The Town of Huntington has received $1 million to help keep waters clean, Rep. Nick LaLota, R-Amityville, said, half for the installation of microturbines at the sewer plant, half for flood mitigation.
The $500,000 for the sewer plant will allow for the installation of methane-powered microturbines at the plant. The plant vents and flares a portion of the methane gas that results naturally from the biological decomposition of liquid waste products. This methane can be utilized as a high-quality renewable energy source if captured and diverted to two, quiet, efficient, gas turbines. Using these microturbines, the districtcan offset its annual energy costs.
Additionally, turbines will give the district the potential to become a net energy supplier to the LIPA power grid during periods of peak demand.
“Our administration is focused on the maintenance and strengthening of the Town infrastructure,” said Huntington Town Supervisor Ed Smyth. “Congressman LaLota‘s support of these initiatives on Capitol Hill helps keep local real estate taxes low, securing funds through federal aid.”
The other $500,000 in funding for the Huntington Sewer Line Extension project will provide flood resiliency to protect and maintain the operation of the treatment plant should flooding occur; maintaining treatment during flooding will also prevent water quality impacts to the marine surface waters in Huntington Harbor. The Huntington Sewer District wastewater treatment plant has an average daily flow limit of 2.6 million gallons per day.