Suffolk Closeup - County Must Address Water Quality And Water Quantity

SUFFOLK CLOSEUP

By Karl Grossman

On Long Island there’s been “a lot of focus on water quality but not enough on water quantity,” says John Turner. Mr. Turner is a leading environmentalist on Long Island who for years has been involved in water issues. 

He was legislative director of the New York State Water Resource Commission and director of Brookhaven Town’s Division of Environmental Protection. He has taught courses on environmental issues at Stony Brook University. He is author of Exploring the Other Island: A Seasonal Nature Guide to Long Island. He’s conservation policy advocate at Seatuck Environmental Association in Islip. 

“It’s a constant challenge to inform people on how they get their water—where it comes from,” says Mr. Turner of Setauket. Long Islanders “don’t see” the “groundwater reservoir” below, their sole source of potable water. 

There’s been concern increasing concern over the years about chemical contaminants in the island’s water supply, he notes. But quantity is an equivalent problem.

Nassau County has been hit by a lowering of its water table because 85% of the county is sewered and all these sewage treatment plants rely on outfall of wastewater into surrounding waterways.

In Suffolk, 30% sewered, the Southwest Sewer District’s Bergen Point Sewage Treatment Plant in West Babylon sends millions of gallons a day of wastewater through an outfall pipe into the Atlantic Ocean, and smaller sewage plants send wastewater into bays, the Long Island Sound and other waterways. These include the sewage treatment plants in Port Jefferson, Patchogue, Greenport and Northport. 

In Nassau, lakes, ponds and streams which are the “uppermost expression of the aquifer system, have dropped considerably.” Hempstead Lake “is Hempstead Pond.” 

It doesn’t have to be this way, Mr. Turner emphasizes. In Riverhead, starting in 2016, the Riverhead Sewage Treatment Plant began sending treated effluent to the county’s adjoining Indian Island Golf Course. This has provided This has provided irrigation and nitrogen-laden wastewater “no longer finding its way into the marine environment” to cause algae blooms. 

The key, says Mr. Turner, is water “reuse.” 

“We’ve been calling for the counties or the State of New York to put together an island-wide water reuse roadmap.” 

For if Nassau and Suffolk destroy their underground water supply—as Brooklyn and Queens did years ago from over-pumping and entry into the water table of saltwater—there’ll be no rescue from New York City, he says. 

The city gets its water from upstate reservoirs. There’s been talk recently of Nassau buying water from the city. But its reservoirs are near capacity. “New York City has not been welcoming Nassau County with open arms,” says Mr. Turner. Another alternative is desalinization but that’s “incredibly energy intense and expensive.” 

Water reuse is a Long Island essential. 

A major new sewage system in Suffolk to include outfall is being pushed by Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone for the massive proposed “Ronkonkoma Hub” project of 1,450 apartments, many offices and retail stores. 

Mr. Bellone, despite the opposition of Brookhaven Town Supervisor Ed Romaine, seeks to have the wastewater from the “Ronkonkoma Hub” brought by pipe to the Bergen Point Sewage Treatment Plant and sent through its outfall pipe out into the Atlantic. 

“I am so opposed to this,” says Mr. Romaine. He is for a recharge system to provide tertiary treatment of the wastewater and send it back into the underground water table. “When I was a county legislator, we approved a sewage treatment plant for Ronkonkoma,” he notes. “Pumping the wastewater miles away and sending it out into the ocean is a terrible mistake. This is going to impact on the aquifer,” says Mr. Romaine. “The level of Lake Ronkonkoma is going to drop. People are talking about water quantity but we most also talk about water quantity.” 

The need for water reuse is a global issue. I Googled the two words—water reuse—and what came up were 159,000 references. Yes, 159,000. Among the first was an extensive 2018 report in the journal Frontiers in Environmental Science. Titled “Water Reuse: From Ancient to Modern Times and the Future,” it was researched and written by a team of scientists. It declares: “Today, water reclamation and reuse projects are being planned and implemented throughout the world. Recycled water is now used for almost any purpose including potable use….Reclaimed water has become a new, additional, alternative, reliable water supply source.” 

