In an effort to both beautify the neighborhood and reduce air and water pollution, the city has completed the installation of more than 100 rain gardens Flushing.
According to the Departments of Environmental Protection (DEP) and Design and Construction (DDC), each structure has the capacity to collect and absorb up to 2,500 gallons of stormwater when it rains. The 115 new rain gardens are projected to capture an estimated 15 million gallons of stormwater each year.
Rain gardens, which are built into city sidewalks, do not results in any lost parking spaces, according to the city agencies. The structures vary in size and have curb cuts that allow stormwater to enter and be absorbed. Hardy plants further the potential for absorption and each garden is designed for stormwater to be absorbed within 48 hours.
The $2.6 million dollar investment is meant to improve the ecological health of nearby waterways Flushing Creek and Flushing Bay. The rain gardens are also designed to reduce air pollution as well as work in conjunction with the area’s traditional sewer system.
According to DEP Acting Commissioner Vincent Sapienza, city crews will regularly maintain each garden.
“Rain gardens aid the city’s commitment to sustainability and resiliency, and we’re pleased to work with DEP to help mitigate stormwater runoff into our surrounding waterways,” DDC Acting Commissioner Ana Barrio said.
A map of where the new rain gardens are located can be seen below.
To date, more than 3,000 rain gardens have been built throughout New York City. Another 1,500 currently under construction and thousands more planned for the next several years. To learn more, visit this city website.
