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NYS Comptroller DiNapoli Addresses Issues

Thomas DiNapoli

The Nassau Suffolk Water Commissioners’ Association , as part of its ongoing Educational Training Series, recently held a training session with New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli. Mr. DiNapoli, a lifelong Long Islander and formerly NYS assemblyman from the 16th District, has served as New York State Comptroller since 2007.

Mr. DiNapoli opened his presentation with a discussion of the mission of the NYS Comptroller’s Office, and outlined the steps to understanding the audit process. These ranged from initial research and information gathering to corrective action plans and field services surveys.

Comptroller DiNapoli zeroed in on current situations including drinking water systems in New York State, and particularly on Long Island. He discussed the challenges all water districts face with aging infrastructure, stating “greater demand, increasing water loss, potential water system contamination and the need for increased security are serious problems facing us today. It is simply not enough to talk about environmental issues,” Mr. DiNapoli remarked, to much audience applause. “We need more long range planning, and we must take a more aggressive approach by making more dollars available to handle infrastructure needs.” He cited Governor Cuomo’s support of the Clean Water Infrastructure Act with funding for an Environmental Protection Fund to help support municipalities with modernized, sustainable water systems.

NSWCA President and Westbury Water Commissioner Vincent Abbatiello commented, “Comptroller DiNapoli’s presence and presentation was truly informative and enlightening. By providing NSWCA Commissioners, superintendents, and staff with an in-depth look into the specifics of water system management and oversight from the New York State perspective, the training certainly clarified a number of essential points. With growing public recognition of the vital importance and challenges of managing water infrastructure for present day and future use, this informative meeting could not have been more timely.”

Michael F. Rich III 1st Vice President, and Oyster Bay Water District Water Commissioner, NYS Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli, Vincent Abbatiello NSWCA President and Westbury Water District Commissioner, Lawrence F. Zaino Jr. Treasurer, and Carle Place Water District Water Commissioner, William Schuckmann 2nd Vice President: and Hicksville Water District

Cybersecurity & Business Continuity Education

At a recent Nassau Suffolk Water Commissioners’ Association (NSWCA) meeting, the NSWCA received a thorough update on state of the art IT cybersecurity measures as they apply to the water supply industry and Long Island water suppliers.

Guest speakers Tim McKnight and James Tauer from Total Technology Solutions (Melville NY) addressed the commissioners. They explained that in 2018, “cyberthreats of all types have

become more rampant than ever before by an order of magnitude.”  According to Mr. Tauer, “in today’s world, we are faced with a case of managing risk and staying a step ahead of those who seek to damage systems and interrupt operations. Leading cyberthreats to water districts run the gamut. They can include social engineering and insider threats, malware, phishing and ransomeware like the cryptolocker virus. All of these types of hacking attack cybersecurity and can take a communications network down, or paralyze it or ultimately destroy it.”

 

 

The Total team speaks from experience as it represents several NSWCA member water districts on Long Island.

“Cybercrime is the second most reported economic crime in the USA,” Mr. McKnight commented. “In fact, 95% of breached records come from three vital sectors: Government, retail and technology. It’s a dangerous world, but fortunately, more than 90% of breaches are preventable.”

Areas of greatest risk for water districts include unpatched systems, remote access, and poor or weak infrastructure. Lack of password and/or permission management, absence of written policies and little or no staff training make it far easier for hackers to do their nefarious deeds.

Mr. Tauer cited examples of cybercrimes against water providers across the country, and explained essential measures necessary to guard against them and to ensure business continuity. Total’s Layered Defense, he said, “is specifically designed to counter cybercrime. It is comprehensive, overlapping and intentionally redundant to provide the broadest and deepest threat protection. It starts with physical Water District site surveying and network assessment and includes vulnerability scanning and awareness training.”

Mr. Tauer also cited the example of Kemuri Water Company (not its real name due to sensitive nature of breach). Hackers manipulated the chemicals used to assure safe drinking water, and altered water flow rates causing serious disruptions to water distribution.

A spokesman for the NSWCA commented that “we greatly appreciate the in depth information provided by Mr. Tauer and Mr. McKnight. Water Districts are highly visible cyber targets because of the essential services we provide. Cyber awareness training is vitally important to help maintain an uninterrupted supply of the highest quality water which is the responsibility of every one of the NSWCA member Districts.”

