Nesconset Sump Restoration Underway off Terry Road

Suffolk County Department of Works has begun work to restore two recharge basins service the Terry Road area of Nesconset.

Efforts are underway to restore two recharge basins at corner of Hallock Avenue and Route 347 and the corner of Annettta Avenue and Terry Road in Nesconset. These Nesconset sumps are designed to serve to collect and recharge storm water runoff from Country Road 16/Terry Road.

However, heavy rains during the winter into spring of 2010 caused the groundwater level in the sumps to rise, causing the basins to be chronically flooded. In addition, groundwater flooding and plant growth over the sumps have decreased their recharge capacity as the plants roots retained silt, causing sediment to build up in the basin.

"These long-overdue sump restorations are critical components of a long-term solution to the chronic flooding conditions that have plagued this community for the better part of the last 50 years," said Legis. John Kennedy, R-Nesconset. "I will continue to work with the Department of Public Works to effectuate similar improves to other county sumps in the area."

Work to restore the recharge basin includes building up the basis, as the groundwater level was roughly only half a foot below the ground level at the bottom of the basin. In addition, workers have pulled out dead trees in effort to clear the basin.

Suffolk County Legislature approved resolutions 255 and 226, adopted March 22 and April 5 respectively, which set up $250,000 in funding for improvements to Suffolk County's recharge basins.