Broken Pipe Endangers Fresh Water Pond at Preserve

Dan Mundy Jr. of the Jamaica Bay EcoWatchers views broken pipe allowing salt water to enter fresh water pond at the Jamaiaca Bay Wildlife Preserve...

A busted drain pipe and valve system is slowly ruining the ecology of Jamaica Bay, driving away birds that usually breed along two freshwater ponds.

The freshwater ponds, located in Broad Channel near the entrance to the Gateway National Recreation Area, are filling up with salt water from Jamaica Bay.

Local environmentalists are calling on the National Park Service to move quickly on a project that would replace the decades-old drainage and valve systems on the ponds.

“It cannot be overstated how critical this is to the ecology of the bay,” said Dan Mundy Jr. of the Jamaica Bay Eco-Watchers. “This is such a unique area because it includes wetlands and freshwater ponds.”

Mundy pointed out the ponds were part of a master vision and design by then-Parks Commissioner Robert Moses for the Jamaica Bay area.

The mix of freshwater and wetlands draws a large number of wildlife and the site is a haven for bird watchers.

“It’s been unbelievably successful and drawn praise from everyone,” said Mundy. “We want it fixed so it will be around for future generations.”

Don Riepe of the American Littoral Society said several species of freshwater birds, such and American Coot, Least Bittern and Common Moorhen, will no longer breed in the salt-filled West Pond.

The National Park Service, which oversees the Gateway National Recreation Area, admits money is tight for the project.

Workers have patched up the systems at both ponds. But a longer-term replacement project is needed.

“Although funding to fully fix the pipeline is not yet available, routine maintenance will help maintain the original system so that birds and bird watchers alike can continue to enjoy the ponds,” the National Park Service said in a statement.

Rep. Bob Turner (R-Rockaway) said his office has been lobbying the Park Service to find the funding for a $1 million valve and pipe replacement project.

It has been included in a five-year plan for Gateway, contingent on congressional funding.

“We have and will continue to push to make this a budget priority with the National Park Service and the Obama administration,” Turner said. “We are going to continue to work with all of the offices involved to resolve the issue.”

Riepe pointed out that the salinity — or salt content — of the West Pond is now the same as that of Jamaica Bay.

“They say this is the jewel of Gateway,” he said. “Then they should prioritize it and get it fixed.”