Karl Grossman is a veteran investigative reporter and columnist, the winner of numerous awards for his work and a member of the L.I. Journalism Hall of Fame. He is a professor of journalism at SUNY/College at Old Westbury and the author of six books. 

St. James Chamber Announces St. Patrick's Parade Prince and Princesses

St. Patrick’s Day Parade Grand Marshals - Kerry Reilly DeJesus and Mario Mattera 

  The St. James Chamber of Commerce will hold their 36th Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade on Saturday, March 14, 2020 along Lake Avenue beginning at 1 p.m. 

 2020 Grand Marshals Mario Mattera And Kerry Reilly DeJesus It is with great pleasure that the Board of Directors of the St. James Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce their selection of Kerry Reilly DeJesus and Mario Mattera as Grand Marshals.

  Kerry Reilly DeJesus has been a resident of St.James for the past 21 years. She has dedicated many years, months, weeks and days to the St. James community, schools and our children. She is more than just a volunteer, she is a valuable asset to our community. The following is a list of all the things Kerry has volunteered to do throughout the years. 

  For two years Kerry was the Family Living Chairperson at Mills Pond Elementary and held the position of Vice President of the PTA for 2 years and went on to hold the position of President for 2 more years. Kerry volunteered countless hours as a Girl Scout leader for two troops – both of which received their Silver Awards. Kerry was a Cub Scout leader for six years until her troop moved up to Boy Scouts. Kerry also taught three religion classes a year receiving her 20-year Service Award. At Nesaquake Middle School, she was president of the PTA for three years and Spiritwear Chairperson for six years. At Smithtown High School East she was president of the PTA for six years. She also held the position for 3 terms as Recording Secretary plus a 2-year term as vice president. Kerry has also held a 2-year term as Council President for the District. She also stepped in as president again when someone else needed to step down. She held two 2-year terms as Vice President for Council as well. 

  Around town Kerry has volunteered at Deepwells with the Haunted Mansion, run programs to support our troops, (her son Ralph is currently serving our country as a US Marine) and I am sure I have forgotten other selfless acts of kindness Kerry has contributed to our community.

  Along with all this volunteering, Kerry works full time at Stony Brook University Hospital. She is a loving wife to her wonderful husband Ralph, and has raised four beautiful children. I think Kerry represents someone our town can be proud of and thankful for. She is always willing to give a helping hand along with her contagious smile. The St. James Chamber Board is very pleased to give Kerry the honor of being our Grand Marshall for 2020.

  Mario R. Mattera is a 55-year life-long resident of St. James. Loving husband to Terry of 26 years. Loving father to Jessica and Jayme. Number 1 Fan to the Smithtown East Varsity Whisperettes Kickline. Besides his volunteerism and involvement in the St. James community, he is a Board Member of the Community Association of Greater St. James. Mario was appointed to the Smithtown Executive Advisory Board representing St. James. He is also a board member of the Suffolk County Water Authority, and the Suffolk County Consumer Affairs Plumbing, Licensing and Fire Protection. He is a Suffolk County Work Force Housing Committee member; and volunteers for Helmets to Hardhats for our returning Veterans. Mario is the Plumbers Local Union #200 Chairman for the Political PAC fund for Suffolk County and board member for the New York State Apprenticeship Committee. 

  His accomplishments and awards are as follows – 2019 Labor Leader of the Year - Gold Lion Award recipient - Order Sons of Italy in America; 2017 Theodore Roosevelt Award from St. Catherine of Siena Medical Center; 2016 Community Service Award from the Ward Melville Heritage Organization; 2012 Labor Leader of the Year - PBA Columbia; and volunteered with the Long Island Housing Partnership for the Hurricane Sandy Relief Program for Boilers and Water Heaters. He is a Business Agent for the Plumbers Local Union #200, Ronkonkoma. 

