Solving for NYC Stormwater Flooding with Innovative Tools and a New Lens

New York City is solving for stormwater flooding with a new lens. Determining the best mitigation strategies for stormwater flooding is a complex undertaking that involves understanding ground conditions and the impact to existing infrastructure, as well as proposed solutions and selecting targets with an acceptable level of risk and affordability. Factors for success include leveraging three elements: relationship building to gain new and diverse perspectives into the issues and possible solutions, the utilization of innovative tools, and process optimization from the steps of planning to prioritization.

Speakers:
Lily Lee, PE, Chief, Strategic Planning, NYCDEP BSWO
Steve Carrea, PE, Chief, Distribution & Drainage, NYCDEP BSWO

About the Speakers:
Lily Lee, PE, has drafted a Strategic Plan for the Capital Program Management team to serve as a roadmap driving and informing the Bureau’s capital investment portfolio. Her diverse contributions at DEP include ensuring compliance with the Combined Sewer Overflow (CSO) consent decree, representing BWT during negotiations of the firstNYC Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) permit, and producing SPDES mandated reports for the Industrial Pretreatment Program, pollutant track-down, and stormwater monitoring requirements. Lee received a BS in Chemical Engineering from Polytechnic University, now known as NYU Tandon School of Engineering, and is certified on ISO 55000 by the Institute of Asset Management. She is a licensed New York State Professional Engineer since 2005.

Steve Carrea, PE, leads the design and capital planning of distribution and drainage, currently focusing on Brooklyn and Queens. He helped expedite an effort to complete a citywide hydraulic sewer model, enabling the Bureau to identify efficient and cost-effective drainage solutions. Prior to DEP, Carrea worked at the federal government and gained experience with environmental regulation and policy. Steve received his BS and MS in Chemical Engineering from Manhattan College. He is a licensed Professional Engineer in the State of New York.