The Plainview Water District announces free confidential pollution prevention assessments that are being offered.

Empire State Development (ESD) has awarded Dvirka and Bartilucci Consulting Engineers (D&B) a grant to conduct free confidential pollution prevention assessments at all businesses in New York State. As part of the project, D&B will conduct 100 free pollution prevention assessments at small businesses located in the "downstate" region of New York State at no cost to the business. Results of the assessment are strictly confidential. The assessment will be completed on a "first come first serve" basis.

Eligible New York State businesses must employ 100 or fewer individuals and be involved in industrial, manufacturing, R&D, Hi-tech, services or other non-retail commercial enterprise. In order to identify appropriate business entities, outreach seminars will be offered. Participating companies will be provided a comprehensive assessment to identify pollution prevention opportunities, a detailed implementation plan, assistance in implementing the plan and timely follow-up to document project results.

Pollution prevention and waste reduction refer to any practice, which reduces the amount of any hazardous substance, pollutant, or contaminant entering any waste stream or otherwise released into the environment. Such practices reduce the hazards to public health and the environment associated with the release of such substances, pollutants, or contaminants.

"The Plainview Water District and myself truly believe that pollution prevention assessments are not only a benefit for protecting our vital drinking water, environment and citizens, but our businesses as well. These assessments will help run their business in the most efficient, cost-effective and responsible manner which will help with economic growth," said Joel Kessler, chairman of the Plainview Water District Board of Commissioners.

The first seminar is scheduled September 10, 2004 located in the H. Lee Dennison Building at 100 Veterans Memorial Highway, Hauppauge, NY 11788. Suffolk County Executive's Office and Department of Economic Development will host this seminar. The second seminar is scheduled October 1, 2004 located at the Nassau County Bar Association at 15th and West Street, Mineola, NY 11501. Nassau County Executive's Office, Department of Economic Development and the Nassau County Academy of Law will be hosting this seminar.

For further information regarding obtaining a free pollution prevention assessment, please contact Richard M. Walka or Keith Brower of D&B at 364-9890 or e-mail rwalka@db-eng.com or krbrower@db-eng.com

The Plainview Water District has won the prestigious title of Best Tasting Tap Water in Nassau County 2004, as part of the celebrations for National Water Week. The contest, sponsored by the Long Island Water Conference and hosted by the Source Mall in Westbury, brought water purveyors from across Long Island together for a celebration of the region's exceptionally cool, clear, crisp-tasting water. Mall consumers, who served as judges in the contest, surveyed samples from approximately 30 water supplies from across the county. After all the votes were tallied, Plainview's water came out with the highest marks for taste and quality. Plainview went on to compete against the Suffolk County winner.

The contest pitted the Nassau County Champ, Plainview Water District, against the Suffolk County Winner, Greenlawn Water District. In a close vote only one vote separated the Plainview Water District from the number one spot. Judges for the contest consisted of Nassau County Legislator Judy Jacobs, SUNY Farmingdale President Jonathan Gibralter and Suffolk Legislator Jon Cooper. Despite the loss Plainview still went on to the New York State region finals in New York City on August 26th.

The contest contended the Nassau County Champ, Plainview Water District, against the Suffolk County Winner, Greenlawn Water District, as well as the Westchester / Rockland County winner, City of Yonkers. The New York State Section of the American Water Works Association (NYSAWWA) sponsored the contest. The professional organization represents New York State public drinking water purveyors who supply potable water to over 15 million people. The taste test was conducted at the entrance of the American Museum of Natural History. Visitors to the museum were asked to participate in the blind taste test. Visitors who participated included metropolitan area residents as well as out of state and international visitors to the museum. The Plainview Water District was selected as the downstate winner with 90 votes cast. The water from the Plainview Water District will now be entered in the New York State finals. The finals contest will be held at the New York State Fair in Syracuse, New York on September 1st.

"This is a very proud achievement for the Plainview Water District community. The quality of our water supply is second to none across the county and we are pleased and humbled that so many people from across the county have recognized it. Onward to the Long Island championship!" said Plainview Water District Board of Commissioners Chairman Joel Kessler.