  Our stars aligned when Mario joined the Community Association of Greater St. James. With his knowledge and expertise he was able to guide the way for the future of St. James. His energy and passion and getting the right infrastructure for St. James was very important to him. By replacing water mains and gas mains, and getting the funds for a dry sewer main from Senator John Flanagan, was critical and important for the future of Our Town!

  We are so proud to have these two unsung heroes in our hamlet with all that they do and have done and continue to do for our community. 

  We are happy to honor Kerry Reilly DeJesus and Mario R. Mattera as Grand Marshals of the St. James Chamber of Commerce’s 2020 St. Patrick’s Day Parade.

  The Parade will kick off at 1 p.m. starting at the Smithtown High School East Parking lot on Woodlawn Avenue traveling to Lake Avenue and continuing to the St. James Gazebo at the Railroad station where our Grand Marshals and our Court of Honor will watch the parade from the reviewing stand.

  The parade lineup is fabulous so be sure to attend the best and biggest parade around. For additional information contact the St. James Chamber at 631-584-8510 or email: info@stjameschamber.org

Princesses & Princes

 Avianna ManningAvianna Manning is an amazingly smart, entertaining and funny two year old whose smiling Irish eyes will steal your heart away. She recently became a big sister to her baby brother, Patrick.  Her Irish roots date back to her great-great-grandmother, Katherine Gilnagh, immigrating from Ireland to New York on the RMS Titanic in 1912. Avianna loves animals, reading, running and dancing.  She has been taking swim lessons since she was three months old and is also involved in soccer and dance. She is the daughter of Timothy Manning and Alexandra Busa.  Avianna’s mother’s entire family has resided in St. James since the early sixties. Her great-grandfather, Angelo Busa, owns a building on Lake Avenue which formerly housed Angelo’s Meat Market, a staple in St. James throughout the eighties and nineties. Avianna is very proud of her Irish heritage and her family’s history in this beautiful town and would like to wish the people of St. James a Happy St. Patrick’s Day! 

Gleeson Girls
Juliana Cating GleesonJuliana Cating Gleeson is a fun-loving, smart 8 1/2 year-old who is attending her first year in St. James Elementary as a 3rd grader. She is a White Tiger Kempo practitioner in karate and plays basketball. 
Juliana is an avid Swimmer, loves the beach, boating and fishing. 
She enjoys Rock climbing walls and zip-lining! Also, loves drawing, reading and summer camp! She and her family are parishioners of Saints Philip and James. 
Juliana’s great great grandfather on the Gleeson side immigrated from Ireland County Wexford, town of Ballygow. 

Jayden Cassidy Gleeson is an energetic, funny girl who just turned 6 years old inJayden Cassidy Gleeson February and entered kindergarten this year is St. James Elementary!  
Jayden received the great  honor of the “Yes” Award this year in school for showing “Respect, Compassion and Courage”. She is a White Tiger Kempo practitioner in karate and participates in lacrosse. Jayden enjoys dancing & singing, drawing, reading, playing with big sister & friends, boating & fishing! She and her family are parishioners of Saints Philip and James. 
Juliana’s great great grandfather on the Gleeson side immigrated from Ireland County Wexford, town of Ballygow. 
The Gleeson girls are the granddaughters of  John Sr. Gleeson Grand Marshal of our Parade… following in their grandpa footsteps!! 

The Kiel Girls 

The Kiel Girls - Violet and SamanthaSamantha Keil (age 9) is a 3^rd Grader at St. James Elementary. Her favorite subjects in school are Art, Reading, and Recess. She loves science and outer space. She likes to ride her bike and play basketball and badminton. She has been in Girl Scouts for four years and enjoys working with her troop to complete crafts and journey badges. Her hobbies include building Legos, coloring, and taking pictures. She also loves her new puppy. 

Violet Keil (age 6) is a 1^st Grader at St. James Elementary. Her favorite subjects in school are Music, Reading, and Recess. She likes to ride her bike and play volleyball and basketball. She loves the ocean and sea turtles. She is a good swimmer and makes big canon ball splashes in the pool. She has been in Girl Scouts for two years and enjoys working with her troop to make the world a better place. Her hobbies include playing with her new puppy and watching movies.

