTROL EROSION AT CONSTRUCTION SITES - The actions                       I         Require Physical Controls For New Developments -
             suggested here are directed at the control of erosion from land           1
             disturbed during construction, or the prevention of eroded                          Require the installation of detention basins or infiltration
             materials from leaving the site.
                                                                                                 devices as BMPs for the control of the quality and/or
                 Educate architects. engineers, contractors, and public                          quantity of runoff, and for control of peak flows on all new
                 works personnel about the need for and practical methods                        development sites.
                 for erosion control, sediment control,groundwater disposal,                     Develop specific guidelines for design and construction of
                 and site waste management and disposal.                                         these devices.
                 Develop and implement effective erosion and sediment                            Provide for the necessary supervision, inspection and
                                                                                                 enforcement of regulations to insure compliance.
                 control regulations. and requirements for corresponding
                 construction inspection programs. These should apply to                     Other Control Measures
                 public-sector as well as private-sector construction
                 programs.                                                                   CONTROL OIL AND GREASE - Automobile operation and main-
                 Develop and implement improved erosion and sediment                         tenance is the principal source of oil and grease that can result in
                 control policies in the environmental elements of all general               objectionable films and sheens on the surface of receiving waters.
                                                                                             Fractions that remain in solution may contribute toxic con-
                 plans.
                                                                                             taminants. Food service facilities may contribute animal fats and
                 Adopt policies that require all SEQRA compliance
                 documents and all site development plans to explicitly                      greases (vs hydrocarbon based) to runoff.
                 address the topics of erosion potential, proposed erosion                       Educate re: the effective use of housekeeping practices. oil
                 and sediment control plans. and enforceable mitigation                          and grease traps, the use of adsorbents and cleaning
                 measures to minimize environmental impacts.                                     compounds for controlling oil and grease at gas stations.
                 Require contractors to post bonds to cover potential                            automotive repair shops. parking areas. commercial and
                 damages from erosion or sediment deposition.                                    industrial facilities, and food service facilities.
             CONTROL EROSION OF UNDEVELOPED LAND AND                                             Educate re: the need to provide adequate and sufficiently
             PARKLAND - These efforts are directed at the control of erosion                     frequent vehicle inspection. and to maintain efforts to
             from essentially undisturbed urban land areas, to reduce potential                  reduce leakage of oil. antifreeze, hydraulic fluid, etc.
             adverse impacts on urban water bodies.                                              Develop, strengthen (if necessary), and enforce regulations
                                                                                                 which give local areas the legal authority to require oil and
                 Educate public works personnel and managers of parks and                        grease controls in areas that are significant sources (e.g.,
                 open space lands about the need for and practical methods                       gas stations. automotive repair shops, parking areas,
                 for erosion control and sediment control.                                       commercial and industrial facilities, and food service
                 Develop and implement programs to actively search for,                          facilities).
                 identify, evaluate, and prioritize erosion problems on                          Develop technical guidance that will facilitate efforts by
                                                                                       i         responsible parties to comply with regulations requiring oil
                 undeveloped land, parkland or open-space urban land use
                 areas.                                                                          and grease controls (e.g., oil traps, plate separators,
                 Develop and implement programs to work with landowners,                         synthetic adsorbent material, grassed swales).
                 tenants, and public agencies to apply practical erosion and                 CONTROL LEAKS FROM GASOLINE. FUEL OIL, AND CHEMI-
                 sediment control practices.                                                 CAL STORAGE TANKS - The actions listed can help to control
                 Develop and implement practical programs for revegetating                   pollutant contributions from leaking storage tanks.
                 and otherwise restoring eroding areas 'e.g., areas damaged            I
                 by fires, off -road vehicle use).                                               Educate re: the environmental impacts that result from
                                                                                                 leaks and spills from gasoline, fuel oil, and chemical tanks,
             Land Use Planning                                                                   above and below ground.
                                                                                                 Coordinate with efforts (by others) to intensity the
             ZONING REGULATIONS - Appropriate zoning ordinances may                    1         implementation of existing regulations which call for
             be used in sensitive areas to provide for development patterns that                 improved design of new tanks (e.g., double walls,

