Hello!

It was wonderful to celebrate with so many of you at our sixth annual soirée at Gurney's last month. As whales and dolphins frolicked within view, the evening was a reminder of our ongoing commitment to protecting Montauk's environment.

Thank you to everyone who has supported our work this past year. And, as always, there is important work ahead.

We're excited to advance nature-based solutions for our beaches through our recently-awarded National Fish and Wildlife Foundation Coastal Resilience Grant; stay tuned to follow our progress.

Many people ask how they can help advance our environmental mission. Throughout this newsletter, you'll find simple ways to make a difference, including learning about how plastic pollution affects our watershed, signing petitions that support clean water initiatives, upgrading or properly maintaining your septic system, taking the Clean Water Steward pledge and supporting environmentally responsible local businesses.

Every action helps protect the place we all love. Whether you need assistance with a septic upgrade grant application or want to learn more about our work, we invite you to visit us during our Open House hours, from 10:00am to 2:00pm this week and next. Together, we can continue making a lasting difference for our community.

With gratitude,

Kay Tyler | CCOM Executive Director

Thank you to everyone who was able to join us for making our 6th annual Summer Soirée the best one ever! Your support helps us keep Montauk, Montauk. Learn more about our environmental programming and advocacy here.

A huge shout out to Gurney's for generously hosting, and to our interns who helped things go smoothly. Be on the lookout next summer for our ticket pre-sale!

View photo booth photos here: https://www.smugmug.com/gallery/n-5Btm7D

Last month, CCOM announced that we received a $323,000 grant to address coastal resilience in Montauk and Napeague from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit chartered by Congress in 1984. The grant, awarded through the foundation’s National Coastal Resilience Fund, will be used to identify high-priority shoreline segments and conduct site-specific ecological and coastal risk evaluations. Conceptual and preliminary designs for erosion mitigation, flood protection, and habitat restoration will be developed, to be followed by permitting and implementation of nature-based coastal resilience solutions. This is the largest grant to date that CCOM has received.

Read more:

CCOM Press Release

EH Star Article

BWTF Testing:

Water quality results in Montauk this month revealed several weeks of elevated enterococcus bacteria levels, particularly at Lake Montauk and Fort Pond. While recreational ocean sites occasionally showed unsafe levels, they returned to typical, safe levels the next day after retesting.

Above: Water quality results from July 27th, 2026

• Week of July 6: High bacteria levels detected at several Montauk sites (Fort Pond + Lake Montauk) and Three Mile Harbor.
• Week of July 13: High levels detected at several Montauk sites, including Ditch Plains: Swim Area. Ditch Plains: Swim Area was retested July 14 due to elevated levels. Results showed the site returned to safe levels.
• Week of July 20: Fewer sites in Montauk showed elevated levels. High levels detected at LI Sound: Sunset Beach. Sunset Beach was retested July 21 due to elevated levels. Results showed the site returned to safe levels.
• Week of July 27: High bacteria levels detected at 4 sites, including Ditch Plains: East of Jetty. Ditch Plains (both sites) were retested July 28 and results showed safe levels.

Fort Pond HABs Testing:

Based on the latest results from 7/27/26, our testing showed medium risk of a Harmful Algal Bloom for Fort Pond North and low risk for Fort Pond South.

Stay updated: We test weekly on Mondays. Every Tuesday afternoon, CCOM's detailed reports of water testing and HABs results will be available on our website and Instagram/Facebook. See results from across the East End here.

Many thanks to our dedicated volunteers, interns and partners for supporting year-round sampling.

On July 23rd, CCOM volunteers waded into Montauk Inlet to collect data on the eelgrass beds there. We sampled salinity, water clarity, percent coverage of eelgrass and macroalgae, then took photos for the records. This will be an annual event (we need volunteers for next year!) BUT we'll also be doing a checkup in August. Stay tuned for that.

This was part of CCOM's collaboration with Peconic Estuary Partnership (PEP) in their Citizen Science Seagrass Monitoring Program. Monitoring the eelgrass beds will help provide critical information that can inform future preservation actions.

Eelgrass is the dominant seagrass in the Peconic Estuary. However, it has seen a significant decline, primarily from human impacts such as water pollution, dredging, and sediment runoff from upland areas. Rising water temperatures—attributed to climate change—have been identified as a key driver of eelgrass losses across the East Coast and now in the Peconic Estuary.

Though many are unaware of the importance this plant plays in the marine environment, eelgrass provides a number of critical ecosystem functions:

HABITAT: Provides foraging areas and shelter to young fin- and shellfish and invertebrates.

FOOD SOURCE: For migratory waterfowl. Eelgrass forms the base of a highly productive marine food web.

REDUCES COASTAL EROSION: By trapping sediment, stabilizing the substrate, and reducing the force of wave energy.

IMPROVES WATER QUALITY: By filtering pollution, like nitrogen runoff, within the watershed.

