City Investing $28 Million to Bring New Sewers and a Bluebelt to Travis Area of Staten Island

Today’s announcement is good news for the residents of Travis. This infrastructure investment will alleviate flooding by using proven natural resources. I have championed the dozens of active Bluebelt wetlands throughout Staten Island, each serving as nature’s sponge. I commend DEP and DDC for the ongoing investment in Staten Island’s infrastructure. " said State Senator Andrew Lanza.

New Sewers and Catch Basins will Increase Drainage Capacity and Help to Reduce Flooding

New York City Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Commissioner Vincent Sapienza and Department of Design and Construction (DDC) Commissioner Lorraine Grillo today announced that construction has begun on a $28 million infrastructure upgrade in the Staten Island neighborhood of Travis. The work includes the installation of new storm sewers, sanitary sewers, water mains, catch basins and fire hydrants. In addition, a new Bluebelt wetland will receive the stormwater and filter it to protect the environment. DEP is providing the funding for the project while DDC is managing the construction, which is projected to be completed in 2021.

“Bluebelts have proven to effectively reduce flooding and protect the environment in a cost-effective manner, so we will continue to expand their use across Staten Island,” said DEP Commissioner Vincent Sapienza. “This $28 million investment in the Travis neighborhood will upgrade infrastructure and improve services for residents and businesses.”

“DDC and DEP have more than 20 sewer projects active on Staten Island adding up to over a quarter billion dollars of infrastructure improvements for the borough,” said DDC Commissioner Lorraine Grillo. “We look forward to completing this project to bring additional flood relief plus new water mains and fire protection to the area.”

“For the Travis residents who live in flood-prone areas, the addition of these sewers and a Bluebelt wetland is welcomed news,” said Borough President Jim Oddo. “Throughout my tenure as an elected official, I have supported the effort to create Bluebelts and install sewer systems in our low-lying areas. After hearing countless complaints from residents during my tenure in the City Council, I initiated the original work with DEP to bring a sewer system to the Travis area. The Bluebelt system is designed to direct storm water away from neighborhoods and into streams and ponds that are engineered to biologically clean the water. This allows residents to not only gain the benefits of reduced flooding, but also increases natural areas for enjoying the health benefits of outdoor recreation.”

“Staten Island has critical infrastructure needs, which is why I’m encouraged to see such attention and improvements,” said Congressman Max Rose. It may not be the flashiest, but these investments in our sewer and water systems pay huge dividends both in flood prevention and fire safety.”

“I am pleased to see shovels in the ground for this project, which is long overdue but critically necessary to alleviate the flooding that has continually plagued the homes and streets of Travis,” said City Council Minority Leader Steven Matteo. This new sewer and Bluebelt water management system, along with the elevation of Travis Avenue that I helped to fund and worked with the administration to fast track, will be game changers for the up-and-coming West Shore. I thank DEP for working with me to get these projects moving forward.”

“Today’s announcement is good news for the residents of Travis. This infrastructure investment will alleviate flooding by using proven natural resources. I have championed the dozens of active Bluebelt wetlands throughout Staten Island, each serving as nature’s sponge. I commend DEP and DDC for the ongoing investment in Staten Island’s infrastructure,” said State Senator Andrew Lanza.

As part of the project, more than 8,700 linear feet of new storm sewers will be installed along Victory Boulevard, from Baron Boulevard to Roswell Avenue, as well as portions of Glen Street, Melvin Avenue, Wild Avenue, Parish Avenue, Cannon Avenue, Prices Lane, Burke Avenue, Leroy Street, Meredith Avenue, Simmons Lane, Shelley Avenue, and Pearsons Street. The addition of 104 new catch basins will help to drain precipitation from the roadways and alleviate localized street flooding. The plans also call for seven storm chambers to be built, as well as a Bluebelt wetland, also known as a best management practice.

The proposed Bluebelt wetland consists of an outlet stilling basin situated where the storm sewer discharges off Cannon Avenue. This basin is designed to reduce the velocity of stormwater entering the natural area and to intercept litter and sediment for removal by Bluebelt field management personnel. In addition, the approximately one-acre site will also consist of freshwater and tidal wetland restoration that will be visible from the West Shore Expressway. The storm water will ultimately flow into the Arthur Kill. Part of the site was privately owned land acquired by DEP for this project. The other portion of the site is within Meredith Woods Park under the jurisdiction of the City’s Department of Parks and Recreation.

In addition, approximately 3,600 linear feet of new sanitary sewers will be replaced. While the roadway is open to construct the sewers, almost four miles (19,000 linear feet) of new ductile iron water mains will be added to replace older cast iron pipes. This will improve water distribution in the area, while 53 new hydrants will ensure firefighters have ready access to the City’s water supply.

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 8.6 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 nearly 6,000 employees, including almost 1,000 in the upstate watershed. In addition, DEP has a robust capital program, with a planned $19.4 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.

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 such as firehouses, libraries, police precincts, and new or upgraded roads, sewers and water mains in all five boroughs. To manage this $14 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.