New York City will end rental payments from the New York City Water Board, for an estimated 7 percent in savings for each customer on water and sewer bills through fiscal year 2017. In addition, a one-time $183 credit is being distributed to about 664,000 customers. Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner Emily Lloyd and Brooklyn Borough President Eric L. Adams announce the launch of the Adopt-A-Catch Basin pilot program, which will involve local communities in helping to keep storm drains clear of debris.
The Department of Environmental Protection has been distributing rain barrels to community homeowners in partnership with local elected officials. Water collected in these 60-gallon barrels can be used for gardening and other outdoor purposes and thereby reduce personal water bills. The Gilboa Dam rehabilitation project received a major award from the American Council of Engineering Companies of New York. The DEP announces that it will begin applying natural herbicides along roads in upstate watersheds.
With the Riverbank State Park located atop of the North River Wastewater Resource Recovery Facility, the City has been monitoring formaldehyde levels in the Park for the past three years. The Ambient Air Formaldehyde Monitoring Report summarizes the findings.