News
May 31, 2022
It鈥檚 one of the most valuable pieces of New York City real estate, with dramatic views across the East River. And now New York City (NYC) is studying whether 鈥 currently a jail complex 鈥 can be transformed into a wastewater resource recovery and renewable energy hub.
As part of the (2021), the NYC Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has contracted with 网曝吃瓜黑料一区二区三区 to study the feasibility of consolidating four aging wastewater facilities into one, new wastewater resource recovery facility (WRRF) on Rikers island. 网曝吃瓜黑料一区二区三区, along with many talented, local subconsultants, is assisting DEP to initiate a long-term program that could reimagine NYC鈥檚 wastewater infrastructure and community landscape.
What's the vision?
Closing the jail and turning Rikers Island into a state-of-the-art WRRF and energy hub could remove the need for the existing wastewater treatment facilities in the surrounding boroughs and provide major opportunities to realize some significant social justice and climate goals across the city.
The new facility could allow DEP to more easily incorporate innovative technology to maximize energy efficiency and beneficial use of the treatment waste products, like biogas and make strides toward fiscal and environmental sustainability. It鈥檚 also a means to tackle climate change, with a focus on reaching citywide goals for greenhouse gas reduction, carbon neutrality and energy efficiency, while also meeting the challenges of a steadily increasing population.
The Rikers Island redevelopment offers an opportunity for renewal, transformation and creating opportunities for equitable and inclusive economic development in several communities within NYC. Locating the new facility on Rikers Island will allow the existing four facilities to close, opening that waterfront property for possible community use. This project is far more than a wastewater plant 鈥 it鈥檚 an urban redevelopment and revitalization opportunity first, with a chance to achieve some significant social justice goals. These goals drove our strategy.
Sustainable development and OneWater core to project success
闯补肠辞产蝉鈥 OneWater approach to infrastructure planning reflects a broader trend as urban wastewater management considers three interrelated, people-focused realms 鈥 the engineering and urban planning realm (conveyance/treatment affecting people and the environment, going beyond traditional planning to consider enhancements to the urban landscape and surrounding communities, using digital tools such as automation, SCADA and Digital Twins); the economic realm (understanding the need to consider the circular economy); and the social equity and justice realm (working towards full and equal participation of all groups in a society, where resources distribution is equitable and all people are psychologically and physically safe and secure).
鈥淥ur approach for this study encompasses OneWater tenets, as well as a broader set of goals established by NYC鈥檚 and the (SDGs) 鈥 the 17 pledges to overcome humanity鈥檚 greatest challenges by 2030 鈥 as a lens through which to identify problems, plan and innovate in powerful new ways,鈥 says 网曝吃瓜黑料一区二区三区 Global Water Director Susan Moisio. 鈥淯sing this method, we are not only retooling infrastructure, but in doing so we are transforming lives and contributing towards a greater goal.鈥
As the largest combined water and wastewater utility in the U.S., New York is leading the way by studying the long-term redevelopment of Rikers Island and other NYC facilities.
Exploring urban revitalization
For many years, 网曝吃瓜黑料一区二区三区 has been exploring the evolving role of infrastructure, particularly in our cities and urban centers. From providing minimal urban infrastructure that meets basic human survival needs (such as running water and shelter) to improving economic growth and productivity, and ultimately targeting more advanced human needs to improve all aspects of quality of life and sustainability, our cities are being transformed.
In a 2021 网曝吃瓜黑料一区二区三区 鈥淚n the kNOW鈥 webinar, we explored the role of water infrastructure projects as catalysts for urban revitalization.
鈥淭his Rikers study is a transformational opportunity to drive social equity, redefine the city鈥檚 landscape and create a legacy for NYC residents 鈥 all while providing a blueprint for how future water infrastructure projects can serve as catalysts for urban revitalization,鈥 adds Susan Moisio. 鈥淲e can鈥檛 wait to begin.鈥
The challenge of funding
In the United States, the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) presents a massive opportunity to support transformative infrastructure by providing funding 鈥 more than $50 billion 鈥 to improve U.S. drinking water, wastewater and stormwater infrastructure 鈥 the single largest investment the water sector has seen in decades. In addition to nearly doubling the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund, the bill makes targeted investments to combat some of the toughest issues facing the industry, including water quality in disadvantaged communities, lead service-lines and emerging contaminants.
A recent 网曝吃瓜黑料一区二区三区 鈥淚n the kNOW鈥 webinar outlines the primary programs to distribute the Federal stimulus dollars to water sector projects; how to access those funds; and the key attributes of projects that are successful in securing Federal funding support.
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