Reduce Your Impact

Public comment meeting on Thursday, November 19th at 7pm on Zoom.

This webpage and the associated documents were prepared with funding provided by the New York State Department of State under Title 11 of the Environmental Protection Fund.
There are many things you can do to reduce your impact on Manhasset Bay and the environment.  Here are a few ideas.
Site Map
Top Left Image:  Students at Manorhaven Beach Clean-up, Spring 2022; credit:  MBPC;  Center:  Keep Manhasset Bay beautiful by taking all trash and belongings home with you; credit:  MBPC;  Top Right Image:  Nassau Septic Replacement Program logo (flier)
Subscribe to our newsletter.

VOLUNTEER!

Coastal Clean-ups

Thank you everyone who came out on October 3rd and August 23rd for our cleanups!  Our next cleanup will likely be in the spring.  Sign-up for our newsletter to be notified of future cleanups.
TBD
2027, 10:00am
Please fill out the waiver below and bring it with you:
Image credit:  S. Deonarine/MBPC
Sign-up for the Committee's newsletter to be kept informed about all upcoming volunteer opportunities. 
Do you have a cesspool or septic system?  Get help replacing it ​here.

Stormwater Runoff

Stormwater runoff is rain or snowmelt that flows over the land and into Manhasset Bay, collecting trash and other pollutants as it travels.  Runoff is not treated.
Image credit:  MBPC
Polluted runoff is the nation's greatest threat to clean water.  Here are some things you can do to keep stormwater just that, water:
  • Do not put anything in a storm drain.  Ever.  "Only rain down the drain!"
  • Contain rainwater on your property by utilizing rain barrels and installing a rain garden.  The Town of North Hempstead offers workshops in the spring of most years that can help you get started.
  • Direct downspouts away from paved surfaces.
  • Pick up after your pet and dispose of waste in the trash.  Animal wastes contain bacteria and viruses that can contaminate swimming beaches.
  • Do not feed geese and other waterfowl; for more information, visit our nuisance geese page.
  • Maintain your car and fix leaks promptly.
  • Select native plants and grasses that are drought- and pest-resistant.
  • Cover piles of dirt and mulch to prevent these pollutants from washing into Manhasset Bay.
  • Vegetate bare spots in your yard to prevent soil erosion.
  • Wash your car only when necessary and consider using a commercial car wash that recycles its wash water.  Alternatively, wash your car on grass where plants and naturally occurring bacteria in the soil can break down contaminants.
Subscribe to our newsletter.
For educational videos about stormwater, visit our partners' YouTube channels at:
Town of North Hempstead "Stormwater Police"
Stormwater Pollution & Green Infrastructure (NC SWCD)

Wastewater

It is important to know where the water from your house goes after you've used it.
Image credit:  TNC
Cesspools and Septic Systems
These antiquated systems are a major source of nitrogen to the north shore.  An improperly working septic system can contaminate groundwater and create public health problems.  

As these systems are not designed to remove nitrogen, consider upgrading to a system that does.  Nassau County has a grant program that may help with the cost of upgrading.   To apply for a grant, visit the Nassau S.E.P.T.I.C. Program website.  A flier for the program can be found here.
Subscribe to our newsletter.
Sewers
Wastewater treatment plants have been upgraded to effectively treat nitrogen and bacteria.  They are also closely regulated.  The two water pollution control districts on Manhasset Bay are the Great Neck Water Pollution Control District and the Port Washington Water Pollution Control District.  If sewers become available in your area, abandoning your cesspool and connecting to the sewer system is best for the environment.

Fertilizer

Fertilizers contain nitrogen, which, in abundance, can lead to water quality degradation.  In our region, lawns that are already established do not need to be fertilized beyond leaving grass clippings to decompose in place, naturally fertilizing the lawn.  If you do have to fertilize, only apply what you need to, make sure your spreader is properly calibrated, look for slow-release fertilizers, and do not apply fertilizer before a rainfall, when it is more likely the fertilizer will be carried into the Bay by runoff.  Additionally, keeping your grass at least 3" long will encourage deeper roots and healthier plants that need less water.
So, sit back, relax, and skip the yard work.
For more information, you can visit these websites:
Your Lawn's Big Impact on Long Island Sound (Save the Sound)
Reduce Nitrogen Pledge (LINAP)
Fertilizer Management (NYSDEC)
Subscribe to our newsletter.

