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Residents urge science-based review as Town Board considers irrigation code changes
Summary
At an April 6 public hearing on proposed amendments to Chapter 82 (Irrigation Regulations), residents and consultants urged reliance on scientific studies, warned about enforcement burdens, and suggested funding and phased approaches for upgrading systems.
Councilwoman Margaret Larsen introduced the draft amendments to Chapter 82, saying the subcommittee's goal was "to simplify and clarify the permitting process." The draft aims to make irrigation-related rules easier for the Building Department to apply, particularly around drip irrigation and emitters.
Multiple residents and stakeholders urged the Board to rely on existing scientific data and to avoid adding bureaucratic burdens. Walter Richards read a letter arguing several proposed changes "would negatively impact homeowners and businesses" and said irrigation shows "minimal-to-no impact on groundwater," while Theresa Masin of Hamptons Environmental Land Planning warned of shallow water tables and recommended funding mechanisms to transition older systems. Speakers also raised saltwater intrusion concerns and enforcement capacity. Councilwoman Larsen acknowledged enforcement challenges and noted the emitter limits may need removal from the draft; the Board closed the hearing and planned further discussion at an April 7 work session.
