The Suffolk County Water Authority has received approval from the New York State Department of Health to put into operation a system developed by SCWA employees that will effectively treat an emerging contaminant of concern on Long Island.
The state’s action, announced by Governor Andrew M. Cuomo, means SCWA’s Advanced Oxidation Process (AOP) treatment system will soon begin to remove the contaminant 1,4-dioxane at SCWA’s Commercial Boulevard, Central Islip pump station. The system, the first of its kind in New York State, is expected to remove more than 97% of detected 1,4-dioxane from groundwater.
"We’re very proud to have developed this treatment technology and thank Governor Cuomo and the state Department of Health for their leadership in evaluating the system and approving its use," said SCWA Chairman James F. Gaughran.
The reactor used in AOP treatment to remove 1,4-dioxane from drinking water at the Authority's Commercial Boulevard pump station in Central Islip.
1,4-dioxane is a synthetic chemical used as a solvent and chlorinated solvent stabilizer for industrial chemicals. It can also be found in household products such as deodorants, shampoos, toothpastes and mouthwashes. There is currently no chemical-specific federal or state regulation for the compound.
In Advanced Oxidation Process, water passes through a reactor, where hydrogen peroxide reacts with ultraviolet light to form a high energy oxidant, or hydroxyl radical. The hydroxyl radicals are responsible for the destruction of 1,4-dioxane.
The Suffolk County Water Authority is an independent public-benefit corporation operating under 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.