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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE00-24

June 19, 2000

Contact: Geoff Ryan (718/595-5371)

Department of Environmental Protection Holds Groundbreaking Ceremony to Mark Start of Upgrade Construction at Newtown Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant

EVENT: NEWTOWN CREEK WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT GROUNDBREAKING CEREMONY
DATE: TUESDAY, JUNE 20, 2000
TIME: 11:30 A.M.
PLACE: Newtown Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant
320 Freeman Street
Brooklyn, New York 11222

New York City Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner, Joel A. Miele Sr., P.E. will preside at a groundbreaking ceremony marking the start of construction on the final upgrade to secondary treatment at the Newtown Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant. The project will bring the treatment plant into compliance with secondary treatment requirements mandated by the Clean Water Act pertaining to wastewater that flows to the plant from the surrounding drainage area.

"When the Newtown Creek upgrade upgrade is completed, all of New York City's fourteen wastewater treatment facilities will be in compliance with federal mandates," said Commissioner Miele. "It is a far reaching project that will contribute to the continuing improvement of the City's Harbor environments and water quality. In addition," continued Commissioner Miele, "this facility has been honored by awards for its commitment to the community through its aesthetic design and will also be complemented by two public art projects that will enhance the plant environs."

The upgrade will include three new chlorine contact tanks and a chlorination building, which will permit year-round disinfection to meet standards for treated wastewater. The facility will also include seven sodium hypochlorite storage tanks, a truck unloading station, and a multi-story building, which will house personnel facilities, administrative offices, a central lab and a shop area. The designs for the disinfection and administration buildings, created by Polshek Partnership, Architects, received Excellence in Design Awards from the New York City Art Commission for the aesthetic appropriateness of their architecture on City-owned property.

In addition, two artists, Vito Acconci and George Trakas, were commissioned by the City of New York Department of Cultural Affairs," Percent for Art Program to create public art projects at the site of the plant. Mr. Acconci created a fence treatment surrounding the plant and Mr. Tracas designed a Waterfront Nature Walkway along Newtown Creek and Whale Creek Canal.

 

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