February 17, 2010

CONTACT:

Michael Saucier/Mercedes Padilla (718) 595-6600

DEP Completes Sewer Project for Two Queens Communities

Meadowmere, Warnerville Residents Can Now Connect to City Sewer System

Environmental Protection Commissioner Cas Holloway today announced the completion of a project that will allow homeowners in the Meadowmere and Warnerville sections of southeast Queens, along Jamaica Bay, to connect to the City's sewer system. The Department of Environmental Protection designed and constructed new sewers and a new pumping station at a cost of $37.5 million.

"Having new sewers and a new pumping station provides a critical service to the Meadowmere and Warnerville communities, which have gone too long without it," said Commissioner Holloway. "Wastewater from these communities will now be directed to the Jamaica Wastewater Treatment Plant and not into Jamaica Bay or into septic systems that too often fail; this investment is critical to the public health of all New Yorkers and will improve water quality in Hook Creek and Jamaica Bay."

"I am truly elated that we are moving forward with this vital project that will ensure the people of Warnerville and Meadowmere will be able to connect directly to the city's sewer system," said Council Member James Sanders Jr. "This $37.5 million shows what the community can accomplish when we work together. I thank the Department of Environmental Protection for their hard work and look forward to continuing to work with them in the 31st district."

This project is an example of the City's commitment to improving water quality in Jamaica Bay by expanding sewer infrastructure. The communities of Warnerville and Meadowmere, until recently, did not have sewers or a means of conveying sewage to the nearest wastewater treatment plant. Some homes had failing septic systems and some homes discharged sewage directly into Jamaica Bay. Flow from new sewers will be pumped by the Warnerville and Meadowmere Pumping Station to the Jamaica Wastewater Treatment Plant. DEP has been reaching out to homeowners since August to explain that they are required to hire a plumber to connect their homes to the sewer, and will work with them to hook them up to the system.

DEP manages the City's water supply, providing more than 1 billion gallons of water each day to more than 9 million residents, including 8 million in New York City. New York City's water is delivered from a watershed that extends more than 125 miles from the City, and comprises 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 7,400 miles of sewer lines take wastewater to 14 in-City treatment plants.