Thank You President Bader

Williston Park NY, USA……………………….The Nassau Suffolk Water Commissioners’ Association (NSWCA) honored outgoing President Andrew N. Bader at a meeting sponsored by Albertson Water District Commissioners Richard Ockovic, Howard Abbondondelo, and Ken Vey.

Mr. Bader (Commissioner Plainview Water District) received the honorary award in recognition of his successful 2017 term as President of the NSWCA. Current  NSWCA President Vincent Abbatiello (Commissioner Westbury Water District), made the presentation, honoring Mr. Bader, citing his “outstanding service to the NSWCA and the ideals the organization represents throughout the course of his term.”

During said tenure Mr. Bader was responsible for directing the organization’s conservation and sustainability outreach and was instrumental in formulating the NSWCA’s position on 1,4 dioxane. In addition, Mr. Bader presided at the NSWCA Educational Series that featured the Irrigation Association of New York, Dr. Harold Walker, Professor and Chair of Civil Engineering at Stony Brook University and Co-Director of the New York State Center for Clean Water Technology, and Deputy Commissioner of Public Safety, Town Of Oyster Bay (NY) Leonard Symons on hurricane preparedness. President Bader, who also provided closing remarks at the 2017 LIWC Legislative breakfast, will continue to be active in the NSWCA.

Legislative Breakfast SRO

The LIWC Legislative Breakfast held on March 9, 2018 was a packed house, with standing room only for several dozen late arriving attendees. The NSWCA was well represented with commissioners from virtually all Districts and many District Superintendents in attendance.

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After welcoming remarks by Chuck Savinetti, Chairman of the LI Water Conference and Locust Valley Water District Superintendent, and legislative agenda remarks by Port Washington Water District Superintendent Paul Granger, Keynote speaker NYS Senator Elaine Phillips gave her views on matters of vital importance to loud applause.

 

 

 

 

The opening and primary topic of the day was funding, including discussion of Drinking water infrastructure funding, as well as funding for NYS Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) Region 1 Water Division, and NYS Department of Health (NYSDOH) Bureau of Water Supply Protection.

Other important topics discussed were monitoring well registration and water quality data sharing, clarification of the NYS Superfund law to financially protect public water ratepayers, and clarification of the One Call Notification System law.

Joe Roccaro, from Suffolk County Water Authority narrated a detailed discussion on 1,4-Dioxane followed by a lively Q&A session.

 

NSWCA President and Westbury Water Commissioner Vin Abbatiello, provided closing remarks and quips as he expressed appreciation for the meeting’s outstanding attendance.

2018 NSWCA Board Elected

 

LI Water Commissioners Elected toNassau Suffolk Water Commissioners’ Association (NSWCA) 2018 Board

At a recent Nassau Suffolk Water Commissioners’ Association (NSWCA) meeting sponsored by the West Hempstead Water District, the Association elected a new board for the 2018 term, which runs through December 31, 2018.

The newly elected NSWCA 2018 Board includes incoming President Vincent Abbatiello of the Westbury Water District who succeeds outgoing NSWCA President Andrew N. Bader of the Plainview Water District; 1st Vice President Michael F. Rich III of the Oyster Bay Water District; 2nd Vice President William Schuckmann of the Hicksville Water District; Secretary Kenneth P. Wenthen Jr. of the West Hempstead Water District; and Treasurer Lawrence F. Zaino Jr. of the Carle Place Water District.

Left to right: Kenneth P. Wenthen Jr.,  William Schuckmann, Vincent Abbatiello, Lawrence F. Zaino J., Michael F. Rich II.

“Long Islanders have one of the world’s greatest fresh water resources right below their feet.” President Abbatiello remarked at the election ceremony.

“Such aquifers are extremely rare and ours, which provides plentiful quantity as well as superior quality, receives constant professional oversight to provide for present needs, and to ensure the future. As stewards of this great system, NSWCA members are closer to the water than any other group, and we are firmly dedicated to the conservation and sustainability of our water supply on a 24/7/365 basis. Our commissioners and the unified body that the NSWCA constitutes, are pledged to continue to apply science, be compliant with all federal, state and local regulations, and to continually educate our staff and the public regarding conservation and sustainability.”

