Bronte Wells
The Mamaroneck River in White Plains has a history of pollution problems. In the late 19th century, the river was used for drinking water and as a receptacle for sewage, leading to the development of a sanitary sewage system. More recently, in 2013, Save the Sound, a conservancy organization, found plastic pellets in Mamaroneck's Harbor Island Park, and a report showed elevated levels of E. coli and fecal coliform bacteria at eight sites along the waterways that flow into Mamaroneck Harbor. These issues have sparked concerns and efforts to address pollution in the area, including a multi-year study measuring water quality in the Long Island Sound that began in 2017.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| History of Beach Closings | Pollution from leaking sanitary sewers, storm sewers, streets, parking lots, and other sources |
| Beach Closings in 2013 | 138 beach days |
| Beach Closings in 2012 | 112 beach days |
| Water Sampling Sites | Mamaroneck Harbor, Mamaroneck River, Beaver Swamp Brook/Guion Creek, Otter Creek |
| Sites Requiring Further Testing | 8 |
| Sites Requiring Follow-up Testing | 2 (A&P supermarket and Mamaroneck Beach & Yacht Club) |
| Cause of Further Testing | Elevated levels of E. coli and fecal coliform bacteria |
| Plastic Pellets Found | A million tiny, white, plastic pellets |
| Source of Plastic Pellets | Marval Industries |
| Unsafe Levels of Hydrocarbons | Found in sediments of Larchmont Gardens Lake |
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What You'll Learn
The river's history as a source of drinking water
The Mamaroneck River, located in Southern Westchester County, New York, has a history of being used as a source of drinking water. The river flows through Mamaroneck Town and Village, covering a distance of 7.3 miles (11.7 km) before emptying into Mamaroneck Harbor and Long Island Sound.
In the early days of European settlement in the 17th century, the river was likely utilised as a source of drinking water, along with other waterways in the region. However, by the late 19th century, it became evident that using the river as both a source of drinking water and a receptacle for sewage was unsuitable. This realisation led to the development of a sanitary sewage system, which helped address the pollution issues.
Despite the efforts to mitigate pollution, the river's value as a source of drinking water gradually diminished. By the mid-20th century, the river basin's uses became less significant, and water power was no longer a primary concern. The river's role as a drinking water source was phased out, with the reservoir waterworks being converted into pumping stations for New York City's Catskill water system. The Catskill system now provides a significant portion of New York City's daily water needs, alongside the Delaware system.
The decline in the river's importance for drinking water can also be attributed to the construction of highways, housing developments, and office projects. The riverbeds were narrowed to accommodate ever-widening roadways, and ponds were drained to make way for residential areas. Today, the river's watershed is predominantly occupied by suburban residential neighbourhoods, commercial tracts, and retail spaces.
While the Mamaroneck River's direct use as a drinking water source has diminished, it remains an essential part of the region's ecosystem and continues to impact the local community. Pollution in the river and its surrounding areas remains a concern, highlighting the need for ongoing environmental preservation and sustainable development practices.
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Industrial waste and plastic pollution
The Mamaroneck River in White Plains has a history of pollution concerns. In the late 19th century, the river was used for drinking water and sewage disposal, leading to ongoing pollution problems. While the river's use for drinking water was eventually phased out, the river continued to be impacted by human development, including the drainage of ponds and the squeezing of riverbeds to make way for roadways and housing.
In recent years, there have been reports of contaminated water and plastic pollution in the Mamaroneck River and its surrounding waterways. In 2013, Save the Sound, a conservancy organization, reported the discovery of plastic pollution in the form of small white plastic resin pellets in Mamaroneck's Harbor Island Park. The pellets were traced back to Marval Industries, a company located next to the Sheldrake River, which flows into the Mamaroneck River. This incident highlighted the ongoing issue of industrial waste being dumped into the river, with little regard for the environmental consequences.
The Mamaroneck River has also faced issues with water quality due to pollution from leaking sanitary sewers, storm sewers, streets, and parking lots. In 2017, a multi-year study was initiated by Save the Sound to measure water quality in the Long Island Sound, spanning 116 bays and harbors in New York and Connecticut. The study aimed to address larger pollution issues and create a roadmap for action to improve water cleanliness.
One example of the impact of industrial waste on the Mamaroneck River is the contamination of Larchmont Gardens Lake. Town officials discovered unsafe levels of hydrocarbons in the lake's sediments, likely originating from nearby highways. The cost of transporting the dredged materials to a site licensed for industrial waste was estimated to be $500,000, underscoring the financial burden of mitigating pollution in the area.
The pollution in the Mamaroneck River has had tangible impacts on the local ecosystem. For instance, the disappearance of a school of large carp from the pool upstream of the New Haven railroad bridge has been attributed to the pollution in the river. The river's history of pollution and ongoing concerns underscore the need for continued monitoring, enforcement, and conservation efforts to protect the health of the river and the surrounding environment.
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Fecal coliform bacteria and E. coli
Historically, fecal coliform bacteria were the primary indicator of fecal contamination and the effectiveness of wastewater treatment. However, not all coliform bacteria are fecal in origin, as some can come from vegetation and soil. As a result, in 2012, the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) adopted the Recreational Water Quality Criterion (RWQC), recommending the use of fecal indicator bacteria (FIB), including E. coli and Enterococci, as indicators of fecal contamination. E. coli is now the indicator for fecal contamination in freshwater, while Enterococci is used for marine water.
