Binghamton-Johnson City Joint Water Treatment Plant Issues
BINGHAMTON, NY - The Broome County Health Department in conjunction with Region 7 DEC and the Superintendent of the Binghamton-Johnson City Wastewater Treatment plant have reviewed available data in order to provide to users of the Susquehanna River an assessment of Public Health impacts from the effluent produced by the plant when providing only primary treatment.
Based on results of daily fecal coliform tests performed by plant personnel at the discharge pipe entering the river, it is the opinion of the Broome County Health Department that the increased level of disinfection required has been effective in keeping the fecal coliform level well within discharge limits and has afforded an enhanced barrier to the spread of disease. The levels of fecal coliform discharges are also within the in-stream limits for this segment of the Susquehanna River. The flooding in April 05 did however change portions of the streambed and damaged the outfall structure reducing the amount of the water near the plant discharge point available for further dilution. As offered earlier by DEC Region 7 the Broome County Health Department agrees that it is prudent for people to minimize their risk to exposure by avoiding the area immediately down stream of this area.
The plant is presently operated under a DEC issued consent order designed to protect public health and the environment. NYS DEC Region 7 and Binghamton/Johnson City Joint Wastewater Treatment Plant staff continue to closely monitor operations of the Binghamton/Johnson City plant and will advise the Broome County Health Department of any major changes in operation efficiencies that may impact public health. Questions on plant operations quality can be directed to either NYS DEC or staff at the Binghamton/Johnson City Joint Wastewater Treatment Plant. Questions or river quality can be direct to NYSDEC.
CONTACT:
Robert Denz, P.E.
Broome County Health Department:607.778.2887
email: rdenz@co.broome.ny.us
William Miller, Jr., Binghamton/Johnson City Joint Water Treatment Plant office: 607.729.2975
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