New Storm Sewers Alleviate Flooding on West Cedarview Avenue in Richmond, Staten Island

Project competed seven months ahead of schedule

DEP: 718-595-6600, DEPPressOffice@dep.nyc.gov
DDC: Shoshana Khan, 718-391-1251, KhanSho@ddc.nyc.gov

(Richmond, NY – March 15, 2021) The NYC Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and NYC Department of Design and Construction (DDC) announced today that a $6.9 million project to alleviate flooding and upgrade infrastructure in Richmond, Staten Island has been completed seven months ahead of schedule. DEP provided funding for the project while DDC managed the construction, which began in January 2020.

“This $6.9 million infrastructure upgrade has successfully alleviated street flooding in this hilly Staten Island neighborhood by installing a new network of storm sewers and catch basins along West Cedarview Avenue and the surrounding side streets,” said DEP Commissioner Vincent Sapienza. “I want to thank our partners at DDC for delivering a project seven months ahead of schedule that has improved the quality of life for Richmond residents.”

“This is a significant investment in infrastructure by the City for residents in the area,” said DDC First Deputy Commissioner Jamie Torres-Springer. “With more than 2,000 feet of new storm sewers, rebuilt and regraded streets, plus new curbs and new catch basins, there will be a tremendous reduction in flooding when it rains. We are very proud to work with our partners at DEP to improve the quality of life for residents of Staten Island.”

“I am thrilled to join our partners at the Department of Design and Construction and Department of Environmental Protection in announcing the completion of this important project to alleviate residential flooding in my district — and seven months ahead of schedule to boot,” said Assembly Member Michael Reilly.

“This project will not only provide low cost and high impact flood relief to West Cedarview Avenue and the surrounding community, but it also has been completed months ahead of schedule, which is a great win for residents and taxpayers,” said Council Member Steven Matteo. “I am grateful to DEP and DDC for expediting this much-needed work, and for continuing to partner with me to improve vital water management infrastructure on Staten Island.”

Work occurred on 10 individual blocks along portions of West Cedarview Avenue, Mc Kinley Avenue, Kensico Street, Amber Street and Wolverine Street. More than 2,100 feet of new storm sewers ranging from 12 inches to 30 inches in diameter were added to the neighborhood to alleviate flooding. To better capture stormwater and direct it to the new storm sewers, 19 new catch basins were installed and three old ones were replaced. Approximately 1,500 feet of 10-inch sanitary sewers were also replaced.

Nearly 3,200 feet of old cast iron water mains were replaced with 8-inch diameter pipes made of concrete-lined ductile iron, which is more resilient and less prone to breakage than cast iron. Three new fire hydrants were installed and eight fire hydrants were replaced to ensure firefighters have ready access to the City’s water supply during emergencies.

As part of the final street restoration, more than 12,300 square yards of roadway, 1,300 square feet of sidewalks and 650 feet of curbs were reconstructed. Two pedestrian ramps were replaced to meet the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

About the NYC Department of Design and Construction
The Department of Design and Construction is the City’s primary capital construction project manager. In supporting Mayor de Blasio’s long-term vision of growth, sustainability, resiliency, equity and healthy living, DDC provides communities with new or renovated public buildings such as firehouses, libraries, police precincts, and new or upgraded roads, sewers and water mains in all five boroughs. To manage this $15.5 billion portfolio, DDC partners with other City agencies, architects and consultants, whose experience bring efficient, innovative and environmentally-conscious design and construction strategies to City projects. For more information, please visit nyc.gov/ddc.

About the NYC Department of Environmental Protection
DEP manages New York City’s water supply, providing approximately 1 billion gallons of high-quality drinking water each day to more than 9 million residents, including 8.3 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. DEP has a robust capital program, with a planned $20.1 billion in investments over the next 10 years that will create up to 3,000 construction-related jobs per year. For more information, visit nyc.gov/dep, like us on Facebook, or follow us on Twitter.