Wastewater plant tour offers unique Valentine's Day experience

Couples in love took tours of the Newtown Creek Wastewater Plant for an early Valentine's Day celebration in Greenpoint Saturday.
Participants on the tour were able to see how the wastewater process works up close, along with catching incomparable views of the New York City skyline on the plant's observation deck.
Close to 350 people visited the facility Saturday with multiple tours scheduled.
The city's Department of Environmental Protection staff says people typically contact their office months in advance for the free tour that has limited tickets.
Zainool Ali, the plant's chief, says that the tour shows how Newtown Creek Wastewater Plant saves the environment and prevents disease.
Even if the tour doesn't smell like typical Valentine's Day flowers, some spouses say it's a unique way to spend the holiday.
"I was one of those people who emailed in advanced asking about it because my husband it just a big fan," said Jen Hyde of Greenpoint. "He just cares a lot about the environment and I thought this is the perfect thing to do for Valentine's Day."
The tour is offered every year and is also offered at various other select dates throughout the year.