In 2022 the Orient Association embarked on a comprehensive study of Orient’s water resources: fresh, salt and waste. It's finally complete! Our hope is that this report informs the community about how our water ecosystems work, presents hard data about those ecosystems, sets up the challenges and opportunities unique to Orient, and offers some options for the future. We invite you to join us on this deep dive into Orient’s waters!
Suffolk County Water Authority presented a public scoping session about the proposed North Fork Pipeline project which would install a 24" pipeline from Flanders, though Riverhead and connect to SCWA's water system in Southold. A proposed second phase would run a 12" extension from East Marion across the causeway and primarily serve residents of Orient Village.
Heather Lanza, Southold Town’s Planning Department Director presented an overview of Southold’s Zoning Update progress and coordinated breakout sessions for the audience to discuss and document their concerns about Southold's Zoning Update, with a focus on Orient’s interests and participation in the process.
The Orient Association hosted a Forum on saltwater intrusion on Sunday, October 27th at 2pm in Poquatuck Hall. The ongoing water study points to sea level rise and saltwater intrusion as a substantial threat to the Orient community. Speakers Frederick Stumm, Research Hydrologist, from the US Geological Survey and Greg Nissen from Mermaid Water Solutions will share their knowledge of recent changes in the saltwater levels in coastal areas and how to handle them.
