Pussy’s Pond Project Progresses

by Chris Ganitsch

Here’s what we know: Nitrogen excess, originating from our septic systems, threatens the ecology of our bays, harbors and creeks including our treasured Accabonac Creek.

Here’s what we must do: Fix the problem!

Here’s some good news: It can be done!

With the goal of decreasing the amount of nitrogen reaching Accabonac Creek, the East Hampton Department of Natural Resources has recently received grant monies to identify sources of nitrogen flowing in groundwater seepage into Pussy’s Pond, which borders Springs School and flows directly into Accabonac Creek. Historically, data gathering has been piecemeal, with various agencies collecting data for their own specific purpose.

Now, state-of-the-art technologies will be employed to locate groundwater seepage, quantify flow rate, and perform chemical sampling for nitrogen concentration. This comprehensive shoreline quantification of nitrogen loading will allow a prioritization of locations, including where to place nitrogen-removing permeable reactive barriers (PRBs) in the area around Pussy’s Pond, thereby significantly decreasing nitrogen load to the creek.

Protecting Accabonac Harbor… IT CAN BE DONE!