New York City Council Passes Package of Bills to Enhance Flood Protections
The New York City Council passed a package of bills on Thursday, Dec. 5, aimed at addressing increasing flooding issues across the city.
Legislation and Author
The legislation, Intro 0814 and Intro 0815, was introduced and authored by Council Member James F. Gennaro, who represents District 24, covering neighborhoods such as Briarwood, Fresh Meadows, Hillcrest, Jamaica Estates, and Kew Gardens Hills. Gennaro also chairs the Council’s Committee on Environmental Protection, Resiliency, and Waterfronts.
Key Provisions of the Bills
Intro 0814 requires the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to update its sewer backup prevention plan at least once every five years. The bill also mandates that residents be notified if a sewer backup is caused by an issue stemming from a privately owned sewer. It is projected to reduce the frequency of sewer backups, prevent damage to homes, and protect residents from exposure to raw sewage.
Intro 0815 establishes a coastal flood risk map that accounts for the anticipated impact of sea-level rise and introduces a special designation for “inland flood hazard areas,” which will protect properties in areas outside traditional flood zones. Data collected under this bill will inform the city’s stormwater planning efforts, as the DEP plans to enhance its stormwater infrastructure to address increasing rainfall.
Council Member Gennaro’s Statement
Gennaro emphasized the significance of the bills in a statement, describing them as a proactive response to the growing impacts of climate change. “These bills will save lives, protect property, and pave the way for a more sustainable New York City,” he said.
Gennaro also highlighted the dangers of heavy rainstorms and the importance of addressing inland flooding, stating, “By mapping inland flood hazards, we enable smarter planning and more effective emergency responses.”
Conclusion
The passage of these bills is a significant step towards enhancing flood protections for New Yorkers. By requiring regular updates to the sewer backup prevention plan and establishing a coastal flood risk map, the city is better equipped to respond to the growing impacts of climate change. These measures will help to reduce the frequency of sewer backups, prevent damage to homes, and protect residents from exposure to raw sewage.
FAQs
Q: What is the purpose of the sewer backup prevention plan update?
A: The purpose of the update is to reduce the frequency of sewer backups, prevent damage to homes, and protect residents from exposure to raw sewage.
Q: What is the coastal flood risk map, and what is its purpose?
A: The coastal flood risk map is a tool that accounts for the anticipated impact of sea-level rise and identifies areas that are at risk of flooding. Its purpose is to inform the city’s stormwater planning efforts and enhance its stormwater infrastructure to address increasing rainfall.
Q: What is an inland flood hazard area, and how will it be designated?
A: An inland flood hazard area is a special designation for properties in areas outside traditional flood zones that are at risk of flooding due to heavy rainfall or other factors. The designation will be made through the coastal flood risk map, which will inform the city’s stormwater planning efforts.
Q: What is the impact of climate change on flood protections?
A: Climate change is expected to increase the frequency and severity of heavy rainfall events, leading to more frequent and severe flooding. The passage of these bills is a proactive response to this growing threat, aimed at enhancing flood protections for New Yorkers.
