New York City Council
Committee on Environmental Protection, Resiliency and Waterfronts
Dec 17, 2024
·
10:00 AM
2 hr 30 min
Summary
A hearing on New York City's recent drought conditions, water conservation efforts, and stormwater managementl.
Discussions focused on:
- The impact of climate change on water availability
- The need for updated stormwater infrastructure
- Potential legislative measures to improve water management and conservation
The committee also considered two pre-considered bills:
- Requiring the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to develop a comprehensive stormwater plan and dashboard
- Transferring liability for engine idling violations from vehicle owners to lessees
Features testimony from the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), New York City Parks Department, and the public.
Meeting chapters
Read summaries and watch videos for short segments that matter to you.
Opening remarks and introductions by Council Member Jim Gennaro
Council Member Jim Gennaro opens the hearing of the Committee on Environmental Protection, Resiliency, and Waterfronts. He introduces himself as the chair of the committee and sets the stage for …
0:00:00
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38 sec
Introduction of oversight hearing on New York City drought
Council Member Jim Gennaro introduces the main topic of the day's hearing: an oversight hearing on the New York City drought. This sets the stage for the committee to examine …
0:00:39
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3 sec
Introduction of pre-considered intros and resolution
Council Member Jim Gennaro introduces two pre-considered intros and a resolution that will be discussed during the hearing. These legislative items address various environmental concerns in New York City. - …
0:00:43
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36 sec
Overview of New York City's water infrastructure
Council Member Jim Gennaro provides an overview of New York City's potable water infrastructure, highlighting its capacity and reach. He emphasizes the quality and source of the city's tap water. …
0:01:19
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35 sec
Importance of the drought hearing despite recent rainfall
Council Member Jim Gennaro explains the necessity of the drought hearing despite recent rainfall. He highlights the current state of the city's water reservoirs and the impact of climate change …
0:01:55
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69 sec
Impact of drought on New York City's tree planting efforts
Council Member Jim Gennaro discusses the impact of the drought on New York City's tree planting efforts, highlighting the importance of trees in the city's climate mitigation strategy and the …
0:03:04
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65 sec
Concerns about Delaware aqueduct repairs and drought impact
Council Member Jim Gennaro expresses interest in understanding how the drought watch and warning determinations have affected the Delaware aqueduct repairs. He also raises concerns about potential leaks in the …
0:04:10
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19 sec
Local Law 5 and progress in stormwater management
Council Member Jim Gennaro discusses Local Law 5, which he sponsored in 2008, requiring DEP to develop a sustainable stormwater management plan. He highlights the progress made in reducing combined …
0:04:29
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60 sec
Addressing new stormwater challenges in New York City
Council Member Jim Gennaro highlights the need to address emerging stormwater challenges in New York City, shifting focus from primarily reducing CSOs to tackling new issues like street flooding. - …
0:05:29
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28 sec
Proposed comprehensive stormwater plan and infrastructure capacity increase
Council Member Jim Gennaro details a pre-considered intro that would require DEP to determine a new capacity for the city's stormwater infrastructure and publish a comprehensive stormwater plan. This bill …
0:05:57
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83 sec
Proposed transfer of liability for idling violations to vehicle lessees
Council Member Jim Gennaro introduces a pre-considered intro that would require DEP to establish a program transferring liability for idling violations from vehicle owners to lessees of rented vehicles. This …
0:07:21
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27 sec
Acknowledgments of staff and introduction of council members
Council Member Jim Gennaro concludes his opening remarks by acknowledging the committee staff, including policy analysts, legislative counsels, and his own team. He also introduces the council members present for …
0:07:49
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96 sec
Introduction and downgrade of drought warning to drought watch
Deputy Commissioner Paul Rush of the NYC Department of Environmental Protection announces the downgrade of the drought warning to a drought watch. Recent rain and melting snowpack have significantly replenished …
0:10:19
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64 sec
NYC's improved water supply resilience and conservation efforts
Paul Rush explains the factors contributing to NYC's improved resilience to droughts, including increased precipitation due to climate change and a 35% reduction in water demand through conservation efforts. - …
0:11:24
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55 sec
