Rising Waters: Decoding Yonkers’ Flood Crisis
Flooding is a problem in Yonkers and across Westchester County. Streets, houses, apartments, and even highways turn into pools within hours of heavy rain. The property damage is evident, commutes become treacherous, and lives are even endangered.
But why does flooding happen, and why does it seem to become even more extreme and frequent every year?
A surge in heavy rain events is one major factor, leading to larger quantities of water in shorter timeframes. Multiple factors exacerbate this, including the proliferation of impervious surfaces like roads and parking lots, which hinder water absorption, and the lack of sufficient vegetation to naturally manage runoff. Drainage systems often become overwhelmed during intense storms, resulting in sewage backups.
Challenges with natural waterways
Natural landscapes like rivers are losing their innate ability to absorb stormwater. Debris accumulation like plastic bags and discarded furniture obstructs the flow and prevents the growth of water-absorbing trees and plants. Consequently, nearby streets and buildings are more prone to flooding, especially during heavy rainfall or storms.
Most recently, the Westchester County Board of Legislators organized a tour of flood sites along the Saw Mill River, during which Groundwork Hudson Valley joined State and County Officials to assess the most vulnerable areas. This initiative was prompted by growing concerns from residents and businesses affected by flooding.
The building blocks for flood resilience and strategies for mitigation
However, there are effective strategies to mitigate this problem in flood-prone neighborhoods. Implementing a combination of green infrastructure, gray infrastructure, and river stewardship is crucial.
Green infrastructure utilizes nature to solve environmental issues and benefit communities. For instance, strategically planting trees with water-draining root systems can help absorb stormwater in flood-prone areas. Gray infrastructure is the existing constructions like gutters, pipes, and drains, which also serve the community’s benefit.
River stewardship involves the ongoing maintenance of rivers, including the removal of plastic pollution and debris. This helps restore the river’s natural capacity to absorb stormwater. Such efforts often rely on the dedication of volunteers or Public Works crews.
Taking Action: Great Saw Mill River Cleanup
Community involvement is key to mitigating flooding. Join hundreds of your neighbors on Saturday, April 27, from 10 am to 2 pm. The annual Great Saw Mill River Cleanup offers an opportunity for residents, officials, business owners, and students to come together and contribute to flood prevention efforts. It is one of the largest and longest-running cleanup efforts in Westchester County, with nine different locations available spanning from Yonkers to Elmsford. Your involvement will directly support the growth of native water-absorbing plants and facilitate smoother river flow.
Sign up for your location of choice here and let’s work together to protect our community from flooding.
Groundwork Hudson Valley is an environmental justice non-profit working with communities to improve climate resilience, promote sustainability education, and nurture the next generation of environmental leaders. Visit us at: groundworkhv.org for more information.
