Septic systems at lakefront homes may contribute excessive phosphorus to lakes due to site constraints, proximity to the seasonal water table and improper maintenance. Simple measures such as water conservation practices and routine system pump outs (approximately every 3 years) can go a long way to maintaining properly functioning septic systems that will not contribute …
NYS DEC’s has a septic tank matching grant program for septic systems in disrepair. They will pay up to 50% of the repair up to $25,000. Details of the program and application can be found athttps://www.efc.ny.gov/EOH. There has been some confusion about the eligibility criteria, since different regions of the watershed have slightly different criteria. …
The bylaws of the lake say, “light pollution is to be avoided so as not to diminish others’ enjoyment of the nighttime serenity of the lake”. But more than a rule, it is neighborly to recognize and limit how lighting, inside and outside your house, may affect others. Another concern is noise pollution. Consider the …
Many Lake Sagamore residents have begun recycling, shopping with an eye to defending the environment from needless hazards (defensive shopping), and composting in order to reduce the waste entering landfills and, not incidentally, to cut their garbage collection fees. The Kent Recycling Center, which is operated by volunteers, is located on Route 52 across from …
Be Good to Environment: Defensive Shopping, Recycling and Composting Read More »
Indoor Hazardous materials can be found in most common household products: mothballs, cleansers, antifreeze, polishes and disinfectants. Even nail polish remover and car waxes are potentially poisonous. Care must be taken in the use and disposal of each product and its container. Anything going down your sink or toilet will go into your septic system …
Safe Use and DIsposal of Indoor and Outdoor Chemicals Read More »
Septic tanks must be professionally maintained to operate correctly and preserve our environment. They should be emptied every 2 years for year-round residents and every 3 years for part-time residents. Leakage from a poorly maintained or damaged septic system can stimulate weed growth in the Lake and pollute the waters. Many household chemicals, if emptied …
Septic Tank Maintenance and DEC Matching Repair Grant Read More »
The following was published by the Putnam Valley Commission for the Conservation of the Environment, which we provide here in its entirety: In October 2003, the Putnam Valley Town Board adopted two local laws to regulate the cutting of trees in Putnam Valley, viz., local laws 7 and 8 of 2003 (the latter is an …
Soil erosion, especially from construction and site clearing, is a potential danger to the lake. Stringent precautions are always necessary when the ground is disrupted. Most contractors will be aware of, and use, erosion control measures, but it is prudent to bring this up at the planning stage and to reinforce your concern as necessary. …
Increases in impervious areas, such as driveways and roofs, serves to alter the way water flows in a watershed. Increased impervious areas in a watershed reduce percolation while increasing the speed of the water entering the lake thereby increasing its potential for erosion. This basically translates to increased nutrient transport to the lake and such …
The basic principal behind salt management is the same as fertilizer management. Any salt applied to asphalt for ice control will be transported to the lake once the snow melts. Increasing lake salinity will then result along with changes to the ecosystem. Reduce the amount of salt that is used or utilize alternative agents such …