Karl Schweitzer, Ray Arena, Thomas P. Hand, Jericho WD Superintendent Peter Logan, Donald T. O’Brien Manhasset-Lakeville WD, Andy Bader Plainview WD, Vin Abbatiello Westbury WD

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

As part of the Nassau Suffolk Water Commissioner Association’s (NSWCA) Continuing Education Program, Robin Greenwald, Esq., head of the Environmental Toxic Torts Litigation Group for Weitz & Luxenberg, spoke to the commissioners regarding environmental polluter’s responsibility and Long Island’s water systems.

Ms. Greenwald, a former assistant chief of the U.S. Department of Justice’s Environmental Crimes Section, is recognized as one of this country’s top environmental lawyers, notably serving as a lead plaintiff counselor in the BP Gulf Oil spill.

The evening’s presentation discussed Long Island’s aquifers, the various pollutants that affect the communities’ watersheds and the responsibility of polluting parties. Ms. Greenwald began with a clear definition of polluting parties.

“Pollution comes from either facility polluters, defined as polluters that operate in your watershed, or product manufacturer polluters, where the manufactured product contains pollutants that escape into the environment and cause damage,” explained Ms. Greenwald. “Litigating for damages to our water resources is one way to ensure that both facility and manufacturers are responsible in their operation. When they are not, the law can hold the responsible parties liable for their damages.”

“As Long Island’s water resource can be affected by pollutants that seep into the earth from groundwater, it is particularly important to our individual districts that we, as water commissioners, remain vigilant in our watch and educated in our response options,” NSWCA President Thomas Hand commented.

The benefits of litigation can include recovery of the costs of filtration, building and installing of systems, the annual costs of operation and maintenance, funding for the necessary clean up of contaminated sites and prevention of future contamination.

Westbury Water District Commissioners Vincent Abbatiello, Kenneth O. Jones and William C. Olson, hosted a NSWCA Training Meeting featuring legal expert Michael F. Ingham of Carman, Callahan & Ingham LLP (Farmingdale, NY) addressed the assemblage on the topic of “Water Commissioner Management Powers and Responsibilities”.

Mr. Ingham focused on the legal duties and powers of elected commissioners, beginning with a historical perspective that included discussion of the Kirkland Act, Town Law 215, precedence of the Nassau County Civil Divisions Act, and the responsibility of each district to achieve ‘maximum benefit/best value’. The Training Module was inclusive of the conduct of Executive Sessions and Work Sessions open to the public. The subsequent Q&A brought deeper discussion of several specific topics.

Andy Bader, Mike Ingham, Thomas Hand, Vin Abbatiello

NSWCA President Thomas P. Hand commented, “This is the latest installment of our Continuing Education and Training Series. The hands on session delved into important governance issues that concern all commissioners, superintendents and professional personnel from commissioner-elected water districts. Mr. Ingham’s extensive field knowledge and ability to express the laws and regulations in a way that all could readily absorb was greatly appreciated by all attending.”

Mr. Ingham is a graduate of Hamilton College and New York University and received his law degree from St. John’s University School of Law. He joined Carman, Callahan & Ingham in 1981 and specializes in complex insurance coverage litigation and Appellate Practice

In response to Professor Brinkmann’s April 6^th editorial letter “Our approach to water is all wrong”, the Nassau Suffolk Water Commissioners’ Association (NSWCA) concurs that our public water supply aquifer is a precious natural resource requiring constant vigilance to ensure long-term sustainability. However, several references used in Professor Brinkmann’s editorial are not accurate comparisons of the situation regarding our sole source water supply.

First, the Long Island aquifer is in fact managed by one agency. The NYS Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) has complete authority over all local water suppliers with regard to withdrawal. The NYSDEC approves all well permits and receives monthly reports from all suppliers.

Second, in addition to the NYSDEC, an Aquifer Commission was formed in 2013 by both the Nassau and Suffolk County Legislatures to study Long Island’s aquifer and to furnish a report. This commission, called LICAP (Long Island Commission for Aquifer Protection), consists of a panel of experts from county health departments, public water suppliers, the Long Island Water Conference, Nassau Suffolk Water Commissioners’ Association, the USGS, Suffolk County Water Authority, Environmental Advocates and appointees from elected officials.

Third, the reference to southern California’s water situation is not relevant since it compares Long Island to a desert-like region with entirely different conditions. The Texas and Florida examples are similarly inaccurate. Neither has such a widespread aquifer system with recharge rates comparable to that of Long Island. In fact, in both of those hot climates, the pumping season is much longer than ours.

A fair representation would be to compare water rates of those communities with Long Island rates. In most cases, Long Island’s water rates are lower by nearly half.

As stewards closest to the source of Long Island’s water, we do agree that water conservation is imperative to long term sustainability. In addition, we maintain that the prime focus needs to be on the protection of our vital Long Island Aquifer system and the treatment and elimination of contamination.

Respectfully,

Thomas Hand,

President, Nassau Suffolk Water Commissioners’ Association

At a recent Nassau Suffolk Water Commissioners’ (NSWCA) meeting hosted by the Greenlawn Water District and Commissioners William Wieck, James Logan and John McLaughlin, energy expert John Franceschina, P.E. presented a comprehensive overview of Long Island’s Geothermal Energy options. The presentation was the latest in NSWCA’s Continuing Education Series.

