Material selection for the right-of-way is crucial for creating infrastructure that is both sustainable and resilient. Selecting sustainable materials works to reduce environmental impacts through lower carbon emissions, resource conservation, and recyclability, supporting long-term environmental goals.
Resilient materials enhance infrastructure durability, enabling it to withstand extreme weather events, heavy traffic, and other stressors, thus reducing maintenance costs and extending lifespan. Incorporating materials such as porous pavements and recycled aggregates ensures that right-of-way constructions are adaptable to climate change while minimizing ecological footprints and promoting economic efficiency.
Material selection and design for projects in flood-vulnerable areas may involve additional considerations as resiliency best practices continue to develop. Consult the latest version of MOCEJ’s Climate Resiliency Design Guidelines.
Unified Stormwater Rule
DEP adopted the Unified Stormwater Rule (USWR) which represents a comprehensive update to the city's stormwater management policies, aiming to address both water quantity and quality requirements across combined and separate sewer areas.
Effective February 2022, the USWR integrates and enhances existing stormwater regulations. The USWR applies to all development projects, defined as any public or private development that disturbs 20,000 square feet (approximately 0.46 acres) or more of soil or creates 5,000 square feet (approximately 0.11 acres) or more of new impervious surfaces, such as rooftops, sidewalks, and pavements. These projects must adhere to stringent stormwater management requirements to mitigate the impact of runoff. Key mandates include the preparation of a comprehensive Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP), which details stormwater management measures such as site maps, construction drawings, soil testing results, and erosion control practices.
The USWR emphasizes the use of retention-based Stormwater Management Practices (SMP) like bioretention, rain gardens, and permeable pavements to effectively manage stormwater on-site. DOT and DEP are utilizing Precast Porous Concrete Panels in the curb lane and the City continues to pilot other permeable treatments.
See Stormwater Management Practices in the Landscape Chapter.
For more information and guidance, consult the NYC Stormwater Manual, which provides technical guidance for developers, designers, and engineers working with DEP on stormwater permitting.