Nyack Water Board Meeting

February 19,2026 A regular meeting of the Board of Water Commissioners was held on the above date at 9 North Broadway, Nyack, NY. The meeting was called to order by Chairman McDowell at 4:30 PM. The following were present: William McDowell Chairman Michelle Bullock Commissioner Pearl Gray Commissioner John Phillips Commissioner Elizabeth Turk Commissioner Latoya Aguillard Secretary Thomas Lynch Superintendent Upon motion by Chairman McDowell, second by Commissioner Bullock, and carried, the Board accepted the minutes of January 2026 as written. The Cash Flow Statement for January 2026 was presented to the Board for review. The Statement of Revenue and Expenditures for January 2026 was presented to the Board for review. Meter Calibrations- The Board will implement a new policy requiring that all calibration meters be double-checked by National Metering Services as an additional verification step. Under this policy, any contested meter that has undergone the in-house meter calibration/bench test at the Water Treatment Plant will also be sent to National Metering Services for independent verification. Upon motion by Commissioner Phillips, Seconded by Commissioner Gray, and carried, the board approved the policy. The Board reviewed the Projects Update submitted by H2M architects + engineers Presented by Superintendent Thomas Lynch. A) Watermain Projects: a. Phase B: i. J. Fletcher Creamer (JFC) has completed the construction associated with Water Main Improvements. ii. H2M continues to prepare the As-Built Drawings for this work.  B) Operations Related: a. Total Trihalomethanes (TTHMs) Exceedance: i. Next Steps: 1. Regulatory Submission (RCDOH and NYSDOH): a. RCDOH/NYSDOH has completed its review of the documentation submitted by DN/H2M and issued a formal comment letter. In collaboration with RCDOH, H2M/DN worked diligently to address several of the initial comments. However, RCDOH has requested additional installation-related information prior to granting approval to commence construction. At present, H2M and DN are preparing a formal response to the comment letter, with the goal of securing approval and scheduling installation for January/February. b. H2M has received some further clarification/comments from RCDOH and is currently working with DN / IXOM to address. c. Update – H2M provided RCDOH on January 27, 2026, with a Standard Operating Procedure prepared by DN/IXOM for the installation work to be performed on the LSR in connection with the THM system. H2M has had multiple follow-up correspondences with RCDOH, the most recent occurring on February 11, 2026. RCDOH indicated that only minor revisions to the SOP would likely be required and noted no significant concerns with the proposed approach. RCDOH was expected to return the revised SOP to H2M on February 11, 2026; however, it has not yet been received. Additionally, H2M, DN, and IXOM met via Teams on January 30,2026, to review outstanding items from an earlier RCDOH comment letter. IXOM is expected to provide responses within the next several weeks. These responses are not related to construction activities but pertain to activation of the system once installation is complete. b. Total Trihalomethanes (TTHMs) Notices of Violation: i. Please note that it is likely that each quarter of 2026 will result in a Notice of Violation (NOV) for TTHM (Total Trihalomethanes) exceedances. All future NOVs related to TTHM levels will continue to be issued until the approved TTHM removal system is fully installed, placed into operation, and has demonstrated sustained effectiveness over multiple quarters. Compliance will only be achieved once the running annual average is reduced below the Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL)of 80 μg/L, at which point the violation status can be resolved. C) Plant / Pump Station Actions: a. South Highland Pump Station/College Zone: i. H2M has performed a 3D Laser Scan of the pump station and is currently preparing design documents and supporting documentation for formal submission to RCDOH. The department has agreed to prioritize the review of this submission to expedite implementation. 1. Update: H2M is preparing formal plans for the installation of additional liquid chlorine at the South Highland Pump Station. Draft plans and the accompanying report have already been developed and are currently undergoing internal QA/QC review. D) Water Treatment Plant i. Superintendent Lynch has been investigating a leak at the plant, first identified during the raising of valve boxes on the northeast side. An exploratory excavation revealed that an undetermined amount of water was flowing beneath the building along the piles and concrete grade beams. A subsequent excavation on the southwest side confirmed that the water was originating near the raw water line, aerated water line, and settling water flume. Further investigation suggests that the settling flume and chemical flume are leaking through voids in the cold joints. H2M has contacted DN to discuss a more permanent solution to address the issue. 1. H2M met with DN Tanks on January 5, 2026, to review the areas of concern. DN to provide Superintendent Lynch with a proposal for temporary and permanent fixes. 