                                                                                                                                                        CHAP 5-7







          BIVIPs FOR CONTROL OF NONPOINT SOURCE POLLUTION

                 monitoring facilities'; replacement of tanks over a specified         _ADVANTAGES
                 age; selt-moniToring programs; and implementation of a                             Some source control actions will be very visible and will
                 strategically focused spot-check program to search for,
                 identify, test. and control leaking storage tanks.                                 involve high level of public awareness and involvement.
                                                                                                    They can help to generate a sense of active community
            INTENSIFY THE MAINTENANCE AND REPAIR OF STORM-                                          participation in an overall NPS control program, and
            WATER DRAINAGE SYSTEMS - These actions are directed at                                  may help secure the implementation of other, less
            removing the pollutants that tend to be retained, and accumulate                        obvious. elements of a management plan.
            at specific locations in the stormwater drainage system.                                In addition to reducing pollutant discharges to water
                 Determine the effectiveness of increasing the frequency of                         bodies, many will have attendant aesthetic or cosmetic
                 cleaning out storm-sewer inlets, catch basins. storm sewer                         benefits.
                 pipes and drainage channels in areas where sediments,                  .... LIMITATIONS
                 debris, or floatable materials tend to accumulate. Develop
                 and implement improved programs where appropriate.                                 Adoption (with or without enforcement) of the
                 Develop and implement an aggressive field program to                               necessary ordinances may create negative public
                 search for, test. remove. and properly dispose of sediment                         reactions that may have an adverse effect on other
                 deposits in drainage channels and streams, which contain                           areas of the program.
                 relatively high concentrations of pollutants.                                      In most cases, there is no reliable way to estimate the
                 Develop and implement a program which provides a means                             effect of a particular source control measure on the
                 of recording the observations of field inspection and                              urban NPS pollutant loads.
                 maintenance personnel. so that this information can be                             Effectiveness of a practice depends on the degree to
                 used to help locate the sources of pollutants.                                     which it is applied and the geographical extent of the
          There  is no realistic way to accurately estimate the effect such                         application. Even with appropriate regulations in place,
          practices may have on area-wide pollutant loads or to problems in                         there is no positive assurance of compliance to the
          specific water bodies. There is a high degree of uncertainty as-                          extent desired.
          sociated with the ability to define what these practices really do in                     Developing and assigning the necessary legal authority.
          terms of load reduction. In addition, even assuming performance                           and adding new responsibilities to established public
          levels could be defined, the extent to which the public at large would                    agencies whose budget, experience. and priorities may
          be faithful in applying a practice will generally be uncertain.                           not relate directly to NPS control may be difficult to
                                                                                                    resolve.












