Mr. Franceschina is the Senior Manager of Energy Efficiency and Demand Response at Lockheed Martin, recently the Manager of PSEG LI’s residential energy efficiency programs (January 2014 – March 2015) and current President of Long Island Geothermal Organization. He explained how geothermal is renewable, clean energy that uses the earth’s heat to provide high efficiency heating and cooling for new and existing construction.

“Geothermal energy is good for Long Island,” remarked Franceschina. “Geothermal systems reduce the use of oil and oil tanks, lower the carbon foot print, and lower energy rates. They emit no smoke and reduce our dependency on fossil fuels. Currently, there are over 2,500 geothermal HVAC installations on Long Island.”

NSWCA President and Massapequa Water Commissioner President Thomas P. Hand stated, “In theory, the NSWCA supports any program that creates a greener Long Island. However, geothermal energy requires boring 6 to 8 feet down and underground temperature exchanges. We must be vigilant to ensure that proper measures are taken to thwart potential problems below ground where our single source aquifer resource resides.”

John Russo, Vice President of Blendex Industrial Corporation headed a presentation on special types of flooring for water districts and water departments.  Located in Lindenhurst, New York, Blendex is the largest, full service Epoxy Flooring Systems & wall systems contractor throughout the New York, New Jersey & Connecticut area.  Mr. Russo discussed the protective qualities and installation procedures of coating systems such as Urethane Flooring, MMA Flooring (Methyl Methacrylate), Epoxy Flooring & Polyurea flooring for use in mechanical areas and pump rooms. A lively question and answer session followed. 

The Carle Place Water District is celebrating its 100th anniversary.  With some 36 miles of water mains and over 350 hydrants, the District continues to fulfill its mission of delivering a plentiful supply  of high quality water.

Congratulations on a job well done to  Commissioners Timothy Stellato, a past NSWCA President, Lawrence F. Zaino, and Peter Meade, as well as Superintendent Timothy J. Doyle and the dedicated staff of the Carle Place Water District.

The South Huntington Water District is celebrating its 90th anniversary in high style…by winning the “Best Tasting Water” in Suffolk County in 2015…as per the 30th Annual Best Tasting Water Competition sponsored by the Long Island Water Conference!  Congratulations on a job well done since 1925! Left to right, Commissioners Ciro DePalo, Paul Tonna and Dominick Feeney.

Former Nassau Suffolk Water Commissioners’ Association (NSWCA) President Howard Abbondondelo of the Albertson Water District was recently honored with two awards for meritorious service at a recent NSWCA meeting sponsored by the Plainview Water District.

Mr. Abbondondelo was presented with a handsome trophy from current NSWCA President Thomas P. Hand, who commented, “Howard is richly deserving of our appreciation. This trophy commemorates his leadership, guidance and concern for the NSWCA organization and the Long Island communities we serve, which is above and beyond the responsibilities of his position as NSWCA President.”

Mr. Abbondondelo was also awarded a plaque for “Outstanding individual achievement, leadership and selfless commitment on behalf of the citizens of Nassau County” which was presented by Nassau County Department of Public Work’ Assistant to Deputy Commissioner Brian Schneider on behalf of Nassau County Executive Ed Mangano.

As NSWCA President, Commissioner Abbondondelo presided over the official NSWCA website and outreach initiatives, directed NSWCA’s successful Educational Seminars Program and led NSWCA’s participation in the Hurricane Preparedness Seminar held in mid-summer 2014. While currently serving as an Albertson Water District Commissioner, Mr. Abbondondelo will continue to be active in NSWCA.   

L to R, Commissioners Howard Abbondondelo, Ray Averna and Thomas Hand; Patrick Beckley; Commissioner Andy Bader.

Patrick Beckley, Regional Director of Office of Emergency Management’s Region 1 (Long Island), recently addressed Long Island water district commissioners serving on Nassau Suffolk Water Commissioners’ Association (NSWCA) regarding the latest developments in emergency management and strategies as part of the Association’s Continuing Education Series. The meeting was hosted by Franklin Square Water District Commissioners Salvatore Intagliata, Joseph Ra and Ralph Pugliese, a past NSWCA President.

Created by an act of the State Legislature in 2010, the Office of Emergency Management’s Region 1 (Long Island) is part of the NYS Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services dedicated to the protection of New Yorkers in a state of crisis. During the meeting, Mr. Beckley discussed how the increase in weather-related crises has escalated the legislative importance of emergency management.

“A top priority in Governor Andrew Cuomo’s agenda is the preparedness of our citizens for weather events and other natural and man-made emergencies,” Mr. Beckley stated. “The Governor has appointed regional directors to assist in developing regional strategies designed to promote beneficial relationships between public and private sectors for mutual benefit.”

With Governor Cuomo’s program emphasizing proactive citizenship, local control and proper planning, Mr. Beckley stressed the implementation of preparation so that a solid foundation for proper response is established before incident.

Recognizing the importance of effective emergency management, NSWCA President Thomas P. Hand of Massapequa Water District commented, “Understanding what each area needs on a hyperlocal level is key to successful emergency response. Long Island’s diverse landscape translates to different response strategies, so liaison and connection with local municipalities is key to successful response and recovery.”

A Citizen Training Program is offered through New York State both on line and in person.