LOCAL CONGRESSMAN TOURS NHSA TREATMENT PLANT
Yesterday, NHSA hosted its local Congressman, Rob Menendez, at its Adam Street Wastewater Treatment Plant in Hoboken. The Congressman had expressed interest in understanding in greater detail NHSA’s various environmental priorities, as well as the function of our treatment plants. We met the Congressman and a member of his staff in Hoboken at our largest treatment facility. The Congressman was briefed on the treatment process by a team of NHSA engineers and operations staff, led by the Executive Director, Dr. Richard J. Wolff, and Chief Engineer, Don Conger. The briefing was followed by a tour of the plant. The Congressman was able to see first-hand how sewer flow is brought into the plant, treated using a process that includes biological trickling filters, settling tanks, separation of liquids and solids and ultraviolet lights. The Executive Director explained that the fully treated flow was so clean before it was discharged into the Hudson River that it was literally drinkable. However, no one, including the Executive Director, took up the offer to try it out
The NHSA staff also discussed with the Congressman and his staff areas in which the Federal Government might assist in funding. The various projects associated with the CSO Long Term Control Plan were reviewed, with special emphasis on “green construction”, such as bio-swales, green roofs, etc. Also, flood mitigation projects were highlighted for the Congressman, such as pumping stations, permeable paving, home ejector pump systems, and a variety of plans to increase the capacity of the sewer lines. The Congressman expressed his strong interest in green and gray infrastructure projects designed to help control flooding in the Hoboken, Weehawken and West New York areas and said he looked forward to working with NHSA for pollution-free Hudson River.
For the NHSA staff, the visit was an important step towards our twin goals of building a coalition to support the CSO Long Term Control Plan and keeping the entire NHSA system in top shape. We’ll be working closely with the Congressman’s staff to bring Federal financial support to continue to advance the fight against flooding and to make the Hudson River swimmable once again. Thanks to the Congressman for taking time out of his busy schedule to visit with the staff of NHSA.