Trustees approve Cornell Cooperative Extension study to map groundwater discharge and nitrogen in northwest Akabonic Harbor

Trustees voted to permit a summer research program by Cornell Cooperative Extension to investigate whether sediments and submarine groundwater discharge are transporting fecal coliforms and nitrogen into the northwest part of Akabonic Harbor. The study, presented by Dr. Molly Graph of Cornell Cooperative Extension, will screen about 40 pore-water stations primarily along the western shoreline and take a subset of samples for nitrogen species (nitrate, nitrite, ammonium, TKN) and fecal coliform testing. Researchers plan to run seepage-meter dye tests and flow measurements at three to five stations where indicators show groundwater discharge.

Graph said sampling will be done at low tide to maximize detection of groundwater-driven signals and that field work will include submeter GPS coordinates, visual sediment descriptions and immediate field measurements (salinity, pH, temperature, dissolved oxygen, total dissolved solids and oxidation-reduction potential). She said about 25 stations will be tested for the full nitrogen suite and roughly 10 samples will be analyzed for fecal coliform bacteria; the larger 40-station pore-water probe array is intended as a screening tool to identify where to concentrate more time-consuming seepage-meter and lab work.

Trustees raised privacy and mapping concerns during questions, noting that detailed maps of nitrogen or fecal-coliform hotspots could be interpreted by the public as evidence of contamination originating at a particular house. Graph said the project team will present graphics in aggregated grids and include caveats, and that draft graphics can be reviewed with trustees before public posting. She also described an interactive GIS deliverable that will aggregate project and partner data and provide public-facing links and explanatory pop-ups.

A motion to permit the research was made and seconded; trustees recorded the approval and asked staff to ensure the permit includes standard conditions for site protection and public communication. Dr. Graph said fieldwork would occur in July or August (pending permit) with lab analysis through the fall and a final report and GIS map by year-end.