New York City CSO-PlaNYC Green Infrastructure Initiatives– BMP Pilots

Project Description

Biohabitats, along with joint venture partners, is working with New York City Department of Environmental Protection to implement a variety of stormwater best management practices throughout the City. The pilots involve retrofitting buildings, paved areas, and parking lots to demonstrate the effectiveness of green infrastructure for slowing and reducing stormwater runoff that enters the combined sewer system. The pilots are also being designed to treat stormwater before it enters the sewer system, provide more pervious surfaces, improve drainage, improve habitat, and reduce heat island effects.

The pilot sites will be monitored to document their effectiveness. The results will provide specific information about feasible inflow/outflow rates, water quality treatment potential and the overall cost effectiveness of green infrastructure given New York City’s climatic and environmental conditions. The monitoring data will be used to develop effective green infrastructure designs and implementation strategies that can provide stormwater benefits, reduce urban heat island effects, and improve urban wildlife habitat and neighborhood aesthetics.