Rising Groundwater Threatens New York City — Researchers to Study How Much
- Author: Samantha Maldonado
- Full Title: Rising Groundwater Threatens New York City — Researchers to Study How Much
- Category: articles
- Document Tags: #planet
- URL: https://www.thecity.nyc/2023/1/18/23559815/rising-groundwater-threatens-new-york-city
Highlights
- As sea level rises, coastal groundwater also rises, and so if the groundwater happens to be not that far from the surface, then as sea level rises, it can cause all kinds of trouble.” (View Highlight)
- Unchecked, rising groundwater can cause flooding, create sinkholes in roads, and damage underground tunnels, utility equipment, parking garages and basements. Near waterfronts, the salt in ocean water can seep into freshwater and cause corrosion. Groundwater pushing up out of toxic sites could also result in the spread of contaminants. (View Highlight)
- Installing green infrastructure — such as rain gardens and roofs with a vegetative layer — is one of the city’s signature approaches meant to prevent flooding. But experts say those projects could actually lead to more flooding — or they may not work as intended depending on the position of the water table (View Highlight)
- The green infrastructure, the cloudburst [projects] and the bluebelts all work much better where the groundwater is lower, and that way the ground can absorb more stormwater.” (View Highlight)
- Bluebelts are drainage systems that enhance natural watersheds to manage stormwater — like the one in Staten Island’s Midland Beach. (View Highlight)