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.