Wenthen Jr. Reviews 1,4 Dioxane Issues at NSWCA Meeting

November 21, 2017; West Hempstead, NY –At a recent meeting held by Nassau Suffolk Water Commissioners’ Association (NSWCA), of which West Hempstead Water District Commissioner Kenneth Wenthen Jr. serves as Treasurer, distinguished guest speaker Dr. Harold Walker, Stony Brook University Professor and Chair of the Department of Civil Engineering, as well as New York State Center for Clean Water Technology Co-Director, presented Long Island water commissioners with a detailed overview of contamination 1,4 dioxane, a synthetic chemical commonly found in TCE groundwater plumes, as part of the Association’s ongoing Educational Series.

During his presentation, Dr. Walker stressed the need to provide meaningful data to accelerate action and facilitate effective solutions for the welfare of all Long Island residents. He also explained how there are currently no chemical-specific Federal or New York State drinking water standards for 1,4 dioxane even though it is regulated as an Unspecified Organic contaminant by New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH). Also during the meeting, Dr. Walker outlined the Center's new New York State supported initiative that is focused on the research and development of technology to remove emerging contaminants from drinking water.

“The New York State Center for Clean Water Technology will be issuing a request for proposals for the pilot testing of new technology for the removal of 1,4-dioxane from drinking water.” Dr. Walker stated. He further commented that the Center is also actively involved in the development of innovative, onsite wastewater treatment technology for denitrification to remove nitrogen from wastewater.

“The NSWCA welcomes experts like Dr. Walker as we continually seek to monitor, protect and preserve our environment and public health,” said Commissioner Bader. “The issue of 1,4 dioxane, which is a chemical often found in TCE groundwater plumes, reaches beyond drinking water and is considered an matter for all water supply systems because its presence is so pervasive in everyday household products. This is why it is important that we continue to have discussions about 1,4 dioxane and explore the development of technologies for its removal.”

Organized and chartered in 1981, the Nassau Suffolk Water Commissioners’ Association (NSWCA) is comprised of water commissioners from 21 Nassau County and Suffolk County water districts. The NSWCA is dedicated to promoting environmental excellence and best practices as well as maintaining the highest standards of water quality and supply. The NSWCA sponsors regular educational meetings on topics that include the environment, security, economics, rules and regulations, among other related issues.

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PHOTO CAPTION:
Pictured from left to right at a recent Nassau Suffolk Water Commissioners’ Association meeting addressing 1,4 Dioxane water issues led by guest speaker Dr. Harold Walker, Stony Brook University Professor and Chair of the Department of Civil Engineering as well as New York State Center for Clean Water Technology Co-Director are: NSWCA Second Vice President and Westbury Water District Commissioner Vincent Abbatiello; NSWCA President and Plainview Water District Commissioner Andrew N. Bader; Dr. Harold Walker; Dr. Arjun Venkatesan, NYS Center for Clean Water Technology, Stony Brook University; NSWCA Secretary and Hicksville Water District Commissioner William Schuckmann; and NSWCA Treasurer and West Hempstead Water District Commissioner Kenneth P. Wenthen Jr.