Huntington Notebook: Sewer Plant Rates High; Vets Honored

Huntington's sewage treatment plant recieved a top rating in a recent survey of treatment plants around Long Island.

In a report issued Oct. 31, the Citizens Campaign for the Environment gave the Huntington plant an A+ — the highest among 10 plants studied.

An $18 million upgrade in 2008 to bring the plant up to water quality standards for the year 2014 is apparently paying off. The facility received a score of 97 and a grade of A+ which was 10 points greater than the next closest plant.

Factors such as permit violations, public notification procedures, storm water management, energy efficiency, public education and climate change adaptation wer considered as grading factors, according to the town.

"The facility scored high because it not only meets water quality standards but also because Huntington has implemented energy efficiency measures, adaptation for climate change and public education programs," said Adrienne Esposito, CCE executive director, in a press release. "Efficient and effective management of this sewage treatment plant equates to cleaner, safer bays for Huntington residents."

The Huntington plant was recognized for conducting a first of its kind energy efficiency hybrid compressor testing and for being one of only two towns in the study supporting a federal law requiring public notification of sewage spills.

"We thank Adrienne Esposito and the Citizens Campaign for recognizing how seriously Huntington takes its responsibility to minimize pollution from our sewage treatment plant and to operate the plant in an environmentally friendly, energy efficient manner," Supervisor Frank P. Petrone said.   

According to the town, the new and upgraded facility will greatly improve the health of Huntington Harbor and the Long Island Sound by reducing the potential for Red Tides and Brown Tides by reducing "hypoxia" — a deficiency in the amount of oxygen in the water caused by excess nitrogen.

In other town news:

• The Town of Huntington held its annual Veterans Day Program and Wreath Ceremony on Sunday at Veterans Plaza, located on the front lawn of Huntington Town Hall. Supervisor Frank. P. Petrone, members of the Town Council and the Veterans Advisory Board were joined by representatives of the Town’s many Veterans organizations in remembering those who served our country in the military. The program, sponsored by the Huntington Kiwanis included a performance by the Huntington High School choir and a keynote address from Ed Billia, president of the Federation of Fire Chaplains. (Full coverage coming Monday)
• The Town of Huntington held its annual Halloween Parade in Huntington village Monday. Hundreds turned out for the 6th annual event which ran from the Huntington Post office to the corner of Wall Street and Main. PHOTOS