STATEN ISLAND BLUEBELT PROGRAM:STORM WATER MANAGEMENT UTILIZING NATURE

摘要

The Staten Island Bluebelt Program represents New York City’s first large-scale use ofrnstorm water “Best Management Practices” (BMPs) working in harmony with nature, tornalleviate chronic flooding and provide drainage infrastructure. This innovative project isrnone of the largest multiple watershed-based applications of storm water BMPs in the US,rnmaking it a national prototype. South Richmond boasts the last major stand of freshwaterrnwetlands in New York City and, before this project, was the last large section of the Cityrnlacking sewage collection infrastructure. The area was prone to frequent flooding andrndegraded water quality, which adversely affected the area’s natural resources andrncompromised its resident’s quality of life. To alleviate these conditions, the New YorkrnCity DEP has implemented a comprehensive drainage management plan, utilizing andrncomplementing the existing natural areas. This innovative approach saves existingrnwetlands that would have been destroyed if a traditional grid-like network of stormrnsewers had been implemented. The Staten Island Bluebelt Program uses BMPs to controlrnstorm water, which include constructed wetlands with extended detention, stilling basins,rnunderground sand filters, and meandering streams. Along with storm water BMPs, thisrnproject replaces failing septic systems with a complementary sanitary sewer system.rnSome of the major highlights and distinctive features of this project reflecting thernsuccessful completion of the first phase of construction are listed below: