Residents Asked to Help Clear Street Drains

Town of Oyster Bay Councilwoman Beth Faughnan issued a statement this week in the wake of heavy rainfall, spotlighting the importance of catch basins and asking residents to help keep them clean.

"As the name implies, it is a basin designed to catch the storm water runoff, but it does a lot more," Faughnan said. "These ‘mini-reservoirs’ also provide a way to rejuvenate, or recharge, the underground drinking water system, so it is critical that they be kept clean and free or debris."

She said that while the Town has crews which clean the basins, residents can help by not throwing used motor oil or debris into them, and by clearing any - such as the leaves that are starting to fall - that has accumulated on them.

“Clearing the grills is especially important before a heavy rain because the catch basins are where the rainwater goes," Faughnan said. "If the drains are clogged, the backed-up water can cause street flooding.”

An informative brochure about catch basins is available at Town Halls North and South and at the Department of Public Works, as well as on the Town's website.

Reminders for the week:

• Second-hand dealer and conservation licenses expire Sunday.
• S.T.O.P. Collection Day for household hazardous waste is Saturday.

Mark your calendars:

Town Board Meeting

Where: Town Hall North, Oyster Bay

When: Tuesday, 10 a.m.

Family Fall and Halloween Festival

Where: Syosset-Woodbury Community Park

When: Saturday, 1-4 p.m.