A little effort could go a very long way and save the Bay

If you have been reading my articles, you know that storm-drain runoff is one of many factors that have negatively affected Long Island’s Great South Bay. The declining clam population has also contributed to the poor water quality. Clams are filter-feeding, bottom-dwelling organisms that eat tiny organisms called phytoplankton. A single clam can filter about 1 gallon of water an hour. Clams once filtered the entire Great South Bay once every two-and-a-half days. At current population levels it takes 100 days to filter the Bay, and that is not nearly enough to do any good.

What can you do to help the recovery of our clam population and waterways?

•  Don’t dump automotive fluids, paints, solvents, pesticides, fertilizer, pool chemicals, unused medications or any other chemicals down storm drains. Bring these materials to the Town of Hempstead’s S.T.O.P. program for proper disposal.
• Don’t leave soil, leaves or grass clippings on driveways, sidewalks or streets. Rain will wash these materials into storm drains. As these materials decay they reduce the level of oxygen in the water. Instead, sweep them up and bag them for proper disposal.
• Dispose of pet waste properly. 
• Apply fertilizer and pesticides in recommended amounts and only when needed. 
• Minimize the use of de-icing materials.
• Don’t discard trash in storm drains. Keep storm drains free of debris.
• Educate yourself about this issue and share your knowledge with others. Support organizations such as Operation SPLASH and visit stormdrainproject.webs.com.
• If you spot a missing storm drain medallion email the location to stormdrainproject@hotmail.com.

I want to thank the Herald and Richner Communications for their outstanding and generous support of this project. In addition, I would like the thank Aboff’s Paint (West Hempstead), Barney’s Hardware (Elmont), Home Depot (Elmont), Long Island Paneling (New Hyde Park), Lowe’s (Garden City), Metro Fire Safety Guards (Elmont), Pathmark (Franklin Square), Schilling’s True Value Hardware (Franklin Square), South Shore Fire & Safety Equipment (East Meadow), SRG Construction Consulting (Island Park), Staples (Hempstead), Stop & Shop (Hempstead and West Hempstead), West Hempstead Lions Club, Diane Cartolano, the Holder Family and Mr. and Mrs. Ed Miller for their donations to this project.

Special thanks to everyone who volunteered to place the medallions, Troop 240, West Hempstead Board of Education, West Hempstead Community Support & Civic Association, West Hempstead Public Library, Operation SPLASH, the Town of Hempstead, Jim Brown and the Department of Conservation & Waterways for helping to make this project possible.