          CHAP 5-8







                                                                                                                                    RECOMMENDED ACTIONS



          Chapter Six

          Recommended Actions

            6.0 Introduction
          T
               he identification of planning opportunities and the selection of           tion would be enhanced by the reduced velocities, longer residence
               BMPs that should receive consideration are most appropriately              time and internal estuarine circulation patterns.
          guided by recognition of the general types of nonpoint sources that           ,
          are po,enfially important in the Iwo study watersheds. An evaluation            BENTHIC MACROFAUNAL ABUNDANCE - The fact that benthic
          of the characteristics of the land and water use and density in the             organisms were never found at three of the marine stations on
          stream corridors that were studied suggests the source categories               Neguntatogue Creek is considered significant. The results from
          listed in Table 6-1 to be the ones that are most pertinent and which            benthic surveys at Beaverdam Creek support the contention that
          should be addressed by a NIPS management program.                               under natural conditions, impoverished communities may exist peri-
                                                                                        I odically in portions of estuarine streams. Low dissolved oxygen
          To maximize its water quality effectiveness, the elements of a control          levels in bottom waters. undoubtedly play an important role. How-
          program should also be selected so that they focus on the specific              ever, the toxic potential of the high sediment metal concentrations is
          contaminants that have a significant influence on the water quality,            considered to exert some degree of influence on the overall result.
          uses and problems that apply. In order to develop a framework for
          the consideration of appropriate control actions (BMPs) for the two             SOLUBLE NITROGEN FORMS (AMMONIA AND NITRATE) -Addi-
          study watersheds, the water quality differences that are the most               tional monitoring is needed to specify relative differences in nitrogen
          significant, and have a good probability of being primarily associated          levels in Neguntatogue and Beaverdam Creeks. Feller's Pond on
          with development features, have been summarized. The con-                       Neguntatogue Creek, and the waterfowl population it supports, could
          taminants involved. and their probable major sources are used as a              be an important source of these nutrients. Also, septic tank systems
                                                                                          that remain in use, although sewer connection is available, are also
          basis to focus attention on the most appropriate kinds of stormwater          !
          runoff BMPs that are emphasized in the program recommendations                  a possible contributor to the higher Neguntatogue nitrogen con-
          presented later.                                                                centrations.
          6.1 Relation Between Environmental Quality and Density of                       Conversely, the low nutrient levels in Beaverdarn Greek may result
          LandfWater Uses                                                                 from the higher algal levels and the wetland areas in this watershed.
                                                                                          Either or both of these factors could play a role in reducing the nutrient
          The environmental quality differences between Neguntatogue Creek                concentrations that would otherwise be present in the water column.
          and Beaverdam Creek that are the most significant. based on water
          quality parameter measurements and visual observation, were                     FLOATABLES, SHEENS AND OTHER LITTER - Floatable materials
                                                                                          consisted of paper and plastic containers. The obvious source is
          limited to the items listed below, In each case, higher levels of               litter, either directly discarded into the stream or washed in with
          pollutants were observed in Neguntatogue Creek, which has the                   stormwater from streets or parking lots. The probable sources of oily
          greater degree of urban development. Probable (or possible) sour-               sheens are the washoff of street deposits of oily materials originating
          ces of most significance are identified for each of these water quality         from vehicles. and boating activity. Other litter included beverage
          elements.
                                                                                          cans, etc., which were most likely dropped directly into the stream or
          SEDIMENT METAL CONCENTRATIONS - Copper, lead and zinc                           onto its bank.
          have been documented in other studies to be commonly found at                   DISCUSSION
          elevated levels in runoff from urban areas and highways (U. S.                I
          Environmental Protection Agency 1983; Woodward-Clyde Consult-                   There are differences in water quality and general appearance of the
          ants 1989). Their accumulation in the estuarine sediments of the two            two streams that are attributable to the overall net influence of the
          streams in significantly different amounts can be taken as evidence             differences in level of development. The most significant of these
          of cumulative effects of urbanization. A specific, non-stormwater               differences were identified above.
          source in Neguntatogue Creek cannot be ruled out at the moment,
          but such a source (e. g., an unknown illicit discharge) is considered           The monitoring data on various environmental quality parameters
          unlikely to be the major source of these pollutants. The most likely            collected in this study do not permit any definitive statements to be
          major source of these metals is stormwater runoff originating from the          made concerning the specification of the precise relationship be-
          heavily traff icked roads. such as Montauk and Sunrise Highways, and          i tween land and water use types and particular water quality con-
          heavily used parking tots and curbside parking areas. Another source            centrations, pollutant loads and biological impacts. This limitation
          of metals is boating-related activity. The higher traff ic densities and        results from a combination of the complexity of a variety of natural
          the greater concentration of vehicles and boats in the Neguntatogue             factors,such as seasonal dissolved oxygen depletion, the consider-
          Creek watershed are consistent with the observed sediment data.                 able variability of stormwater runoff and its impacts, and limits to the
                                                                                          amount of detail that can be developed from monitoring programs
          Both streams have low levels of these metals in their freshwater                with temporal and spatial constraints. However, different concentra-
          sections. The high flow velocities and short residence time in these            tions of certain contaminants and their impacts were detected be-
          sections tend to keep levels low. High metal levels would tend to               tween the two streams, and these can be attributed to differences in
          occur in the estuarine segments where sedimentation and accumula-               the types and density of development extant in the watersheds.

