EASFULLFORMPAGE1

CityEnvironmentalQualityReview
ENVIRONMENTALASSESSMENTSTATEMENT(EAS)FULLFORM
Pleasefilloutandsubmittotheappropriateagency(seeinstructions)
PartI:GENERALINFORMATION
PROJECTNAMERidgewoodReservoirCriticalEnvironmentalAreaDesignation
1.ReferenceNumbers
CEQRREFERENCENUMBER(tobeassignedbyleadagency) BSAREFERENCENUMBER(ifapplicable)
17DPR008Q
ULURPREFERENCENUMBER(ifapplicable) OTHERREFERENCENUMBER(S)(ifapplicable)
(e.g.,legislativeintro,CAPA)
2a.LeadAgencyInformation 2b.ApplicantInformation
NAMEOFLEADAGENCY NAMEOFAPPLICANT
NewYorkCityDepartmentofParksandRecreation
NAMEOFLEADAGENCYCONTACTPERSON NAMEOFAPPLICANTSREPRESENTATIVEORCONTACTPERSON
AlyssaCobbKonon
ADDRESS8305thAvenue ADDRESS

CITYNewYork STATENY ZIP10065 CITY
STATE ZIP
TELEPHONE2123603402 EMAIL TELEPHONE EMAIL
alyssa.cobb@parks.nyc.gov
3.ActionClassificationandType
SEQRAClassification
UNLISTED TYPEI:SpecifyCategory(see6NYCRR617.4andNYCExecutiveOrder91of1977,asamended):617.4(b)(9)and(10)
ActionType(refertoChapter2,EstablishingtheAnalysisFrameworkforguidance)
LOCALIZEDACTION,SITESPECIFIC LOCALIZEDACTION,SMALLAREA GENERICACTION
4.ProjectDescription
TheRidgewoodReservoirisaformerwatersupplyreservoirlocatedwithinHighlandPark,straddlingtheBrooklyn
Queensborder.Thereservoirwasconstructedin1858andservedaspartofthewatersupplysystemforBrooklynuntil
1959.Thereservoirisdividedintothreebasinsseparatedbyembankmentsandhasbeensubstantiallydrainedformany
years.Intheyearssincebeingtakenofflineasawatersupplysource,thereservoirhastransitionedintoanaturalized
areathatisuniquewithinNewYorkCityandservesasanimportantecological,historic,andpublicrecreationresource.
Inrecognitionofitsexceptionalcharacter,theNewYorkCityDepartmentofParksandRecreationproposestodesignate
thereservoirasaCriticalEnvironmentalArea(CEA).(SeeproposeddesignationreportandmapinAttachment3.)
ProjectLocation
BOROUGHQueens/Brooklyn COMMUNITYDISTRICT(S) STREETADDRESSHighlandPark
Queens5/Brooklyn5
TAXBLOCK(S)ANDLOT(S)Queens3740/75Brooklyn3889/1 ZIPCODEQueens11385/Brooklyn11208
DESCRIPTIONOFPROPERTYBYBOUNDINGORCROSSSTREETS RidgewoodReservoirportionofHighlandParkboundedbyHighland
Boulevard,VermontPlaceandtheJackieRobinsonParkway
EXISTINGZONINGDISTRICT,INCLUDINGSPECIALZONINGDISTRICTDESIGNATION,IFANYN/A ZONINGSECTIONALMAPNUMBER17c
Park
5.RequiredActionsorApprovals(checkallthatapply)
CityPlanningCommission: YES NO UNIFORMLANDUSEREVIEWPROCEDURE(ULURP)
CITYMAPAMENDMENT ZONINGCERTIFICATION CONCESSION
ZONINGMAPAMENDMENT ZONINGAUTHORIZATION UDAAP
ZONINGTEXTAMENDMENT ACQUISITIONREALPROPERTY REVOCABLECONSENT
SITESELECTIONPUBLICFACILITY DISPOSITIONREALPROPERTY FRANCHISE
HOUSINGPLAN&PROJECT OTHER,explain:
SPECIALPERMIT(ifappropriate,specifytype: modification; renewal; other);EXPIRATIONDATE:
SPECIFYAFFECTEDSECTIONSOFTHEZONINGRESOLUTION
BoardofStandardsandAppeals: YES NO
VARIANCE(use)
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VARIANCE(bulk)
SPECIALPERMIT(ifappropriate,specifytype:
modification; renewal; other);EXPIRATIONDATE:
SPECIFYAFFECTEDSECTIONSOFTHEZONINGRESOLUTION
