Williams' bill requires New York City Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to submit semiannual reports to the Mayor and City Council regarding the inspection, maintenance and repair of catch basins, disaggregated by community district.
The bill also requires DEP to inspect every catch basin at least once per year, and to unclog/repair a catch basin within nine days from when a complaint is filed.
Council Member Jumaane D. Williams, Deputy Leader, issued the following statement in response to a report by the New York City Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) regarding reporting on catch basin inspections, maintenance and repairs.
According to the report that was released on Feb. 2, about 58,000 catch basins have been inspected between July 1 and December 31 of last year. Of the 58,000 catch basins inspected, nearly 2,000 were identified as "non-functioning," and about 1,800 were repaired as a result of the inspections.
The increased inspections, remediation, and the annual report are a result of a bill, sponsored by Williams, which requires the DEP to inspect every catch basin at least once per year, and to unclog/repair a catch basin within nine days from when a complaint is filed.
STATEMENT BY COUNCIL MEMBER WILLIAMS
"For many areas in the City, including parts in my district, rain has caused much more damage than it should because of clogged catch basins, among several other causes. When I introduced this bill, my goal was to provide relief to residents and drivers, who would have to deal with flooded streets on a regular basis. It's an issue that not only inconveniences neighborhoods, but also can cause significant water damage to property.
"I'm pleased to see the DEP is following through with the mandates of the law, which include annual inspections. Prior to the law passing, the DEP only checked catch basins every three years, which we knew was not frequent enough to address the flooding that occurred as a result of clogged drains. I would like to thank Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito, my colleagues in Council, and the Administration, for supporting this important legislation that has improved the quality of life for many of the City's residents."