Litter

Picture
Trash that makes its way into the environment can have serious impacts on the health of wildlife and humans.  To avoid this, you can:
  • Reduce:  Use less single-use items (e.g., straws, water bottles, bags, etc).
  • Reuse:  containers, bags, and other items.
  • Recycle as much as possible.
  • Stow and secure trash:  whether at the beach, on the boat, or in your own driveway, make sure trash can't be blown away or knocked over.
  • Discard items, including cigarette butts and fast food containers, in secured trash receptacles. 
  • Never throw trash onto streets or down storm drains. 
  • Join a beach clean-up!  E-mail:  mbpcExec@gmail.com.

Clean Boating

Image credit:  J Wilson-Pines
Dumping boat sewage overboard introduces bacteria and viruses into the water and it is also illegal:  Manhasset Bay and all of Long Island Sound are designated as No Discharge Zones.  Boaters should always use marine sanitation devices and pump-out facilities.  For free pump outs, call the Town of North Hempstead Dock @ 1-516-767-4622 or the Town Pump-Out Boat on VHF Channel 9.  A self-serve pump-out is also available on the north side of Town Dock.

Some other clean boating tips are:
  • Clean fish back on land and dispose of the cleanings in a trash receptacle.
  • Don't wash your boat where detergents and oil can pollute water.
  • Do not throw trash overboard; instead properly secure all trash on-board so that it does not blow away before being properly disposed of on land.
For more tips on CLEAN BOATING, click here.
Subscribe to our newsletter.
It is illegal to remove shellfish from Manhasset Bay for any reason, including bait.  If you see someone removing shellfish from Manhasset Bay, please call DEC's Division of Law Enforcement for Nassau and Suffolk at 631-444-0250 or the 24-hour dispatch at 1-844-DEC-ECOs (1-844-332-3267).

Habitat Restoration

Support local habitat restoration and water quality improvement efforts by viewing them as a positive move for the Bay and local economy.  Marshes, or tidal wetlands, are natural buffers against pollution, erosion, and flooding.
If you live on the coast, regrade steep slopes and keep natural vegetation on bluffs and hills.  You can prevent bank and shore erosion by planting trees and shrubs along the bank.
Subscribe to our newsletter.
Mill Pond Restoration Images:  K. Braun, Town of North Hempstead

Household Hazardous Waste

Many household pesticides and common household products (e.g., paint thinners, moth balls, drain and oven cleaners, unused and expired medications) are also toxic to humans, animals, aquatic organisms and plants.  When improperly used or discarded, these products are a threat to public health and the environment. 
  • DO NOT discard with the regular household trash.  The Town of North Hempstead hosts S.T.O.P. (Stop Throwing Out Pollutants) events several times per year. 
  • Use boiling water, a plunger, or a mechanical snake to unclog drains.
  • Clean up spills immediately and dispose of waste safely.
  • Store chemicals, including those for your pool or spa, properly to avoid leaks and spills.
  • Use natural and less toxic alternatives whenever possible. 
  • If you do use a pesticide, follow the label directions carefully.
  • Do not dump used motor oil down storm drains or on the ground. 
  • Drain your swimming pool or spa only when a test kit does not detect chlorine.
  • Never rinse wood preservatives or solvents down the drain.
  • Recycle all used motor oil by taking it to a local public or private recycling center.
  • Watch for pharmaceutical take-back programs throughout the year to properly dispose of your unused medications.
Subscribe to our newsletter.

Water Conservation

Long Island receives its freshwater, for drinking and other uses, from the sole source aquifer embedded in the layers beneath it.  With a changing climate, it is important to protect this aquifer.  One way is through water conservation by:
  • Installing low-flow water fixtures in your home;
  • Upgrading to “smart devices” that will monitor water usage and warn of leaks in an irrigation system;
  • Fixing leaks immediately;
  • Use appliances efficiently -- run full loads of dishes or laundry;
  • Water your yard slowly, early in the morning, and only when necessary; and/or
  • Planting drought-hardy landscaping (and grass) that does not require watering.
Water conservation, implemented before there is a problem, is key.
Subscribe to our newsletter.