March 28, 2023

42 newly installed catch basins will increase drainage capacity to better manage stormwater and reduce neighborhood flooding; A map and photos are available on DEP’s Flickr Page

The New York City Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and Councilman David Carr today announced that construction has completed on the installation of 42 new catch basins, as well as new storm sewers, in the Willowbrook/Westerleigh section of Staten Island. Councilman Carr provided $1 million in funding for the $2.86 million project, which will help to better manage stormwater and reduce neighborhood flooding.

“DEP worked with Councilman Carr, as well as Borough President Fossella, to upgrade this community’s drainage network with new catch basins and storm sewers,” said DEP Commissioner Rohit T. Aggarwala. “This infrastructure investment will help fortify the neighborhood against extreme weather and protect residents and their properties from flooding.”

“When I took office I wanted to bring short-term relief to Willowbrook and Westerleigh after the horrific flooding of Hurricane Ida. That is why I allocated this funding and with the partnership of BP Fossella and DEP, we got it done in less than a year of start. Now we will continue to work together on the vision of the Clove Lakes-Westerleigh Drainage Study to be completed hopefully later this year,” said Councilman David Carr.

Work began in August 2022 and took take place along Auburn Avenue, from Cambridge Avenue to Bryson Avenue, as well as portions of Nina Avenue and Willow Road East. As part of the project, 2,460 linear feet of new storm sewers were added to the neighborhood to alleviate flooding. To better capture stormwater and direct it to the new storm sewer system, 42 new catch basins were installed. The initial design scope of the project incorporated 31 catch basins; however, engineers re-evaluated the area’s drainage needs during construction and added 11 more basins to further increase the network’s capacity.

The installation of the new basins was prompted by a walk-through by Councilman Carr and Borough President Fossella of the Willowbrook/Westerleigh areas affected by flooding. DEP and the New York City Department of Design and Construction (DDC) are also working on an ongoing $6.9 million drainage upgrade in a separate part of Westerleigh. This project is anticipated to be completed by the Fall of 2023.

David Carr is the Council Member for the Mid Island-based 50^th Councilmanic District. He serves on the Committees of Finance, Housing & Buildings, Fire & Emergency Management, Parks & Recreation, Criminal Justice, and Transportation & Infrastructure, and the Subcommittee on Zoning & Franchises.

DEP manages New York City’s water supply, providing approximately 1 billion gallons of high-quality drinking water each day to nearly 10 million residents, including 8.8 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 also protects the health and safety of New Yorkers by enforcing the Air and Noise Codes and asbestos rules. DEP has a robust capital program, with a planned $29 billion in investments over the next 10 years. For more information, visit nyc.gov/dep, like us on Facebook, or follow us on Twitter.