NSWCA Welcomes Commissioners New & Returning

NSWCA_Collage_2017Huntington Station, NY USA…………… Voters in both Nassau and Suffolk counties have spoken at the polls and elected or re-elected water commissioners in all commissioner-run water districts. The Nassau Suffolk Water Commissioners’ Association (NSWCA), which consists of water commissioners representing 21 Long Island water districts, congratulates and welcomes all. Water District Commissioners will serve  three-year terms beginning January 1, 2018, and which run through December 31, 2020. There are three water district commissioner positions and district elections for one position are held annually. District residents vote for one commissioner of the three commissioner positions each year.

 

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Nassau Suffolk Water Commissioners’ Association (NSWCA) President and Plainview Water District Commissioner Andrew Bader commented, “We are extremely pleased to welcome our new and returning colleagues to the NSWCA. Commissioner-run water districts enable all registered residents to express their opinions and personal preferences for the men and women of their choice through the voting process. This hyper-local voting basis enables communities to effectively ensure that the vote of every resident truly counts, and that goals such as sustainability, water quality and economics match the views and opinions of each individual community.”Albertson:                      Richard Ockovic

Bethpage:                     John Sullivan

Carle Place:                   Lawrence F. Zaino Jr.

Cathedral Gardens:        Raymond R. Rockensies

Franklin Square:             Salvatore A. Intagliata

Garden City Park:           Peter Chimenti

Glenwood:                     Kenneth S. Uihlein

Greenlawn:                    John H. Clark

Hicksville:                     William Schuckmann

Jericho:                         Patricia A. Beckerle

Locust Valley:                Pasquale J. Eliseo

Manhasset-Lakeville:      Mark S. Sauvigne

Massapequa:                 Thomas McCarthy

Oyster Bay:                   Robert McEvoy

Plainview:                     Marc Laykind

Port Washington:             Peter Meyer

Roslyn:                         William Costigan

South Farmingdale:        Ralph Atoria

South Huntington:            Ciro DePalo

West Hempstead:         Kenneth P. Wenthen Jr

Westbury:                     William C. Olsen

 

Freeman on FOIL

NSWCA Commissioners received an education and updating about recent changes in the Freedom of Information Law (FOIL) from FOIL maven Robert J. Freeman.  Mr. Freeman is the Executive Director of the New York State Committee on Open Government. Mr. Robert  Freeman has worked for the Committee since its creation in 1974 and was appointed Executive Director in 1976.

Every New York State or municipal department, board, bureau, division, commission, committee, public authority, public corporation, council, office or other governmental entity performing a governmental or proprietary function is subject to the Law.

Each of the aforementioned governmental entities is an “agency.” Courts are outside its coverage but often must disclose records under other provisions of law. The State Legislature is covered by the Freedom of Information Law, but is treated differently from agencies generally. Private corporations or companies are not subject to the Freedom of Information Law.

The intensive training session is part of the ongoing NSWCA Training Series. The session was held at the Westbury Fire Department to accommodate the large turnout which also included District Superintendents and employees.

Rober J. Freeman Training IMG_6431

Left to right Commissioner William Schuckmann (Hicksville WD), Commissioner Michael Rich (Oyster Bay WD), Commissioner Andrew Bader (Plainview WD), Mr. Robert Freeman, Commissioner Kenneth P. Wenthen Jr.

 

Mr. Freeman He received his law degree from New York University and a BS in Foreign Servicrom Georgetown University in Washington, DC.

About Mr. Freeman
Robert J. Freeman is the recipient of numerous honors, and in the spring of 2010, received the
John Peter Zenger Award from the New York News Publishers Association and was
selected by the National Freedom of Information Coalition and the Society of Professional
Journalists for their Heroes of the 50 States award and induction into The Open
Government Hall of Fame.

Smart Ideas For Smart Water

At a recent meeting held by Nassau Suffolk Water Commissioners’ Association (NSWCA), Nick Mervosh, Iot* Specialist, Energy & Utility Iot at Verizon (Garden City, NY) addressed the audience on the subject of “Smart Water” as part of the NSWCA’s ongoing Educational Series.

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Verizon, one of top 10 tech companies, plays a major role in the advanced water and utilities business with new technology. Mr. Mervosh pointed out “by offering a large computing platform as a service solution including analytics and security, Verizon, can help water districts satisfy New York State’s mandate to reduce water usage. Part of this can be done gradually through intelligent water metering that enables all water meters to speak the same language and would ‘fork lift upgrades’.”

