Mar 9, 2010

DEP opens microbiology lab at Newtown Creek plant

City officials today announced the opening of a new $2.3 million microbiology laboratory that will improve operational efficiency and enhance monitoring of local waterways.

The new lab, located at Newtown Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant in Brooklyn, will consolidate bacteriological analyses for all 14 city wastewater treatment plants, increase DEP’s ability to compare test results across its facilities, and help achieve the highest levels of pollutant removal and disinfection from the 1.3 billion gallons of wastewater that New Yorkers produce every day, according to a press release.

“This new microbiology lab will substantially increase our monitoring and testing capacity, giving us the vital information we need to meet and exceed treatment standards, and continue the resurgence of New York City’s waterways that is central to Mayor Bloomberg’s PlaNYC vision.” said Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner Cas Holloway.

The new 2,000 square-foot lab will also allow for a significant increase in the number of water samples that can be analyzed with existing staff.

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