NYC to Pilot New System for Monitoring Sewage Discharge

New York City is taking steps to manage the dumping of raw sewage, Mireya Navarro reports.

1 minute read

February 23, 2012, 5:00 AM PST

By Ryan Lue


When rainstorms flood the pipes that feed New York City's municipal sewage plants, plant operators are left with no choice but to release the mixture of storm water and untreated waste directly into local waterways, which the public uses for recreation.

To mitigate the problem, the New York Department of Environmental Protection has developed a pilot program that will provide instantaneous monitoring at five of the city's 423 outfall locations. Drains that connect to the East River, Newtown Creek, the Gowanus Canal, the Bronx River, and Gravesend Bay will be outfitted with devices that measure the rate and direction of flow, allowing the department to better alert citizens about growing public health emergencies.

The city has received criticism in the past for failing to notify the public about sewage contamination in a reasonable timeframe.

Thursday, February 16, 2012 in New York Times - Green Blog

View form second story inside Southdale Mall in Edina, Minnesota with escalators and model cars parked on downstairs floor.

The Mall Is Dead — Long Live the Mall

The American shopping mall may be closer to its original vision than ever.

March 21, 2024 - Governing

Houston, Texas skyline.

Report: Las Vegas, Houston Top List of Least Affordable Cities

The report assesses the availability of affordable rental units for low-income households.

March 22, 2024 - Urban Edge

Historic buildings in downtown Los Angeles with large "Pan American Lofts" sign on side of building.

Adaptive Reuse Bills Introduced in California Assembly

The legislation would expand eligibility for economic incentives and let cities loosen regulations to allow for more building conversions.

March 18, 2024 - Beverly Press

Amtrak train passing over tall trestle bridge on California coast at Gaviota Beach.

LA-to-San Francisco Night Train Closer to Reality

A train operator has entered into formal negotiations with Union Pacific to move the project forward with a projected launch date of 2025.

March 27 - SFGate

Major League Baseball Stadium

Lawsuit Aims to Stop Dodger Stadium Gondola

A proposed aerial tram project that would shuttle visitors to L.A.’s Dodger Stadium faces backlash from environmental and community groups.

March 27 - Los Angeles Times

ROwn of grey and white townhomes with gabled roofs and front porches.

Why Parking Reform Goes Hand in Hand With More Housing

To achieve the full benefits of ‘missing middle housing’ and make way for small-lot construction, cities must rethink parking mandates.

March 27 - Sightline

News from HUD User

HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research

Call for Speakers

Mpact Transit + Community

New Updates on PD&R Edge

HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research

Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools

This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.

Planning for Universal Design

Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.