Reimagining Rikers Island

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Aerial Photo of Rikers Island
Aerial Photo of Rikers Island
Map of Rikers Island and Study Sites
Map of Rikers Island and Study Sites

DEP has completed studies assessing the feasibility of building a new Wastewater Resource Recovery Facility (WRRF) on Rikers Island and whether methane on Rikers Island could be used beneficially. These studies were required by Local Law 31 of 2021.

The WRRF Feasibility Study determined that a new WRRF on Rikers Island is a feasible long-term strategy for DEP’s treatment system in the Upper East River, offering a multitude of benefits that are not possible at the existing WRRFs. A new WRRF could consolidate some of the operations of four existing WRRFs and help NYC achieve our energy, air quality, and water quality improvement goals. The WRRF Feasibility Study began in April 2022 and was completed in March 2024.

The Methane Assessment Report considered the volume and quality of methane that could be produced by portions of Rikers Island that is made of landfill. The assessment determined that, given the age of the landfill, there would not be significant methane available to collect and what is available would not be good quality.

Background

In 2021, the Council passed a series of laws, collectively known as the “Renewable Rikers Laws,” that require various City Agencies to begin examining potential uses for Rikers Island after the jails are closed. The Laws specifically focus on broad public benefit, renewable energy, and critical environmental infrastructure

  • New York City Local Law 16 of 2021: Establishes a process to transfer the land, buildings, and facilities of Rikers Island to the New York City Department of Citywide Administrative Services and establishes the Rikers Island Advisory Committee.
  • New York City Local Law 17 of 2021: Expands the City’s long-term energy plan being conducted by the Mayor’s Office of Climate and Environmental Justice to include a study of the feasibility of different types of renewable energy sources combined with battery storage on Rikers Island.
  • New York City Local Law 31 of 2021: Requires DEP to conduct a study to assess the feasibility of constructing a wastewater treatment facility on Rikers Island.

For information about the City’s plan to close Rikers Island and create a borough-based jail system, visit A Roadmap to Closing Rikers.