Patricia Ramirez, P.E., Addresses LI Water Commissioners

Plainview, NY; August 20, 2019 - As part of its ongoing Educational Series, the Nassau Suffolk Water Commissioners’ Association (NSWCA), of which Plainview Water District Commissioner Amanda Field is NSWCA Secretary and was in attendance, recently welcomed to one of its meetings Nassau County Department of Health, Office of Water Supply Engineering, Director Patricia Ramirez, P.E. as guest speaker. Director Ramirez was joined by Nassau County Department of Health, Environmental Health Director Donald P. Irwin and addressed the water commissioners on the very current topic of “Emerging Groundwater Contaminants.”

Sponsored by Commissioners William Costigan, Michael Kosinski and Dr. Sanford E. Klein of the Roslyn Water District, Director Ramirez’s opened her engaging presentation by defining the nature of the term ‘emerging contaminants.’ She provided information on the ongoing search for emerging contaminants, how they are found as well as potential health effects. Director Ramirez reviewed federal and NYS water standards in detail, including standards for 1,4-dioxane, perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS). A number of potential treatment methods were discussed in depth including Granulated Activated Carbon (GAC), Ion Exchange Resins and high-pressure membranes.

NSWCA President and Oyster Bay Water District Commissioner Michael F. Rich III, noted, “Director Ramirez provided an insightful landscape of governmental regulation and interaction. Given the amount of media attention devoted to understanding, treating and eliminating emerging contaminants such as PFOS, PFOA and 1,4-dioxane, Director Ramirez’s presentation could not be more current. We, the NSWCA Commissioners and water suppliers, agree on the need for more scientifically based education and closer comprehensive cooperative action between government and water suppliers. We feel this is the best course of action for all Long island residents and for our environment. We thank Director Ramirez for her stimulating presentation as well as both Director Ramirez and Director Irwin for their insights in the ensuing an insightful Q&A session.”

For More Information about NSWCA please contact Mr. Jamie Stanco with Progressive Marketing Group, Inc. via phone at 631-756-7160, or by email at jpstanco@pmgstrategic.com.

About Nassau Suffolk Water Commissioners’ Association:

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 to maintaining the highest standards of water quality and supply. The Nassau Suffolk Water Commissioners’ Association sponsors regular educational meetings on topics that include the environment, security, economics, rules and regulations, among other related issues.

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PHOTO CAPTIONS - Photo credits are courtesy of Progressive Marketing Group (PMG) in Huntington Station NY, which grants media permission of all photo use:

• Photo 1: Pictured from left to right at a recent Nassau Suffolk Water Commissioners’ Association (NSWCA) meeting where Nassau County Department Director of Health and Office of Water Supply Engineering Patricia Ramirez, P.E. served as a guest speaker addressing Long Island water commissioners about emerging groundwater contaminants are: Nassau County Department Director of Health and Office of Water Supply Engineering Patricia Ramirez; NSWCA President and Oyster Bay Water District Commissioner Michael F. Rich III; and additional guest speaker Director of Environmental Programs for the Nassau County Department of Health Donald P. Irwin;

• Photo 2: Pictured from left to right at a recent Nassau Suffolk Water Commissioners’ Association (NSWCA) meeting where Nassau County Department Director of Health and Office of Water Supply Engineering Patricia Ramirez, P.E. was a guest speaker addressing Long Island water commissioners about emerging groundwater contaminants are: William Schuckmann, NSWCA 1st Vice President and Hicksville Water District Commissioner; Lawrence F. Zaino Jr, NSWCA Treasurer and Carle Place Water District Commissioner; Amanda Field, NSWCA Secretary and Plainview Water District Commissioner; Kenneth P. Wenthen Jr., NSWCA 2nd Vice President and West Hempstead Water District Commissioner ; Guest Speaker Nassau County Department Director of Health and Office of Water Supply Engineering Patricia Ramirez; Director of Environmental Programs for the Nassau County Department of Health Donald P. Irwin; and Michael F. Rich III, NSWCA President and Oyster Bay Water District Commissioner.