2. Update – DN provided H2M and Supt. Lynch with a proposal to procure and install a hatch in the settled water flume. DN was informed that the proposal was not accepted due to cost. Supt. Lynch will obtain additional quotes. H2M will coordinate with RCDOH and provide notification of the installation plan and procedure. Once the hatch is installed, DN offered to perform an inspection and provide a repair proposal. The inspection was stated to be free of charge. E) Sludge Lagoon a. H2M continues working to prepare a new SPDES permit for the discharge of the Sludge Lagoon into the Hackensack River. H2M has engaged NYSDEC to obtain clarification on aspects of the permit and on the required sampling of the Sludge Lagoon that is to accompany the permit submission. i. On June 30, 2025, H2M submitted to NYSDEC the Village of Nyack Water Department SPDES Permit Application and associated documents. We note that there will likely be additional back and forth between NWD, H2M and DEC relative to the application additional sampling required. On June 30, 2025, H2M submitted to NYSDEC and RCDOH responses to the NYSDEC Notice of Violation dated May 19, 2025. 1. H2M and the Nyack Water Department participated in a Teams meeting with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) on August 19, 2025, to review the submitted SPDES (State Pollutant Discharge Elimination System) permit and address specific operational inquiries. Following the discussion, H2M and the Nyack Water Department are awaiting a formal comment letter from NYSDEC. Receipt of this letter is required to proceed with securing the new SPDES permit.  2. Update: H2M and the Nyack Water Department received comments from NYSDEC on October 21, 2025. In response, H2M is preparing the necessary documentation to address the agency’s feedback. The response will also include required public notifications and water quality sampling to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements. 3. Update: As part of the responses to the NYSDEC, Superintendent Lynch has performed required water quality sampling to accompany the response to DEC. Nyack Water is awaiting these results. 4. Update – Nyack Water and H2M have received the water quality results from PACE Labs. H2M has prepared all response documents for resubmission to NYSDEC. H2M is currently awaiting Water Treatment Chemical (WTC) Authorization forms from Coyne Chemical and Holland Company. Resubmission is anticipated during the week of February 23,2026. ii. Superintendent Lynch has engaged with Joan Roth at Rockland County about reestablishing wash water and sedimentation water discharge to the Rockland County Sewer district. Superintendent Lynch has spoken with Joan and provided data sampling to date. Additional sampling has been obtained from the sludge pit following filter backwashing. Those results as well as a completed discharge application will be provided to Rockland County for consideration. Superintendent Lynch / H2M are awaiting a follow up meeting with Rockland County Sewer District to further discuss. 1. Update: On December 2, 2025, Superintendent Lynch and H2M met with Joan Roth and Mike Saber of Rockland County Sewer District No. 1 (RCSD) to discuss the potential discharge of filter backwash water to the District. The meeting was productive, with RCSD expressing receptiveness to issuing a new permit specifically for the discharge of filter backwash water. As part of the process, RCSD will conduct laboratory analysis on a composite sample taken directly from the filters during backwash to identify any constituents that could impact the District’s treatment operations. If the results are favorable, a formal application will be submitted to RCSD for approval. Prior to submission, one additional step will involve coordinating with Chris Wagner at the Town of Clarkstown to confirm that their sewer system can accommodate a flow of 60,000 gallons per day. 2. Update – Rockland County Sewer District (RCSD) has obtained composite sampling from Filter No. 3 for analysis. Nyack Water awaits results and determination on discharge to RCSD. F) Automatic Flushing Devices: a. At the request of Superintendent Lynch, H2M prepared and submitted to RCDOH (via the Tyler System) on November 6, 2025, a letter report along with the necessary submittals and a markedup distribution map. These materials were provided for approval to implement and deploy automatic hydrant flushing devices designed to address stagnation in areas of the distribution system, particularly at system dead ends. H2M and the Water Department await review and comments on request. b. Update: Awaiting RCDOH review response/comments. c. Update – H2M and Nyack Water have received comments from RCDOH regarding the autoflushing duration and whether the pilot hydrant is located within the Village Right-of-Way (ROW). H2M has provided an initial response to RCDOH via email regarding the proposed flushing duration. Supt. Lynch has contacted Katie Fairclough of the Town of Orangetown to confirm the ROW status G) Plant Upgrade for PFAS Removal: a. H2M received response comments from NYSDOH on January 6, 2025. H2M had reviewed and issued return responses to NYSDOH on January 27, 2025. H2M is now awaiting any additional comments or approvals to proceed toward bid and satisfying additional requirements for the grant. b. On March 24, 2025, H2M received official approval from NYSDOH to move forward to bidding and construction. c. H2M continues working with the Village/Munistat/Hawkins/EFC to secure an agreement for the grants and