Daughters of Norman and Cara Keil and granddaughters of Norman Keil Sr. and Jeanne Keil, local business owners of Norman Keil Nurseries, a wholesale nursery in St. James.

The Sherlock Girls

The Sherlock Girls - Sydney and MiaMia Sherlock is 8years old and a 3rd grader at St. James Elementary school. She is a 4th year Girl Scout and has marched in parades before with our troop. I am a proud leader of this troop. With her troop she has also done a beach cleanup, helped beautify the gardens at her school, done multiple food collections for those in need.She loves taking dance and playing piano. But some of her favorite things are riding bikes, playing with friends, and visiting new places with family.

Mia is kind and compassionate.

Sydney is soon to be 6years old and a kindergartener at St. James Elementary School. She is a daisy Girl Scout who loves to dance, play piano and soccer. Sydney has joined her older sister Girl Scout troop as a tag a long for the past few years and taken part in most of the events. She is always making others laugh. Some of her favorite things to do are play with Barbies, color and play with her sister and friends 

Kayla Moore

Kayla MooreKayla is a 6^th grader at Nesaquake Middle School and is transitioning nicely.  She has been a student at Saint James Elm since Kindergarten.    She’s been a Daisy, Brownie and a Girl Scout in our local troops for many years.  She attends Religious Instructions at Saints Philip and James and volunteers regularly at the Peanut Butter and Jelly Gang program who gather once a month to make sandwiches to feed the homeless and hungry on Long Island.Kayla will be a 6^th year camper at Ivy League Camp in Smithtown this summer.  Her favorite hobbies include; art, singing, dancing, playing Roblox and is a master slime maker.   She is very sweet, kind and funny.  Kayla’s Dad, Brian Moore, was born and raised in Saint James for over 50 years.  Kayla’s late grandfather, John Moore, was the former Chief of the Nissequogue Fire Department and the former Mayor of the Village of Nissequogue. You may recall that our daughter, Kayla Moore, was a parade princess last year and absolutely LOVED it!   The large bucket of candy was almost gone by the time we made it onto Lake Avenue.   Should you have an opening for Kayla to participate in the parade again this year it would be greatly appreciated (even if she isn’t a princess again)  and she would be thrilled!Kayla is a 6^th grader at Nesaquake Middle School and is transitioning nicely.  She has been a student at Saint James Elm since Kindergarten.    She’s been a Daisy, Brownie and a Girl Scout in our local troops for many years.  She attends Religious Instructions at Saints Philip and James and volunteers regularly at the Peanut Butter and Jelly Gang program who gather once a month to make sandwiches to feed the homeless and hungry on Long Island. Kayla will be a 6^th year camper at Ivy League Camp in Smithtown this summer.  Her favorite hobbies include; art, singing, dancing, playing Roblox and is a master slime maker.   She is very sweet, kind and funny.  Kayla’s Dad, Brian Moore, was born and raised in Saint James for over 50 years.  Kayla’s late grandfather, John Moore, was the former Chief of the Nissequogue Fire Department and the former Mayor of the Village of Nissequogue. Kayla’s face is like the map of Ireland; with her bright blue eyes and a face full of freckles.  We always tell her that “A face without freckles is like a sky without stars.”

Tuzinkiewicz Boys
Ethan TuzinkiewiczEthan is a 4th grader at St. James Elementary. He loves to play on his iPad during the weekends and loves playing with his friends and spending time with his brothers. Ethan also enjoys wrestling, chess, piano, and camping with the Royal Rangers.

Benjamin TuzinkiewiczBenjamin is currently a 2nd grader at St. James Elementary. He loves to play with his brothers and friends and play Fortnite and other games on his iPad. Benjamin also enjoys wrestling, chess, piano and the Royal Rangers. 