                                                                                                                                                         CHAP 6-1







             RECOMMENDED ACTIONS

                                                                                                The applicability of some of the controls discussed in the two case
                                             TABLE 6-1                                          studies to other stream corridors will depend to a large degree on
             Nonpoint Sources of Pollution to Neguntatogue and Beaver.                          existing development patterns and the characteristics of site-specific
                                            dam Creeks                                          problems. The range in conditions encountered in the urban and
                                                                                                semi-rural case study watersheds will typify situations likely to be
                                                                                                found in most other streams. An exception is the Patchogue River,
             Stormwater Runoff -           direct discharge from streets and paved              which has two point sources discharges (the Patchogue Village and
                                           surfaces in the urban areas to surface               Watergate Apartment sewage treatment plants). In this sense, the
                                           waters via storm sewers, drainage                    case studies serve as prototypes for nonpoint source control techni-
                                           ditches. road ends, etc.                             que application in the other stream corridors. Some of the recom-
                                           discharge to surface waters from un-                 mendations are generic, i.e, locations for application are not
                                                                                              I specified, and they apply to activities and practices that occur at
                                           paved surfaces, e.g., lawns, woodlands,              locations throughout the watersheds.
                                           tilled agricultural lands.
             Septic Systems -              discharge to ground water from waste                 Table 6-2 presents a complete listing of all of the BMP types that were
                                           disposalsystems serving residential and              described in Chapter 5, and includes an assessment of their in-
                                           other uses located in low depth to                   dividual applicability in each of the study watersheds. Specific
                                           ground water areas adjacent to surface               recommendations foreach watershed are described in sections 6.2.2
                                           waters.                                              and 6.2.3.
             Boating Activity -            direct discharge from waste disposal                 6 2 1 Stream Corridor Protection Programs
                                           systems on boats and houseboats.                       ' "
                                           washoff of boat and yard materials, oils,            The recommendation that calls for the implementation of stream
                                           paints, etc                                          corriclor protection programs applicable to all of the streams tributary
                                                                                                to the Great South Bay is of particular significance to stream and bay
             Wildlife -                    fecal material from waterfowl and other              environmental quality . It can be used to engender public support for
                                           warmblooded animals
                                                                                                stream corridor protection activities from both the management and
             Illegal and/or                the potential exists for the direct dis-             regulatory perspectives; and is a priority for both the Neguntatogue
             Accidental Waste              charge of wastes to surface waters via               Creek and Beaverdarn Creek study areas:
             Disposal Activity -           improper handling of materials, the in-
                                           tentional disposal of wastes, and acci-              Establish stream corridor protection programs at the town level that
                                           dents, e.g., fuel spills.                            would encompass all of the tributary streams to Great South Bay
             Toxic Waste Sites -           the potential exists for the leaching of             within town and village jurisdiction. This program should have com-
                                           hazardous materials into ground and                  ponents dealing with public education, litter reduction, stream cor-
                                           surface waters from toxic waste sites,               ridor improvement and surveillance.
                                           e.g., active and inactive landfills, high-                    A public awareness/education program to raise public
                                           way maintenance yards, sand mining
                                           operations.                                                   consciousness of the impacts of nonpoint sources of
                                                                                                         pol lution,.i rn proper fitter/debris disposal, and streambed
                                                                                                         alteration on stream and bay water quality should be
                                                                                                         pursued. Such a program would help to motivate
             The relative contribution of pollutant loads to the creeks from marinas          I          cooperation to reduce the discharge of floatables to fresh
             could not be determined from the results of the field monitoring                            and marine surface waters and other nonpoint sources of
             program. However. intensive marina activity along Neguntatogue                              pollution. For example, citizens should be encouraged to
                                                                                                         adopt lawn maintenance practices that reduce nutrient and
             Creek poses water quality impacts due to the wastes generated from                          toxic chemical loadings to ground water and surface waters.
             marina operation and boat maintenance. Such wastes include                                  Improve existing programs to control littering.
             sewage, bilge water. used oils, oil filters, solvents, waste paints, used                        Conduct routine cleanup of parking lots, particularly
             batteries, empty contaminated containers, etc. (Resource Planning                                those found at fast-food outlets or other operations
             Associates 1989). It is noted that very high concentrations of TBT                               which tend to generate litter.
             (tributyltin: a toxic constituent in bottom paint) have been found in the                        Implement more frequent street sweeping, where
             bottom sediments of Neguntatogue Creek.                                                          appropriate, with curbside parking regulations that are
             6.2 Recommended Actions                                                                          necessary to make this effective.
                                                                                                              Provide receptacles at appropriate locations (and
             The recommendations presented below are based on the compara-                                    empty them at appropriate intervals).
             tive analysis of land use and environmental resources in the Negun-                              Enforce ordinance provisions as appropriate.
             tatogue and Beaverdarn Creek study areas, and on the results of the                         Augment existing public works efforts in litter and debris
             environmental quality monitoring program involving surface waters in                        removal, and catch basin maintenance.
             both watersheds. They are not driven solely by the desire to improve                             Floatables and debris tend to be trapped and
             or maintain water quality. Aesthetic, open space and terrestrial habitat                         accumulate behind some culverts passing under streets
             considerations also justify the recommended actions. The recom-                                  and roads. Enhanced programs to remove retained
             mendations are keyed to the particular watersheds addressed in this              I               floatables at regular intervals should be considered.
             study, but they can be considered as part of a broader program for
             the remaining 36 stream corridors tributary to the bay. An overall                               Investigate the feasibility of installing screens or booms
                                                                                                              at strategic underpasses, and provide easy access for
             strategy should be designed and implemented to improve the en-                                   cleaning.
             vironmental quality of Great South Bay as a whole, via actions that                              Consider sponsoring periodic clean-up days to remove
             would reduce nonpoint source pollutant loadings.                                                 debris from stream banks, beds and adjacent areas.
                                                                                                              Seek the involvement of citizen groups, or
                                                                                                              organizations such as the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts.

