Ready to discover a hidden gem on Staten Island? This is the Sweet Brook Bluebelt. It is an innovative solution to a persistent urban challenge.
The Sweet Brook Bluebelt represents a significant stride in stormwater management. The NYC Department of Environmental Protection and the Department of Design and Construction recently completed it. This expansion marks the largest addition to the Staten Island Bluebelt system to date.
But what exactly is a Bluebelt? It is an ecologically protective system. It effectively manages stormwater. It minimizes flooding. The Bluebelt improves water quality across 16 watersheds on Staten Island. These watersheds encompass about a third of Staten Island’s land. The Staten Island Bluebelt stands as the largest of its kind in the nation.
Let’s rewind to the late 1980s. The Departments of City Planning and Environmental Protection started designing and building the Bluebelt system. Staten Island experienced rapid growth. This growth outpaced the construction of essential infrastructure. Failed septic systems became common. Water quality declined. Flooding was frequent. Planners recognized the value of wetlands in managing stormwater. The city began acquiring land with wetlands, streams, and ponds. These parcels were linked to storm sewer discharge points.
The Sweet Brook project is the most recent and largest expansion. It included upgrading storm water and drinking water infrastructure. It also involved a major expansion of sanitary sewer connections. Quantitative analysis of water flows guided the installation of three miles of new storm sewers. Almost 200 catch basins were added. Miles of existing drinking water mains were replaced and improved.
Nearly 600 homes were taken off septic systems. They were connected to the city sanitary system. This provides a better method for managing household waste. The City planted hundreds of trees, shrubs, and wildflowers. These were planted in the new wetland constructed at the end of Sheldon Avenue. This wetland offers storm water management and creates new habitat for diverse wildlife.
The Sweet Brook Bluebelt project also focuses on reclaiming wetlands. These wetlands had been disturbed or covered in the past. The Staten Island Bluebelt demonstrates how we can reverse the negative impacts of past practices. It showcases large-scale land reclamation projects.
Prior to these upgrades, few streets in the area had catch basins or storm sewers. Roadway flooding was a common occurrence during heavy rainstorms. The $48 million infrastructure upgrade included more than three miles of storm sewers. Hundreds of catch basins were installed. Existing water mains were replaced. Four miles of new sanitary sewers were installed. This allowed nearly 600 homes to connect to the City sewer system. They could finally discontinue using septic tanks.
The stormwater collected from local roadways is directed to the new wetland. This wetland was built on City-owned property. It is located at the east end of Sheldon Avenue. The work included planting 723 canopy trees, 166 shrubs, 36,850 plants and wildflowers, and 115,000 square feet of seeding. The Bluebelt naturally filters stormwater. It holds the filtered water before it drains into the Raritan Bay.
Over the last decade, DEP has built Bluebelts for approximately one-third of Staten Island’s land area. The City has purchased approximately 400 acres of wetland property for Bluebelts. These provide drainage for 19 watersheds, covering about 14,000 acres. Bluebelts provide open spaces. They serve as a habitat for diverse wildlife.
The Sweet Brook Bluebelt stands as a testament to innovative. It shows sustainable urban planning. It protects our environment. It improves the quality of life for Staten Island residents.