NEW YORK: The New York City Council is set to vote today onlegislation from Public Advocate Jumaane D. Williams which would increase catch basin cleaning requirements, a move that would help reduce flooding. In recent years, several instances of flash flooding on streets and leaks in subways have stemmed in part from clogged catch basins, and this bill would mitigate that risk. The legislation is expected to pass in a full Council vote on Thursday afternoon.
“Across this city, clogged catch basins have led to mass flooding in the streets. It's an issue that not only inconveniences neighborhoods, but can cause significant damage and danger. Passing this bill will help clear the backlog of complaints and ensure things flow smoothly, keeping our streets safe and our subways dry.’ said Public Advocate Jumaane D. Williams. “Each time there is an extreme storm in the city, one that overruns our systems and our streets, one that puts New Yorkers' safety and security at risk, we hear that it's 'once in a decade, or once in a generation, or once in 500 years...' I've heard it once too often. These events are the new normal, and we need to be adequately prepared as a city.” Catch basins are a type of storm drain that serve a critical function in reducing the likelihood of inland flooding citywide. They serve as a component of storm drains, collecting debris so the flow of excess and runoff water is not hindered. Catch basins play a key role in keeping New York City’s streets free of flooding but they require frequent attention and upkeep. The New York City Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is responsible for the monitoring, cleaning, and repair of catch basins through annual inspections and calls made through 311 indicating a clogged or broken storm drain. The bill, Intro 403-A, would require the DEP to unclog catch basins within eight days of an inspection or complaint and that the agency reports catch basin clearance data each year. The bill would also require DEP to inspect catch basins in accordance with a multi-tiered inspection schedule – based on data collected under a previous law from the Public Advocate – and to evaluate this schedule at least once every 3 years. Council Member Joann Ariola, Minority Leader, is a co-prime sponsor of the bill. "For too long, we have seen a lack of accountability from the DEP when it comes to catch basins. This bill will provide us with that accountability," said Minority Leader Joann Ariola. "With regular reporting and a mandate for rapid clog removals, we can mitigate the dangerous flooding risks communities across the five boroughs face and help bring about a safer, stronger New York City." There are 150,000 catch basins across the five boroughs collecting debris so that runoff water can flow. But over time, they can become clogged as leaves and litter pile up inside and out, leaving water with nowhere to go. With the climate crisis making extreme weather into the new normal, there’s real risk of dangerous flooding – above and below ground. This new legislation serves to build upon a previous law from the Public Advocate, originally passed as Local Law 48 of 2015. That law helped collect critical data in addition to requiring timely cleaning of catch basins, but sunsetted in 2019.