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.

In response to Robert Brinkmann’s op ed, “Our approach to water is all wrong”, (April 6), the Nassau Suffolk Water Commissioners’ Association concurs that our public water supply aquifer is a precious natural resource requiring constant vigilance to ensure long-term sustainability. However, Brinkmann’s comparisons aren’t justified.

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

In addition, an aquifer commission was formed in 2013 by both the Nassau and Suffolk County Legislatures to study Long Island’s aquifer and issue a report. This commission, called the Long Island Commission for Aquifer Protection, consists of experts from county health departments, public water suppliers, the Long Island Water Conference, the Nassau Suffolk Water Commissioners’ Association, the U.S. Geological Survey, the Suffolk County Water Authority, Environmental Advocates of New York and elected officials’ representatives.

The reference to Southern California’s water situation is not relevant because it compares Long Island with a desert-like region with entirely different conditions. The Texas and Florida examples are similarly inappropriate. 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.

Respectfully, Thomas Hand, President, Nassau Suffolk Water Commissioners’ Association

The newly elected 2015 NSWCA Board includes, left to right:

2nd Vice President Andrew N. Bader, Plainview Water District.

1st Vice President Raymond J. Averna, Massapequa Water District.

President Thomas P. Hand, Massapequa Water District.

Secretary Vincent Abbatiello, Westbury Water District.

Treasurer, and past NSWCA President, Karl M. Schweitzer, Hicksville Water District.

Education and Technology trainings will be held at the Westbury Fire Department HQ, 355 Maple Avenue, Westbury NY 11590. Classes will all start at 6:30 pm, and they are open to business managers, superintendents and other water district staff as deemed appropriate by each district.  Topics will include Financial Administration, Water Commissioner Management, Code of Ethics / Conflicts of Interest, Freedom of Information / Open Meetings Law, Nassau County Civil Service Overview and New York State Prevailing Wage Overview.

o February 19, 2015 

o April 16, 2015 

o June 18, 2015 

o August 20, 2015 

o October 15, 2015 

o November 11, 2015