DepartmentofEnvironmentalProtection: YES NOIfyes,specify:
OtherCityApprovalsSubjecttoCEQR(checkallthatapply)
LEGISLATION FUNDINGOFCONSTRUCTION,specify:
RULEMAKING POLICYORPLAN,specify:CriticalEnvironmentalArea
designation
CONSTRUCTIONOFPUBLICFACILITIES FUNDINGOFPROGRAMS,specify:
384(b)(4)APPROVAL PERMITS,specify:
OTHER,explain:
OtherCityApprovalsNotSubjecttoCEQR(checkallthatapply)
PERMITSFROMDOTSOFFICEOFCONSTRUCTIONMITIGATION LANDMARKSPRESERVATIONCOMMISSIONAPPROVAL
ANDCOORDINATION(OCMC) OTHER,explain:
StateorFederalActions/Approvals/Funding: YES NOIfyes,specify:DECfilingofCEAdesignation
6.SiteDescription:Thedirectlyaffectedareaconsistsoftheprojectsiteandtheareasubjecttoanychangeinregulatorycontrols.Except
whereotherwiseindicated,providethefollowinginformationwithregardtothedirectlyaffectedarea.
Graphics:ThefollowinggraphicsmustbeattachedandeachboxmustbecheckedoffbeforetheEASiscomplete.Eachmapmustclearlydepict
theboundariesofthedirectlyaffectedareaorareasandindicatea400footradiusdrawnfromtheouterboundariesoftheprojectsite.Mapsmay
notexceed11x17inchesinsizeand,forpaperfilings,mustbefoldedto8.5x11inches.
SITELOCATIONMAP ZONINGMAP SANBORNOROTHERLANDUSEMAP
TAXMAP FORLARGEAREASORMULTIPLESITES,AGISSHAPEFILETHATDEFINESTHEPROJECTSITE(S)
PHOTOGRAPHSOFTHEPROJECTSITETAKENWITHIN6MONTHSOFEASSUBMISSIONANDKEYEDTOTHESITELOCATIONMAP
PhysicalSetting(bothdevelopedandundevelopedareas)
Totaldirectlyaffectedarea(sq.ft.):53acres Waterbodyarea(sq.ft.)andtype:5.5acres
Roads,buildings,andotherpavedsurfaces(sq.ft.):3.5acres Other,describe(sq.ft.):44acresforest,grassland,lawn
7.PhysicalDimensionsandScaleofProject(iftheprojectaffectsmultiplesites,providethetotaldevelopmentfacilitatedbytheaction)
SIZEOFPROJECTTOBEDEVELOPED(grosssquarefeet):N/ANophysicalactivity.Proposedactionispolicyestablishment.
NUMBEROFBUILDINGS: GROSSFLOORAREAOFEACHBUILDING(sq.ft.):
HEIGHTOFEACHBUILDING(ft.): NUMBEROFSTORIESOFEACHBUILDING:
Doestheproposedprojectinvolvechangesinzoningononeormoresites? YES NO
Ifyes,specify:Thetotalsquarefeetownedorcontrolledbytheapplicant:
Thetotalsquarefeetnotownedorcontrolledbytheapplicant:
Doestheproposedprojectinvolveingroundexcavationorsubsurfacedisturbance,including,butnotlimitedtofoundationwork,pilings,utility
lines,orgrading? YES NO
Ifyes,indicatetheestimatedareaandvolumedimensionsofsubsurfacedisturbance(ifknown):
AREAOFTEMPORARYDISTURBANCE: sq.ft.(widthxlength) VOLUMEOFDISTURBANCE: cubicft.(widthxlengthxdepth)
AREAOFPERMANENTDISTURBANCE: sq.ft.(widthxlength)
8.AnalysisYearCEQRTechnicalManualChapter2
ANTICIPATEDBUILDYEAR(datetheprojectwouldbecompletedandoperational):N/ADesignationanticipatedtogointoeffect2017
ANTICIPATEDPERIODOFCONSTRUCTIONINMONTHS:N/A
WOULDTHEPROJECTBEIMPLEMENTEDINASINGLEPHASE? YES NO IFMULTIPLEPHASES,HOWMANY?
BRIEFLYDESCRIBEPHASESANDCONSTRUCTIONSCHEDULE:N/A
9.PredominantLandUseintheVicinityoftheProject(checkallthatapply)
RESIDENTIAL MANUFACTURING COMMERCIAL PARK/FOREST/OPENSPACE OTHER,specify:
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DESCRIPTIONOFEXISTINGANDPROPOSEDCONDITIONS

