DEP Biweekly Reports Folder 0049, 2000-2001

NYC 9/11 Public Portal Document

Anomalous Lead Reading Lead was detected in a number of drinking water samples collected from 14 sites within the City's distribution system on January 9, 2001. Elevated lead level, greater then 15 ppb were detected at 8 of the 14 sites. Because these readings are totally out of keeping with all previous system reports and the presence of nickle (also an anomaly) was recorded in a few of the samples, an investigation into the collection and analytical procedures used during this sampling/analysis event is under way. DEP's Drinking Water Quality Division will be conducting further testing to determine the cause of the anomalous reading. State DOH has been notified.

New York Power Authority On January 12, 2001 DEP staff faxed a letter to the New York Power Authority (NYPA) asserting that NYPA had to obtain permits for its proposed installation of natural gas turbine generators. This request was based upon the description of those generators set forth in the Negative Declaration issued by NYPA on November 20, 2000. The letter went on to state that NYPA must obtain permits for such facilities under the New York City Air Pollution Control Guide prior to their installation

Current Status of Grease Inspections As of January 12, 2001, 1,760 restaurants have been inspected in seven target areas covered by our Grease Reduction Enforcement and Education Strategy (GREES) program. This resulted in 1,293 Commissioner's Orders issued, requiring the installation of 2,606 grease traps, and 87 notices of violation were issued for failure to maintain grease traps. Additionally, DEP reinspected 684 restaurants and recorded a 97.6% compliance rate.

Emergency Response

Distribution Water Main Breaks; Citywide With the onset of winter weather during the biweekly reporting period, cold nights followed by moderate day temperatures have resulted in a significant increase in the number of distribution water main failures. The following is a brief synopsis of events that occurred at water main breaks that had a significant impact on area residence:

48 Inch Water Main Break - Cypress Avenue and Vermont Avenue; Queens Early Sunday morning January 7, 2001, The NYC Department of Sanitation reported a street leak in Cypress Avenue east of Vermont Avenue, in Queens. DEP personnel responded and found considerable street flooding and roadway damage. The Police Department was on location and Cypress Avenue was closed to traffic. The crew called for assistance and initiated a shutdown on transmission the failed 48 inch water main. DEP distribution engineers made adjustments to the water main system in the area serviced by the failed main and no consumers were affected by the shutdown. Although Cypress Avenue was closed to traffic, delays were minimal be cause of the light over to Sunday usage. Due to considerable roadway damage and undermining the site was turned in progress. Two lanes the emergency repair contractor and repairs to the water main are currently final of Cypress Avenue were open to traffic before the Monday peak traffic flow. However, restoration of the roadway will not be completed until January 29, 2001.

NYC-WTC 000137962