Climate change and its effect on NYC's precipitation patterns
Paul Rush discusses the impact of climate change on precipitation patterns affecting NYC's water supply, emphasizing the record low precipitation and the unpredictability of weather forecasts. - The watershed extends …
0:12:20
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120 sec
Postponement of the Delaware Aqueduct repair project
Paul Rush explains the decision to pause the final phase of the $2 billion Delaware Aqueduct repair work due to severe drought conditions, despite extensive preparations and investments made for …
0:14:23
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178 sec
Water conservation efforts and public engagement
Paul Rush outlines DEP's efforts to reduce water demand, identify high-use customers, and engage the public in water conservation practices. - DEP has been monitoring water usage records to look …
0:17:23
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113 sec
Concerns about proposed idling violations legislation
Paul Rush expresses significant concerns about the pre-considered bill that would transfer liability for certain engine idling violations from vehicle owners to lessees. - DEP is worried that relieving truck …
0:19:18
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91 sec
Support for comprehensive stormwater plan legislation with reservations
Paul Rush discusses the pre-considered bill that would require DEP to create a comprehensive stormwater plan and dashboard, expressing support for the goals while raising concerns about details and timeline. …
0:20:51
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70 sec
Council Member Gennaro's opening remarks and introductions
Council Member Jim Gennaro opens the hearing with brief remarks, acknowledging the presence of other council members and setting the stage for the discussion. He touches on the two bills …
0:22:04
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3 min
Discussion on stormwater management plan and mapping challenges
Council Member Gennaro and DEP officials discuss the challenges and timeline for developing a comprehensive stormwater management plan and the related mapping work. They explore the relationship between the stormwater …
0:25:23
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168 sec
Current reservoir levels compared to normal
Paul Rush provides information on the current reservoir levels compared to the historical average for this time of year. - The 30-year average for this time of year is 82.7% …
0:28:14
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50 sec
Delaware Aqueduct water supply and system rebalancing
Council Member Gennaro and Paul Rush discuss the role of the Delaware Aqueduct in New York City's water supply system and the current process of rebalancing water distribution after recent …
0:29:04
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3 min
Delaware River Basin Commission obligations and water release agreements
Paul Rush provides a detailed explanation of New York City's obligations under the Delaware River Basin Commission (DRBC) and various water release agreements. The discussion covers the historical context, legal …
0:32:15
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7 min
Potential for additional water storage and drought management strategies
Council Member Gennaro and Paul Rush discuss potential strategies for improving water storage and drought management in the Delaware River Basin. They explore options for utilizing existing infrastructure and collaborating …
0:40:05
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5 min
Water conservation education and outreach initiatives
Council Member Marmorato inquires about DEP's water conservation education and outreach efforts, particularly focusing on programs targeting schools and children. Paul Rush provides information on the agency's collaborative approach with …
0:45:07
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61 sec
Funding implications of proposed stormwater management plan
Council Member Marmorato and Kathryn Mallon discuss the potential financial impacts of implementing the proposed stormwater management plan, including its effects on DEP's budget and possible implications for ratepayers. - …
0:46:08
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73 sec
Identification of flood-prone areas for potential buyout program
Council Member Marmorato inquires about the process of identifying flood-prone areas within the city that might be eligible for a voluntary buyout program, as proposed in Resolution 84. Kathryn Mallon …
0:47:21
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60 sec
Council Member Holden inquires about water main breaks and DEP response times
Council Member Robert Holden questions DEP officials about recent water main breaks, their causes, and the department's efforts to prevent and respond to them. The discussion covers improvements in leak …
0:48:22
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3 min
Council Member Sandy Nurse inquires about the effectiveness of drought warnings on water consumption
Council Member Sandy Nurse questions DEP Deputy Commissioner Paul Rush about the effectiveness of drought warnings on New Yorkers' water consumption habits. Rush explains that while consumption decreased after the …
0:51:50
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3 min
Bushfires in Bronx parks during drought and potential preventive measures