Theinformationrequestedinthistableappliestothedirectlyaffectedarea.Thedirectlyaffectedareaconsistsofthe
projectsiteandtheareasubjecttoanychangeinregulatorycontrol.TheincrementisthedifferencebetweentheNo
ActionandtheWithActionconditions.
EXISTING NOACTION WITHACTION
INCREMENT
CONDITION CONDITION CONDITION
LANDUSE
Residential YES NO YES NO YES NO
Ifyes,specifythefollowing:
Describetypeofresidentialstructures
No.ofdwellingunits
No.oflowtomoderateincomeunits
Grossfloorarea(sq.ft.)
Commercial YES NO YES NO YES NO
Ifyes,specifythefollowing:
Describetype(retail,office,other)
Grossfloorarea(sq.ft.)
Manufacturing/Industrial YES NO YES NO YES NO
Ifyes,specifythefollowing:
Typeofuse
Grossfloorarea(sq.ft.)
Openstoragearea(sq.ft.)
Ifanyunenclosedactivities,specify:
CommunityFacility YES NO YES NO YES NO
Ifyes,specifythefollowing:
Type
Grossfloorarea(sq.ft.)
VacantLand YES NO YES NO YES NO
Ifyes,describe:
PubliclyAccessibleOpenSpace YES NO YES NO YES NO
Ifyes,specifytype(mappedCity,State,or Cityparkland Cityparkland CityParkland Nochange
Federalparkland,wetlandmappedor
otherwiseknown,other):
OtherLandUses YES NO YES NO YES NO
Ifyes,describe:
PARKING
Garages YES NO YES NO YES NO
Ifyes,specifythefollowing:
No.ofpublicspaces
No.ofaccessoryspaces
Operatinghours
Attendedornonattended
Lots YES NO YES NO YES NO
Ifyes,specifythefollowing:
No.ofpublicspaces
No.ofaccessoryspaces
Operatinghours
Other(includesstreetparking) YES NO YES NO YES NO
Ifyes,describe:
POPULATION
Residents YES NO YES NO YES NO
Ifyes,specifynumber:
Brieflyexplainhowthenumberofresidents
wascalculated:
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EXISTING NOACTION WITHACTION

INCREMENT
CONDITION CONDITION CONDITION
Businesses YES NO YES NO YES NO
Ifyes,specifythefollowing:
No.andtype
No.andtypeofworkersbybusiness
No.andtypeofnonresidentswhoare
notworkers
Brieflyexplainhowthenumberof
businesseswascalculated:
Other(students,visitors,concertgoers, YES NO YES NO YES NO
etc.)
Ifany,specifytypeandnumber:

Brieflyexplainhowthenumberwas
calculated:

ZONING
Zoningclassification Park Park Park Nochange
Maximumamountoffloorareathatcanbe N/A N/A N/A Nochange
developed
Predominantlanduseandzoning Zoning:ParkandR32 Zoning:ParkandR32 Zoning:ParkandR32 Nochange
classificationswithinlandusestudyarea(s) LandUse:Predominantly LandUse:Predominantly LandUse:Predominantly
ora400ft.radiusofproposedproject cemeteries cemeteries cemeteries
Attachanyadditionalinformationthatmaybeneededtodescribetheproject.

Ifyourprojectinvolveschangesthataffectoneormoresitesnotassociatedwithaspecificdevelopment,itisgenerallyappropriatetoincludetotal
developmentprojectionsintheabovetableandattachseparatetablesoutliningthereasonabledevelopmentscenariosforeachsite.
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PartII:TECHNICALANALYSIS
INSTRUCTIONS:Foreachoftheanalysiscategorieslistedinthissection,assesstheproposedprojectsimpactsbasedonthethresholdsand
criteriapresentedintheCEQRTechnicalManual.Checkeachboxthatapplies.
Iftheproposedprojectcanbedemonstratednottomeetorexceedthethreshold,checkthenobox.
Iftheproposedprojectwillmeetorexceedthethreshold,orifthiscannotbedetermined,checktheyesbox.
Foreachyesresponse,provideadditionalanalyses(and,ifneeded,attachsupportinginformation)basedonguidanceintheCEQR
TechnicalManualtodeterminewhetherthepotentialforsignificantimpactsexists.Pleasenotethatayesanswerdoesnotmeanthat
anEISmustbeprepareditmeansthatmoreinformationmayberequiredfortheleadagencytomakeadeterminationofsignificance.

