New York State, City Reach Agreement On Sewage Treatment Plant Upgrade Plan

摘要

A comprehensive environmental audit of New York City's 14 sewage treatment plants and four of its largest combined sewer overflow facilities would be conducted under the terms of a state-city agreement announced Nov. 6.rnThe audit, to be performed by an independent contractor hired by the city, is intended to ensure compliance with environmental laws, the state Department of Environmental Conservation said. As part of a collaborative, forward-looking approach taken in developing the agreement, DEC said, the city audit will identify and correct violations at facilities discharging into the its waterways.rnDEC said the monetary provisions of the agreement would place into escrow a $27.4 million judgment against the city for violations at its Newtown Creek facility, the largest wastewater treatment plant in the state. If the city meets construction milestones for upgrading the plant, the penalty would be returned, the department said.rnSimilarly, the city would have to pay another $16 million in penalties if it fails to meet the requirements of a capital-management improvement program.rnThe agreement, which is subject to approval by the state comptroller, also would provide $10 million for community environmental benefit projects, the largest such allocation in state history, DEC said.rnThe funds are to be administered through the City Parks Foundation, the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority, and the Hudson River Foundation, DEC said.