Press Releases

Contact: Public Relations Department
Suffolk County Water Authority
PO Box 37
Oakdale NY 11769
(631) 563-0296

November 27, 2001
Innovative Technique To Benefit SCWA Customers in Oakdale, Great River

On Monday, November 26, the Suffolk County Water Authority began a major, environmentally friendly construction project to install new water main under the Connetquot River using an innovative technique known as directional drilling, Chairman Michael A. LoGrande announced today.

"This project will connect our existing facilities on Great River Road in Great River with those on Shore Drive in Oakdale," LoGrande said. "Customers on both sides will benefit as the project will greatly improve water quality, pressure and fire protection capabilities in the area. Furthermore, the directional drilling technique enables us to accomplish these goals without disturbing the environment."

The new technique will enable the Water Authority to construct a 27-inch tunnel 30 feet below the river's surface by means of a computerized in-head guidance system located behind the drill bit. The Islip Town park located opposite Church Road in Great River will be used as a staging area for the drilling equipment, which will occupy most of the existing parking area for the duration of the project. Meanwhile, the 1200-foot water main will be fused and strung out above ground along Shore Drive. Finally, the pipe will be pulled through the tunnel and connected to existing water mains on both sides.

According to Deputy Director of Distribution Lloyd Arrasate, a local homeowner granted an easement for the use of his property. Arrasate noted that this was very important as there are no open areas on the Shore Road side of the preferred location for the project.

"We're trying to do this at this time of year to lessen the noise and construction impact to the people in the area," he added. "Activity and noise level from equipment will be noticeable, especially on the Great River side. However, construction should be completed within three weeks."

The current construction represents the third time the Water Authority has utilized directional drilling for a major project. In October, 1999, the first such project enabled the SCWA to bring clean, fresh drinking water directly to Smith Point County Park in Shirley by tunneling under the Great South Bay. A second such project was recently completed in Montauk, and a fourth is planned for Mattituck.

Summing up the Connetquot River project, SCWA CEO Stephen M. Jones emphasized, "We are working with the neighborhood to minimize inconvenience and disruption related to this project. Nevertheless, it is a happy occasion when new technology can be employed not only to dramatically reduce the time it takes to accomplish the task, but also minimize environmental damage with surgical precision."

The Suffolk County Water Authority is an independent public benefit corporation operating by virtue of the Public Authorities Law of the State of New York. Serving about 80% of Suffolk's residents, it operates without taxing power on a non-profit basis.