Kevin McAllister Forms New Water Protection Group

Deposed Peconic Baykeeper Kevin McAllister is forming a new group to fight for clean water on Long Island.

Mr. McAllister, whose name for 16 years was synonymous with the Peconic Baykeeper organization, announced Wednesday morning he is forming “Defend H2O,” an organization that will focus on scientific analysis, public education and the government decision-making process.

Mr. McAllister was fired as the Peconic Baykeeper, suddenly and with little explanation, back in March, but said at the time that he planned to continue to fight for clean water on Long Island.

Mr. McAllister’s voice mailbox was full when contacted this morning, but he said in a press release that through “public awareness, analysis, patrol and participation in the legislative and legal process at all levels, Defend H2O will be a tireless advocate for clean water.”

He said the group, which includes naturalist Mike Bottini, Mrs. Peter Salm and former Lobster Inn owner Skip Tollefsen, plans to focus on protecting ground and surface water, sewage management reform, enacting stronger water quality standards, stopping the use of Methoprene for mosquito control and wetland protection.

“We have an ambitious agenda, but we have the knowledgeable experience and with strong support will be successful in our initiatives,” he said.

“Kevin and I have collaborated on environmental issues for 15 years,” said Mr. Bottini. “His tenacity in bringing politically sensitive environmental issues to the forefront of public discussion demonstrates his commitment to resource protection.”