City Activates Emergency Procurement Contracts to Quickly Clean Homes Affected by Sewage Backup in Queens

December 2, 2019

City to help homeowners clean and sanitize to get back to normal

NEW YORK—Mayor Bill de Blasio announced that the City of New York, through NYC Emergency Management, will use emergency procurement to hire contractors to clean homes affected by the sewer main blockage in Queens during a visit to the area this afternoon. The Department of Small Business Services is working with Emergency Management on the effort. Cleaning will begin tonight and continue until all homes are clean, while residents file claims with their insurance companies and reimbursement claims with the Comptroller.

The City has set up a service center at the Courtyard Marriot at 145-11 North Conduit Avenue to function as a central point for homeowners to reach City resources. City workers at the service center will help affected residents fill out claim forms from the Comptroller in order to be reimbursed for out-of-pocket expenses.

“I feel for the homeowners in Queens who were affected by the sewage blockage this weekend,” said Mayor Bill de Blasio. “We are implementing the emergency procurement process to ensure that homes are cleaned quickly, and we are going to work with each and every New Yorker who experienced flooding to make sure they get back on their feet.”

“My heart goes out to all who have been impacted by this sewage backup. To expedite cleanup and removal, we have granted emergency procurement authority to the City,” said Comptroller Scott Stringer. “DEP and my office will be investigating the cause of this sewer backup.  In addition, as the cause of the incident is investigated, I urge impacted homeowners to file a notice of claim with my office within 90 days of the incident and to contact their insurance companies immediately.”

"I've seen for myself the distress residents faced when their holiday weekend was disrupted by the destructive sewage backup that has left many homes seriously affected. While we work with the City to use emergency contractors to unflood basements and restore the sewage system, I urge residents in need to seek services at the Courtyard Marriot where we will have City representatives available to address your concerns." said Congressman Gregory Meeks.

The Mayor visited the affected neighborhood in South Ozone Park today to receive updates on repairs and meet with a homeowner affected by the sewage blockage that occurred this weekend. While repairs are ongoing, the Department of Environmental Protection and NYC Emergency Management are ensuring that homeowners receive services they need.

To date, the City has confirmed that 74 homes were affected by flooding. The Department of Environmental Protection has installed a bypass pump to assist with flooding while repairs to the sewage line are ongoing and additional equipment is brought into the area.

New York City Emergency Management and the FDNY are bringing in portable heaters for those whose boilers were affected. The FDNY has emergency resources staged in the area to immediately respond to any emergencies. Drinking water remains safe and unaffected.