New York City DEP Announces Unified Stormwater Rule
The New York City Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) announced that a new Unified Stormwater Rule (USWR).
The rule requires newly developed or redeveloped properties to more effectively manage storm water onsite, reported city’s website.
The goal is to keep the city’s drainage system from being overwhelmed during heavy rainstorms, which can lead to flooding, and overflows into waterways. According to the website, the rule will result in the reduction of CSOs citywide by approximately 360 million gallons annually by 2030. The rule will help improve the health of New York Harbor.
“We have all witnessed how climate change is creating stronger and more damaging storms in New York City and this common sense update to our Rules enlists property developers in our collective effort to create a more resilient city,” said DEP Commissioner Rit Aggarwala in the city’s press release. “Cities across the world are following our green infrastructure model where we have committed nearly $2 billion and built more than 11,000 storm water assets and now, as properties are newly developed or redeveloped, they will include plans to retain storm water on site to help to reduce flooding, enhance public safety and improve the health of our waterways.”
According to the city, the proposed Unified Stormwater Rule amendments were publicly reviewed then published on February 15, 2022. This rule also includes amendments to Chapter 31 and Chapter 19.1 of Rules of the city of New York.
“Climate change is one of the biggest threats facing our city. At least 16 lives were lost during September’s Hurricane Ida—most of them in basement apartments,” said Council Member James F. Gennaro, chair of the New York City Council’s Committee on Environmental Protection in the city’s press release. “This is largely because our infrastructure could not handle the speed and intensity of Ida’s rainfall. Approximately 72% of New York City’s surface is impervious, which means that runoff from rainfall is often channeled directly into our sewers instead of being absorbed by the land. It is crucial that the city take the necessary precautions to reduce flooding and improve the overall health of our waterways.”