In 2021 Suffolk County released a feasibility study and implementation plan to guide the establishment of a Countywide Wastewater Management District. The Wastewater Management District would facilitate the expansion of advanced wastewater infrastructure to replace 360,000 failing cesspools and septic systems, as recommended in the County’s Subwatersheds Wastewater Plan.
The study was funded by a grant from the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation and the Long Island Regional Planning Council. Establishment of the district has been designated an “early action” item under the Long island Nitrogen Action Plan (LINAP).
The Countywide Wastewater Management District will, in a phased approach:
- Create the administrative structure required to implement the County’s new long- term water quality plan (Subwatersheds Wastewater Plan);
- Provide new benefits for homeowners through expanded financial assistance, better program management, and periodic inspection of septic systems;
- Serve as vehicle for new investments in water quality infrastructure to make system upgrades and sewer connections affordable for homeowners;
- Spur local job growth to help fuel the post-COIVD economic recovery through establishment of a stable and recurring revenue stream to fund advanced wastewater treatment;
- Provide prescriptive advantages of a district for on-site installations comparable to those extended to sewer connections; and
- Provide for greater equity in sewer charges by equalizing rates among individual sewer districts.
Establishing a County Wastewater Management District (CWMD) in Suffolk County will provide the critical administrative and organizational structure to identify, evaluate and manage the wastewater infrastructure needed to improve groundwater and surface water quality. A study was completed to identify the various essential actions required to establish the CWMD, as well as the management structures and financing required for its operation. This includes the replacement of outdated cesspools and septic systems with I/A OWTS.
Download the full study here.
