Editorial: Port pollution is a crisis. It’s going to take more than a $20 container fee to fix
It’s good to see that The Port Washington Times is back. The local paper has long been a champion of the community and a key voice in the community during times of crisis.
The Port’s latest problem is the Port’s outdated water system — a failure that’s already been recognized by the Federal government. More troubling is that the system is also an environmental problem, one that we are all paying for.
In the wake of the Superstorm Sandy’s devastation on the East Coast, there is an immediate and urgent need for solutions to bring fresh, accessible water to the people who need it. The Port’s current system, the oldest in the country, is not sufficient and is harming the local environment and community.
Our local newspapers have long been advocates for our community. It’s a good time to remind them they must continue to do so in the face of state and federal government and local leadership that have failed us.
The Port’s water problem is a crisis. It has been a crisis for decades and needs to be addressed.
Here’s what you need to know:
A new round of water bills has been approved. You can read the details HERE.
The Port’s water system is old and failing. It’s time for action. This is in addition to the millions of dollars that are needed for ongoing, long-term water infrastructure for the Port.
The Port has $70 million available for water infrastructure repairs and upgrades to its wastewater system, which is already at capacity with our aging wastewater system that needs to be replaced. It’s time for the Port’s leadership to make decisions that are in the best interest of the community, state, and nation by spending the money now.
The Port’s current water system is unsafe and poses safety and environmental risks.
The Port itself is part of the problem. With its aging pipeline, the Port has been storing high volumes of raw sewage
