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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE11-19

March 15, 2011

CONTACT:

Farrell Sklerov / Mercedes Padilla (718) 595-6600

DEP Upgrades Chlorination Station in Staten Island

Renovated Facility Ensures Quality of Local Drinking Water

Environmental Protection Commissioner Cas Holloway today announced the completion of the $2.5 million upgrade of the Richmond Chlorination Facility in Staten Island, which was originally built in 1974. The project provides for a more dependable local water supply that will help reduce the risks of drinking water contamination. The new chemical feed system includes four new more reliable pumps, which replace two older pumps and increase redundancy in case an individual pump fails. The upgrade also includes the reconstruction of the bulk storage facility to further improve safety at the station. Staten Island consumes an average of 50 million gallons of water per day.

"Our core responsibility is to make sure that the city's drinking water meets the highest standards, and that our facilities can handle the water supply needs of every borough," said Commissioner Holloway. "Chlorination is a key part of the water supply process, and this state-of-the-art facility will help to ensure that the more than 500,000 residents of Staten Island can continue to enjoy NYC Water each day."

Chlorinating water helps reduce the risk of potential microbiological contaminants or pathogens. In order to maintain the optimal concentration level for disinfection purposes, DEP adds chlorine at two locations before water enters the city's distribution system — at the exit tunnels of the Kensico and Hillview reservoirs. Because chlorine doses dissipate over time, additional chlorine is added at specific locations in New York City that are further away from the original point of disinfection, including as drinking water enters Staten Island.

The reconstruction included the demolition of an undersized storage tank and the removal of the old chlorination system. These elements were replaced with two new larger storage tanks and the installation of the new chlorination system as well as the construction of a new truck containment area at the transfer station. As part of the renovation work for the building, the project reconstructed all above-ground structures and replaced the motor control center, the source of power for all electrical equipment used in the chlorination process, security system and emergency generators.

Upgrading water distribution and sewer infrastructure is a central part of DEP's upcoming capital plan. In Staten Island, to improve the reliability of its water supply, DEP, in conjunction with the Port Authority, will begin an approximately $250 million project for construction of a new water tunnel to provide redundancy for the Staten Island water supply system. Staten Island also lacks storm and sanitary sewers in some areas; therefore, an additional $268 million is budgeted from FY 2011 through FY 2015 for sewers. DEP is also in the midst of a $248 million remediation of the closed Brookfield Avenue landfill, a joint City/State project.

DEP manages the city's water supply, providing more than one billion gallons of water each day to more than nine million residents, including eight million in New York City. New York City's water is delivered from a watershed that extends more than 125 miles from the city, and comprises 19 reservoirs, and three controlled lakes. Approximately 7,000 miles of water mains, tunnels and aqueducts bring water to homes and businesses throughout the five boroughs, and 7,400 miles of sewer lines take wastewater to 14 in-city treatment plants. For more information, visit www.nyc.gov/dep or follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/nycwater.

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