Suffolk County will invest $100 million to help improve water quality and remove outdated cesspools and septic systems on Long Island.
Scientists have identified that these outdated systems contribute to nitrogen pollution in local bays. That pollution creates harmful algal blooms that cause beach closures and fish kills.
The funding will be invested in the county's grant program for homeowners to replace their septic systems. The money would also help eliminate nearly 6,000 outdated systems with two new sewer projects.
County Executive Steve Bellone says this investment will provide “significant next steps in implementing a long-term plan to improve water quality.”