© 2024 Connecticut Public

FCC Public Inspection Files:
WEDH · WEDN · WEDW · WEDY · WNPR
WPKT · WRLI-FM · WEDW-FM · Public Files Contact
ATSC 3.0 FAQ
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Future of Plum Island in Long Island Sound Yet to Be Determined

Kyselak (Wikimedia Commons)

http://cptv.vo.llnwd.net/o2/ypmwebcontent/Heather/Morning%20Edition%2010-17-2012.mp3

Plum Island in New York, off the coast of Connecticut, is currently home to the nation’s only research facility for highly contagious animal diseases. In 2008, the US Department of Homeland Security was directed to examine the need for a research facility. The federal General Services Administration was later directed to sell the island.

Joining us to talk about the future of Plum Island is Charles Rothenberger, an attorney with New Haven-based Save the Sound. He says an analysis is lacking of what is necessary to protect a variety of interests on the island. For years, Rothenberger says, the island has been secluded, fostering the development of some rare plant and animal species. “It’s off limits to a lot of traffic, allowing populations to thrive and flourish to date,” he says.

The island is home to some 50 protected bird species under state and federal law. A draft environmental impact statement examines possible outcomes ranging from an outright conservation sale to various levels of residential development, Rothenberger says. “Conclusory statements on impacts on species are not supported by an analysis,” he says, which is contrary to how such impact statements should be handled. In addition, the statement takes too narrow a view of what protection entails, he says, because it defers to state and local authorities to impose conservation conditions.

Save the Sound hopes to keep Plum Island as it is, possibly transfering it to the US Fish and Wildlife Service, or incorporating it into a wildlife refuge. Rothenberger adds “The GSA should impose very strict conservation requirements on any sale to ensure species remain undisturbed and protected.”

Ray Hardman is Connecticut Public’s Arts and Culture Reporter. He is the host of CPTV’s Emmy-nominated original series Where Art Thou? Listeners to Connecticut Public Radio may know Ray as the local voice of Morning Edition, and later of All Things Considered.

Stand up for civility

This news story is funded in large part by Connecticut Public’s Members — listeners, viewers, and readers like you who value fact-based journalism and trustworthy information.

We hope their support inspires you to donate so that we can continue telling stories that inform, educate, and inspire you and your neighbors. As a community-supported public media service, Connecticut Public has relied on donor support for more than 50 years.

Your donation today will allow us to continue this work on your behalf. Give today at any amount and join the 50,000 members who are building a better—and more civil—Connecticut to live, work, and play.

Related Content