We are in Deep Doo Doo

by Arlene Coulter

There has been a great deal of concern expressed lately about East Hampton’s Solid Waste Treatment Facility on Springs Fireplace Road. There has not been nearly as much discussion, although there should be, regarding the problems produced by over-burdened septic systems, and the impact of an ever-increasing number of septic systems on our fragile ecosystem.

The members of the Accabonac Protection Committee believe that East Hampton needs a two-pronged approach to protect our drinking water and our harbors.
Because of the prolonged overpopulation of Springs, our septic systems are dangerously over-used and, in addition, we have no prescribed inspection of them or any means of pinpointing those that should be replaced.

Our septic systems are out of sight and so, as is said, out of mind. Too few of us know how they work and. as long as they “seem” to be working, don’t bother checking them. Our committee will be exploring ways to educate the community about septics and the harm that inputting too much waste can do to our ecosystem.