Nassau Suffolk Water Commissioners’ Association(NSWCA) addressed by Patricia Ramirez, P.E.
Director of the Nassau County Department of Health, Office of Water Supply Engineering, speaks on Emerging Contaminants.
Carle Place, NY, USA…………As part of its ongoing Educational Series, the Nassau Suffolk Water Commissioners’ Associationrecently welcomed Nassau County Department of Health, Office of Water Supply Engineering, Director Patricia Ramirez, P.E. as guest speaker. Ms. Ramirez was joined by Nassau County Department of Health, Environmental Health Director Donald P. Irwin. The NSWCA commissioners received a detailed presentation on the very current topic of “Emerging Groundwater Contaminants”. Commissioners William Costigan, Michael Kosinski and Dr. Sanford E. Klein of the Roslyn Water District sponsored the meeting.
Ms. Ramirez’s opened her engaging presentation by defining the nature of the term ‘emerging contaminants’. This provided details on the ongoing search for emerging contaminants, how they are found as well as potential health effects. Ms. Ramirez reviewed federal and NYS water standards in detail, including standards for 1,4-dioxane, perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS). A number of potential treatment methods were discussed in detail including Granulated Activated Carbon (GAC), Ion Exchange Resins and high pressure membranes.
NSWCA President and Oyster Bay Water Commissioner Michael F. Rich III, noted, “Director Ramirez provided an insightful landscape of governmental regulation and interaction. Given the amount of media attention devoted to understanding, treating and eliminating emerging contaminants such as PFOS, PFOA and 1,4-dioxane, Ms. Ramirez’s presentation could not be more current. We, the NSWCA Commissioners and water suppliers, agree on the need for more scientifically based education and closer comprehensive cooperative action between government and water suppliers. This we feel is the best course of action for all Long island residents and for our environment. We thank Ms. Ramirez for her stimulating presentation, and both Ms. Ramirez and Mr. Irwin for their insights in the ensuing Q&A session.”
Photo below:
- Photo 1: Pictured from left to right at a recent Nassau Suffolk Water Commissioners’ Association (NSWCA) meeting where Nassau County Department Director of Health and Office of Water Supply Engineering Patricia Ramirez, P.E. was a guest speaker addressing Long Island water commissioners about emerging groundwater contaminants are: William Schuckmann, NSWCA 1st Vice President and Hicksville Water District Commissioner; Lawrence F. Zaino Jr, NSWCA Treasurer and Carle Place Water District Commissioner; Amanda Field, NSWCA Secretary and Plainview Water District Commissioner; Kenneth P. Wenthen Jr., NSWCA 2nd Vice President and West Hempstead Water District Commissioner ; Guest Speaker Nassau County Department Director of Health and Office of Water Supply Engineering Patricia Ramirez; Director of Environmental Programs for the Nassau County Department of Health Donald P. Irwin; and Michael F. Rich III, NSWCA President and Oyster Bay Water District Commissioner.
- Photo 2: Pictured from left to right at a recent Nassau Suffolk Water Commissioners’ Association (NSWCA) meeting are: Nassau County Department Director of Health and Office of Water Supply Engineering Patricia Ramirez; NSWCA President and Oyster Bay Water District Commissioner Michael F. Rich III; and additional guest speaker Director of Environmental Programs for the Nassau County Department of Health Donald P. Irwin;
