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Public Commentary Dear Editor: Many residents from both Babylon and Huntington, who live near the proposed Tanger Mall project, have recently contacted me concerning the County Legislature's decision to permit Tanger's hook-up into the South West Sewer District. For those that wrote to me or sent an email, I thank you. I appreciate that you took the time to contact me to voice your concerns. As I have always maintained, I need to hear from you to effectively govern. Let me state at the outset that I care deeply about all of the communities surrounding Tanger, having lived in the area (Deer Park) for many years. It's still the place I consider my hometown. Let me also state up front that I, too, am concerned about the impact the Tanger development will have on this area, especially when coupled with the other large developments proposed or already constructed. I believe a further study of traffic impacts is essential, and I recently supported the County Executive's legislation that funded such further study. I also intend to support County road projects to relieve congestion by working with our State and Federal representatives. There are many important issues surrounding Tanger and the other development projects in the area. I am committed to working with residents in facing these challenges head-on to preserve our quality of life. The only issue before the Legislature last year, however, was Tanger's hook-up to the sewer district. Traffic issues, financing issues and development issues were not contemplated by the sewer hook-up resolution. All of those issues were addressed by the Town during its planning process. The County Legislature had no jurisdiction to address traffic or other development issues in connection with the proposed sewer hook-up. Again, the sole issue was whether the County should permit Tanger to hook into our sewer system. Since this project would proceed either with sewers (if approved by the Legislature) or with an on-site septic system, (if sewer hook-up was denied), I was compelled to vote to permit the hookup for the protection of our environment. Prior to voting, I received many emails urging me to "delay" the Tanger project by voting down the sewer hookup, thereby allowing more time for traffic studies. I voted for the hook-up after concluding that a denial of the sewer hook-up would not "delay" this project at all, or buy sufficient time to study traffic impacts. If the sewer hook-up had been denied, the developer's representatives stated that they would quickly redesign the project to include a septic sanitary system. This system, whether cesspools with leaching fields or an on-site sewer treatment facility, could be constructed without any relief from the Sanitary Code. Put another way, the County would have no grounds to deny construction of these systems and the project would move forward without delay. The State DEC also informed me that there were no State impediments to installation of an on-site septic system. I should also point out that the construction of an on-site septic sanitary system would cost the developer much less. From a financial perspective, therefore, an on-site septic system was a viable alternative to a sewer connection. Viable for the developer, but not desirable for the community. A septic sanitary system would allow over 83,000 gallons of raw sewage per day to seep into our groundwater in Deer Park. Using the best technology, only 25% of pollutants would be filtered before the waste hits our groundwater. This, in my mind, is not acceptable, especially when sewers are readily available. Some argue that since so many septic systems already permeate Long Island, what's one more. I disagree. While it's unfortunate that we do not have more sewers, we should strive to hook up to sewers anytime they are available for the good of our environment, especially when it comes to large projects such as Tanger. It should also be noted that upon hooking into the sewer system, Tanger will pay a hook-up fee of over $1.3 million and will also pay monthly fees to the sewer district for operation and maintenance costs. The point is, however, whether or not you believe Tanger is bad for the area, a sewer hook-up denial would not stop this project, delay its construction or compel a re-evaluation. A denial would have simply forced the developer to construct a less desirable sanitary system. It would not compel a re-evaluation of traffic issues or any further contribution to traffic mitigation measures by the developer. I could not, in good conscience, support the installation of a septic system at the expense of our groundwater, or a sewer treatment plant in Deer Park. (Neither alternative, in fact, would have caused the project to be scaled back either, since there is more than enough room on this site to accommodate either without redesign). To the residents of this area, I share your frustration. I even agree with you that this project may negatively impact our community. But I did not, through my vote for a sewer hook-up, have the authority to stop or delay this project, or cause reconsideration of traffic or financing issues. In fact, a no vote would have only encouraged an alternative to sewers that will harm the environment and the surrounding community. I was not prepared to say no to simply make a point to the developer and, in the process, see the project built anyway with 83,000 gallons of sludge seeping into our groundwater every day. I supported the sewer hook-up for these reasons. I intend to support traffic studies and mitigation measures just as forcefully. Lou D'Amaro Suffolk County Legislator
17th Legislative District
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