First-of-its-kind Suffolk County Water Authority Pilot Program to treat 1,4-dioxane is approved by the New York State Department of Health.
Big news on the clean groundwater effort came in yesterday, from the Suffolk County Water Authority. The SCWA received approval from the New York State Department of Health to move forward with a pilot project that could lead to an effective way of removing toxins from our ground water. The support from the Department Health, allows Suffolk County Water Authority to build and utilize the full-scale Advanced Oxidation Process designed for the removal of 1,4-dioxane. This human carcinogen, classified as an ether, is an emerging contaminant, detected in Long Island groundwater at various locations.
“This project continues a tradition at SCWA of proactively developing innovative ways of removing contaminants from groundwater… Our expectations are that this process could be the solution regulators have been looking for to address this emerging contaminant of concern.” – Chief Executive Officer Jeffrey W. Szabo, Suffolk County Water Authority.
How the Advanced Oxidation Process works
As Water passes through a reactor, hydrogen peroxide reacts with ultraviolet light. This forms a high energy oxidant, or hydroxyl radical which destroys the 1,4-dioxane in the water. 1,4-dioxane is a synthetic chemical used as a solvent and chlorinated solvent stabilizer for industrial chemicals. Though there is no chemical-specific federal or state regulation of 1,4-dioxane—and no approved treatment for its removal—the chemical has been detected in Long Island groundwater at various locations. This pilot project will give the Suffolk County Water Authority a great tool to keep our groundwater safe.
The Long Island Commission for Aquifer Protection (LICAP) has recently launched a GIS-based water quality mapping and database known as WaterTraq. This is an online source, available to the public, to research groundwater quality and contamination. The map indicated lead levels, nitrates and other hazardous compounds by location. Residents can log onto the LICAP website and click on the WaterTraq map to view groundwater quality.
About the Suffolk County Water Authority
The Suffolk County Water Authority is an independent public-benefit corporation operating under the authority of the Public Authorities Law of the State of New York. Serving approximately 1.2 million Suffolk County residents, the Authority operates without taxing power on a not-for-profit basis.