Council Member Rafael Salamanca, Jr. inquires about bushfires that occurred in Bronx parks during the recent drought and potential preventive measures. He asks if DEP has plans to work with …
0:56:00
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3 min
Public service announcements and water conservation efforts during drought
Council Member Salamanca inquires about public service announcements and water conservation efforts during the recent drought. He notes that while the mayor made announcements, many New Yorkers were not paying …
0:59:15
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174 sec
Regulations for businesses and individuals during drought conditions
Council Member Salamanca inquires about specific regulations for businesses and individuals during drought conditions, particularly focusing on car washes and sidewalk cleaning practices that he observed during the recent drought. …
1:02:10
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60 sec
DEP and Parks Department coordination on water usage for new plantings during drought
Council Member Gennaro inquires about how the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and Parks Department coordinate water usage for newly planted trees and shrubs during drought conditions. The Parks Department …
1:04:09
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81 sec
Council Member Gennaro's upcoming bill to protect trees within city's right of way
Council Member Gennaro discusses his upcoming bill aimed at preventing the unauthorized removal of trees within the city's right of way, even if they appear to be on private property. …
1:05:30
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4 min
Humorous exchange between Council Members about appearances and work ethic
Council Members Gennaro and Restler engage in a lighthearted exchange about appearances and how to look busy at work. Gennaro jokes about Restler's rolled-up sleeves and offers advice on how …
1:09:34
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52 sec
Council Member Restler's opening remarks and appreciation
Council Member Lincoln Restler opens by expressing appreciation for Chair Gennaro's leadership and expertise in the Environmental Protection Committee. He also thanks the panel for their presence at the hearing. …
1:10:26
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12 sec
Extreme weather events and their impact on New York City
Council Member Restler discusses the challenges posed by extreme weather events in New York City, particularly focusing on drought conditions and wildfires. He expresses concern about the city's vulnerability to …
1:10:39
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89 sec
Parks Department staffing and wildfire prevention
Council Member Restler engages in a discussion with Matt Drury from the Parks Department about staffing levels in the Natural Resources Division and their impact on wildfire prevention and response …
1:12:13
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164 sec
DEP's drought response and infrastructure projects
Council Member Restler discusses with Paul Rush from DEP about the agency's drought response and ongoing infrastructure projects, particularly focusing on the Delaware Aqueduct repair project. - Explores the impact …
1:15:00
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101 sec
Flooding risks during drought conditions
Council Member Restler raises concerns about increased flooding risks during drought conditions and discusses potential measures to enhance the city's resilience to extreme weather events during these periods. - Explains …
1:16:41
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173 sec
DEP's water usage monitoring and leak detection efforts for smaller users
Council Member Jim Gennaro inquires about DEP's ability to monitor and address water usage issues in smaller buildings, particularly those with significant leaks. DEP Deputy Commissioner Beth DeFalco explains their …
1:19:36
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4 min
Fire safety and management strategies in NYC parks
Council Member Jim Gennaro inquires about the Parks Department's efforts to ensure fire safety in New York City parks. Matt Drury from the Parks Department explains their strategies for managing …
1:23:43
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32 sec
Discussion on invasive species regulations in NYC
Council Member Jim Gennaro raises concerns about the lack of invasive species regulations in New York City, comparing it to surrounding jurisdictions that have implemented bans. The Parks Department representative …
1:24:16
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3 min
Potential water rate increases during drought emergencies
Council Member Jim Gennaro inquires about DEP's ability to request water rate increases from the Water Board during drought emergencies. DEP officials explain the process and historical context of such …
1:27:41
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135 sec
Historical context of drought management in NYC
Paul Rush, Deputy Commissioner of the Bureau of Water Supply, provides historical context for drought management in New York City, focusing on past drought emergencies and rate increases. - A …
1:29:57
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135 sec
Water Board's role in determining water rate changes
Paul Rush briefly explains the Water Board's authority in determining water rate changes during drought emergencies. - The Water Board has the decision-making power regarding water rate changes - This …