Daniel TuzinkiewiczDaniel is a 1st grader at St. James Elementary. He loves to watch Woody Woodpecker on his iPad, play with nerf guns and take lessons in wrestling, chess, and piano like his brothers. He’s also a Royal Ranger. He’s looking forward to camping this summer and visiting the city. 

 

Suffolk Closeup - "Any War In Space Would Be The One And Only"

SUFFOLK CLOSEUP

By Karl Grossman

A while back Newsday ran a story with the headline “Trump’s ‘space force’ could offer opportunity for LI firms, officials say.” The article began: “Space is emerging as a potential battlefield and a potential opportunity for Long Island companies, an Air Force official is expected to tell a gathering of aerospace and defense contractors.”

It said “Col. Shawn Barnes, assistant vice commander of U.S. Air Force Space Command, is scheduled to address a meeting of ADDAPT, a trade organization that advocates for Long Island defense and aerospace companies” and “according to an advance copy of a presentation” the Trump administration’s upcoming defense budget “’marks a shift to a [space] war-fighting posture.’” This “represents an opportunity for Long Island defense and aerospace companies.” The article also quoted ADDAPT chairman Robert Botticellli saying: “Long Island’s defense and aerospace firms can help America win the war in space by providing parts and supplies.’

Indeed, Long Island aerospace companies could make money in the move now underway by the United States to turn space into an arena of war.

But this should not be supported—despite the bucks.

In December, President Trump signed the National Defense Authorization Act for 2020 (NDAA) establishing a U.S. Space Force as the sixth branch of U.S. armed forces. This flies in the face of the Outer Space Treaty of 1967 designating space as a global commons to be used for peaceful purposes. The treaty was put together by the U.S., former Soviet Union, and U.K. and since has been ratified by most nations on Earth. 

Craig Eisendrath, as a U.S. State Department officer involved in its creation, explained to me that “we sought to de-weaponize space before it got weaponized…to keep war out of space.”

The treaty bars the placement of weapons of mass destruction including nuclear weapons in space. The Trump administration and the U.S. military have been claiming a Space Force is needed because China and Russia are moving militarily into space. But Russia and China—and our neighbor Canada—have been leaders for decades in seeking to expand the Outer Space Treaty to prohibit the deployment of any weapons in space through a Prevention of Arms Race in Outer Space (PAROS) treaty. However, the U.S.—under both Republican and Democratic administrations—has opposed the PAROS treaty and effectively vetoed it at the UN. (I’ve been at the UN to see nation after nation vote yes, and the U.S. ambassador vote no.)

Journalistically, I’ve been investigating space becoming a war zone since President Reagan’s “Star Wars” scheme of the 1980s. This has included authoring a book Weapons in Space and writing and presenting several TV documentaries including Nukes in Space: The Nuclearizaton and Weaponization of the Heavens. Nuclear power and space weapons are intimately connected. The “Star Wars” program was based on orbiting battle platforms with onboard hypervelocity guns, particle beams and laser weapons energized by onboard nuclear reactors. As declared General James Abrahamson, the “Star Wars” commander, “without  reactors in orbit” there would need to be “a long, long” extension cord going “down to the surface of the Earth” bringing up power for the high-energy space weaponry.

President Trump has been saying that it is “not enough to merely have an American presence in space. We must have American dominance in space.”

Although China and Russia have for decades been seeking passage of the PAROS treaty, with a U.S. Space Force and the U.S. seeking “dominance in space,” they will respond in kind. Other countries will follow. If and when conflict erupts, it will be at expense of many, many lives on Earth.

As U.S. astronaut Edgar Mitchell, the sixth man to walk on the moon, said at a protest against space weaponization at Cape Kennedy organized by the Global Network Against Weapons & Nuclear Power in Space, “Any war in space would be the one and only…Activity on Earth below would immediately shut down.” The myriad of systems on Earth “all hooked up to satellites, would be lost. Modern society would go dark.”