             CHAP 6-2







                                                                                                                                               RECOMMENDED ACTIONS


                                                                                       TABLE 6-2
                               Applicability of BMPs for Control of Nonpoint Source Pollution in Urban and Semi-rural Watersheds


                                                            BMP Control Measure                               Urban Watershed Semi-rural Watershed
                                   A DETENTION BASINS
                                           - dry ponds                                                                     no*                     yes"
                                           - wetponds                                                                      no                         yes
                                           - extended detention dry ponds                                                  no                         yes


                                   B    RETENTION DEVICES
                                           - infiltration basins                                                           no                         yes
                                           - trenches & dry wells                                                          yes                        yes
                                           - porous pavement                                                               yes                        yes


                                   C VEGETATIVE CONTROLS
                                           - basin landscaping                                                             no                         yes
                                           - wetlands                                                                      no                         yes
                                           - grassed swales                                                                no                         yes
                                           - filter strips                                                                 no                         yes


                                   D SOURCE CONTROLS
                                           -     exclude inappropriate discharges to storm drains
                                                 ï¿½    illicit connections                                                  yes                        yes
                                                 ï¿½    exposed contaminants                                                 yes                        yes
                                                 *    home material disposal                                               yes                        yes


                                           -     reduce street and land sources
                                                 ï¿½    litter control                                                       yes                        yes
                                                 0    animal wastes                                                        yes                        yes
                                                 ï¿½    pavement maintenance                                                 yes                        yes
                                                      remove litter & debris                                               yes                        yes
                                                      airborne pollutants                                                  yes                        yes


                                           -     control erosion
                                                 0    construction sites                                                   yes                        yes
                                                 0    parks & undeveloped land                                             no                         yes

                                           -     land use planning
                                                 0    limit direct connections                                             no                         yes
                                                 9    control of new development and                                       yes                        yes
                                                      redevelopment


                                           -     other control measures
                                                 ï¿½    control oil and grease                                               yes                        yes
                                                 ï¿½    storage tank leaks                                                   yes                        yes
                                                 0    drainage system repair & maintenance                                 yes                        yes


                              no indicates that there are MAJOR constraints to the application of the specified BMP

                          Provide appropriate department of public works support                          prevention of undesirable activity, such as stream         bed
                         for hauling away the removed trash/debris.                                       alteration, bulkheading, filling, etc., undertaken by owners
                     Assign agency personnel and/or volunteers the task of                                of stream shoreline/bed property; and contribute to the
                     inspecting stream corridors on a regular basis. Such a                               expeditious clean-up of accidental hazardous or toxic
                     surveillance program would: allow for targeting resources                            pollutant spills.
                     to address priority problems at specific stream locations;
                     enable the detection and elimination of non-stormwater                       Stream corridor protection programs would provide the mechanism
                     discharges to drainage systems: assist in the mitigation and                 for coordinating New York State, Suffolk County, town and village
                                                                                                  activities with those of the private sector in fostering the development

