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Very interesting discussion, but it focused totally on the old style conventional wastewater programs. There are very exciting new approaches being employed right in NYC within new Green Buildings. Water reuse will revolutionize the water/wastewater industry and help us move away from these Romanesque approaches that were the topic of your program.

Yes, there is hope for the future and I would like to provide you and Mr. Kaufman with information on 4 operating water reuse systems in Manhattan (all part of LEED certified buildings) and on many others throughout the northeast. How can I send information?

Santa Fe and some places in California are returning treated wastewater upstream of their streams the treated waste is so clean.

great interview!
What about the presence of the anti-bacterial chemical triclosan in outflow waters from sewage treatment plants? Is there any attempt to remove it? I've heard it can turn into dioxin when exposed to sunlight and can be harmful to wildlife as well.
thanks,
Michael

Here is the link to confirm my prior post.

http://www.enn.com/top_stories/article/21497

How can you have this chat at lunchtime! I had to torn off the sound!

we all need to learn a lot of things - did you know that luxury hotels in ulan bator have composting toilets?

No. The water is not pure that goes back in the rivers. NYC is not in compliance with the NY DEC/ US EPA in terms of the tons of nitrogen being released into Long Island Sound. Nitrogen has been associated with "blooms" that occur with fish kill offs.
Recent reports have indicated that Jamaica Bay is being badly affected by the nitrogen output of NYC's plants.
Also, when there are torrential downpours of rain, the stormwater overwhelms the sewage treatment plants and untreated sewage is dumped into the Sound.
Taking pharmaceuticals out of the waste water is not yet cost efficient.

I would like to hear more about the environmental justice issues that were just briefly mentioned in the beginning of this piece. Would love to hear from some of the community groups involved.

Leonard,

There is still a huge problem with sewer treatment. When it rains, the NYC sewer system becomes overwhelmed and untreated effluent overflows into the waterways. 26 billions gallons of untreated waste go into NY waterways each year. Ask about Combined Sewage Overflows

I switched to a non-toxic biodegrable detergent for my laundry and dishes. Does this matter? Is Clorox safe?

Thanks,
Chad