CLIMATE: As a marine plant, eelgrass produces oxygen, while also storing greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide. 

See 2024 eelgrass map and learn more about the program

Kay Tyler, CCOM Executive Director at the ceremony

Governor Kathy Hochul signing Executive Order

CCOM was invited by Governor Kathy Hochul to attend the July 14th signing ceremony of Executive Order No. 62, which establishes a temporary moratorium on data centers in NY state. It is the nation’s first state-wide moratorium on new hyperscale data centers, establishing the strongest standards for data center development and creating a blueprint to support localities. The Governor is temporarily pausing state environmental permits for up to one year in order to build a nation-leading regulatory framework that protects ratepayers, the environment, the energy grid and communities across the state.

The ceremony was held in Williamsburg, Brooklyn at the old Domino Sugar Factory. Speakers included Gov. Hochul, State Senator Kristen Gonzalez and Julie Tighe from New York League of Conservation Voters. It was a beautiful event in an amazing space and CCOM was honored to represent our community.

Read more about the Executive Order HERE.

Read the full text of the Executive Order HERE

Since mid-July, wildfires have been burning in Canada. It is the beginning of August, and many are still not under control. Forest fires are naturally occurring disturbances, but fire season is starting earlier, is lasting longer, and is harder to contain due to climate change. The severity of fires is also increasing—they’re bigger, hotter and more destructive—even if there is no increase in the overall number of wildfires. Canada’s last three fire seasons have been among the 10 worst in its record, with its most destructive wildfire season in 2023. Canada is not the only country experiencing wildfires—they’re happening here in the U.S. and in Europe, including three uncontrolled fires currently raging in the state of Washington.

Wildfires are strongly linked with climate change:

• Warmer temperatures mean more water evaporation. The fuel, like vegetation, dries out so that when there's an ignition source, those fuels are more likely to burn.
• Climate change causes hotter and drier summers with more erratic rainfall, including less summer rain in some regions.
• Research has shown that climate change is extending ‘burning hours’ by weakening the natural day-night temperature cycle that once slowed wildfires, allowing them to burn more intensely overnight and spread faster.
• Decreased annual snow cover causes drier conditions.
• Lightning strikes become more frequent as the climate warms.
• Lack of fire suppression in forest management also leads to a buildup of vegetation that adds ignition sources or spreads the fire further.

Wildfires are damaging people’s health and wellbeing:

• As many as 70,000 people could die prematurely from wildfire smoke inhalation by the middle of this century. Currently, the number of deaths from smoke is about 40,000 in 2026.
• Smoke from wildfires can spread thousands of kilometers, requiring school closures and causing other disruptions.
• Heavy smoke costs the healthcare system in premature deaths, hospitalizations and health emergencies.
• Poor air quality from smoke threatens the health of millions of people. The impacts of smoke are even more serious for groups like children, seniors, pregnant people, and those who work outdoors.
• Wildfires can destroy homes and communities, devastate fragile ecosystems, and threaten economic security.

Sources: Climate Institute and NPR

At a crucial time of the summer, and during one of the hottest stretches of summer so far, Orsted's South Fork Wind project delivered reliable power around the clock.

In an update from Orsted's Mikkel Maehlisen, "from July 1-4, South Fork Wind delivered nearly 10 gigawatt-hours of locally produced power to Long Island’s grid. Over those four days, and as demand for electricity climbed with the heat, the nation’s first utility-scale offshore wind farm achieved a 74.7% capacity factor — including nearly 90% on July 2.” After two years of operating, the wind farm has not only delivered during peak demand, but also consistently throughout the year. See Figure 2 on page 2 from Long Island Power Authority.

South Fork Wind is located 35 miles east of Montauk Point, and is America's first commercial-scale offshore wind farm (operation began July 2024). South Fork Wind powers ~70,000 Long Island homes and laid the foundations for America’s offshore wind infrastructure.

Learn more about the South Fork Wind project here and here

Learn how offshore wind farms are constructed

South Fork Wind Interconnection Map: https://www.lipower.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/South-Fork-Wind-Farm-Fact-Sheet-4.20.26.pdf

Photo by Camille Newman

This month we're highlighting The Dock as an environmentally responsible business. Montauk businesses are critical in sustaining Montauk, and in doing their part for environmental sustainability. The Dock is an Ocean Friendly Restaurant, which means...

1. Only reusable foodware is used for onsite dining.*
2. Paper straws are provided only upon request.**
3. No expanded polystyrene use (aka Styrofoam). 
4. No plastic bags are used for takeout or to-go orders. 
5. Single-use utensils, straws, condiments, and other accessory items are provided only upon request.
6. Beverages are not sold in plastic bottles.
7. Proper recycling practices are followed.

