NYCDEP Coney Island Primary Settling Tanks Odor Control & Building Reconstruction

The Primary Settling Tank Odor Control Building was constructed between 1996 and 1998 and placed into successful operation in 1999 as part of the plant upgrading. The building houses a two-stage odor control system, wet chemical scrubbers followed by carbon adsorbers, for the primary settling tanks and influent channel. The primary settling tank influent channel and tanks are also covered and ventilated to control odors from traveling into the surrounding neighborhood. 

On August 6, 2003, a fire occurred in Carbon Adsorber Vessel No. 4. The fire destroyed several carbon adsorbers, associated ductwork, mechanical, and electrical systems. Also, other portions of the building systems were damaged and smoke residue was deposited in most parts of the building. 

A Declaration of Emergency was declared on August 7, 2003, which determined that emergency contracts would be required to assess, repair and reconstruct the Odor Control Building. Operation of a portion of the existing odor control system was restored in mid-August of 2003 with the tank and channel wet scrubbers being put into operation with sodium hypochlorite. 

A contract to demolish, remove damaged equipment and clean the building was prepared in August 2003 and bid in early September 2003. This contract is substantially complete and was monitored by in-house NYCDEP personnel. 

The contract included demolition, removal of damaged equipment and cleanning of the building. 

Work included the following: 

• Installation of new odor control system equipment including carbon adsorbers, scrubbers, fiberglass ductwork and instrumentation and controls to replace fire damaged equipment. 
• Installation of new Building Support Systems, such as heating ventilating and controls, safety systems (gas monitoring, odor control system monitoring and fire alarm), plumbing systems and lighting. 
• Installation of a new water deluge system for the carbon adsorbers. 
• Repair of the concrete ceiling of the building, which was damaged during the fire. 
• Installation of new chemical delivery equipment and systems. 
• Installation of new material handling systems.