June 1976 Pollution of Long Island Ocean Beaches

Abstract

In June 1976, Long Island’s ocean beaches were inundated with floating wastes including sewage-related material, trash, and garbage. The material exited the Hudson-Raritan estuary as a result of high spring runoff and intensive May rains. Once introduced into New York Bight waters, it was transported to the beaches by persistent southerly winds. The major sources of the floatable wastes were urban runoff and sewage treatment plant bypassing feeding through the combined sewer system. Assessment was accomplished by comparing waste materials found on the beaches with the types and volumes of materials associated with suspected sources. Continual washups of floatable material can be expected, particularly during summer months, until better source and screening controls are implemented.