China is now saying the Space Force and the U.S. “pursuing the weaponization of outer space” is a “direct threat” to peace and the “U.S. actions are a serious violation of the international consensus on the peaceful uses of outer space.” Instead of space becoming “a new battlefield,” nations must “work together to maintain lasting peace and tranquility in outer space”

Russia last week said U.S. space weaponization would be “an irreversible blow” to peace.

Increasing profits for Long Island aerospace companies—and aerospace companies nationally —are not worth bringing war up to the heavens, a development of profound historic proportions.

Karl Grossman is a veteran investigative reporter and columnist, the winner of numerous awards for his work and a member of the L.I. Journalism Hall of Fame. He is a professor of journalism at SUNY/College at Old Westbury and the author of six books. 

Democratic Candidates Say Lee Zeldin's Record Is Bad News For LI

There was a unified message at Tuesday’s CD #1 Congressional Candidates Forum, that message was Lee Zeldin’s record is so bad for Long Island that he has got to go.

On stage looking to challenge Zeldin from the Democratic line in November was Nancy Goroff, Perry Gershon, Bridget Fleming and Greg Fischer. The forum, hosted by the Smithtown Democratic Action Committee, was moderated by its chairperson Jan Singer.  

Over 100 people attended the forum held at the First Presbyterian Church of Smithtown. Attendees were provided  with unfettered access to candidates who answered questions asked by Ms. Singer before they mingled with the audience making their case for election.

Former congressional candidate Dave Calone opened the meeting by speaking about the importance of working together to elect a Democrat. “The whole country knows what we have known for some time, that Lee Zeldin is not just Donald Trump’s apprentice, he is his accomplice. He is his accomplice in covering up the lies, he is his accomplice in bringing to the American people a feeling that we are not in this together. He is his accomplice when it comes to covering up his abuse of power. And now the whole country knows about Lee Zeldin and they are  watching us. They want us to unseat Lee Zeldin. ‘We get what we work for not what we wish for’.”

The four candidates committed to supporting the Democratic nominee in November. They were unanimous in their support for health care supporting a public option for health care, eliminating surprise medical health care costs and the need to address suicide and mental health issues.

While issues took front and center the sense that Lee Zeldin is not only not representing the needs and concerns of CD #1 voters but rather hurting constituents.

Bridget Fleming called Zeldin out for not forcefully fighting for Tom Suozzi and Peter King’s plan to amend the SALT tax legislation which would raise the cap from $10,000 to $20,000. According to the candidate this would have helped the middle class on Long Island who are feeling the pinch from Trump’s policies. “Lee Zeldin should have been a loud voice in fighting to keep the Army Corp of Engineers and their equipment here on Long Island rather than moving them to Florida near Mar A Lago.”

They questioned Zeldin’s commitment to Veterans. Saying that despite the tremendous number of veterans in CD 1 and the many issues they face in health care, mental health care, women’s veteran services and problems at the VA Hospital in Northport, he willingly gave up his position on the Veterans Committee preferring to use his time defending Trump.  

Perry Gershon said the country is at a crossroad and cannot afford another four years of Donald Trump and Lee Zeldin, who put their interests before ours.  He claims Lee Zeldin is being silent on issues hurting constituents but is  Donald Trump’s #1 proponent for expunging impeachment from records. “That’s not being a congressman. There are real issues including the Army Corp of Engineers relocating dredging equipment from Long Island to Mar a Lago and Lee Zeldin is saying nothing. Stony Brook Hospital is losing $21.2 million in federal funding and Lee Zeldin is silent.”  

Nancy Goroff sees climate change as a significant issue for Long Island. Goroff, a scientist, emphasized science, facts and collaboration as the keys to finding a solution and devising a plan for dealing with it. She is not a single issue candidate.She pointed out that while Lee Zeldin is defending Trump, he is ignoring the people in CD #1 who are hurting economically. She pointed to the cost of student debt, not only for students but for parents, many of whom are seniors who took loans for their kids. 

A question on gun violence showed that all the candidates support background checks and all commended NYS for its gun policies. Greg Fischer gave the most comprehnsive answer to the gun violence question. Greg’s position included background checks but also included requiring gun owners to have insurance, opposing any federal law that would force states to have reciprocity, marking ammunition and supporting biometric technology to make weapons safer.

