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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE01-45a

October 15, 2001

Contact: Geoff Ryan (718/595-6600)

Emergency Repairs Completed At 26th Ward Wastewater Treatment Plant

On Saturday, October 13th, at 3:20 p.m., emergency repairs were completed at the 26th Ward Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) according to an announcement by Commissioner Joel A. Miele Sr., P.E., of the New York City Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). The repairs, which began at 8:00 a.m. on Thursday, October 11th. and required a bypass of wastewater to Jamaica Bay, were accomplished in 55 hours and 20 minutes – 16 hours and 40 minutes less than the expected 72 hours.

As a result of the expedited emergency repair, approximately 104 million gallons of wastewater were released to the bay - about 60 million gallons less than had been anticipated. The water quality impact from the bypass was limited in its geographic extent. The three impacted creeks (Spring, Fresh and Hendrix) showed elevated coliform levels near the mouths in the open waters of the Bay, but surrounding waters in Jamaica Bay showed little or no elevation from their normal levels. Dissolved oxygen (DO) also showed a slight decline but, because of prevailing weather conditions, DOs remained generally higher than expected. DEP Marine Sciences Section will continue its assessment of the impacts though the Harbor Survey and Tributary Monitoring Programs during the coming weeks.

Two contractors working concurrently installed a steel liner in a ruptured force main, two permanent submersible pumps, reinforcements of a wet well and a 54-inch gate valve. The repairs were designed and implemented to avoid the need for such a bypass in the future.

DEP advises that people may resume recreational activities in the area by Wednesday, October 17th.

 

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