January 7, 2015

Contact:

DEP (718) 595-6600; DDC (718) 391-1641

$23 Million Expansion of Sewer and Bluebelt Drainage Systems on Staten Island’s South Shore Complete

Streets of Arden Heights and Annadale Neighborhoods are now Equipped with Catch Basins and Storm Sewers to Reduce Flooding

New Sanitary Sewers Allow 114 Homeowners to Discontinue the Use of Septic Systems

Photos of the Construction Project and Maps of the Work Area are Posted on DEP’s Flickr Page

New York City Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Commissioner Emily Lloyd and Department of Design and Construction (DDC) Commissioner Dr. Feniosky Peña-Mora today announced the completion of two water and sewer infrastructure upgrade projects in the Staten Island neighborhoods of Arden Heights and Annadale.  Prior to this project, most of the roadways in these areas were not equipped with catch basins or storm sewers and they often flooded during heavy rain storms.  As part of the upgrade, more than a mile and a half of storm sewers and 100 catch basins were installed to help drain precipitation from the roadways.  The stormwater will be diverted to a new bluebelt area where it will be stored and naturally filtered before it empties into the Arthur Kill.  The project also included the installation of more than a mile and a half of sanitary sewers that will allow 114 homes to connect to the City’s sewer system and discontinue the use of septic tanks.  In addition, work included the installation of new water mains, the reconstruction of the roadways and sidewalks, and the addition of more than 100 street lights, 31 traffic signals and nearly 300 street trees.  The projects were funded by DEP and managed by DDC.

“By investing $23 million in the neighborhoods of Arden Heights and Annadale, the streets are now less susceptible to flooding and an additional 114 homeowners can discontinue the use of septic systems,” said DEP Commissioner Emily Lloyd.  “These infrastructure upgrades will protect public health and the environment, but just as importantly they will improve the quality of life for residents and raise the value of their properties.” 

“The installation of over 8,000 feet of new ductile water mains will ensure that the residents of Staten Island have reliable infrastructure for decades to come,” said DDC Commissioner Dr. Feniosky Peña-Mora.  “Our infrastructure division was also able to implement Best Management Practices by controlling stormwater discharge and diverting it to a new Bluebelt area where it is naturally filtered, underscoring our efforts to respect the natural environment.”

“The completion of this project not only adds to the South Shore’s Bluebelt system, but provides significant upgrades to infrastructure, including roads and sidewalks,” said Council Minority Leader Vincent Ignizio.  “Smart investments like these protect our homeowners from flooding, protect our environment from pollution, and provide an improved quality of life for generations to come.  I am grateful for the DEP and DDC partnership that makes sure these projects come to fruition.”

In the Arden Heights neighborhood, the project included the installation of approximately 4,000 feet of distribution water mains, which range in size from 8 to 12 inches and run below nearly every street in the city.  By replacing the old cast iron water mains with new ductile iron mains, the project will help to ensure a reliable supply of high quality drinking water for area residents and businesses.  The construction of 3,800 feet of sanitary sewers allows nine homes to connect to the City sewer system and discontinue the use of septic tanks.  These new sanitary sewer lines will also serve as an outlet for other south shore communities to connect to in the future.  In addition, the installation of 1,530 feet of storm sewers and 23 catch basins will divert precipitation from the roadways into a new Bluebelt wetland.  The constructed wetland, located on State preserved property, also provides new habitat for wildlife including turtles, herons, and ducks.  This work included the removal of invasive plants and the addition of diverse, native trees, shrubs and wildflowers to help protect water quality. 

The Annadale neighborhood saw the addition of 4,475 feet of distribution water mains, over 5,000 feet of sanitary sewer lines, nearly 7,000 feet of new storm sewers and 76 catch basins.  The new sanitary service will allow 105 homeowners to connect to the City’s sewer system.

To improve safety in the neighborhoods, area roadways and sidewalks were reconstructed and 109 street lights, 31 traffic signals and 16 fire hydrants were installed.  The addition of 276 street trees will provide shade and help to clean the air.

DEP manages New York City’s water supply, providing more than one billion gallons of water each day to more than 9 million residents, including 8.4 million in New York City. The water is delivered from a watershed that extends more than 125 miles from the city, comprising 19 reservoirs and three controlled lakes. Approximately 7,000 miles of water mains, tunnels and aqueducts bring water to homes and businesses throughout the five boroughs, and 7,500 miles of sewer lines and 96 pump stations take wastewater to 14 in-city treatment plants. In addition, DEP has a robust capital program, with nearly $14 billion in investments planned over the next 10 years that will create up to 3,000 construction-related jobs per year.  This capital program is responsible for critical projects like City Water Tunnel No. 3; the Staten Island Bluebelt program, an ecologically sound and cost-effective stormwater management system; the city’s Watershed Protection Program, which protects sensitive lands upstate near the city’s reservoirs in order to maintain their high water quality; and the installation of more than 820,000 Automated Meter Reading devices, which allow customers to track their daily water use, more easily manage their accounts and be alerted to potential leaks on their properties. For more information, visit nyc.gov/dep, like us on Facebook, or follow us on Twitter.

DDC is the City’s primary capital construction project manager.  DDC provides communities with new or renovated public buildings, such as firehouses, libraries, police precincts, courthouses, and senior centers.  What’s more, DDC delivers new or upgraded roadways, sewers, water mains, and other infrastructure projects in communities throughout the city.  Over the last decade, DDC has completed more than 750 miles of new roadways and sidewalks, 700 miles of water mains, and 500 miles of storm and sanitary sewers – all of which are essential for a vibrant city like New York.  To manage this $9 billion portfolio, DDC partners with other City agencies and with emerging and world-renowned architects and consultants, whose experience and creativity bring efficient, innovative, and environmentally-conscious design and construction strategies to City projects. For more information, please visit nyc.gov/DDC.