SUFFOLK CLOSEUP - What can be done in Suffolk to counter rising sea levels?

SUFFOLK CLOSEUP

By Karl Grossman

 The Suffolk County Legislature last week unanimously passed a measure establishing a Coastal Resiliency and Sea Level Rise Task Force. It would be composed of 21 members—some from the county government, a member from each of Suffolk’s ten towns and state and federal government representatives, among others.

Legislator Al Krupski, a Cutchogue Democrat, who introduced the measure with Rudy Sunderman, a Shirley Republican, said “we immediately need to get together” on the important issue.

The bill begins by noting that “sea level rise has led to accelerated coastal erosion worldwide and is of particular concern to Long Island, with threats of destruction to Suffolk County’s 980 miles of coastline….One of the county’s main draws to tourism is its many beaches and waterfront properties, which would be ruined by coastal erosion if these environmental changes are not addressed.”

Meanwhile, “without any policies in place on the county-level, many local municipalities are struggling to combat the accelerated erosion and sea level rise.”

“A task force should be created,” it states, “to develop regional coastal resiliency policies to assist municipalities when making decisions that could affect Suffolk’s coastline in the future.”

Although waters surrounding Long Island rose by four inches in the past 40 years, if climate change continues as it has been going, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation projects that in the next 40 years a rise by 11 to 30 inches can be expected. 

This would be a threat to every low-lying parts of Suffolk—and there are many.

The task force would be chaired by the head of the legislature’s s Public Works, Transportation and Energy Committee. It would include the legislature’s presiding officer; the county executive; the county’s commissioner of public works, “one representative from each of the ten Suffolk County towns;” a representative from the state Department of Environmental Conservation and also one from the state’s Department of State (which has shoreline responsibilities). And it would include, too, a representative from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers; from Cornell Cooperative Extension of Suffolk County; from the Peconic Estuary Program; The Nature Conservancy; and the state Department of Transportation.

The task force “shall hold regular meetings”—at least ten times over the course of a 12-month period, and “issue a written report after a comprehensive study on the challenges facing the county with respect to sea level rise.”

This report would be submitted to each of the 18 members of the Suffolk County Legislature, the legislature’s clerk, and county executive “within one year of the effective date of this resolution, for review, consideration and appropriate action.”

What can be done in Suffolk to counter rising sea levels? 

“A mix” of actions will likely be urged, said Mr. Krupski, who has long experience with shoreline issues. He is a fourth-generation Suffolk farmer first elected in 1985 to the Southold Town Board of Trustees—which has jurisdiction over the town’s waterfront—and served on the board for 20 years, the last 14 as its president. He then became a town board member until being sworn in as a Suffolk legislator in 2013. 

In some areas, elevation of structures and roads would probably be recommended. In some areas, moving back from the shoreline would likely be outlined.

Places in Suffolk “are so different,” he said. Thus “we need local persons” to consider what can be done, why each Suffolk town will have a representative on the task force.

But needed as well are representatives from other levels of government and other entities. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, he said diplomatically, may not be “as flexible as local governments” in its approach to coastal matters. The Corps has long pushed for building hard structures along the shore. Still, it is critical that “we all work together,” said Mr. Krupski.

Further, the task force will consider what people in Suffolk affected by storms that cause flooding should do in the immediate time period after they hit. 

As to the main cause of climate change and consequent sea level rise, this will not be a target of this specific task force. But, said Mr. Krupski, for him it’s clear that it’s a “fossil fuel problem.” And Suffolk County, he said, must do its part in a transition from fossil fuels to green renewable energy technologies—led by solar and wind—power sources that do not emit greenhouse gases and cause global warming and sea level rise.

Karl Grossman is a veteran investigative reporter and columnist, the winner of numerous awards for his work and a member of the L.I. Journalism Hall of Fame. He is a professor of journalism at SUNY/College at Old Westbury and the author of six books.