Treyger urges state to use Sandy funds for Coney Island plant upgrade
New York State is about to receive more than $300 million from the federal government to upgrade its sewage treatment plants to prevent damage in future Sandy-type storms. Mark Treyger, a Democratic hopeful for Coney Island’s City Council seat, said he thinks the water treatment plant in that coastal community should be high on the list of facilities getting a makeover.
“Coney Island was one of many New York communities devastated by Hurricane Sandy. During, and in the immediate aftermath of the storm, people who were unable to evacuate, as well as those who quickly returned to their homes, did not have access to clean drinking water or reliable sanitation services,” Treyger said.
Located on Knapp Street, the Coney Island Waste Water Treatment Plant was hit with numerous problems during Hurricane Sandy, Treyger said. Water from Shell Bank Creek came over the plant’s bulkheads and flooded the building. The debris from the flood clogged parts of the plant and power was lost. In addition, a 72-inch outfall pipe had been previously shut down for repairs, leaving the plant in even worse shape, Treyger said.