Posted on June 28, 2021
The work is expected to begin soon and may cause periods where boaters will not be able to traverse the area.
EAST PATCHOGUE, NY — Suffolk County will begin an emergency dredge operation to remove a large sandbar left by severe storms at the mouth of the Swan River in East Patchogue, Legis. Robert Calarco said.
The shoaling has become “extremely dangerous making passage, even in high tide, difficult, and at low tide impossible for most boats” to cross, Calarco said.
The riverbed’s conditions, which have not been prioritized by the Town of Brookhaven, prompted the county to seek emergency authorization from the United States Army Corps of Engineers and the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation to remove the sandbar because it is increasing in size.
The permits will allow for both the emergency dredging to address the shoaling, as well as a 10-year maintenance program. The work, which will be conducted from the shoreline, is expected to begin in the near future and may cause periods where boaters will not be able to traverse the area.
Calarco said his office worked closely with those of Sen. Chuck Schumer and Gov. Andrew Cuomo to obtain the permits, which were approved Thursday.
“The importance of partnerships cannot be understated, especially when it comes to protecting the well-being of our waters and the environment,” he said.
“I am so happy to announce this action, as I will ensure that all of the residents who keep or launch their boats from the Swan River will be able to enjoy our waters the summer,” he added.
