Bureau of Environmental Engineering

Bureau of Environmental Engineering 

The Bureau of Environmental Engineering reviews plans for critical infrastructure in Nassau County. The Bureau ensures that best engineering practices and principles are used and maintained for the protection of the residents within the county from the effects of adverse environmental factors, protection of the environment from potentially harmful effects of natural and human activities, and improvement of environmental quality. The following is a list of programs where the Bureau maintains an active role. 

Public Water Supply (516-227-9692) Public water suppliers must file engineering plans and specifications and receive approval from this Department prior to the construction or modification of all public water supply facilities. 

For more information on the requirements for an application submittal, please call 516-227-9692. 

Petroleum Tanks (516-227-9692) Engineering plans must be approved by this Department for the installation or modification of all gasoline, diesel, kerosene, E-85, oil-water separators waste oil, motor oil, and heating oil tank systems at Petroleum Bulk Storage (PBS) regulated facilities. Residential heating oil tanks less than 1,100 gallons do not require plans and permits from this Department. 

For more information on the requirements for an application submittal, please click here. 

Realty Subdivisions (516-227-9692) A map and engineering plans must be approved by this Department prior to the construction of residential developments, including condominiums and cooperatives, of 5 or more lots or units. Methods for furnishing water supply, sewage disposal and storm drainage to the subdivision must be shown. The developer must provide information on past use of the property and environmental pollutants or hazards. Remediation/clean-up of the site is required prior to map approval. 

For more information on the requirements for an application submittal, please click here. 

On-Site Sewage Disposal System and SPDES Permit (516-227-9692) Engineering plans must be approved by this Department prior to the construction or modification of an on-site sewage disposal system for any commercial facility with a design flow of 1,000 gallons per day or more, as determined by the Department. Upon satisfactory completion of approved construction, a State Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (SPDES) permit must be obtained from this Department prior to the discharge of sanitary waste into the ground. 

For more information on the requirements for an application submittal, please click here. 

Swimming Pools and Bathing Beaches (516-227-9717) Engineering or architectural plans must be approved by this Department prior to the construction or renovation of a swimming pool, except those owned by an individual for the use of their own family and friends. Swimming pools and beaches are required to obtain a permit to operate from this Department. Lifeguards employed at these facilities must possess an appropriate current lifeguard certification issued by the Nassau County Department of Parks, Recreation and Museums (516-572-6591). 

For more information on the requirements for an application submittal, please click here. 

Closure of Septic Systems (516-227-9692) Residential and commercial facilities located in areas of the County served by public sewers must connect to the sewer. All existing septic systems, including cesspools, leaching pools, and septic tanks, located within these areas must be properly abandoned according to the Nassau County Department of Public Works and Nassau County Department of Health guidelines. 

For the Nassau County Department of Health On-site Sanitary System Abandonment Procedures, please click here. 

Sewer Connections Residential and commercial facilities located in areas of the County served by public sewers must connect to the sewer. The local public sewer authority should be contacted for information on requirements for connecting to the public sewer, obtaining a required sewer connection permit, or for information on the current sewer connection status of a property. The Department of Health does not maintain these records. 

For the list of local public sewer authorities and their contact information, please click here. 

Backflow Prevention Devices (516-227-9672) Depending on the degree of hazard posed by a facility, the water supplier may require the installation and testing of a backflow prevention device on the water service piping. Engineering plans for the installation of such devices must be submitted to the water supplier and this Department for review and approval. 

For more information on the requirements for an application submittal, please click here.