221-223 Gerard Dr Properties & Water Quality in Accabonac Harbor
Summer has arrived, but the challenges facing Accabonac Harbor and the Springs community haven’t taken a vacation.
From water quality concerns and environmental threats to the future of some of our most treasured open spaces, APC continues to advocate for solutions to protect the places we all care about.
Here’s the latest…
June 27th @10AM at boat launch on Landing Lane in Springs
Get on the water with APC for another spectacular tour of Accabonac Harbor! Join APC Board Member Jody Sutter and East Hampton’s own professional paddler Evelyn O’Doherty for our 2nd Annual Paddle & Pick Up on Accabonac Harbor.
Take a 2.5 mile (or as much as you want to do) tour of Accabonac Harbor. Witness the pristine beauty from the vantage point of your SUP, kayak, or any other flotation device that floats your boat as we explore the creek, experience our blue mind state and give back to nature by picking up any trash we find along the way!
Latex gloves and trash bags will be provided by APC. Just bring your PFD’s, sunscreen, water craft and gratitude for this special place as we gather the community for another fun paddle & clean up on Accabonac Harbor.
If you can’t make this one, please know we appreciate your support always! You can make your contribution by donating here.
221 & 223 Gerard Drive: Time for Action
APC recently met with members of East Hampton Town’s Water Quality Advisory Committee and concerned residents to discuss the long-running problems at 221 and 223 Gerard Drive.
The facts are deeply concerning. Based on observations and reports, these two properties do not appear to be connected to functioning sanitary systems, raising serious concerns about wastewater contamination. At the same time, questions abound regarding the structural integrity of these buildings and their pilings.
For years, government agencies and individuals have debated on exactly WHO has the authority to address these alarming conditions. In the meantime, the problem continues to pose a significant contamination risk for Accabonac Harbor and the surrounding area.
In an important step forward, the DEC has finally stopped issuing permits that previously allowed these properties to repeatedly fill their driveways and cesspool areas multiple times per year.
Now it’s time for the Town to act. At a minimum, APC is calling for a formal inspection of the structures—or an independent engineering review—to determine whether they can be safely occupied. The community deserves answers, and more importantly, a clear plan to protect public safety and the surrounding environment.
Bamboo on Old Stone Highway: Progress Needed
The invasive bamboo stand on Old Stone Highway continues to spread and risk cutting off one of the few public access points to the meadow around the harbor. APC continues to press for action.
Following our spring petition, we asked the Town Board to confirm whether the DEC approved the removal permit and to provide an update on contractor bids for the project.
APC has offered financial support to help move this effort forward. We are eager to see the project begin before the problem becomes even more difficult and costly to contain.
Water Quality: Science Driving Solutions
Protecting water quality remains APC’s highest priority.
This summer, we are continuing our partnership with Cornell Cooperative Extension to monitor and investigate the ammonia plume affecting the southwest corner of Accabonac Harbor near the Springs General Store.
This work is providing critical scientific data about the source and extent of the contamination and helping identify long-term solutions. Continued funding and monitoring are essential to ensuring the long-term health of the harbor and protecting the ecosystem that supports wildlife, recreation, and our community’s quality of life.
Please help APC continue to drive the momentum forward on these important initiatives. Your donation matters!
Protect what is precious:
DONATE HERE
Your Voice Matters
Every one of these issues—from water quality to public safety to land preservation—demonstrates why APC’s work is so important.
Thank you for your continued support, engagement, and advocacy. Together, we can ensure that Accabonac Harbor, our waterways, and our open spaces remain protected for future generations.
The work continues.
Together, we can make a difference.
We need you.
If you’d like to get further involved with Accabonac Protection Committee, please reach out to us at info@accabonac.org, sign up for our bi-monthly newsletter and/or DONATE HERE to protect Accabonac Harbor.
All proceeds go towards our ongoing initiatives, efforts, and up-to-date collaborations with Cornell Cooperative Extention and other local non-profit groups to protect the quality of our local waters and landscapes.
We thank you for staying informed, engaged, and committed to protecting Accabonac Harbor and the surrounding environment.
