At the North Hempstead Town Board meeting on Nov. 18 the Manhasset-Lakeville Water District received the go-ahead for two major projects: The rehabilitation of the Thomaston elevated water storage tank, at the estimated cost of $3.5 million and construction of the nitrate remediation facilities at the district's existing Searingtown plant, at the estimated cost of $3.3 million. To pay for the work, the town board approved the issuance of $6.8 million in serial bonds.

The water tank needs a new inside and a new outside coating. The inner lining is lead-based and poses a concern when it is removed. Since the tower is located amid houses and only one block from Northern Boulevard, containment of the discarded materials will require stringent oversight. Engineers stated that the repairs and the new coatings will prolong the life of the tower and it would not be feasible to remove the current tower and erect a new one.

The work at the Searingtown plant will remove nitrates from the water and pass them down the sewer line to the South Shore. This later project also includes the construction of a small building to house certain remediation equipment, and the installation of a sewer connection line between the proposed building and the existing Nassau County sewer infrastructure. Included are any equipment, furnishings, machinery or apparatus, and any ancillary or related work required in connection with the project.

Both resolutions, for the work and the bonds, passed unanimously after repeated calls from the board for anyone wishing to speak on the matter. Only one resident approached the podium and asked where the nitrates would go when removed from the water at the plant. When told "They will be flushed down the sewer and travel to the south shore," the questioner returned to his seat.

Of further relevance to the well-being of the residents of North Hempstead was the passage of a resolution spearheaded by Councilman Thomas Dwyer. This new legislation establishes requirements for all builders of new residential construction in the town to comply with the "Energy Star" standards as developed by the US Environmental Protection Agency and administered locally by the Long Island Power Authority. Not only will this promote a "green" approach but will also reduce energy consumption thus benefitting the homeowner and the town. These standards have been widely accepted throughout Long Island and it was noted by Supervisor Kaimen that local villages will also be asked to join in the practice of using the "Energy Star" standards. This local law was adopted unanimously.