East Hampton awards $309,529 for permeable reactive barrier to reduce nitrates in Wainscott Pond

The Town of East Hampton has authorized $309,529 to install a permeable reactive barrier at Wainscott Pond, a measure town officials say is aimed at reducing legacy groundwater nitrate that has contributed to the pond’s impaired status.

Councilperson Cate Rogers said the barrier will be installed at 66 Wainscott Main Street by the New York Center for Clean Water Technology. "The barrier would run roughly 250 feet and be set 10 to 20 feet below grade, with an expected reduction of approximately 130 pounds of nitrate annually," Rogers said. She added that public access to the parcel made the remediation eligible under Community Preservation Fund rules.

The project is intended to address long-standing nitrogen contamination in groundwater that discharges to Wainscott Pond. Rogers said work will begin with exterior-site and access preparations and that immediate attention will be given to needed roof repairs at the adjacent historic structure before interior restoration proceeds. Details on contractor timing and a construction schedule were not specified.

The Town’s allocation covers installation costs; Rogers identified the New York Center for Clean Water Technology as the technical lead. Officials described the expected nitrate-reduction estimate as an annual figure tied to the barrier’s reactive media and estimated depth and length. No vote tally or implementation timeline was provided at the meeting; Rogers said the project was authorized by the Town Board and eligible for CPF funding.

Next steps include finalizing contracts and on-site logistics, and the Town will post updates to its project pages as the schedule is confirmed.