Pugsley Creek. Image Credit: NYC DDC
The project is designed to improve the health of New York Harbor. On October 27, 2020, the New York City Department of Environmental Protection and Department of Design and Construction announced that a $106 million project to clean up Pugsley Creek in the South Bronx had been completed. This project reduced sewer overflows into the Creek by 98 percent and was completed 14 months ahead of schedule.
The project’s construction was focused on a nearly mile-long parallel box sewer that was as large as 15’ by 9.’ This parallel box sewer was installed beneath White Plains Road to direct more wastewater towards Hunts Point Wastewater Resource Recovery Facility. Constructing this larger sewer increased the drainage capacity in the area and has nearly eliminated sewer overflows into Pugsley Creek. The construction of the new parallel sewer is part of an agreement between New York City and New York State that aims to improve the ecological health and cleanliness of New York City Harbor.
Additionally, the project included installing more than 2,200 feet of new water mains and replacing over 8,300 feet of existing water mains with concrete-lined ductile iron pipes. These iron pipes are more resilient and are less prone to breakage than the cast iron pipes typically used decades ago.
To help improve stormwater drainage in the area, 3,500 feet of new combined sewers were installed, 580 feet or old combined sewers were replaced, 21 catch basins were replaced, and one catch basin was added. Moreover, 45,000 square feet of sidewalk, 4,300 linear feet of curbs, and the resurfacing of over 26,000 square yards of roadway were leveled to help guide stormwater to the area’s new catch basins to ensure adequate drainage during storms.
The project also enhanced fire protection by replacing 19 fire hydrants and adding seven new hydrants. These enhancements ensure firefighters have access to the City’s water supply during emergencies.
Speaking on the project, Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr said: “Pugsley Creek is an underappreciated natural gem in our borough that was long neglected, but is now flourishing as a habitat and recreation area.”
To view photos and a map of the project, click here.
By: Lynsey Smith (Lynsey is the CityLaw intern and a New York Law School student, Class of 2022.)