At a recent Nassau Suffolk Water Commissioners’ Association (NSWCA) meeting hosted by Commissioners Donald T. O’Brien, Brain J. Morris and Mark Saugvine of the Manhasset-Lakeville Water District, Peter Logan, Superintendent of the Jericho Water District, addressed the issue of nitrate removal. Mr. Logan was introduced by Jericho Water District Chairman and past NSWCA President, Nicholas Bartilucci, as part of the NSWCA’s Continuing Education and Training Series.

Mr. Logan noted that “On Long Island, sewage, septic systems and runoff from lawns carry nitrates into the groundwater. Consequently some areas are experiencing a significant rise in nitrate levels, which must be carefully monitored, and in many cases, managed through nitrate removal.

Mr. Logan referred to a proposed nitrate removal plant located in Jericho beneath the elevated water storage tank. “The project is three years in the making, not unusual for a project of this scope. Essentially, we will consolidate two wells with both elevated nitrate and VOC levels, via a proposed 12” transmission main, and combine the treatment into one large plant. Both wells will be treated at the one site, using ion exchange for removing the nitrates and Packed Tower Aeration for the VOC removal.”

NSWCA President Thomas P. Hand added “Given the need to protect Long Island’s sole source aquifer, Peter Logan’s presentation was informative and very timely. The expectation is that more nitrate removal systems will need to be built to accommodate the water needs of the Long Island population.”

Originally from Bay Ridge, Brooklyn, Mr. Logan is a long time Syosset resident. With the Jericho Water District since 1978, he has served as District Superintendent since 2003. Mr. Logan holds a IB Water Plant Operator’s license issued by the New York State Department of Health