Environmental and Human Health Risks at Georgica Pond

Environmental and Human Health Risks at Georgica Pond:
Working Towards a Sustainable Plan for Remediation
The Problem
Georgica Pond is experiencing serious environmental threats including toxic algal blooms, dangerously
low oxygen levels, and fish kills. Beyond the dangers these water quality issues pose to wildlife in
Georgica Pond, the presence of potent neurotoxin and liver-toxins in the water from blue green algae
represents a serious human health threat that could intensify without intervention.
These problems directly impact the health and properties of Georgica Pond residents, and action should
be taken to address these threats. However, critical knowledge gaps prohibit the implementation of
effective remediation; research is needed to translate good intentions into effective action. Dr.
Christopher Gobler has proposed the following research plan to gather key missing information to help
develop a management plan, and better inform the Georgica Pond community.
Georgica Cove, August 2014; photo by Priscilla Rattazzi
1
The Plan
1. Evaluation of nutrient sources to Georgica Pond:
Excessive loading of nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus is the main factor leading to the suite of
environmental problems plaguing Georgica Pond. However, it is unclear whether the majority of
nutrients originate in groundwater, streams, run-off or the atmosphere, and if fertilizer or wastewater are
the main sources. With data from our proposed field and modeling effort, we can identify the largest
sources of nitrogen and phosphorus so that a fact-based, measurable solution can be proposed.
2. Genetic and toxin analysis of algae in Georgica Pond:
The algae in Georgica Pond, stimulated by excessive nutrients, are the primary direct and indirect threat
to the health of this ecosystem. With its annual openings and closings to the ocean, Georgica Pond is a
highly unique ecosystem, fluctuating from being a near-ocean ecosystem with high salinity, to a near-lake
system with very low salinity. Careful analyses of the toxic blue green algae in Georgica Pond have
revealed a complement of species that are not found regionally and which are likely to synthesize a suite
of non-traditional toxins.
Using state-of-the-art molecular biology and analytical chemistry tests, this study will provide a definitive
and absolute assessment of the specific species and strains of algae and toxins present in this system.
This data is critical for the development of targeted remediation plans and to protect the health of the
residents of the Pond. Equally important, genetic assessment of nitrogen fixation within Georgica Pond
will further inform the extent to which remediation plans focus on phosphorus alone or on both nitrogen
and phosphorus.
3. Continuous water quality monitoring station with telemetry:
Traditionally, monitoring of coastal water bodies has been performed by collecting and transporting water
to a laboratory. The water samples are then processed and analyzed, and eventually, data becomes
available. This time line of discovery often misses key ecological changes that can happen on a daynight, tidal, or multi-day cycle. For example, there is evidence that night time levels of dissolved oxygen
in the pond were dangerously low. However, this would not be evident in samples taken during the
daytime.
Moreover, in 2014, severe changes in levels of blue green algae were found to occur very rapidly,
possibly in response to environmental forcing such as severe rainfall events. Again, traditional static
monitoring of coastal water bodies would miss these changes. Recently developed in situ monitoring
devices can make continuous, real time measurements of key water quality indicators that can be instantly
telemetered to a web site, greatly expanding the temporal breadth of data collected.
This real-time data will help us to more accurately ascribe rapid water quality changes to precise
environmental processes. In addition, these devices will enable scientists, residents, and managers to
continuously observe and rapidly respond to changes in Georgica Pond.
4. Support for a Georgica Pond steward:
The serious, complex issues within the Pond warrant the undivided attention of a researcher who will
study it in depth, consider all management issues, and report to the citizens of the Pond area regarding
current conditions and their effect on management strategies. A pond steward would be engaged in the
studies listed above, and would share the state of the science directly with residents. This is an ideal
position for a Stony Brook University graduate student, who could make the study of the Pond the subject
of their graduate degree.
2
The Team
Dr. Christopher Gobler of Stony Brook University’s School of Marine and
Atmospheric Sciences (SoMAS) has been studying the ecology of Long Island’s
coastal ecosystems for 20 years and has published more than 120 peer reviewed
manuscripts on the subject. He has monitored water quality in Georgica Pond and
more than a dozen water bodies in East Hampton for the past two years.
Dr. Gobler collaborates with the Town of East Hampton Supervisor, the East
Hampton Town Trustees, the East Hampton Village Mayor and The Nature
Conservancy - all of whom agree that research is necessary in order to develop an
effective remediation plan for Georgica Pond.
Funds Needed
A total of $339,270 is needed to complete the research plan. All gifts are to the Stony Brook Foundation
and are tax-deductible. Your generous donations will be restricted to this project.
We are most grateful to the Perelman/Chapman Family for their leadership pledge of $100,000 to this
effort. With additional pledges of $25,000 each from Annie and John Hall and Priscilla and Chris
Whittle, almost half of our goal is already met; $189,270 remains to be raised.
Once this fundraising is complete, we will commence the following research plan:
Action
Complete
evaluation of
nutrient
sources
Complete
genetic and
toxin analysis
of algae
Continuous
water quality
monitoring
with telemetry
Appoint
Georgica Pond
steward
Outcome
 Pinpoint the location and the source of excess
nutrients (i.e groundwater, streams, run-off, or
deposition from the atmosphere)
 Determine if wastewater or fertilizer are the main
sources
 Identify the extent to which remediation plans
should focus on phosphorus alone, nitrogen alone,
or on both nitrogen and phosphorus
 Gain a better understanding the nature of the pond
 Definitive genetic assessment of specific species
and strains of toxic algae
 Comprehensive assessment of cyanotoxins present
in the system
 Further information regarding the extent to which
remediation plans should focus on phosphorus,
nitrogen, or on both elements
 Acquire real-time, minute-by-minute data to more
accurately ascribe rapid water quality changes to
precise environmental processes
 Provide accurate and robust representation of
average water quality condition
 Dedicated researcher to study the Pond in depth,
consider all management issues, and report to the
citizens of the Pond area regarding current
conditions and management options and progress
Timeline
Fall 2015
Budget
$93,000 for
research personnel
and data analysis
Fall 2016
$108,180 for
research personnel,
toxicity and data
analysis, and
laboratory supplies
ASAP
$89,200 for
advanced,
monitoring
equipment
ASAP
$48,890 for tuition,
fees, salary and
expenses for pond
steward
$339,270
Total
3
Summer 2014; photo by M. Lindberg
Georgica Pond, August 2014; photo by Priscilla Rattazzi
4
Georgica Pond, August 2014; photo by Priscilla Rattazzi
Water quality telemetry device: PISCES (EMM350)
The PISCES is a lightweight pontoon platform which
supports water quality, water velocity, and
meteorological sensors as well as computer logging
systems. The platform holds two topside aluminum
chests that house the data acquisition system, cellular
modem, and battery. The chests are easily serviceable
from the water and accommodate multiple underwater
cable connections.
5