Legislator MacKenzie Announces Storm Water Management Initiative to Reduce Pollution

Nassau County Legislator Donald MacKenzie and County Executive Ed Mangano today announced a major step forward in restoring health to Nassau’s waterways and beaches with the installation of new technology that will reduce the amount of pollutants and debris that are carried to waters through drain pipes.

Under a pilot program, a designated outfall pipe in Bay Park will be outfitted with anti-microbial storm water treatment technology known as Smart Sponge Plus. The technology removes pollutants, such as sediment, nutrients, pathogens, petroleum compounds and floatable debris from the storm water before it exits the outfall pipe. Additional outfall pipes will be outfitted as Federal funds become available.

“Storm water runoff carries pollutants into our waterways, which affect everything from fishing to trips to the beach,” said Legislator MacKenzie. “This project will help remove debris before it can enter the waterway and will help protect the environment.”