                                                                                                                                                                    CHAP 6-3







           RECOMMENDED ACTIONS

           and implementation of plans for the streams on a priority basis. The                  The feasibility of applying BMPs to existing development
           regulatory foundation for stream protection is in place under the New                 should also be considered.
           York State Freshwater Wetlands Act (Article 24 of the ECL) and the                    Use appropriate BMPs to enhance infiltration to obtain soil
           Stream Protection Act (Article 15, Title 5 of the ECL). On the town                   filtration of metals. The relatively high water table in much
           level, regulations such as Section 8686-17 of the Babylon Town Code                   of the area will limit opportunities, but this approach should
           prohibit the dumping of wastes into canals, creeks, etc. However,                     be explored for the runoff from major highways, which are
           additional regulatory controls on nonpoint sources are requied. Effort                probably a major source of the metals entering the stream.
           at all jurisdictional levels is required to assure development, adoption    i         Enact local laws that require implementation of BMPs
           and vigorous implementation of consistent standards to control                        governing activities such as fuel pumpage and storage;
           development and nonpoint source pollution along stream corridors.                     proper use and disposal of certain paints, additives, etc.,
                                                                                                 associated with marina operation. Applicable source
           Suffolk County has developed a plan to protect Orowoc Creek in                        control BMPs for use in marinas are contained in Resource
           cooperation with the Town of Islip. The tools used in this plan to                    Planning Associates (1989). Control future development of
           protect the stream, e.g., acquisition, dedication of tax lien parcels to              additional marina facilities on Neguntatogue Creek and
           the County Nature Preserve, and conservation easements, could                         other Great South Bay tributaries for both navigational
           also be applied to other streams tributary to Great South Bay.                        safety and environmental concerns by using tools such as:
           6.2.2 Neguntatogue Creek                                                              zoning restrictions; limits on the types of boats; limits on the
                                                                                                 number of slips permitted per unit area: establishment of
           Opportunities to reduce nonpoint source pollution to surface waters         i         pier lines; and restrictions on the discharge of marine
                                                                                                 sanitation devices.
           in the Neguntatogue Creek study area are principally limited to those                 Eliminate non-stormwater discharges to the storm drainage
           situations that will arise as commercial, industrial and residential        i
           areas redevelop and as infrastructure facilities are improved/main-                   system. Implement a program to check for the presence of
           tained.   The intensity of the existing development pattern also                      such discharges. The results of this study provide no
           precludes. or places limits on, the use of structural nonpoint source                 evidence of such a condition, but do not preclude the
           control options. such as detention basins. and on vegetative controls.                existence of some. General experience suggests the
           For this urban watershed, emphasis has been placed on source                          probability of a number of non-stormwater discharges in
           controls.                                                                             any area. Take appropriate action to have such discharges
                                                                                                 removed.
                ï¿½  Require mandatory connection of those residences and                          This study acknowledges the ongoing Suffolk County Flow
                   commercial and industrial establishments to the SWSD #3                       Augmentation Needs Study and its preliminary
                   that are not presently serviced by this facility. Separate                    recommendation to augment strearnflow in Neguntatogue
                   systems used for the disposal of laundry wastewater and                       Creek via the alternative of groundwater pumpage with
                   other wastes should also be eliminated. Such connections                      discharge to Feller's Pond. It is not known at this time
