Westchester Action Plan, 2008 - Westchester County Government

Water Resources
Current Situation.........................................................................................................8-1
Strategy for a Sustainable Future.................................................................................8-2
Stormwater Management and Watershed Protection .....................................................8-2
Protection of Infrastructure .........................................................................................8-4
Wastewater Treatment................................................................................................8-4
Water Conservation ....................................................................................................8-4
Building the Capacity (Get Westchester Moving, Keep it Moving) ...................................8-5
Promote Realignment of Municipal Codes and Regulations .........................................8-5
Showcase Successes and Lead by Example ...............................................................8-6
Education and Information Sharing...........................................................................8-6
Sources ......................................................................................................................8-8
Current Situation
Westchester County shorelines touch the Hudson River and Long Island Sound, making the
county vulnerable to the predicted rises in sea level associated with global warming and
climate change. Both bodies of water are important recreational and economic resources
and play critical roles in the ecosystems of the region.
Stormwater: As a result of increased amounts of impervious surfaces, decreased areas
to store flood waters, and increased intensity of storm events, flooding has become a more
frequent problem within the county in the last several years. As a result, the county has
made a commitment to spend $50 million for flood mitigation projects. A newly appointed
Flood Action Task Force, a group of local officials and professionals with expertise in land
management and flooding, will be providing recommendations on the best use of the funds
for flood damage reduction. The Flood Action Task Force and various communities in
Croton and Long Island Sound watersheds are also exploring regional approaches to
stormwater management and flood control.
Wastewater: Wastewater treatment, which is under the direction of the County
Government, is critical to preserving water resources and the ecosystems that can help to
mitigate climate change. The collection, treatment and discharge of wastewater require
consumption of large amounts of energy and as a result contribute to the emission of
greenhouse gases (GHGs). The treatment of sewage sludge also produces methane, which
can be either flared to reduce it to a less harmful GHG, CO 2, or used to provide some of the
energy required by the wastewater treatment process.
Attachment 8: Water Resources
Westchester Action Plan, 2008 8-1