South Shore Coastal Protection Task Force Kicks Off

Legislator Rob Calarco, whose county resolution this past May created a committee to study coastal protection, recently attended the first meeting of the South Shore Coastal Protection Task Force.

The  meeting, he stated in a press release, was focused on setting goals and devising a comprehensive approach to review existing data so the Task Force can present their findings in six months to the Legislature.  

"All up and down the Eastern seaboard communities are dealing with stormwater issues, sea level rise and aging infrastructure; the south coast of Suffolk County is no different," he stated in a press release issued after the meeting.

According to the legislator the task force Twill conduct careful and scientific review to develop strategies and set priorities for protecting the infrastructure and environment of Suffolk County’s South Shore. 

"I’m energized by this first meeting and excited to see what comes out of this talented group of individuals,” said Calarco.

In the upcoming months the members will review various plans, such as the Fire Island to Montauk Point Reformulation Study (FIMP), currently being finalized by the US Army Corps of Engineers; various US Geological Services groundwater data reports; and existing Suffolk County infrastructure, shoreline and groundwater studies.  

In addition to evaluating the existing documentation, the committee is charged with identifying deficiencies and is expected to make recommendations where further work is needed.

The Task Force consists of eleven members, all of whom have experience in the fields of engineering, hydrogeology and environmental protection.  

Chaired by Gil Anderson, Suffolk County’s Commissioner of Public Works, the committee also includes staff from Suffolk County’s Departments of Public Works, Economic Development and Planning and the Department of Health Services; the US Geological Service; NYS Department of  Environmental Conservation; Fire Island National Seashore; US Army Corps of Engineers; The Nature Conservancy; SUNY Stony Brook; and two members with significant municipal environmental experience.