WPCNR WATCH ON THE RIVER. By John F. Bailey. November 27 UPDATED November 28, 1:50 A.M. E.S.T.:
The Yonkers Water Treatment Plant is still pouring 80 to 100 Million gallons of below E.P.A. standard effluent into the Hudson River, after 30 Days. The WPCNR- estimated total of substandard treated effluent dumped into the Hudson is about 2.3 Billion gallons as of Tuesday. Repairs to the extensively damaged plant have so far cost $12.65 Million according the Department of Health.
The unacceptable levels of effludent have been pouring into the Hudson River since October 29.
On that day, the 14 foot tide of Hurricane Sandy engulfed the sewage treatment plant, flooding and short-circuiting the plant’s pumps. The tidal surge crested across Fernbrook Street, damaging the County Bus Company offices as well.
Spokesperson for the Westchester County Department of Health, Caren Halbfinger advised WPCNR Tuesday that repairs are still being made to the Ludlow Street plant after 30 days.
Ms. Halbfinger told WPCNR all effluent (80 million to 100 million gallons per day) is being “screened, disinfected and chlorinated but is below the Environmental Protection Agency standard.” Ms. Halbfinger said no solid effluent is being dumped into the Hudson, that solid wastes are being removed and trucked elsewhere.
Asked the degree of how substandard the effluent is, Halbfinger said she did not have that figure.
Halbfinger said it could take another 14 days to complete repairs at the plant, which she said are ongoing. Tuesday evening Halbfinger got back to WPCNR and reported the total cost of repairs to the plant so far was $12.65 Million.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency management was unaware last week of the damages the plant suffered, WPCNR has learned.
An advisory to avoid contact with Hudson River waters remains in effect, Halbfinger said.
Halbfinger in a previous WPCNR interview three weeks ago explained the extent of the damage when the tide of Hurricane Sandy engulfed the plant:
1. WPCNR: What caused the Yonkers sewage plant to discharge the raw sewage into the Hudson?
Halbfinger: The equipment was shut down to prevent an explosion and fire that could be caused by water hitting high voltage lines. In addition, the storm surge washed the Hudson into the basement of the plant, where much of the pumps and electrical equipment are located. All of the motors had to be taken apart, cleaned and repaired and parts had to be replaced, along with electrical controls. The whole plant had to be pumped out washed and disinfected and treated to prevent mold. All the insulation on the pipes had to be removed, the pipes had to be cleaned and the pipes will be reinsulated.
WPCNR: When is it expected to be fixed?
Halbfinger: Secondary treatment is expected in the next few days, but it will take at least a week for this biological process to start providing treatment.
WPCNR: What was the delay in getting it fixed? What caused the delay?
Halbfinger: We’re making steady progress, but the sheer size and scope of the work involved has been a tremendous undertaking by the Department of Environmental Facilities. The plant is about a half-mile long, and for most of this length, the basement was filled with water that had to be pumped out.
Then the basement had to be dried out. All of the pipes had to have their insulation removed, the salt water had to be washed from the pipe and then new insulation will be installed.
We had 250 motors that had to be removed, repaired and reinstalled. It all takes time. Two 5,000 gallon tanks of polymer ruptured in the basement and that had to be cleaned up. It took time to get the needed parts and to make the repairs. And we’re in good company. Sewage treatment plants throughout the tri-state area have all been faced with similar problems.
