June 28, 2010

CONTACT:

Farrell Sklerov / Mercedes Padilla  (718) 595-6600

DEP, DDC Complete Infrastructure Project in Staten Island

Upgrade of Storm and Sanitary Sewers Will Reduce Flooding and Sewer Backups

Environmental Protection Commissioner Cas Holloway today announced the completion of a sewer and water main project that will alleviate roadway flooding and sewer backups, and improve the water distribution system in Port Richmond, Staten Island. The project added new storm sewers and upgraded existing ones to reduce local flooding.  Approximately 1,520 feet of sanitary sewers and 3,250 feet of water mains were also replaced during the construction. The $11.5 million project – funded by DEP and managed by DDC – began in June 2008.

"Reducing flooding and sewer backups, and improving Staten Island's water distribution network have been major priorities under Mayor Bloomberg," said Commissioner Holloway. "This project does both. From the cutting edge Bluebelt, where the City has already committed more than $100 million since 2002 to adapt Staten Island's natural landscape to address stormwater and beautify local communities, to projects like this that add to the Island's sewer network, we are continuously improving our water and sewer networks throughout the city to increase reliability and capacity. I would like to give special thanks to Department of Design and Construction Commissioner David Burney and the entire DDC team for their tireless efforts on our behalf throughout the year."

"We're proud to work with DEP to bring this essential project in Richmond Terrace to completion," said DDC Commissioner David J. Burney, FAIA. "The community will benefit from the brand new roadways and sidewalks along with upgraded water mains and sewers for years to come."
 
The increased sewer capacity will help reduce roadway flooding and sewer backups in the surrounding area because of the installation of approximately 1,857 feet of storm sewers that range in size from 12-inches to five feet to improve drainage. The 1,520 feet of sanitary sewers mains have 16-inch, 12 inch and 10-inch diameters to help avoid sewer backups. The project also replaced 3,250 feet of unlined cast iron water mains with ductile iron pipes, which are better suited for high-volume water circulation because of their enhanced durability and reliability. In addition, the project included the installation of 25 new catch basins, new sidewalks, and a street repaving. The project's boundaries are Richmond Terrace, between Heberton Avenue and Clove Road, and Jewett Avenue, from Richmond Terrace to New Street.

Upgrading water distribution and sewer infrastructure is a central part of DEP's upcoming capital plan. In Staten Island, to improve the reliability of its water supply, DEP, in conjunction with the Port Authority, will begin an approximately $250 million project for construction of a new water tunnel to provide redundancy for the Staten Island water supply system. Because Staten Island lacks storm and even sanitary sewers in some areas, an additional $361 million is budgeted from FY 2010 through FY 2014 for sewers. The budget also includes $258 million for remediation of the closed Brookfield Avenue landfill, a joint City/State project.
           
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, and residents of Ulster, Orange, Putnam and Westchester counties. 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.