The Demise of the Carmans River?

Environmentalists Petition DEC to Classify the Carmans as Polluted  

Peconic Baykeeper (PBK) and the Art Flick Chapter of Trout Unlimited (AFTU) have petitioned the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYS DEC) to include the Carmans River to the 2012 NYS “Impaired Waters” list pursuant to Section 303(d) of the Federal Clean Water Act.  PBK & AFTU assert that the current nutrient levels exceed state established water quality standards, precluded the assigned “best usages” and are above the levels deemed acceptable to prevent harm to the Carmans River ecosystem.  Moreover, due to the magnitude of the nutrient caused impairment(s), the Carmans River warrants the implementation of watershed-based pollutant nutrients) reduction strategy without delay.  Pursuant to Clean Water Act regulations, this approach is referred to as a Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) and can be mandated by New York State. 

Currently, New York State has a narrative water quality standard for nitrogen and phosphorus that sets forth limits for these nutrients as follows:  “None in amounts that will result in growths of algae, weeds and slimes that will impair the waters for their best usages.”  Pursuant to Title 6 of New York Codes, rules and Regulations, Part 701, the freshwater portion of the Carmans River is classified as C(T).  In accordance with this classification, the “best usages” for these waters shall be suitable for fish, shellfish and wildlife survival and propagation and primary and secondary contact recreation.  The latter use refers to immersion in the water and indirect contact during on-water activities in various watercrafts.  In addition, the Carmans River is classified as trout waters, which require superior water quality to support resident populations.   

Water quality studies carried out by NYS DEC and others have already documented the high levels of nutrients in the river. The Yaphank impoundments (Willow and Lilly Lakes), created by the presence of two small dams on the river, are dominated annually by aquatic invasive plants that thrive on these excessive nutrients.  This condition is a result of nutrient loadings from multiple  sources,  the most 

predominant of which is sewage wastewater seeping into the river.  To effectively reverse the degradation, it’s imperative that the Carmans River be classified as Impaired Waters.  Obtaining the 303(d) status with a TMDL is a crucial first step in an effective pollution reduction strategy.  The Brookhaven Town's proposed Carmans River Watershed Protections and Management Plan (CRWPMP) has not addressed the issue of reducing the current nutrient loading in the river.  

Doug Swesty stated,  “The current nitrate level in the waters of Carmans River is above the threshold established by the CRWPMP.  However the CRWPMP doesn't include  actions to reduce the current level of nutrients in the river.  Allowing additional development in the watershed will only further exacerbate the problem.   If we wish to protect the Carmans ecosystem from further harm we need to 

have a TMDL set by the State.”  

"Nutrient enriched groundwater from sanitary wastewater discharges is yet another emerging threat to surface water quality in our region.  Our fishing interests, real estate values and use and enjoyment of our aquatic environment all depend on clean water.  With so much at stake, let's ensure that the Carmans River is a testament to our resolve and not indicative of our indifference," said McAllister. 

 For more information contact:   

 Kevin McAllister, Peconic Baykeeper  (631) 875-8976 

 Doug Swesty, Trout Unlimited (Art Flick Chapter) (631) 495-0513