On November 8, City Council Member James Gennaro will be joined by representatives of the Storm Waters Infrastructure Matters (SWIM) environmental coalition to announce the introduction of three stormwater management bills aimed at reducing the amount of raw sewage that flows into New York Harbor.

“The development and implementation of a Sustainable Stormwater Management Plan is essential to reducing stormwater runoff into the City’s sewers, which directly results in massive amounts of pollutants and pathogens being dumped into our waterways due to combined sewer overflows,” Councilman Gennaro said. “Introducing ‘green’ stormwater control techniques, such as maximizing the use of parks and other green spaces to capture and store water, building green roofs, and protecting wetlands, will not only take the strain off our over-taxed sewer system, it can also reduce flooding, which is a big deal in Queens, where flooding has repeatedly destroyed people’s homes and businesses. This progressive legislation will improve the City’s water quality, allowing for expanded recreational uses of our water; add new green spaces; mitigate flooding; and add capacity to a sewer system that, frankly, is in dire need of help.”

Water Watch NYC thanks SWIM for their press release about the press conference and hearing. More info can be found at the SWIM website here.

Water Watch NYC also wishes to commend Council Member Gennaro for his efforts to build a better economic and environmental stormwater management system for NYC’s home and business owners.

All are encouraged to attend tomorrow’s hearing, which begins at 1:00 pm, and to the press conference on the steps of City Hall which will take place prior to the meeting.