H2M Group's Paul J. Ponturo Addresses LI Water Commissioners

Melville, NY; September 16, 2019 - As part of an ongoing Educational Speaker Series, members of Nassau Suffolk Water Commissioners’ Association (NSWCA), which consists of commissioners representing 21 Long Island water districts, received important information on emerging and unregulated contaminants, the role of the Environmental Protection Agency in developing regulations, changes in New York State public health laws, and the importance of communicating with the public that is served by the NSWCA. The program was hosted by the South Farmingdale Water District along with its Commissioners, Ralph Atoria, John Hirt and Gary Brosnan. Providing a detailed presentation on these current and relevant issues was Guest Speaker Paul J. Ponturo, P.E., Senior Water Resources Engineer with Melville-headquartered H2M Group, one of the industry’s most prominent voices regarding regulatory and compliance issues related to public water supplies, emerging contaminant review, advanced water treatment technologies and monitoring program design.

Mr. Ponturo cited specific examples of selected contaminants and discussed the landmark federal Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA), which defines ‘contaminant’ as “any physical, chemical, biological or radiological substance or matter in water.” Mr. Ponturo stressed that the presence of contaminants in water “does not necessarily indicate that the water poses a health risk.” He explained that the words ‘emerging contaminants’ and ‘unregulated contaminants’ have negative connotations. He further commented, “This is where education is key for everyone - water professionals, government officials and the public alike. A press conference is not an educational opportunity. Public education must start well before media events, and must continue long after, in order to build the public trust, and to ensure that people understand how water is produced, regulated and distributed.”

“We appreciate Paul Ponturo taking the time to present this informative program,” NSWCA President and Oyster Bay Water District Commissioner Michael F. Rich III, commented. “As a leading expert, so well respected in this field, Paul’s thorough and scientific explanations helps our commissioners address any concerns that our ratepayers and consumers may have regarding these vital topics.”

For more information please contact Mr. Jamie Stanco with Progressive Marketing Group, Inc. via phone, 631-756-7160, or email, jpstanco@pmgstrategic.com.

Organized and chartered in 1981, the Nassau Suffolk Water Commissioners’ Association (NSWCA) is comprised of water commissioners from 21 Nassau County and Suffolk County water districts. The NSWCA is dedicated to promoting environmental excellence and best practices as well as maintaining the highest standards of water quality and supply. The Nassau Suffolk Water Commissioners’ Association sponsors regular educational meetings on topics that include the environment, security, economics, rules and regulations, among other related issues.

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• PHOTO 1: Pictured from left to right is Nassau Suffolk Water Commissioners’ Association (NSWCA) President and Oyster Water District Commissioner Michael F. Rich III with NSWCA Guest Speaker Paul J. Ponturo P.E., Senior Water Resources Engineer of Melville-headquartered H2M Group, who spoke with Long Island water commissioners at a recent NSWCA meeting about emerging and unregulated contaminants, the role of the Environmental Protection Agency in developing regulations, changes in New York State public health laws, and the importance of communicating with the public.
• PHOTO 2: Pictured from left to right at a recent Nassau Suffolk Water Commissioners’ Association (NSWCA) meeting where Paul J. Ponturo P.E., Senior Water Resources Engineer of Melville-headquartered H2M Group, spoke with Long Island water commissioners about emerging and unregulated contaminants, the role of the Environmental Protection Agency in developing regulations, changes in New York State public health laws, and the importance of communicating with the public, are: Kenneth P. Wenthen Jr., NSWCA 2nd Vice President and West Hempstead Water District Commissioner; NSWCA President Michael F. Rich III, Oyster Bay Water District Commissioner; Guest Speaker Paul J. Ponturo P.E, H2M Group Senior Water Resources Engineer; Amanda Field, NSWCA Secretary and Plainview Water District Commissioner; and Lawrence F. Zaino Jr, NSWCA Treasurer and Carle Place Water District Commissioner.