Residents tour upgraded sewage plant

It’s been nine months since United Water took over operation of the Cedar Creek Sewage Treatment Plant from Nassau County, and plant officials say they are working to bring the facility up to date and reduce odors for neighboring Seaford and Wantagh residents.

On Sept. 8, the Cedar Creek Oversight Committee had its quarterly meeting there, but instead of sitting around a table talking, they were given a tour of the facility by United Water officials.

Cedar Creek is the sewage treatment plant for Sewer District No. 3, which runs from Freeport to the Suffolk County border, and the Long Island Expressway to the Great South Bay. Sewage from more than 1,500 miles worth of underground pipes makes it way to the plant, where it is enters through a single 108-inch pipe. It is then treated before being emptied via an outfall pipe into the Atlantic Ocean.

Cedar Creek has the capability to handle up to 72 million gallons of sewage per day, and currently averages 52 million. United Water officials say that gives them plenty of “breathing room” in case any new homes or businesses are added to the sewer system.

Alan Weiland, director of operations for Cedar Creek, explained that as part of United Water’s contract with the county, it must inspect underground sewage pipes on a seven-year cycle, using either television or sonar equipment, to check for possible leaks or structural damage. “Most of the value in the sewer system is not what you see,” he said. “It’s what you don’t see.”

Once that sewage reaches Cedar Creek, it goes through a multi-step process before it is emptied into the ocean. Dan Ryan, the plant manager, said much of the facility is being upgraded to use more modern technology and improve safety.

At the earliest stage of treatment, sewage runs through bar screens, which removes solid objects such as paper and plastic. The building that houses those screens is being upgraded and expanded as part of a multi-million dollar project expected to be completed in November 2016. The screens, which are now three stories below ground, will be replaced and will be at ground level. Ryan said this will eliminate the need to raise dumpsters up with a crane. The installation of new screens is expected to start in the spring.

A grit removal system then removes inorganic material, such as sand and pebbles, which can damage equipment. The material is then washed and trucked off site.

United Water spokesman Michael Martino said a new odor detection system around Cedar Creek has been installed and has been operational for months. Ryan added that the plant has received 10 odor complaints this year to date, consistent with last year.

“It’s a wastewater treatment plant,” he said. “It does smell. We do our best to contain it and make it pleasant for everyone.” Ryan added that all buildings have scrubbers, the plant has a bio-filter, and doors are kept closed to keep odors from escaping.

Martino said that since United Water took over, a regular maintenance schedule has been developed to ensure that all equipment is being kept up the way its supposed to be. “Maintenance saves money,” he said. “When you don’t maintain it, it breaks. When it breaks, it costs more.”

Karen Cass, a Seaford resident, attended last week’s tour to see the progress that has been made. She said when her daughter started kindergarten at Seaford Harbor School 17 years ago, she protested against the strong odors that emanated from the plant. “Coming from that to now, it’s very good,” she said. “But that doesn’t mean we have to stop.”

Cass said it is important that community members keep monitoring progress at Cedar Creek and keep pushing for further odor controls. She added that she is hopeful that the ongoing maintenance will continue.

United Water is receiving a flat $57.6 million fee to run the plant. “We’ve made a lot of strides in the last nine months,” Martino said. “There’s a lot of work to do.”

The next meeting of the Cedar Creek Oversight Committee is set for Dec. 6.