Long Island Regional Planning Council program to reimburse homeowners for eco-friendly upgrades

The Long Island Regional Planning Council (LIRPC) is offering Long Island residents a unique opportunity to help reduce stormwater runoff, a primary contributor to nitrogen pollution in local waterways, through their annual Long Island Garden Rewards Program.

The initiative offers homeowners reimbursement of up to $500 for implementing eco-friendly solutions such as rain barrels, native plantings, and rain gardens. Applications for the program began on Earth Day, April 22.

“The quality of our surface waters, and of our drinking water beneath us, is threatened by excess nitrogen pollution created by stormwater runoff,” stated John Cameron, LIRPC chairman. “While municipalities on every level are addressing stormwater runoff and nitrogen pollution, Garden Rewards is a way to encourage homeowners to become a part of the solution.” 

Now in its third year, the program is a collaborative effort between the Long Island Regional Planning Council (LIRPC), the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), the Northeast Interstate Water Pollution Control Commission (NEIWPCC), and the Long Island Sound Study (LISS). 

“The Long Island Garden Rewards Program is an example of how a strong partnership between DEC, Long Island Regional Planning Council, NEIWPCC, and Long Island Sound Study can lead to a highly successful and popular program that improves water quality,” said DEC acting commissioner Amanda Lefton. “This program also protects groundwater resources and strengthens the long-term health of marine life by reducing nitrogen pollution. DEC encourages residents to participate and share how their project is making a difference”.

Excess nitrogen can lead to low oxygen conditions, fish kills, harmful algal blooms, and degraded wetlands and marine habitats. Nitrogen also contaminates the groundwater, which is the sole source of Long Island’s drinking water supply.

For more information about the program, eligibility, and how to apply, visit: neiwpcc.org/long-island-garden-rewards-program/