The presence of E. coli and fecal coliform bacteria in the Mamaroneck River and Harbor has been a concern. A report found elevated levels of these bacteria at eight sites along the waterways that flow into Mamaroneck Harbor. This has led to beach closures due to unsanitary swimming conditions. In 2002, a Gunderboom Beach Protection System (BPS) was installed in Harbor Island Park to reduce bacterial levels. The Gunderboom system has proven effective in significantly reducing E. coli and coliform bacteria levels in the water and clam samples.
The Mamaroneck River has a history of pollution problems. In the late 19th century, the river was used for both drinking water and sewage disposal, leading to ongoing pollution issues. While the river's use for drinking water was eventually phased out, pollution concerns persist due to leaking sanitary sewers, stormwater runoff, and other sources. These pollution sources have resulted in frequent beach closures and the need for ongoing monitoring and mitigation measures to ensure water quality and public health.
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Hydrocarbon pollution
The Mamaroneck River in White Plains has a history of pollution problems. In the late 19th century, the river was used for drinking water and as a receptacle for sewage, which led to ongoing pollution issues. Although a sanitary sewage system was eventually developed, the river continued to be affected by pollution from various sources, including leaking sanitary sewers, storm sewers, streets, and parking lots.
In recent years, there have been reports of "shockingly" contaminated water in the local waters of Mamaroneck Harbor and the Mamaroneck River. A report by Save the Sound revealed that Westchester's Long Island Sound beaches were closed for 138 days in 2013 due to pollution, with eight sites along the waterways that flow into Mamaroneck Harbor requiring further testing to determine the causes of elevated levels of E. coli and fecal coliform bacteria.
One particular instance of hydrocarbon pollution in the Mamaroneck River watershed was reported in Larchmont Gardens Lake, a man-made pond on a Sheldrake branch of the river. During a dredging operation, it was discovered that the pond sediments contained unsafe levels of hydrocarbons, likely originating from the nearby I-95 highway. The cost of transporting the contaminated dredged materials to an industrial waste site was estimated to be around $500,000.
Hydrocarbons are organic compounds consisting of hydrogen and carbon atoms and are commonly found in petroleum products, such as oil and gasoline. Hydrocarbon pollution in water bodies can have detrimental effects on aquatic ecosystems and the organisms that depend on them. It can lead to the contamination of drinking water sources, harm aquatic plants and animals, and disrupt the natural balance of the ecosystem. In the case of Larchmont Gardens Lake, the presence of unsafe levels of hydrocarbons indicated a significant environmental concern that required costly remediation measures.
To address hydrocarbon pollution in the Mamaroneck River and its surrounding waterways, it is crucial to identify and mitigate potential sources of contamination. This may include implementing stricter regulations on nearby highways and industrial sites, improving waste management practices, and investing in water treatment and restoration technologies. Additionally, regular monitoring and sampling of water quality can help detect hydrocarbon pollution early on and guide targeted remediation efforts. By addressing these issues, the ecological health of the Mamaroneck River can be preserved, and the risks associated with hydrocarbon pollution can be mitigated.
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Storm drains and flooding
Storm drains are a critical component of any community's infrastructure, designed to convey rainwater and stormwater runoff away from streets and properties to nearby water bodies, such as the Mamaroneck River. However, they can also contribute to flooding and pollution concerns, especially in the case of the Mamaroneck River, which has a history of pollution and flooding issues.
One of the primary concerns with storm drains is their potential to contribute to flooding during heavy rainfall events. When the volume of rainwater exceeds the capacity of the storm drain system, it can result in flooding of streets, homes, and businesses. This is particularly relevant in the case of the Mamaroneck River, where the flat topography of the surrounding area can lead to slow drainage and increased flooding potential.
To mitigate the risk of flooding, it is essential for residents to ensure that storm drains in their neighbourhoods are clear of debris and leaves. The Village of Mamaroneck, for instance, has requested that residents refrain from raking or blowing leaves into the streets, as this can lead to blocked storm drains and subsequent flooding issues.
In addition to flooding, storm drains can also contribute to pollution in the Mamaroneck River. Illicit discharge, such as the improper disposal of industrial waste or the dumping of pollutants into storm drains, can have detrimental effects on water quality. This was evident in 2013 when a flood tide at Mamaroneck's Harbor Island Park revealed the accumulation of millions of small plastic pellets along the high water line. These pellets were traced back to a facility located near the Sheldrake River, which flows into the Mamaroneck River.
Furthermore, the Mamaroneck River has historically faced pollution issues due to its use as a receptacle for sewage and wastewater. While the development of a sanitary sewage system in the late 19th century helped alleviate this problem, pollution concerns remain. Beach closures due to pollution from leaking sanitary sewers, storm sewers, and other sources are not uncommon, and elevated levels of E. coli and fecal coliform bacteria have been detected at multiple sites along the river.
To address these concerns, regular maintenance and monitoring of the storm drain system are crucial. This includes ensuring that leaves and debris do not obstruct storm drains and implementing measures to prevent illicit discharges. Additionally, public education and awareness about the proper disposal of waste and the importance of storm drain maintenance can play a vital role in mitigating flooding and pollution risks.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, the Mamaroneck River has a history of pollution. In 2013, plastic pellets were found in Mamaroneck's Harbor Island Park, and in 2017, a pollution study was initiated to address larger pollution issues.
The river has been used for both drinking water and as a receptacle for sewage, with pollution from leaking sanitary sewers, storm sewers, streets, and parking lots. Businesses in the industrial area have also been known to dump waste into the river.
Efforts are being made to address the pollution in the Mamaroneck River. A multi-year study measuring water quality in the Long Island Sound, including the river, began in 2017. The study aims to identify the sources of pollution and develop a plan for improvement.
