Dodd Pushes for Funding for Norwalk Water Project
By Dori Berman
WASHINGTON, October 27, 2004–When Congress returns to Washington following the elections next month, Norwalk officials hope that Sen. Chris Dodd (D-Conn.) can help secure federal funds for the city to implement an innovative project to prevent harmful runoff into the Long Island Sound.
Proposed by the Long Island Soundkeepers, an organization that has battled pollution in the Sound for almost 20 years, the project may be implemented by next spring if the group and the city can secure funding, said Terry Backer, who heads Soundkeepers.
The test project would involve sponge-like inserts in the city’s storm drains that would filter grease, oil, pesticides, trash and other harmful materials out of the water emptying into the Sound. The “Smart Sponge” technology, produced by AbTech Industries in Scottsdale, Ariz., also can be conditioned to treat bacteria and is relatively easy to maintain, Backer said.
Field tests showed that the filters trap an average of 95 percent of oil and grease in storm water runoff, according to AbTech’s website.
The Department of Public Works and Soundkeepers have chosen two areas of the city, South Norwalk and the vicinity of the public works center, to test the technology. Fifty storm drains in each area would get the inserts.
While similar projects are up and running in other communities nationwide, it would be the first of its kind in a marine environment like Norwalk’s where seafood production is an issue, Backer said.
“Norwalk is a really great location,” Backer said. “It’s got a great harbor, and it’s a microcosm with both urban and suburban areas. We think it’s a pretty good investment in terms of recreation and quality of life.”
The Soundkeepers took their idea for the project to Mayor Alex Knopp, who has a strong environmental record, Backer said. The group and the city are working together to secure federal and state funds for the project. They also are pursuing private grants.
“Norwalk regards the environmental health of the Long Island Sound as important because the Norwalk harbor is our most important natural resource,” Knopp said. “The harbor has played an important role in the history of the Norwalk economy.”
While other measures have been taken to reduce pollution of the Sound, they do not eliminate what Backer called “lifestyle pollution,” including by-products from cars, domestic animals and industry. Regulations are in place for companies and individuals, he said, but the community must do more to preserve the Sound as a source of recreation and economic benefits.
“Everyone gets the idea that if you’re going to swim in the water and eat the food you want it to be clean,” Backer said. The Soundkeepers expect to get funding from at least some of the sources they have been soliciting.
When Congress reconvenes next month, it will take up the appropriations bills that have not yet been passed for fiscal year 2005. If Dodd and Sen. Joe Lieberman (D-Conn.) can secure the federal funds, the money would come to Norwalk through the Environmental Protection Agency.
“Sen. Dodd has worked-and will continue to work hard-to fund this important project,” Dodd spokesman Marvin Fast said. Dodd won committee approval of $400,000 for this project earlier this fall.
“He intends to continue to fight to ensure this important project moves forward,” Fast said. “He is hopeful that this critically important funding can be provided to the city of Norwalk in a timely fashion.”
The city also is seeking state funds from the Department of Environmental Protection, which makes grants to municipalities from the money it receives through the Long Island Sound license plate program.
