Politics & Government

Huntington Bay To Outlaw Goose Feeding

State mandates on stormwater management force stricter village regulations.

Huntington Bay geese might want to find another place to feed.

To comply with a state stormwater management mandate, the village will soon be required to adopt stricter regulations in an effort to control possible runoff contamination to surrounding waterways — apparently geese play a part in the process.

Because of the mandate, goose feeding will soon be prohibited by village residents, according to Village Engineer Jeff Vollmuth.

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"Not that I think that's a problem in this village, but it's a requirement of the regulation," said Vollmuth, who gave an extensive report to the Village Board of Trustees last month regarding stormwater management.

A village program to manage geese populations must also be worked out by the village, according to Vollmuth.

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In an effort to reduce contaminents to the harbor and improve illicit discharge and drainage conditions, the state is requiring the village to impose stricter rules. 

Bag distribution stations for dog waste on village roads will be required and possible limits to the amount of fertilized vegetation on properties will be discussed. The village will also be required to establish methods to monitor salt and sand distribution to village roadways.

According to the state report, excessive application of sand and deicing salts to roadways could result in water impact to the bay and harbor.

For a small village like , the documentation and cost of the storm water program has been extensive, according to Mayor Herb Morrow. "We've spent to date probably $15,000."

Vollmuth said at some point it might be more efficient and cost effective for the village to share the cost of program requirements with the .

"For up to $5000 per year, the village could do one small thing which could decrease loading by a couple pounds per year," said Vollmuth. "For the same $5000, we might be able to enter into a program with the town to really take care of one of the more extensive contaminant sources that are coming into the harbor." 

To help localities comply with state and federal stormwater management requirements, the state Department of Environmental Conservation and Department of State issued the Stormwater Management Guidance Manual for local officials to help deal with development and implementation of management programs.

Village officials said they will put together a public outreach and education program later this year regarding storm water management to include a public meeting to discuss the program and ways residents can help. 


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