Land Debris and Compost Facilities Will Require Water Quality Testing in Nassau and Suffolk Counties

Long Island groundwater is the sole drinking water source for many residents of Nassau and Suffolk counties. Land debris and compost facilities are vulnerable to leaching material into the ground and potentially contaminating the groundwater. To protect the groundwater, the proposed Solid Waste Management Part 360 regulations include water quality testing requirements that reference the Environmental Conservation Law Section 15-0517.

The water quality testing regulations at a minimum require:

(a) quarterly up gradient and down gradient water quality testing;

(b) setbacks from drinking water supply wells and surface water bodies; and

(c) dust and odor suppression and fire risk minimization.

The regulations elicit challenges for compliance but are important for the separation of water resources. Quarterly sampling is imperative for testing common metals on Long Island (sodium, manganese, and iron) and other parameters common in drinking water (chloride, ammonia, nitrogen, etc.). Facility operations require buffer areas away from water supply and surface bodies due to stormwater runoff that potentially carries contaminants. An impermeable liner may also be required if in the vicinity of a primary recharge area. 

Walden has several skilled engineers to design facilities and test water quality to avoid the risk of environmental impairment. Consultants are available to assist in all aspects of Part 360 compliance.