Mangano, Legislature Continue Overhaul Of Bay Park Sewage Treatment Plant

Millions of dollars for improvements approved to stop unwanted discharge, increase safety and efficiency

As Nassau County Executive Edward P. Mangano continues to address urgent issues at Bay Park Sewage Treatment Facility, the Nassau County Legislature today approved more than $3 million in contracts to help reverse years of mismanagement at the crucial County facility and bring much-needed equipment and services to the plant.

“I was shocked to discover the depths of neglect of the County’s infrastructure, especially the sewage treatment plant at Bay Park,” said Mangano. “Today, with the help of the Nassau County Legislature, we take another step forward in our mission to repair and improve the Bay Park facility to ensure that the plant becomes a model of how to do things right.”

Four separate contracts totaling $3.1 million were approved unanimously at the Jan. 10 meeting of the Legislature. Among the agreements are a:

• $2.2 million contract with W.H.M. Plumbing & Heating Contractors. The contract will provide labor and materials associated with the construction of improvements and replacements to various process equipment and building modifications associated with the Bay park Sewage Treatment Plant. The work will include the replacement of effluent water strainers and associated valves, replacement of emergency generator cooling radiators and associated equipment, decommissioning of underground fuel oil tanks and installation of new above ground tanks. The work will also include the replacement of main engine generator cooling valves and installation of temporary equipment during repairs;

• $705,000 contract for the lease agreement with Synagro Northeast, Inc. for gravity belt thickeners to help mitigate the discharge of treated solids from the Bay Park outfall located in Reynolds Channel; and

• $132,000 contract with Palace Electric for the labor and supplies needed for electrical work at the plant.

"The Bay Park Sewage Treatment Plant serves the sewage needs of thousands of Nassau County residents - but after a decade of neglect, it can not continue doing thisat the expense of the people who live in the Bay Park and East Rockaway communities," said Legislator Howard J. Kopel (LD-7), who represents the area.

Nassau County Department of Public Works (DPW) Commissioner Shila Shah-Gavnoudias praised Mangano and the Legislature for their efforts in cleaning up the Bay Park plant.

“The importance of a healthy sewage treatment plant cannot be overstated, and I want to thank County Executive Mangano and the members of the legislature for supporting these contracts at such an important juncture in time as we fix this facility.”

"It has been - and continues to be - one of my top priorities to upgrade and enhance the Bay Park Plant to meet today's needs without having an adverse affect on its neighbors. In addition to the $11 million we recently secured from the United States Government, these additional funds will stop unwanted discharge, increase plant safety and efficiency, while mitigating its effects to the surrounding neighborhoods," Kopel added.

Mangano vowed to keep Bay Park a high priority for his administration.

“These repairs are critical to the overall condition and operation of the plant,” said Mangano. “We will stop at nothing as we repair the Bay Park sewage treatment plant.”