The Surfrider Foundation's Ocean Friendly Restaurants program recognizes restaurants that are committed to making sustainable choices for our ocean so that people can dine with peace of mind.

Find other Ocean Friendly Restaurants on Eastern LI

Learn more about the program

Ocean Friendly Foodware Guide

As part of our Save Montauk's Waters campaign, we ask you to pledge to take at least 1 small but impactful action for clean water to reduce pollution. CCOM will support you every step of the way. It is the honor system — so no fixed commitments. Choose any of the following actions:

✅Decrease fertilizer use, or use none at all

✅Upgrade to an I/A septic system or pump out existing system regularly

✅Always pick up pet waste, even in your yard

✅Plant native lawn plants

✅Redirect downspouts to garden beds

✅Use a commercial car wash instead of washing at home

✅Set mower height at 3.5 inches or taller

✅Add a rain barrel to your garden or yard

✅Spread the word to a neighbor!

Becoming a clean water steward is free and takes 1 minute!

BECOME A CLEAN WATER STEWARD HERE

Want to learn more about plastic and policy solutions? Here's how:

Watch the Save the Sound recorded webinar: Policy Solutions for a Plastic-Free Sound

Listen in on a discussion about how plastic waste is impacting our watershed and the New York state policy solution that could really make a difference. Let’s honor Plastic-Free July by talking about how people power can change the systems that incentivize pollution and environmental injustice. There is action included! Reach out to your Assembly candidates to pass the Packaging Reduction and Recycling Infrastructure Act (PRRIA), which is a vital piece of legislation to help our state cut plastic production.

Watch the award-winning feature documentary Plastic People (on Netflix)

Acclaimed author and science journalist Ziya Tong investigates our addiction to plastic and the growing threat of microplastics on human health. Almost every bit of plastic ever made breaks down into “microplastics.” These microscopic particles drift in the air, float in all bodies of water, and mix into the soil, becoming a permanent part of the environment.

Now, leading scientists are finding these particles in our bodies: organs, blood, brain tissue, and even the placentas of new mothers. What is the impact of these invisible invaders on our health? And can anything be done about it?

It is an urgent call to action for all of us to rethink our relationship with plastic.

In case you were wondering: Petitions DO make a difference. Having thousands and even millions of public comments/names supports lawyers in building their legal cases because it shows the public is invested. So write your name down and speak up!

Contact your 2 U.S. Senators and House Rep to stand up for clean water and oppose MAJOR (90%) cuts to Federal Clean Water Programs

90% funding cuts would impact clean water infrastructure programs and hamper our ability to stop sewage overflows and treat drinking water for toxic emerging contaminants.

Protect New York's drinking water from PFAS chemicals

The NYS Legislature unanimously passed bipartisan legislation to strengthen the state's PFAS drinking water standards—now we need Governor Hochul to sign the bill into law!

Support offshore wind energy

New York's electric grid must be powered by 70% renewable energy by 2030 and be 100% carbon free by 2040. Offshore wind will be a critical part of the state's energy mix, not only to meet climate goals and increase grid resiliency, but to generate green jobs.

August 3rd-14th, Mon-Fri, anytime between 10am-2pm

Stop by CCOM’s office at 6 South Elmwood Ave. for one-on-one septic upgrade grant application assistance. Appointments are not necessary.

In the meantime, watch the informational panel event CCOM hosted in April to find out why upgrading is so important: Septic Upgrades and Clean Water in Montauk

FYI: Suffolk County’s newly improved online application for County and State grants is now live. Click here to start the process.  

🦪 Wednesday, August 12th 🦪

Adults/Teens/Children 6+

Time to be announced on social media and email.

Ever wonder how oysters grow—and why they’re so important for our environment and water quality? Join CCOM, EHSEED, and SOFO for a boat tour of East Hampton Shellfish Hatchery’s oyster farm in Napeague Harbor and a hands-on seeding experience! Open to adults, teens, and kids 6+. Learn more about the East Hampton Town Shellfish Hatchery here.

A fun, family-friendly adventure for adults, teens, and kids age 6 and up. Join us on the water to learn how oyster farming supports clean bays—and help seed our local shellfish population!

Space is limited. 🔗 Register HERE

July 5th Cleanup: 471 Items Collected!

212 plastic (22 plastic water bottles, 23 plastic cups, 47 utensils/straws), 70 trash, 61 aluminum, 60 cigarettes, 57 paper/cardboard.

July 19th Cleanup: 203 Items Collected!

72 plastic (18 cups/bottles, 4 utensils/straws, 40 other plastic pieces), 41 aluminum cans, 40 paper/cardboard, 23 trash, 23 cigarettes, 4 glass bottles.

PLASTIC WAS THE MOST COLLECTED ITEM

In honor of Plastic-Free July, see our TAKE ACTION section above for ways to reduce plastic in the environment and in your life.

We want to hear from you. Fill out our 1-minute survey by August 16th.