Lake Montauk Watershed Management Plan

Project Location: Town of East Hampton, NY
Client: Town of East Hampton Natural Resources Department

NPV completed the Lake Montauk Watershed Management Plan for the Town of East Hampton (funded by the New York State Department of State). NPV worked with the Town and Cornel Cooperative Extension (who conducted surface water sampling and DNA analysis, as well as eel grass surveys and habitat assessments) to prepare a complete characterization of the Lake, gather input from the WMP advisory committee and furnish recommendations for watershed management. The upland contributing drainage areas to Lake Montauk are comprised of primarily residential uses with some commercial uses, marinas and yacht clubs located along or in immediate proximity to the waterfront. Many areas within the watershed have high groundwater conditions, poorly draining soils, and aged sanitary systems that impact the health of the Lake. The Management Plan focuses on improvement of water quality through the identification, control and reduction of non-point source pollution. Additionally, recommendations considered potential direct sanitary discharge to the Lake as evidence suggested contribution of coliform due to sanitary system failure. An implementation matrix that included sources of grant funding was prepared to aid in simple and rapid implementation of recommendations by the Town. The project was completed in July 2014.