The ceaseless march of technology has so often been blamed for hurting the environment. The Oyster Bay Sewer District's recent upgrade of its treatment facility is a heartening example of cutting-edge technology that exists to help preserve the environment.
According to the District's officials, the project was decided on only after a thorough investigation was made into many alternatives, including the rehabilitation of existing systems.

"We felt that doing the job properly now would save money in the long term, as well as serve the best interest of the environment," said Commissioner Thomas D. Galasso. "Indeed," he added, "the upgrade reduces the amount of oxygen the effluent consumes from Oyster Bay harbor and reduces the amount of suspended solids in the effluent to well below government standards."

Here's a brief rundown on the specifics of the project:

• Four rotating biological disc systems were installed. This cylindrically-shaped machine features four large discs (each with 100,000 square feet of surface area) mounted on a shaft inside a tank. By slowly turning through the waste water, the discs allow bacteria to consume the waste
• A chlorine contact tank was enlarged to provide adequate treatment time of the waste water during peak flows
• Additional primary and secondary settling tanks were added to enhance sludge settlement
• The trickling filters were rehabilitated with the construction of new perimeter walls and wind screens
• The emergency power system was expanded, including the installation of a 300 kilowatt emergency generator
• New pumps were installed to increase efficiency
• To conserve water, a system was added to allow chlorinated effluent water to be used for tank washdown, chlorine feed water, flushing water and non-potable uses
• An administration building was constructed to house the administrative staff and provide record-storage facilities as well as all electrical controls and the emergency generator.

Commissioner Galasso added, "Historically, spending money on infrastructure projects has paid huge dividends in terms of the public welfare, quality-of-life and economic success. I believe the expenditure on the Oyster Bay Sewer District's plant upgrade will be no different. Time will prove that it was the right decision, at the right time, for the right price."