1:32:15
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5 sec
Criticism of mayor's use of rental payments from water system
Council Member Jim Gennaro expresses strong criticism of the mayor's practice of using rental payments from the water system for the general fund, characterizing it as a misuse of funds …
1:32:21
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4 min
Updating stormwater management standards and capacity
Council Member Jim Gennaro and DEP officials discuss the process of updating stormwater management standards, particularly the potential increase in the design criteria for the 5-year storm from 1.75 inches …
1:36:52
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6 min
Progress on voluntary land acquisition program for flood-prone areas
Council Member Jim Gennaro inquires about the progress of the voluntary land acquisition program proposed in the 2023 PlaNYC to assist residents in areas at severe risk of repeat flooding. …
1:43:00
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122 sec
Testimony by Sarah Evans, Director of Living Collections at Green-Wood Cemetery, on Climate Change Impacts and Green Infrastructure
Sarah Evans, from Green-Wood Cemetery, discusses the impact of recent drought and intense storm events on green infrastructure, particularly trees. She emphasizes the importance of proactive care for urban forests …
2:03:56
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3 min
Council Member Gennaro praises Green-Wood Cemetery's environmental efforts
Council Member Jim Gennaro expresses his admiration for Green-Wood Cemetery and acknowledges their important environmental work. He commends the cemetery for securing funding from DEC, DEP, and other sources for …
2:06:58
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22 sec
Discussion on drought-resistant plants and Green-Wood Cemetery's future plans
Council Member Gennaro and Sarah Evans engage in a brief Q&A about Green-Wood Cemetery's shift towards more drought-resistant plants. The discussion covers the cemetery's efforts to adapt to changing climate …
2:07:21
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90 sec
Testimony by Hayden Brockett, Founding Member of New York Clean Air Collective on Intro 2810 and Citizens Air Complaint Program
Hayden Brockett, a founding member of the New York Clean Air Collective, testified against Intro 2810 and in support of the Citizens Air Complaint Program (CACP). He expressed concerns about …
2:08:51
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5 min
Council member arranges contact between Hayden Brockett and Eric Goldstein
Council Member Jim Gennaro facilitates a connection between Hayden Brockett and Eric Goldstein, asking Brockett to share his contact information. The exchange involves coordinating the sharing of Brockett's email and …
2:14:40
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76 sec
Testimony by Eric Eisenberg on Idling Violation Bill
Eric Eisenberg provides testimony on the proposed bill to transfer liability for idling offenses from vehicle owners to lessees. He expresses concerns about potential unintended consequences and suggests alternative solutions. …
2:17:25
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3 min
Council Member Gennaro praises Eric Eisenberg's testimony on idling violations bill
Council Member Jim Gennaro responds to Eric Eisenberg's testimony on the idling violations bill with praise and appreciation. He acknowledges the quality and coherence of Eisenberg's arguments and assures that …
2:20:47
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51 sec
Testimony by Michelle Luebke, Representative of SWIM Coalition, on Comprehensive Stormwater Management Plan
Michelle Luebke, representing the SWIM Coalition, testified in support of a comprehensive citywide stormwater plan that prioritizes natural and nature-based solutions, addressing historic injustices, and updating existing plans with climate …
2:22:00
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127 sec
Council Member Gennaro's remarks on SWIM Coalition
Council Member Jim Gennaro expresses appreciation for the SWIM Coalition's contribution to the debate on stormwater management. He commends their dedication, knowledge, and outspokenness. - Gennaro emphasizes the importance of …
2:24:07
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38 sec
Testimony by Christopher Gawarecki, Representative of HUB Truck Rental Corporation on Pre-considered Legislation for Transfer of Liability
Christopher Gawarecki from HUB Truck Rental Corporation testifies in support of pre-considered legislation regarding the transfer of liability for idling violations from vehicle owners to lessees. He argues that this …
2:25:10
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139 sec
Council Member Gennaro responds to Christopher's testimony on idling violations
Council Member Jim Gennaro acknowledges Christopher's testimony on idling violations, describing it as compelling. He expresses his intent to balance different interests and do what is fair and right. - …
2:27:33
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49 sec
Council Member Gennaro concludes the hearing with final remarks and holiday wishes
Council Member Jim Gennaro officially closes the hearing, offering thanks to participants and concluding remarks. - He expresses gratitude to Austin Malone, the outgoing counsel, for his exceptional work - …
2:28:57
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85 sec