                   will help to reduce nonpoint source loading to ground water                   when the need will arise to augment strearnflow and what
                   from cesspools, septic tank/leaching field systems,                           funding priorities will be set for the 12 stream augmentation
                   domestic laundry activity, etc. The quality of ground water                   projects under consideration in the area serviced by the
                   in areas with minimal depth to ground water should improve                    SWSD #3 where ground-water table elevations are
                   over time, thus reducing this source of surface water                         expected to decline. Certainly, monitoring of strearnflow
                   contamination.                                                                and wetland vegetation should be integrated into the stream
                ï¿½  Take actions to reduce urban stormwater generation and                        corridor protection programs recommended in section 6.2.1
                   direct discharge of urban stormwater to Neguntatogue                          for affected streams in the western portion of the Great
                   Creek during periods of significant reconstruction involving                  South Bay watershed
                   commercial. industrial and residential development and
                                                                                          6.2.3  Beaverdarn Creek
                   associated infrastructure.
                       Implement erosion control practices for construction               As opposed to Neguntatogue Creek, there are many opportunities to
                       sites.                                                          i  mitigate the discharge of nonpoint source pollution to Beaverdam
                       Require redevelopment plans to consider use of                     Creek. The use of non-structural BMPs is feasible in this watershed
                       grading, swales vs. curb and gutter. and alternative site          (and other semi-rural watersheds tributary to Great South Bay), given
                       plans that minimize impervious areas to eliminate,                 the fact that the stream corridor retains many natural characteristics
                       where possible, or reduce the amount of direct runoff to           and there is a significant amount of land available for development
                       Neguntatogue Creek.                                                in the watershed. This flexibility also increases the feasibility of
                       Require the installation of stormwater detention basins         i  structural BMP implementation where site conditions warrant their
                       (or pollutant reduction equivalent) where appropriate              use.
                       and feasible to be par, of any new development or               I
                       redevelopment.                                                            Curtail development activities within the critical stream
                ï¿½  An engineering analysis to evaluate alternatives to reduce          I         corridor protection zone. The boundary of this zone is
                   the generation and direct discharge of stormwater runoff
                                                                                                 drawn to include all tidal and freshwater wetlands with a
                   into Neguntatogue Creek should be conducted as part of a                      100 foot setback, the area within the 1 00-year tidal
                   broader study involving other watersheds tributary to Great                   floodplain, and where the depth to ground water is 5 ft. or
                   South Bay. On the basis of this regional study, eliminate                     less. No bulkheads should be constructed along the stream
                   piping and runoff directly to the streams at locations where                  corridor .
                   this is feasible and most beneficial. Where site conditions                   Preserve the stream corridor in the northern portion of the
                   and drainage requirements permit, have stormwater runoff                      study area through exchange of ownership (i.e., private to
                   pass over a vegetation buffer strip, or along a vegetated                     public) or transfer of development rights (TDR). This will
                   swale, before entering the stream. Use of this practice to                    require cooperation and agreements for replatting old filed
                   handle runoff from high traffic density highways and from                     subdivisions and the exchange of parcels owned by Suffolk
                   parking lots should be given high priority by New York State,                 County, the Town of Brookhaven, the Brookhaven Fire
                   Suffolk County, Town of Babylon and Village of Lindenhurst.                   District and private parties. The Opportunities map

