Read the full article by Caroline Ryan (Manhasset Press)
“In a virtual board meeting on June 30, the Manhasset-Lakeville Water District discussed five capital improvement projects, which will total nearly $43 million. These projects will “enable the Water District to meet existing and anticipated water supply demands as well as proposed water quality standards for emerging contaminants 1,4-Dioxane, PFOA and PFOS,” stated documents provided by the district.
The district, which includes the villages of Thomaston, Munsey Park, Lake Success, North Hills, Russell Gardens, Plandome Heights, the unincorporated areas of Great Neck, University Gardens, Manhasset, as well as parts of Flower Hill, Plandome Manor, Great Neck Plaza, Manhasset Hills and North New Hyde Park, currently has contaminants in 10 of their 14 wells. According to the District, these capital improvement projects are necessary to treat the contamination, ensure adequate system capacity for peak water demands and fire flow and to comply with the proposed New York State Department of Health 1,4-Dioxane, PFOA, and PFOS Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs). The state has not yet issued an MCL for these contaminants, but is expected to release that information sometime this year.
1-4,Dioxane is a synthetic chemical used as a stabilizer for chlorinated solvents and is listed as a likely carcinogen. PFOA and PFOS are chemicals which are resistant to water, grease or stains. These chemicals have been around for decades and are typically used to make carpets, clothing and fabrics for furniture. Both of these chemicals can lead to adverse health effects in humans.
The five capital improvement projects which total in cost of $42.9 million, include an Advanced Oxidation Processes (AOP)/Nitrate treatment and well improvements at the Shelter Rock Road Plant, an AOP treatment and well improvements at the Searingtown Road Plant; wellhead treatment for PFOA and PFOS at the IU Willets Plant; a new ground storage tank at Parkway Plant; and a new water supply well and wellhead treatment site.
The Water District was awarded $13.9 million in grants under the New York State Water Infrastructure Improvement Act for the AOP systems at the Searingtown Road and Shelter Rock Road plants. However, to make up the remaining costs for the project, the district plans to obtain a bond from the Town of North Hempstead to finance the remaining costs not provided by the New York State Water Infrastructure Improvement Act…”