U.S. Senators Charles E. Schumer and Kirsten E. Gillibrand today announced over $4 million in federal funding to reimburse the Nassau County Department of Public Works for emergency temporary sludge dewatering work at the Bay Park Dewatering facility, following Superstorm Sandy. The storm flooded the Dewatering facility with 12 feet of saltwater, and sewage could not be treated properly, creating an emergency situation. The funding is being provided through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and will reimburse the Dept. of Public Works for their rental of a temporary dewatering and odor control system, and more, after the storm.
“We all remember the tremendous damage at Bay Park during Superstorm Sandy, which caused an immediate public health threat to the communities serviced by these facilities, and an environmental calamity to the surrounding waterways,” said Schumer. “This much-needed federal funding will reimburse the Nassau County Department of Public Works for their efforts following the storm to treat sewage even after their facility flooded with 12 feet of seawater, and will help make sure local residents are not entirely on the hook for expenses incurred during Sandy.”
“Bay Park suffered severe damage and this federal funding will provide much needed reimbursement for Nassau County Department of Public Works,” said Gillibrand. “It is critical that Nassau County has the necessary resources on the ground to continue to recover and rebuild.”
Nassau County Executive Ed Mangano stated, “I thank Senators Schumer and Gillibrand for securing additional Federal aid to cover expenses related to Superstorm Sandy’s devastating impact on the Bay Park Wastewater Treatment Plant. Together with the Federal and State governments, we will continue to strengthen the facility’s infrastructure so that it is resilient against future storms.”
High wind and heavy rain generated by Superstorm Sandy resulted in tidal surges and flooding, which inundated the Bay Park Dewatering facility with up to twelve feet of saltwater. The failure of the Bay Park treatment facilities resulted in a threat to the health and safety of the communities serviced by the plant because of its incapability to properly treat sewage.
In total, $4,616,762 in FEMA funding is being provided for the rental of temporary sludge dewatering and odor control systems, mobilization equipment and materials, weekly labor to operate the systems, additional label for extended and weekend operations, demobilization of equipment and materials and contract costs.