Mineola, NY - May 9th, 2014 - As part of Governor Andrew M. Cuomo's review of clean water infrastructure needs on Long Island, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and Nassau County Executive Edward Mangano are hosting a meeting on May 12. The goals of Governor Cuomo's review are to increase resiliency against future storms, improve water quality and provide additional protections for Long Island's groundwater resources.

On May 12, the first of three meetings to be held on Long Island, invited presenters will help identify problems related to wastewater infrastructure and explore solutions for reducing high levels of nitrogen in the back-bay area north of Long Beach Island. The meeting will also explore the connection between lowering nitrogen levels and healthier marshlands, which offer increased resiliency against future coastal storms. The public is welcome to attend to hear the presentations.

The second meeting will be held on May 19 at SUNY Stony Brook and will feature presentations from leading researchers. The third meeting will be held May 28 in Suffolk County. The public will have the opportunity to make oral comments during the evening portion of the May 28 meeting.

The public can submit written comments at all three meetings or by emailing liwaterquality@gw.dec.state.ny.us.

Based on what is learned and discussed at the first three meetings, a final meeting in June will feature recommendations to Governor Cuomo on how to address wastewater and septic problems to make Long Island more resilient.

WHAT: The first of three public meetings to involve stakeholders in the development of a plan to improve the management of wastewater in Nassau and Suffolk counties.

WHO:
Commissioner Joe Martens, NYS Department of Environmental Conservation
Nassau County Executive Edward Mangano
U.S. Congressman Peter King
President & CEO Matthew Driscoll, Environmental Facilities Corporation
Director Jamie Rubin, Governor's Office of Storm Recovery
State and local officials, environmental, business and labor leaders and researchers

WHEN: Monday, May 12, 2014, noon to 4 p.m.

WHERE:
Nassau County Legislative Chambers
Nassau County Legislative Building
1550 Franklin Avenue
Mineola, NY 11501