(Hauppauge, NY- March 11, 2014) The Suffolk County Department of Economic Development and Planning will be conducting its mandatory five year review of the Shellfish Cultivation Zone pursuant to New York State Environmental Conservation Law § 13-0302 (2004 Leasing Law) and Local Law 25-2009, a Local Law Establishing the Suffolk County Shellfish Aquaculture Lease Program in Peconic Bay and Gardiners Bay (Chapter 475, Article II of the Suffolk County Code). The 29,969-acre Shellfish Cultivation Zone was created to locate areas that are suitable for the issuance of aquaculture leases. Both the 2004 Leasing Law and Local Law 25-2009 require Suffolk County to review the Shellfish Cultivation Zone every five years. Any revisions made to the Shellfish Cultivation Zone Map need to be adopted by local law.
“It is important that the Suffolk County Aquaculture Leasing Program receives the public feedback it needs to maintain its effectiveness,” stated County Executive Bellone. “The program has proven to be an excellent tool to promote shellfish economic development and, in the process, improve water quality in Suffolk County Bays.”
All comments regarding the Shellfish Cultivation Zone must be prepared in writing and mailed to the contact person listed below by close of business on April 7, 2014. The Shellfish Cultivation Zone Map and Shellfish Aquaculture Lease Sites Map can be viewed at the following website: http://suffolkcountyny.gov/Departments/Planning/Divisions/EnvironmentalPlanning/AquacultureLeaseProgram/ProgamMaps.aspx.
Comments should be referenced, as needed, to applicable Lease Sites Map ID #(s) and/or applicable bay name. Comments should also include supporting documentation and data to the maximum extent possible.
Contact: Suffolk County Department of Economic Development and Planning
Division of Planning and Environment
H. Lee Dennison Bldg. - 4th Floor
100 Veterans Memorial Highway
P.O. Box 6100
Hauppauge, NY 11788-0099