           CHAP 6-4







                                                                                                                                              RECOMMENDED ACTIONS

                    delineates the TDR Sending Area. an environmentally                                  Determine the feasibility of rehabilitating the extensive
                    sensitive area near the stream, where private owners would                 I         dredged spoil disposal sites bordering the marine portions
                    exchange ownership or TDRs for publicly owned properties                             of the creek by the restoration of tidal circulation and
                    outside of this boundary, such as the TDR Receiving Area                             creation of fish and wildlife habitat. This recommendation
                    to he west. The purpose of such an exchange would be to                              should be a part of a management plan prepared for the
                    protect the TDR Sending Area from development through
                                                                                                         Beaverdam Creek Significant Fish and Wildlife Habitat.
                    either public ownership or ceding of development rights                              Eliminate non-stormwater discharges to storm drainage
                    from private properties to public or quasi-public entities.                          system. (For additional detail, see item F in section 6.2-2)
                    Furthermore. any public lands within the TDR Sending Area                            Enact regulatory codes that require implementation of
                    should be retained in a nature preserve category for                                 BMPs governing activities such as fuel pumpage and
                    preservation purposes. It is emphasized that the                                     storage; proper use and disposal of certain paints.
                    Brookhaven Fire District properties located in this TDR                              additives, etc., associated with marina operation. Should
                    Sending Area should be exchanged for properties in a                                 ultimate protection be desired. consideration should be
                    location more suitable for firematic training purposes                               given to the eventual phase out of all commercial marina
                    North of Montauk Highway, the headwaters of Beaverdarn                               uses along the creek. This would necessitate a change in
                    Creek flow through a vacant, privately owned 9.5 acre                                zone from commercial to A-2 residential for the parcel near
                    parcel. (See Opportunities map.) This land should be                                 the northern end of the marine portion of the creek, south of
                    preserved through TDR, or through acquisition if necessary,                          Beaverdarn Road.
                    to protect freshwater wetlands and stream water quality.                   1  6.3 Suggested Refinements to the Field Sampling Program
                    Cluster residential development on those parcels that are
                    vacant or currently used for agricultural purposes, and that                  The ability to compare the quality of Neguntatogue and Beaverdarn
                    border or are near the stream and associated wetlands, so                  I  Creeks hinges on the ability to adequately document the nature and
                    as to maintain woodland and/or field buffer strips along the                  variability of two complex environments. Little historical data were
                    stream corridor.                                                              available on either stream to assist in the formulation of the field
                    Take action to reduce urban stormwater generation and                         sampling program used in the present study. Experience gained in
                    direct discharge of runoff to Beaverdarn Creek .                              the course of this study suggests a number of changes to the field
                         Implement erosion control practices for construction                     sampling program that would improve the effectiveness of future
                         sites.                                                                   studies on the, steams and other Great South Bay tributaries.
                         Require development plans to consider use of grading,
                         swales vs. curb and gutter, and alternative site plans                   While these water quality concerns and impacts are likely               to be
                         that minimize impervious areas to reduce the amount of                   greatest during the summer months, sampling at all seasons would
                         direct runoff.                                                           provide a more comprehensive picture of the nature and quality of
                         Require the installation of stormwater detention basins                  environmental conditions in these streams. Knowledge of winter
                         (or pollutant reduction equivalent) where appropriate                    water quality conditions would lead to better understanding of the
                         and feasible to be part of any new development. The                      processes causing the observed problems during other seasons.
                         goal should be to retain runoff on-site from all new                     The presence of several classes of pollutants associated with non-
                         development.                                                             point source pollution, such as oil and greases. as well as various
                         Natural swales and areas having medium to steep                       I  organic pollutants (pesticides, herbicides, industrial compounds)
                         slopes should be protected. Where appropriate, install
                                                                                                  should be assessed in future stream monitoring efforts. Documenting
                         railroad tie check dams in existing swales to retain flow
                                                                                                  their levels is necessary to detect sources and assess impact on
                         and enhance infiltration.
                    Avoid drainage of runoff directly to the stream via ditches                   small stream systems.
                    and storm drains. Where site conditions and drainage                          Nutrient levels and phytoplankton populations are closely coupled
                    requirements permit, have stormwater runoff pass over a                       and respond quicklyto changes in meteorological and terrestrial input
                    vegetated buffer strip, or along a vegetated swale, before                    conditions.To further describe the temporal variability of these
                    entering the stream. Use of his practice to handle runoff                     parameters, weekly sampling is advisable.
                    from high traffic density highways, e.g., Montauk Highway,
                    and from parking lots should be given high priority by New                    The mortalities observed in the ambient water bioassays. particularly
                    York State, Suffolk County and the Town of Brookhaven.                        among the finfish tested, indicate that some portions of the fresh-
                    The feasibilty of appling BMPs to existing development                        water and marine reaches of both Neguntatogue and Beaverdarn
                    should also be considered.-                                                   Creeks may be acutely toxic during the warm weather months.
                    Use applicable BMPs to enhance infiltration to obtain soil                    Additional studies should be undertaken to better document the
                    filtration of metals. The relatively high water table in much                 extent to which this occurs and to identify the factors causing these
                    of the area will limit opportunities, but this approach should                mortalities.
                    be explored for the runoff from Montauk Highway and
                    Beaverdarn Rd., which are probably a major source of the                      Future studies should investigate boating activity with specific sam-
                    metals entering the stream. Consider the potential of                      i  pling procedures to determine environmental impacts from such
                    existing or created wetlands to filter/cleanse stormwater                  i  water uses.
                    runoff.                                                                       This study focused on fundamental physiochemical determinants of
                    Continue monitoring programs to detect any impacts of the                     water quality and the relative health of lowertrophic level populations.
                    Town of Brookhaven landfill on surface water quality in                       Additional studies should also incorporate analysis of the health of
                    Beaverdarn Creek. Require appropriate action if there is                      consumers at highertrophic levels. particularly finfishes, to determine
                    evidence that leachate is introducing contaminants to                         potential broader impacts on natural resources.
                    Beaverdarn Creek via ground-water flow.





                                                                                                                                                                    CHAP 6-5







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