Sasco Brook is a small but historically significant waterway located along the Fairfield–Westport line in Connecticut. Once known as a popular local trout stream supporting native Brook and Brown trout, the brook also sustained a productive recreational shellfishery at its mouth in Long Island Sound. Declining water quality in the late 1980s, however, led to the closure of shellfishing areas and raised serious concerns among local residents and environmental stakeholders.

Formation of the Committee

In response to these concerns, the Sasco Brook Pollution Abatement Committee (SBPAC) was formed in 1991. The committee is a collaborative group of stakeholders that includes representatives from municipal, state, and federal agencies, private nonprofit organizations, and individuals who live and work within the Sasco Brook watershed. Its mission is to improve and protect the water quality of Sasco Brook through cooperation, monitoring, and targeted remediation efforts.

Water Quality Challenges

The recreational shellfish beds at the mouth of Sasco Brook (Southport, Long Island Sound) have been closed since 1993 due to elevated concentrations of E. coli bacteria. Investigations identified major sources of bacterial contamination and excessive nutrient loading originating upstream. These sources included residential properties and operations at the Fairfield County Hunt Club (FCHC).

Restoration and Partnerships

A key partner in restoration efforts has been the Fairfield County Hunt Club, which has worked closely with the SBPAC over many years to address pollution concerns. The Hunt Club has invested significant time and resources to:

• Improve manure management and containment

• Upgrade wash procedures

• Establish a riparian buffer along the stream

• Connect facilities to the municipal sewer system in 2015

These actions have contributed meaningfully to reducing pollutant inputs to the brook.

Monitoring and Progress

Harbor Watch, a program of Earthplace, has monitored Sasco Brook and its tributaries for many years. Their long-term data show steady improvements in water quality, demonstrating the effectiveness of collaborative restoration efforts. Despite this progress, challenges remain, particularly with ongoing bacterial and nutrient inputs.

Ongoing Work

The Sasco Brook Pollution Abatement Committee continues to meet regularly to:

• Review water quality data

• Discuss watershed activities and development

• Coordinate monitoring programs

• Identify and pursue additional environmental improvements

Through sustained cooperation and community involvement, the SBPAC remains committed to restoring and protecting Sasco Brook for ecological health and future public use.