Grants Help Finance Use of New Device
to Remove Floating Debris From Storm Water

By James W. Maxell
Deputy Commissioner of Public Works
City of New Rochelle, New York

Heeding the voices of environmental groups along with federal and state agencies concerned about the water quality in Long Island Sound, the City of New Rochelle, New York, it taking steps to eliminate much of the floating debris from its storm-water runoff.

New Rochelle is a city of 67,000 residents with 10 miles of shoreline, including city and county parks, tidal marshland, several marinas and beach clubs, as well as residences with direct access to the water. Thus, keeping the water clean and suitable for recreational use is of prime importance.

Government and private environmental groups alike have identified non-point source pollutants as a contributing risk to the water quality of Long Island Sound. Floating debris in particular is seen as a significant pollutant as well as an unsightly nuisance. The most common source of this debris comes from storm water outfalls, which carry discarded trash from streets directly into the bays and backwaters of Long Island Sound.

In addition to putting catch basin cleaning on a maximum three-year cycle and providing regularly-scheduled street sweeping, the city is employing the use of an apparatus known as a "stream floatable debris collection device." This device has been installed at a major storm water outfall, which empties into Echo Bay and Long Island Sound.

The installation was made possible through grant monies made available by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation through the Nonpoint Source Pollution Prevention Program. Grant funds were provided on a 50-50 matching basis to municipalities to develop both ordinary and innovative programs.

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