Mineola, NY - Democratic Legislators, led by Joseph Scannell (D-Baldwin) and Michael Zapson (D-Long Beach) approved $6 million in bonds at a meeting of the Nassau County Legislature this week for the improvement of several County parks, among them Milburn, Lofts and Silver Lake ponds in Baldwin; Mill Pond in Wantagh; and Roosevelt Pond.

The projects are intended to improve the visual appearance in pond areas, remove and replace bulkheading, and refurbish certain areas. Funding for the projects was approved unanimously by the legislature.

"These are all vitally important environmental projects that will not only provide much needed rehabilitation of the ponds at these County Parks and Preserves, but will also improve water quality, restore the aquatic habitat as freshwater wetlands, prevent further erosion, and protect the integrity of the shoreline," said Legislator Scannell on behalf of the Democratic majority.

In the case of Silver Lake Pond, approximately 3,000 cubic yards of sediment will be removed, a new aeration system will be installed, new concrete pavement will be added, the bridge will be refurbished, and pedestrian pathways will be constructed.

Work at Lofts Pond will include dredging 4,500 cubic yards of sediment, a new aeration system, repair of the bulkhead, shoreline re-stabilization, construction of a gazebo and benches and planting of trees and shrubbery. Total cost for both projects is $1.7 million.

Milburn Pond, which has suffered from in-filling caused mainly by up stream transport of sediment-laden storm water runoff, will be drained and approximately 14,000 cubic yards of sediment will be excavated. This will create a habitat pool eight feet deep which is suitable for warm-water fish species and ultimately could create recreational fishing opportunities. These and other modifications will transform the pond into a functioning wetland that will provide significant aquatic habitat opportunities for fish, waterfowl and other aquatic life while protecting the water quality in downstream tidal areas.

A sedimentation basin will be created to trap sediment and floatable debris, thereby extending the life of the pond and making maintenance of the pond easier. Barren shoreline areas will be stabilized using geotextile matting combined with extensive wetland plantings and cracked concrete walls that serve as bulkheading will be replaced.

Other improvements will include new pedestrian pathways, benches, trees, shrubbery and a pond aeration system. Total cost of the project, which has been awarded $437,500.00 by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation under the 1996 Clean Water/Clean Air Bond Act, is $2.7 million.

At Mill Pond in Wantagh, the northern portion will be dredged to a depth and configuration that will support warm-water fishery. The dredged locations are at the mouth of two tributaries that feed the pond. These dredged areas will function as natural sediment traps that will extend the life of the pond.

In addition, nuisance aquatic vegetation will be removed to promote improved storm-water flow through the pond. The shoreline will be improved with freshwater wetland plantings that are more desirable to aquatic habitats that utilize the pond. The project will assist in improving a degraded aquatic habitat as well as reduce sedimentation and nutrients in the pond.