MEMBERS: Chair: M. Kaplowitz. Members: V. Pinto, J. Maisano, U. LaMotte.

Staff: Charlotte Ryer, Secretary.

ALSO PRESENT: Dan Donahue (DEF); Alan Natter (Hazen & Sawyer); Mark Tedesco (EPA/LIS ofc.); Ann M. Cohen (CWCWC); Janet Janeli (LWV); Gudrun LeLash (FCWC); Carol Coggeshall (Soil & Water Bd.); Fedora DeLucia (Former Mbr. Somers Plng. Bd.); John Yoegel (DEF); Tom Anderson (Gannett); Jan Blaire (EMC).

The meeting was called to order by Chair Kaplowitz at 3:10 p.m.. After minor corrections by Legislator Maisano and Legislator Pinto, the minutes of April 28^th were approved, and a motion to accept was made by Legislator Pinto, seconded by Legislator Maisano, carried by a vote of 4-0.

Next, Committee business was reviewed. Correspondence was received from Harold Vogt of the Westchester Chamber of Commerce in opposition of filtration avoidance, regarding the Eliot Engel Bill HR-1284 and will be placed for the record, on the Board’s next agenda.

Chair Kaplowitz then introduced Dan Donahue and Alan Natter to begin the discussion on Long Island Sound, DEF, and the sewer system. Mr. Donahue expressed that he is hopeful to receive funding from the State Clean Water–Clean Air Act, but has not yet received anything in writing. Originally, the DEF asked for $4-5 million and has received about $3.9 million. DEF met with DEC and filed a Bond Act to begin the demonstration project for the high bio-mass removal system and testing process. The removal study will be performance

tested over a two-year period. If testing is satisfactory, the funding will be upgraded to full-scale. Chair asked to clearly define the Sound study. Mark Tedesco responded, stating that the study is funded by the EPA and has been in existence since 1995. The concept is to bring the states of New York and Connecticut together to work with different agencies on the federal level, state level, local level, and to work with citizen groups on developing a plan, focusing on the LIS. Mr. Tedesco continued explaining the full concept and how it is expected to take shape over the next few years. With funding granted to the County through their assistance, the EPA will maintain an association with the Natural Resource Conservation Services, and along with the Advisory Committee, will provide technical support and assistance. Chair asked Mr. Tedesco to forward the written information to the Committee.

Legislator Pinto questioned the different processes of applying newer technology to the removal and testing. Mr. Donahue responded that he does not approve of spending a lot of money on new technology that has not yet been proven. Alan Natter added that about four years ago, Hazen & Sawyer performed a study for the County on the cost of treatment at the 4 Long Island Sound plants to meet two-levels of treatment (8mg/ltr & 4mg/ltr). With 58.5% removal, as recommended by EPA, the tests averaged 5mg/ltr at all the plants. The County has very strict requirements regarding treatment and building at their plants. The two plants where the new bio-mass treatment technology will possibly work are in Mamaroneck and Blind Brook. Legislator LaMotte suggested that before spending lots of money, the study should be tested over a 2-3 year period with removal performed on an annual basis. Chair asked what would be the approximate total cost of the study. Mr. Donahue stated, that in order to insure that the 4ml/ltr is reached, the cost would be about $400 million. He asked for a commitment from the State for grant funding before bonding.

Chair thanked the invited guests and continued with Committee business. Legislator Maisano requested that Alan Natter send a copy of the feasibility report on Long Island Sound to be on hand for the Committee. Mr. Kaplowitz discussed the Board’s decision on the GE Hangar. The Board has 30-days from receipt of the official decision to decide its course. It was suggested that each Legislator write a letter to appeal the decision, noting that this is a time-sensitive issue.

On motion of Legislator Pinto, seconded by Legislator Maisano, the meeting adjourned at the 4:20 p.m..