Transportation & Infrastructure

Advance projects to mitigate York College’s groundwater intrusion challenges

Commitment ID

Jamaica-19

Lead Agency

DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION (DEP)

Timeline

Studies and Short-Term Activities – 2025/2026; Medium Term Actions – 2026/2027

Status

In Progress

Status Update

In conjunction with NYC DEP and NYS DEC, CUNY developed an alternative approach that allows management of the infiltrated groundwater at approximately half the cost of the original concept while also materially reducing operating cost and intensity (know how needed by operations staff). The two step process entails grouting of slab joints to minimize groundwater infiltration rate, followed by construction of new storage tanks that will receive and store any infiltrated groundwater and direct it to the stormwater sewer during dry weather periods. Design has started and groundwater sampling to confirm that the water quality is appropriate for discharge into the stormwater sewer is ongoing.

Statement from Source Document / POA

The City University of New York (CUNY) central office and York College will continue work to address ongoing groundwater issues in the Academic Core Building. Since 2008, groundwater has seeped into the sub-basement, through cracks in the basement and foundation, requiring continuous pumping and discharge into the City's sewer system. To reduce costs related to discharging groundwater into the City’s sewer system and improve building operations, CUNY has been working on a two-track plan:

Short-term action: sealing foundation leaks through targeted injection grouting
Medium-term strategy: designing a system to capture groundwater and redirect it from the sanitary sewer with detention during wet weather events

The new medium-term plan requires approvals from the NYC Department of Environmental Protection and New York State Department of Environmental Conservation. DEP will continue to review CUNY’s groundwater mitigation proposals to ensure compliance with permitting requirements and to confirm that the plan will not create new sewer capacity issues. The combined approach will help to reduce the burden on York College, protect City infrastructure, and support long-term improvements in managing groundwater in southeast Queens.

Funding: Up to $16 million (CUNY Funds)