by PWGC Staf
Over the last decade, there has been a significant focus on improving surface and groundwater quality across Long Island. These efforts have focused on the development of treatment systems to address emerging and legacy contaminants. Of the latter, one of the most prevalent is excessive nitrogen, and one of the primary sources of that nitrogen is wastewater.
Briefly, increased levels of nitrogen are largely being introduced to the region’s groundwater and surface water bodies via stormwater runoff and traditional septic systems, which do little to actively reduce nitrogen levels. That nitrogen then impacts the region’s groundwater, which flows into Long Island’s surface waters. This cycle has been proven responsible for negatively impacting water quality and marine life, including shellfish, by causing harmful algae blooms, which can impact recreational, economic, and tourism opportunities for the region. This problem can be seen across Long Island, from Reynolds Channel to Montauk.
One solution being pursued by multiple layers of government is the design and development of modern wastewater treatment systems, which includes commercial wastewater collection and treatment – aka sewers – and the related treatment plants, and innovative and alternative onsite wastewater treatment systems (IAOWTS), which are largely used for individual residential applications. Funding for the development of these systems dates as far back as Superstorm Sandy and, more recently, monies from the 2021 American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA).
As LICA members, you may be asking, “What does this have to do with improving the region’s transportation infrastructure?” Wastewater infrastructure has a direct connection to transportation infrastructure, especially the location of the collection systems, and LICA’s members have the workforce, skills, and the experience to construct and update both.
As the region works to address the issues associated with nitrogen contamination, the improvements necessary include building new wastewater collection and treatment systems, pump stations, and the roadways above these systems. As these systems are designed and developed, they will require significant roadway improvements the likes of which the region has not experienced since the late 1970s.
Across Long Island, but especially in Suffolk County, there are large-scale projects in the design phase and under development. Examples include efforts to install wastewater collection and/or treatment systems in the hamlets of Kings Park, Mastic/Shirley, Oakdale, St. James, and Smithtown. Further, the development of commercial wastewater collection and treatment systems is the precursor to regional revitalization. Look across Long Island and those areas experiencing a rebirth all have one thing in common: sewers. Hicksville, Bay Shore, Patchogue, Riverhead all have sewers, and all are working to protect the environment while growing the economy.
Support for these transformative and environmentally protective projects requires early input from stakeholders at all levels including residential, commercial, industrial, agricultural, recreational, developers, environmental groups, labor leaders, regulatory agencies, and elected officials to keep moving forward.
We as an association need to lead the push to complete the studies, complete the designs and plans, and lobby for construction funding to make sure we are at the forefront of having the modern wastewater and transportation infrastructure the region deserves. The design and development of these new wastewater treatment systems will benefit the region environmentally, and the positive impact economically will be no less impressive. And that will benefit LICA and its members for decades to come.