On Tuesday, January 19, the Board of Directors for the Suffolk County Water Authority unanimously approved two resolutions to address the concerns of residents in Orient. The approval of these resolutions will ensure reduced costs of providing a safe and consistent source of water to the residents, within a context of a thorough environmental review.
SCWA appreciates feedback regarding this issue and plans to hold a community meeting in the town in the immediate future to address any questions. With the help and support of local elected officials, SCWA looks forward to hearing from the community and resolving any and all outstanding issues related to the installation of this transmission main. It was noted this transmission main would go a long way toward alleviating the problem of private wells in this area that have been found to contain high levels of nitrates and pesticides by the Suffolk County Department of Health, and would have the added benefit of improving fire protection.
“The Suffolk County Water Authority is pleased with the outcome of the Board’s unanimous vote because it provides more than just service to Browns Hills but also it will be there as an emergency backup water supply that can be used in the event of a catastrophic event such as a hurricane or severe ice storms that could cut off power to the Orient area,” said SCWA Chairman and Cutchogue resident, Michael LoGrande. “The ‘Transmission Main’ designation will allay community concerns about unwanted potential growth stimulation.”
Board Secretary Patrick Halpin added, “Our main priority has always been to provide Orient residents with high quality, affordable drinking water. I am extremely pleased with the Board’s decision to continue forward with this important safe drinking water project.”
The first resolution approved by the SCWA Board states that only residents along the transmission main and the residents of Browns Hills can tap in. This action will remove concerns by residents that the new water main would spur economic growth. The second resolution has the Water Authority preparing a drinking water supply plan for the Hamlet of Orient to address the expressed concerns regarding the safety of the water.
“We have been working with the Town of Southold for the past decade to bring clean water in a careful fashion to areas of high priority, as noted by the County Health Department,” concluded SCWA Chief Executive Officer Steve Jones. “We will continue our efforts to resolve any issues with the community to focus on the matter of clean water.”