Build an Artificial Reef off the Asharoken Seawall

Open Letter to NYS DEC Regional Director Cathy Haas:

Pursuant to our previous discussions regarding the Asharoken Seawall, we are writing to formally request the NYS DEC explore the possibility of constructing an Artificial Reef between the Seawall and the LIPA Platform in the Long Island Sound.

We believe the addition of an Artificial Reef would help deaden the wave energy from pounding the area near the Seawall and decrease the force of impact of the waves hitting the Seawall, particularly during Nor’easters.

The waters around Asharoken, Eaton’s Neck and the Northport Power Station are littered with large glacial boulders and are not navigable. Therefore, a reef in that area would not interfere with boating.

In addition, an Artificial Reef would provide a new habitat for marine life.

We know that the NYS DEC has in the past run a program to create an Artificial Reef and we are asking for the agency to explore the possibility of creating one here.

We look forward to your response and to working together on this project with you.

Sincerely,

NYS Senator Mario Mattera

2nd District - Huntington, Smithtown

NYS Assemblyman Keith Brown

12th District - Northport, Huntington