Marine Flare Collection Event

The proposed project is a one-day, household hazardous waste collection event, that may occur up to four times per year, to collect expired, damaged, or otherwise unwanted marine flares from the public. Marine flares are safety signal devices required by the US Coast Guard for recreational boaters. Because single-use marine flares are flammable and contain explosive components, disposal options are limited and often costly. As a result, boaters may stockpile or improperly dispose of marine flares, creating risks to public safety and potential contamination of waterways and landfills. The purpose of this event is to provide boaters with a free, safe, and convenient opportunity to dispose of expired or damaged marine flares. Additionally, participants may receive a free, reusable electronic signal device upon participation. The event would occur between one and four times per year, beginning with an event on November 15, 2025, at the Shelter Island Boat Launch parking lot from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. Future marine flare collection events would occur at the Shelter Island Boat Launch parking lot or at other existing parking lots on District Tidelands. The District would hire a permitted and licensed contractor with trained staff to handle and package the marine flares onsite and then transport the marine flares to a disposal facility after the event. Handling, packaging, and transportation of the marine flares would be executed in conformance with the safety control measures and other provisions required by the special transport permit granted to the District by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT-SP 20599) on July 1, 2022. All applicable notifications, including Temporary Household Hazardous Waste Collection Facility Permit by Rule notifications, will be submitted to the respective agencies by the required due dates. The event set-up would occupy approximately 12,000 to 15,000 square feet and temporarily close approximately 25-30 public parking spaces. The exact area and number of affected parking spaces may vary depending on the event location. However, the event footprint would always be designed to maintain an adequate safety buffer between the marine flare collection and handling zones and any surrounding non-event activities. All marine flare collection events would have a traffic plan that may involve traffic control personnel to conduct traffic control measures, including directing participants to the disposal site and ensuring that non-event-related traffic can continue to utilize the roads and parking lot. Traffic cones may be utilized to guide traffic as well. For closed parking spaces, signage indicating the closure would be posted at least 72 hours in advance of the event. Due to its nature and limited scope, construction of the proposed project would generate a minor amount of vehicle trips and would require limited use of equipment. Therefore, impacts related to air quality, greenhouse gas emissions, and transportation and traffic are not anticipated to occur. Furthermore, the Grantee/Licensee would be responsible for complying with all applicable federal, state, and local laws regarding construction demolition debris, hazards and hazardous materials, and stormwater.