approvals to move forward toward Bid. H2M and the Village have been in constant communication with EFC and providing applicable information back and forth to execute (close) the grants. Since this is an EFC base project with BIL-EC and WIAA funding, Wicks Law will apply. This will be a minimum of four (4) contracts. H2M has spoken with the Village about utilizing a PLA (Project Labor Agreement) to simply this process. Village Administrator Stewart has authorized H2M on behalf of the Village to proceed with the PLA evaluation. d. H2M has performed a cost analysis to be provided to our subconsultant who will review and assist in the preparation of the PLA evaluation. i. Update: H2M has prepared and delivered the Feasibility Study to both the Village and the Water Department. At the direction of Administrator Stewart, the study was forwarded to the Rockland County Building & Construction Trades Council for review and acceptance. The Trades Council has since reviewed and accepted the study, and on December 16, 2025, provided the Draft Project Labor Agreement. The next step will be for a resolution to be passed and for the agreement to be executed by the Mayor during the January 8, 2026, Village Board Meeting. Once executed, the agreement will be returned to the Trades Council for their signature. Following acceptance of the Project Labor Agreement, H2M will revise the bid documents accordingly, with bidding scheduled for January 2026 pending final review from NYSDOH / EFC for approval to bid. ii. Update: Awaiting confirmation from Village Board that the resolution adopting the PLA was adopted before modifying all bid documents. H2M and the Water Board have obtained confirmation that the Village Board has adopted the PLA. Rockland County Trades is in the process of securing a signed version of the agreement. H2M is in the final stages of revising all bid documents to incorporate the PLA requirements. Once complete, the documents will be submitted to NYSDOH and EFC for approval to bid, ensuring that all required grant-related materials are included. H) New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) – Comprehensive Performance Evaluation a. During the week of September 15, 2025, representatives from the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) conducted a Comprehensive Performance Evaluation (CPE) at the Nyack Treatment Plant. The evaluation focused on reviewing operational procedures and investigating disinfection byproducts (DBPs), specifically TTHM exceedances. Notably, this marks the first CPE performed at the facility since the year 2000. NYSDOH will issue a formal report detailing findings related to filter performance and chlorine contact time, which will inform future compliance and operational improvements. b. On October 23, 2025, H2M and the Nyack Water Department received a preliminary findings letter from NYSDOH and are currently awaiting the formal report. Notably, the preliminary findings mirror the observations and recommendations previously issued in March 2024, when the filters were evaluated for efficiency. The preliminary findings are summarized as follows: i. Gravity Filters – Inspection / Rehabilitation of the four (4) filters. This would be inclusive of replacement of tile underdrains and filter media. Also suggested the installation of an air scour system. ii. Chlorination System – It is recommended that the chlorine injection point for the finished water clearwell be relocated to a position upstream of the clearwell to increase chlorine contact time. I) Additional Items to be Address: a. NYSDEC Annual Comprehensive Inspection – As part of the NYSDEC Annual Comprehensive Inspection conducted on November 20, 2025, related to SPDES permit compliance, the NYSDEC inspector (Mr. Aung Lwin) questioned the method and metering used to measure the backwash water and alum sludge directed to the lagoon. Because no dedicated flow meter currently exists to capture these flows, a flow meter will need to be installed on the sludge lagoon discharge line to accurately track volume and flow to the lagoon. b. Finish Water Pump Room – H2M is in the process of obtaining a proposal for the replacement of the check valve associated with Finished Water Pump No. 3, as well as a surge relief valve on the discharge piping back into the clearwell. Due to the existing finished water piping configuration—including Class 250 flanges, obsolete valve types, varying pipe diameters, and a modified tee—custom-fabricated piping segments will be required for the installation. Neptune 360- Revisit from October 16, 2025, Board Meeting Neptune 360 enhances utility customer service and operational efficiency by providing real- time data and direct wireless communication from the field, eliminating the need for personnel to return to the office. This cloud-based mobile solution delivers data on demand, enabling faster and more efficient customer support to address inquiries and service issues. Key Features: • Facilitates direct, wireless updates between meter readers and office staff, ensuring faster response times and improved coordination. • Eliminates the need for on-premises servers, software installations, and manual upgrades. • As a secure, cloud-based platform, it allows utilities to log in securely from any location using a standard web browser. • Reduces IT overhead while maintaining data security and system