$20 million in New York state funding tagged for wastewater infrastructure improvements
On Monday, the Niagara Falls Water Board authorized a consent order with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, which DEC executed on Tuesday.
Following water discharge incidents earlier in 2017, the NFWB has been able to reach an agreement on the terms of a mutually acceptable consent order, which contains requirements designed to improve the Water Board's wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) and to reduce future discharges. The NFWB believes entering into a consent order without further delay is in the best interest of its ratepayers and the public.
Following the authorization of the consent order, Lt. Gov. Kathy Hochul also announced $20 million will be invested into the first phase of upgrading the NFWB's wastewater infrastructure. The state also will provide $500,000 in funding to assist the NFWB in completing two engineering studies that will help to identify the best options for dealing with the impacts of discharges and converting the WWTP from an outdated physical-chemical treatment plant to a biological treatment plant, which is the preferred wastewater treatment technology.
"The Niagara Falls Water Board appreciates the state's generous investment to improve Niagara Falls' outdated wastewater system. It is meaningful and important that this has been recognized at the highest levels of the state government, with personal involvement from Gov. Cuomo, Lt. Gov. Hochul, and Commissioner Seggos," said Daniel T. O'Callaghan, NFWB chairman. "There is a lot of work left to do, but, with the help of the state, we can think boldly and innovate. It is our goal to become a model for how Great Lakes communities deal with wastewater, and today marks a big step forward in that process."
The NFWB remains wholly committed to proper wastewater treatment and the distribution of the highest-quality drinking water consistent with public health laws and regulations, as well as the public enjoyment of natural resources, the protection of fish and wildlife, the economic development of the City of Niagara Falls and the general well-being of the surrounding area.
