It might be surprising to learn that the Coast Guard, which has a station in Montauk, owns 17 houses in Springs. Perhaps even more surprising was the news last week that it would like to upgrade the septic systems at all 17 properties, and will seek grants from the town to do so.
The total cost of the project is $1,688,962 or an average of $99,000 for each property. However, according to Kim Shaw, the town’s environmental protection director, that figure includes some items that are not eligible for town funding.
In a June 12 letter to the town board, Ms. Shaw wrote, “This presents a significant opportunity to upgrade a large group of systems within a high-density residential area located in a Water Protection District priority zone in East Hampton. Given the scope and location of the project, we believe it aligns well with the goals of the C.P.F. Water Quality Improvement Program and is eligible for funding through this program, consistent with precedent set by similar town-funded municipal I/A upgrade projects.”
“We passed this by the C.P.F. water quality committee and they are supportive of funding,” she told the board. “What we don’t know right now is exactly how much money it’s going to be, but it’s going to be significant.” The project could also be eligible for Suffolk County and New York State grants.
The Coast Guard has agreed, as part of the grants, to extend public water to the properties. Ms. Shaw said the groundwater table is high in the area of Springs where the houses are located, and that the combined projects would be a “win” for the environment.
The board agreed that providing grants for 65 percent of whatever the adjusted cost ends up being, was a good idea, but the total has yet to be determined. Final engineering plans have not been submitted.
Councilman David Lys, admitting to “sticker shock,” said, “I think it’s a good opportunity for us to partner with another municipality within our township.”
In accordance with a request from the Coast Guard, the town did not disclose the location of the houses, or indeed any information about them at all. A written request to the Coast Guard for more information had gone unanswered by the time The Star went to press.
The Coast Guard has yet to submit an application for the funding. Ms. Shaw said her department will continue coordinating with the service as it develops engineering plans. After officials apply for county and state grants, they apply to the town, under its C.P.F. Water Quality Improvement program. Up to 20 percent of the overall community preservation fund can now be used for water quality programs.