reliability. • Allow staff to focus on service delivery and operational performance instead of infrastructure management. This matter was revisited from October 16, 2025, Board Meeting. On or about January 20, 2026, Meter Reader Thomas Howell informed Secretary Latoya Aguillard that one of the handheld meter reading devices was no longer powering on. Secretary Aguillard contacted RIO and was informed that repairs could take several months and that there was no guarantee the meter reading device could be repaired. With the department reduced to only one handheld device, it is imperative that this upgrade be completed to maintain efficient meter reading operations. Upon motion by Commissioner Phillips, seconded by Commissioner Bullock, and carried, the Board approved proceeding with the Neptune 360 system upgrade with the following stipulation: • Only RF (Radio Transponder) meters will be offered for any meter replacement. • If the cost of the meter replacement is too costly for the customer, the amount may be divided into four equal payments. Superintendent’s Report: New Trucks Delivery Status- Superintendent Thomas Lynch reported that two Ford Maverick trucks were delivered today. The delivery had been delayed due to several vehicle recalls that prevented the trucks from being delivered sooner. Operators’ “D” Class License Status-Superintendent Thomas Lynch reported that the two new hires, Chris Moheng and Brian Hong, have both successfully passed their Operator “D” Class license examination. Due to Chris Moheng’s prior experience, his walkthrough with Rockland County Health Department will be scheduled sooner. Brian Hong will be required to wait one year before he is eligible to complete his walkthrough. Uniform Upgrades-Superintendent Thomas Lynch reported that he has reached out to the department’s current uniform supplier to discuss upgrading and standardizing employee uniforms so that all staff present a consistent and professional appearance. Employee ID Cards-Superintendent Thomas Lynch reported that all members of the work crew will now be issued employee identification cards. These ID cards will be equipped with a QR code that directs customers to the Village of Nyack Water Department Employees Verification website. The webpage will display the employee’s name, photograph, position, and license number for verification purposes. This new procedure is intended to help customers confirm the identity of Water Department personnel and provide an added level of safety and reassurance to the public. Vulnerability Assessment Status-Superintendent Thomas Lynch reported that there is a mandatory Emergency Response Plan checklist that requires an annual update. This assessment was flagged by the State following the submission of the updated Emergency Response Plan. The department will ensure that the required vulnerability assessments and checklist are reviewed and updated annually in compliance with state requirements. Acoustic Leak Detection Upgrade-Superintendent Thomas Lynch informed the Board about a recent Zoom meeting attended by Secretary Latoya Aguillard, Assistant Superintendent Brian Wilson, and H2M representatives Steve Wondrack and Chris Wright. The meeting reviewed the ALFX Leak Detecting Sensor Service, a continuous leak detection system designed to identify water leaks early and efficiently. ALFX Overview: • ALFX is suitable for water utilities of all sizes and helps detect leaks early in their life cycle, allowing for low-cost repairs and preventing catastrophic failures. • It can detect leaks on service pipes that would otherwise go unnoticed for years. • The system contributes to water and energy savings and modernizes pipeline maintenance. Key Features: • Sensors are permanently installed on hydrants throughout the utility and securely bolted to either the upper or lower flange. • Sensors collect, process, and track pipe vibrations nightly. • During daytime operations, sensors are read from a vehicle via Bluetooth within approximately 100 feet using an iPad or iPhone. Each sensor reading takes 6–10 seconds.  • Data is transmitted to the ALFX Cloud for analysis. Cloud Analysis & Dashboard: • The ALFX Cloud analyzes current and historical sensor data in the context of GIS assets and user feedback to pinpoint leaks. • The ALFX Web Dashboard displays sensor status: o Red – Alert indicating a probable leak o Yellow – Monitor for a possible leak o Green – No leak detected Subscription Service Includes: • All equipment (sensors and reader) • Maintenance and software updates • GIS data imports • Ongoing support and training This upgrade provides the utility with a comprehensive, multi-year leak detection solution to improve operational efficiency, reduce water loss, and proactively manage pipeline maintenance. Upon motion by Commissioner Phillips, seconded by Commissioner Bullock, and carried, the Board approved. At 5:41PM, upon motion by Commissioner Bullock, second by Commissioner Turk, and carried, the Board moved into executive session. At 6:08PM upon motion by Commissioner Phillips, second by Commissioner Bullock, and carried, the Board moved out of executive session. Our next meeting will be Thursday, March 19, 2026 There being no further business, upon motion by Commissioner Phillips, second by Commissioner Bullock, and carried, the meeting was adjourned at 6:10 PM. Respectfully submitted, Latoya Aguillard Secretary