| FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE11-108 December 21, 2011 CONTACT: Farrell Sklerov / Michael Saucier (718) 595-6600 DEP Issues Draft Environmental Impact Statement For Repair of the Delaware Aqueduct$2.1 Billion Water for the Future Program Will Ensure Clean, Reliable and Safe Drinking Water for New Yorkers for Decades “This is an important step in this historic project, which will help to ensure that New York City’s drinking water system remains viable for future generations,” said Commissioner Strickland. “This document lays out the scope of the project and its impact on communities and what we plan to do to ensure as few disruptions as possible in the course of this massive, multi-year undertaking.” The DEIS analyzes potential adverse environmental impacts from work directly related to the Delaware Aqueduct repair. A second assessment will focus on the water supply augmentation projects during the period when the tunnel will be out of service. The technical analyses in an environmental impact statement typically describe conditions today, and then forecasts these conditions to the future, under a “no build” scenario and with the proposed project. The DEIS released for public comment determined that construction would not result in significant adverse impacts on land use, zoning, public policy, open space, visual character, historic and archaeological resources, socioeconomic conditions, community facilities, natural resources and water resources, hazardous materials, air quality, energy and greenhouse gas emissions, infrastructure, solid waste, coastal zone areas, or public health. During construction, the DEIS predicts temporary adverse impacts on traffic and noise for both the east and west of Hudson study areas. Mitigation measures to address impacts are proposed and would be incorporated, including signal retimings, upgrading traffic signal controllers and detectors, and traffic control plans at impacted intersections, and noise control measures at the construction sites in order to minimize traffic and noise. A link to the Draft Environmental Impact Statement can be found at www.nyc.gov/dep. The public can provide written or oral comment on the Draft Environmental Impact Statement. Public hearings are scheduled on the following dates: January 23, 2012 January 24, 2012 January 25, 2012 DEP will also accept written comments through the close of the public comment period on Friday, February 17, 2012. The construction of the bypass tunnel and the repair of the lining will ensure that DEP can continue to deliver high quality drinking water every day. The tunnel repair and project is expected to create between 1,000 and 1,500 jobs. Preparation for the repair work is currently underway, including: installation of pumping system and site improvements to support construction; purchasing equipment for the repair; planning and design of the bypass tunnel; geotechnical investigations; discussions with local stakeholders; and investigating augmentation projects. The 85-mile aqueduct, completed in 1944, conveys approximately half of the city’s drinking water from four upstate reservoirs to more than eight million people in New York City, and one million people in Ulster, Orange, Putnam and Westchester counties who also rely on the City’s high quality drinking water. The aqueduct is a concrete-lined tunnel that varies in diameter from 13.5 to 19.5 feet and runs as deep as 2,000 feet beneath the ground. It was constructed by drilling and blasting, and, in most areas, lined with unreinforced concrete. Some work for the repair of the Delaware Aqueduct began earlier this year, including:
The plan to repair the Delaware Aqueduct is part of Strategy 2011-2014, the far-reaching strategic plan that lays out 100 distinct initiatives to make DEP the safest, most efficient, cost-effective, and transparent water utility in the nation. The new plan, the product of nearly one year of analysis and outreach, builds on PlaNYC, Mayor Bloomberg’s sustainability blueprint for New York City. The plan is available on DEP’s website at www.nyc.gov/dep. DEP manages the city’s water supply, providing more than one billion gallons of water each day to more than nine million residents, including eight million in New York City, and residents of Ulster, Orange, Putnam and Westchester counties from the Catskill, Delaware, and Croton watersheds that extend more than 125 miles from the City, and comprises 19 reservoirs, and three controlled lakes. Approximately 1,000 DEP employees live and work in the watershed communities as scientists, engineers, surveyors, and administrative professionals, and perform other critical responsibilities. DEP has invested more than $1.5 billion in watershed protection programs—including partnership organizations such as the Catskill Watershed Corporation and the Watershed Agricultural Council—that support sustainable farming practices, environmentally sensitive economic development, and local economic opportunity. In addition, DEP has a robust capital program for the repair of Gilboa Dam and other in-city and upstate infrastructure, with a planned $13.2 billion in investments over the next 10 years. For more information, visit www.nyc.gov/dep, follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/nycwater, or follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/nycwater. Related Links | |