Schumer: EPA Has Completed a Plan to Reduce Li Sound Nitrogen Levels But Now Must Implement It

Press Release

U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer today called on the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to prioritize federal funds needed to implement the newly released "Nitrogen-Reduction Strategy" for the Long Island Sound. The EPA's strategy outlines a coordinated effort to address and reduce low-oxygen zones within the Long Island Sound. Schumer today said that now that the strategy has been finalized, localities need access to federal funds so that the plan can swiftly move forward. Schumer explained that without federal funds, contamination could continue and nitrogen levels could continue to rise.

Schumer was joined by North Hempstead Supervisor Judi Boswork; Adrienne Esposito of Citizens Campaign for the Environment, Tracey Brown of Save the Sound and Paul DeOrsay of Friends of the Bay.

"The Long Island Sound is a natural treasure and economic engine for the region and it's our responsibility to make sure it continues to flourish for years to come," said U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer. "Without federal funding, the EPA's nitrogen-reduction strategy will stall while the Long Island Sound suffers. The EPA and USDA should prioritize the federal funds needed to implement this sound strategy and reduce overall contamination."

Schumer today called on the EPA and USDA to provide federal funds needed to move forward with the EPA's strategy to reduce nitrogen levels in the Long Island Sound. Specifically, Schumer pointed to three pots of funding:

In years past, Schumer has supported a $10 million allocation for the Long Island Sound program which has averaged $3.5 million over the last few years. This year, a $10 million dollar allocation could be significant to assist in the implementation of this comprehensive strategy.
The USDA's Regional Conservation Partnership program, which aims to increase the restoration and sustainable use of water, soil, wildlife and related natural resources, contains over $200 million in federal dollars some of which the Sound could be eligible to receive. Schumer has secured $10 million from this pot in the past for the Long Island Sound.
EPA Clean Water State Revolving Fund contains over a billion in dollars and on average NY receives around 150 million that Long Island Sound could be eligible to receive.

"The Sound is one of our most valuable natural treasures and a vital economic anchor that supports thousands of local jobs," said Senator Gillibrand a member of both the Senate Agriculture and Environment & Public Works Committees, and sponsor of the Long Island Sound Restoration and Stewardship Act. "The Nitrogen-Reduction Strategy proposed by the EPA's Long Island Sound Study will help protect the long-term health of the Sound by further reducing nitrogen pollution in the Long Island Sound watershed. This is an investment to restore the Sound and promote environmental protection to preserve its natural habitats and resources."

In December, the EPA released its Nitrogen Reduction Strategy for the Long Island Sound. If implemented, the EPA's Nitrogen Reduction Strategy would work in coordination with the States' continued implementation of the 2000 TMDL. First the EPA's strategy will help reduce the low-oxygen dead zones that are currently killing fish and other aquatic life. The strategy will also help reduce and eventually eliminate algal blooms and allow salt marshes to subsist, thereby protecting local neighborhoods by absorbing floodwaters and coastal storms. Finally, the strategy will lead to improved seagrass and shellfish health and the mitigation of localized ocean acidification.

According to the EPA, the Nitrogen Reduction Strategy for the Long Island Sound will (1) develop specific nitrogen load reductions to address local water quality problems; (2) target actions to address these local problems and increase stakeholder involvement, and (3) highlight opportunities in the open waters and western portion of the Sound where dissolved oxygen problems remain.

The Long Island Sound is one of 28 estuaries included in the National Estuary Program, and with more than 23 million people living within 50 miles of the Sound, it is a major contributor of economic development and a source of recreation for residents and visitors alike. According to the Long Island Sound Study, the annual economic value of the sound is approximately $8.9 billion. The Long Island Sound is home to more than 120 species of fish, which contribute to New York's vibrant commercial and recreational fishing industries.

Schumer today explained the importance of the Long Island Sound's future, as an economic engine and tourist attraction. Schumer has long supported efforts to invest in and restore the Long Island Sound and noted the aforementioned resources to showcase the real potential that exists to improve the condition of the Sound.

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