“It was enlightening to have Mr. Nick Mervosh address the commissioners with such an interesting and fact-filled presentation,” remarked Andrew N. Bader, NSWCA President and Plainview Water Commissioner. “We learn and we take these educational lessons to heart, which is why even in the worst part of Superstorm Sandy, no commissioner-run water district failed to deliver water.”

Photo left to right:  Vincent AbbatielloWestbury WD; Nick Mervosh Verizon; Andrew N. Bader NSWCA President and Planview WD: Michael F. Rich III Oyster Bay WD; Kenneth P. Wenthen Jr., West Hempstead WD.

 

Honoring Michelle Schimel

The membership of the NSWCA recently had the pleasure of being addressed by Michelle E. Schimel, former member of the New York State Assembly. Ms. Schimel represented the 16th Assembly District in Nassau County from 2007 to 2016. At the conclusion of her entertaining talk, NSWCA President and Plainview Water Commissioner Andrew Bader presented Ms. Schimel with a commemorative plaque.

Bader Schimel DSC_0119

“Few are as deserving of this recognition as Michelle Schimel,” President Bader acknowledged. “Her unwavering support, advocacy and promotion of our shared goals of greater sustainability and maintenance of the highest standards of water quality have been well documented through the years. This plaque is but a small token of gratitude from all twenty-one commissioner-elected NSWCA member water districts for all her efforts on our behalf, and on behalf of the people of Long Island.”

Boardw with Michelle Schimel DSC_0108

Caption Photo top: NSWCA President Andrew N. Bader and honoree Michelle E. Schimel.

Caption Photo bottom left to right:  Commissioner Kenneth P. Wenthen, Jr; Commissioner Vincent Abbatiello; Former member of the New York State Assembly Michelle E. Schimel; Commissioner and NSCWA President Andrew N. Bader; Commissioner William Schuckmann; Commissioner Michael F. Rich III.

LICAP Public Hearing Dates

LICAP Announces Public Hearing Dates :  Draft Groundwater Resources Management Plan now available for public review at LIAquiferCommission.com

The Long Island Commission for Aquifer Protection (LICAP) recently released its draft Groundwater Resources Management Plan, and is seeking to elicit feedback on the document during a series of public hearings. A schedule of hearings is as follows:

 Hauppauge- November 30th 3:00-5:00 PM

  • Evening hearing begins at 6:00 PM
  • William J. Lindsay County Complex, W.H. Rogers Legislature Building, Building #20,
  • 725 Veterans Memorial Highway, Smithtown, NY 11787.

Mineola- December 5th  3:00-5:00 PM

  • Evening hearing begins at 6:00 PM
  • Peter J. Schmitt Memorial Legislative Chamber, 1st Floor, Theodore Roosevelt Executive & Legislative Building,
  • 1550 Franklin Avenue, Mineola, NY 11501.

Riverhead– December 6th 6:00-8:00 PM 

  • Evans K. Griffing Building,
  • 423 Griffing Avenue, Riverhead, NY 11901

The 236-page plan is available for the public’s review at LIAquiferCommission.com. At the start of each public hearing, Steven Colabufo, a Water Resources Manager with Suffolk County Water Authority, will give a presentation summarizing the contents of the Plan, with public comment immediately following the presentation.

The Groundwater Resource Management Plan, written and compiled by the members of LICAP, includes qualitative and quantitative groundwater data, outlines anthropogenic threats to groundwater, discusses existing regulatory groundwater management regimes, assesses the adequacy of existing groundwater management regulations, and most importantly develops actionable recommendations for legislative bodies.

Public comment on the plan will also be accepted in writing through Friday, December 8th. Written submissions may be mailed to LICAP, Attn: Seth Wallach, 4060 Sunrise Highway, Oakdale NY, 11769 or emailed to LICAP@SCWA.com. 

The nine-member LICAP Board is expected to approve the finalized plan at the organization’s next general meeting on December 13 at the Suffolk County Water Authority Education Center located at 260 Motor Parkway in Hauppauge beginning at 10 a.m. All LICAP general meetings are open to the public.

LICAP is a bi-county entity created in 2013 through a joint resolution by the Nassau and Suffolk County Legislatures to address both quality and quantity issues facing Long Island’s aquifer system, and to advocate for a coordinated, regional approach to groundwater resources management. For more information about LICAP or the Groundwater Resources Management Plan, visit LIAquiferCommission.com.

GRMP Release