The Bay Park Conveyance Project will make Nassau County an even better place to live, work, and play!
Project Overview
The Bay Park Conveyance Project is a partnership between the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) and the Nassau County Department of Public Works (NCDPW). Together NYSDEC and NCDPW are improving water quality and storm resiliency in Long Island’s Western Bays by upgrading its existing wastewater management infrastructure.
This innovative Project will convey treated water from the South Shore Water Reclamation Facility (previously known as the Bay Park Sewage Treatment Plant (STP)) located in Nassau County, New York, which currently discharges an average of 50 million gallons per day (MGD) of treated water into Reynolds Channel, to the Cedar Creek Water Pollution Control Plant (WPCP) ocean outfall pipe.
How It Works
Treated water will be conveyed via the construction of a 2-mile long force main from the South Shore Water Reclamation Facility to an existing aqueduct under the Sunrise Highway, rehabilitation of an 7.3-mile stretch of the aqueduct, and construction of a 1.6-mile long force main to connect the rehabilitated aqueduct to the existing Cedar Creek Water Pollution Control Plant (WPCP) outfall, which discharges and diffuses treated water three miles offshore in the Atlantic Ocean.
Conveyance Pipe Depth
The pipe carrying treated water will be approximately 20–60 feet below the surface.
Project Benefits
Storm Protection
The nitrogen loading in the Western Bays over the years has caused a reduction in coastal resiliency and a loss of coastline.
This Project will spur the rapid ecological recovery of the Western Bays marshlands, which will protect coastal communities from storm surge and sea level rise.
Quality of Life Factors
Poor water quality has resulted in harmful algae growth and low oxygen waters, which have caused odor issues.
With treated water no longer discharged into the Western Bays, the community will experience the benefits of cleaner water. It will maximize quality of life by providing residents a place to work and play.
Economic Benefit
The nitrogen loading in the Western Bays has resulted in habitat loss which has largely resulted in the decline of the shellfishing industry in the Bays.
The Project will allow for the ecological recovery of the Western Bays, which will in turn enhance and expand water-based recreational and commercial opportunities.