Bluebelt expansion complete: 10 things to know about the project

Diane C. Lore | lore@siadvance.com

Sweet Brook Bluebelt

The largest expansion of the Staten Island Bluebelt system is complete. The scenic 3.2-acre swath, just north of the intersection of Heenan and Rensselaer avenues in Huguenot, is officially called the Sweet Brook Bluebelt.

The project completion was announced Wednesday by New York City Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Acting Commissioner Vincent Sapienza and Department of Design and Construction Acting Commissioner Ana Barrio.

Don't Edit

Diane C. Lore | lore@siadvance.com

How a Bluebelt works

The infrastructure upgrade included the construction of new storm sewers, catch basins and water mains, as well as the enhancement of existing waterways. The newly installed catch basins allow precipitation to drain from the roadways into the new storm sewers, which then direct it to the Bluebelt wetlands, where it will be naturally filtered to protect the environment. Storm water that drains into the Sweet Brook Bluebelt will eventually end up in Raritan Bay, officials said Wednesday.

Don't Edit

Diane C. Lore | lore@siadvance.com

Flooding woes to ease

Homes like these, along the perimeter of the Sweet Brook Bluebelt, were connected to storm and sanitary sewers, eliminating the need for septic tanks. The $48 million infrastructure upgrade added more than three miles of storm sewers, installed hundreds of catch basins, replaced existing water mains. A total of 600 homes were connected. Prior to the work, very few streets in this area were equipped with catch basins or storm sewers, and roadway flooding often occurred during heavy rain storms. (Staten Island Advance/Diane Lore)

Don't Edit

Diane C. Lore | lore@siadvance.com

Storm drains key

Several large storm drains like this one funnel water into natural ponds within the Bluebelt.

Don't Edit

Diane C. Lore | lore@siadvance.com

Water levels controlled

Storm gates like this one allow for the control of water runoff. Water shown here is from several days of recent rainfall that would have otherwise flooded streets, officials explained.

Don't Edit
Don't Edit

Diane C. Lore | lore@siadvance.com

Natural plants added

The expansion project also included the planting of native flowers, shrubs and grasses.

Don't Edit

Diane C. Lore | lore@siadvance.com

Paths for walking

The Bluebelt includes gravel paths for walking, offering views of the scenic natural area.

Don't Edit

Diane C. Lore | lore@siadvance.com

Map of the project

A DEP map shows the scope and boundary of the Sweet Water Bluebelt.

Don't Edit

Diane C. Lore | lore@siadvance.com

Homes served by Bluebelt

Red lines in this DEP map indicate the streets that will be served by the Sweet Brook Bluebelt.

Don't Edit

Diane C. Lore | lore@siadvance.com

'On time and under budget'

DEP Acting Commissioner Vincent Sapienza, left, with City Councilman Joe Borelli (R-South Shore) and Deputy Borough President Ed Burke, right, at a ceremony announcing the completion of the largest-ever expansion of the Staten Island Bluebelt system. The $48 million project, which was started in 2014, was completed months ahead of schedule and under its projected budget, a feat lauded by both Borelli and Burke.

Don't Edit
Don't Edit