September 12, 2022

DEP started work on the Feasibility Study for the Consolidation of NYC Wastewater Resource Recovery Facilities (WRRFs) on Rikers Island to determine the capacity for organics and wastewater processing on the island as mandated by Local Law 31. The study will assess the possibility of consolidating the four Upper East River WRRFs—Hunt’s Point, Wards Island, Bowery Bay, and Tallman Island—into one modern WRRF with renewable benefits for the city.

DEP is committed to intentional community engagement for this study and has met with advocacy groups and the Rikers Island Advisory Committee, also created by the Renewable Rikers Act. In July, DEP hosted a Wastewater 101 Session led by past Deputy Commissioner of the Bureau of Wastewater Treatment, Pam Elardo to provide stakeholders with an overview of NYC’s wastewater treatment process. The slides and recording are available here.

DEP is in the process of developing an expanded website for this important study to provide study information, key deliverables, and status updates.

For related information:

• Visit Reimagining Rikers Island
• Download the Factsheet: Developing City-Wide Solutions for a Renewable Rikers Island: Evaluating Rikers Island to Meet Challenges of This Century
• Learn more about the Wastewater Treatment Process
• Take a Virtual Tour of Wastewater Treatment in New York City
• Go to our Study Announcement: Rikers Island Feasibility Study
• Watch our Virtual Wastewater 101 Session
• Download the slides from the Virtual Wastewater 101 Session