Long Island Sound: Is It "Saved" Yet?

We so often hear references to saving Long Island Sound -- a 25 year-effort so far -- that it's natural every summer to ask whether it's been, well, "saved" yet.

The short answer is no, it's an on-going project, though there has been some improvement in recent years. The harbor seals and some other animals have returned, and large numbers of dead fish are no longer washing up on shore.

But, a national report on water quality just published says pollution forced the closing of more beaches in CT last year than anytime in the past five years. 15 million gallons of raw sewage, for example, recently spilled into the Sound near the Bronx, closing beaches in Westchester and Fairfield Counties.

Actually, it's the nitrogen in that sewage that is the real culprit. Nitrogen fuels the growth of algae which in turn depletes the oxygen in the water and kills plant and marine life.

For years, the state and federal agencies involved have made nitrogen reduction a top priority, but without much success. Now, there's a new goal: Within 15 years, it's believed nearly 60 percent of the nitrogen could be gone.

How is that possible? By upgrading antiquated sewage treatment plants in the area. Water main breaks and leaky sewer lines a major reason for the spills and the pollution.

Previously, it was believed sewer plants had to be replaced, but a complex new computer model finally completed shows that upgrading should be sufficient.

There's a stunning 90% difference in estimated costs: $6 billion to replace the treatment plants. $650 million to upgrade them.

Together, Connecticut and New York have pledged $400 million, but they'll need federal money to make up the shortfall. We hope they get it. It's in the national interest to promote the health of estuaries like Long Island Sound.