Shelter Island board debates irrigation-code changes, nearshore testing and exemptions

Board members reviewed proposed edits to the town's irrigation code aimed at protecting groundwater while reducing permitting burden outside sensitive areas. Members agreed the saltwater-intrusion testing requirement should remain for systems in the nearshore overlay, but discussed removing testing and permitting burdens for low-risk drip systems away from the shoreline.

The chair noted turf irrigation systems have electrical and plumbing components that justify permitting and inspections, while allowing some exemptions (for example, certain recreational courts) to be added to the exemptions section. "The salinity testing in August or September is supposed to pick up on that so that those people are more aware," a board member said, describing the enforcement regime for sensitive areas.