Theleadagency,uponreviewingPartII,mayrequireanapplicanttoprovideadditionalinformationtosupporttheFullEASForm.For

example,ifaquestionisansweredno,anagencymayrequestashortexplanationforthisresponse.
YES NO
1. LANDUSE,ZONING,ANDPUBLICPOLICY:CEQRTechnicalManualChapter4
(a) Wouldtheproposedprojectresultinachangeinlandusedifferentfromsurroundinglanduses?
(b) Wouldtheproposedprojectresultinachangeinzoningdifferentfromsurroundingzoning?
(c) Istherethepotentialtoaffectanapplicablepublicpolicy?
(d) Ifyes,to(a),(b),and/or(c),completeapreliminaryassessmentandattach.
(e) Istheprojectalarge,publiclysponsoredproject?
o Ifyes,completeaPlaNYCassessmentandattach.
(f) IsanypartofthedirectlyaffectedareawithintheCitysWaterfrontRevitalizationProgramboundaries?
o Ifyes,completetheConsistencyAssessmentForm.
2. SOCIOECONOMICCONDITIONS:CEQRTechnicalManualChapter5
(a) Wouldtheproposedproject:
o Generateanetincreaseofmorethan200residentialunitsor200,000squarefeetofcommercialspace?
Ifyes,answerbothquestions2(b)(ii)and2(b)(iv)below.
o Directlydisplace500ormoreresidents?
Ifyes,answerquestions2(b)(i),2(b)(ii),and2(b)(iv)below.
o Directlydisplacemorethan100employees?
Ifyes,answerquestionsunder2(b)(iii)and2(b)(iv)below.
o Affectconditionsinaspecificindustry?
Ifyes,answerquestion2(b)(v)below.
(b) Ifyestoanyoftheabove,attachsupportinginformationtoanswertherelevantquestionsbelow.
Ifnowascheckedforeachcategoryabove,theremainingquestionsinthistechnicalareadonotneedtobeanswered.
i. DirectResidentialDisplacement
o Ifmorethan500residentswouldbedisplaced,wouldtheseresidentsrepresentmorethan5%oftheprimarystudy
areapopulation?

o Ifyes,istheaverageincomeofthedirectlydisplacedpopulationmarkedlylowerthantheaverageincomeoftherest
ofthestudyareapopulation?

ii. IndirectResidentialDisplacement
o Wouldexpectedaverageincomesofthenewpopulationexceedtheaverageincomesofstudyareapopulations?
o Ifyes:
Wouldthepopulationoftheprimarystudyareaincreasebymorethan10percent?
Wouldthepopulationoftheprimarystudyareaincreasebymorethan5percentinanareawherethereisthe

potentialtoacceleratetrendstowardincreasingrents?

o Ifyestoeitheroftheprecedingquestions,wouldmorethan5percentofallhousingunitsberenteroccupiedand
unprotected?

iii. DirectBusinessDisplacement
o Doanyofthedisplacedbusinessesprovidegoodsorservicesthatotherwisewouldnotbefoundwithinthetradearea,
eitherunderexistingconditionsorinthefuturewiththeproposedproject?

o Isanycategoryofbusinesstobedisplacedthesubjectofotherregulationsorpubliclyadoptedplanstopreserve,
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YES NO
enhance,orotherwiseprotectit?
iv. IndirectBusinessDisplacement
o Wouldtheprojectpotentiallyintroducetrendsthatmakeitdifficultforbusinessestoremaininthearea?
o Wouldtheprojectcaptureretailsalesinaparticularcategoryofgoodstotheextentthatthemarketforsuchgoods
wouldbecomesaturated,potentiallyresultinginvacanciesanddisinvestmentonneighborhoodcommercialstreets?

v. EffectsonIndustry
o Wouldtheprojectsignificantlyaffectbusinessconditionsinanyindustryoranycategoryofbusinesseswithinoroutside
thestudyarea?

o Wouldtheprojectindirectlysubstantiallyreduceemploymentorimpairtheeconomicviabilityintheindustryor
categoryofbusinesses?

3. COMMUNITYFACILITIES:CEQRTechnicalManualChapter6
(a) DirectEffects
o Wouldtheprojectdirectlyeliminate,displace,oralterpublicorpubliclyfundedcommunityfacilitiessuchaseducational
facilities,libraries,healthcarefacilities,daycarecenters,policestations,orfirestations?

(b) IndirectEffects
i. ChildCareCenters
o Wouldtheprojectresultin20ormoreeligiblechildrenunderage6,basedonthenumberofloworlow/moderate
incomeresidentialunits?(SeeTable61inChapter6)

o Ifyes,wouldtheprojectresultinacollectiveutilizationrateofthegroupchildcare/HeadStartcentersinthestudy
areathatisgreaterthan100percent?

o Ifyes,wouldtheprojectincreasethecollectiveutilizationrateby5percentormorefromtheNoActionscenario?
ii. Libraries
o Wouldtheprojectresultina5percentormoreincreaseintheratioofresidentialunitstolibrarybranches?
(SeeTable61inChapter6)

o Ifyes,wouldtheprojectincreasethestudyareapopulationby5percentormorefromtheNoActionlevels?
o Ifyes,wouldtheadditionalpopulationimpairthedeliveryoflibraryservicesinthestudyarea?
iii. PublicSchools
o Wouldtheprojectresultin50ormoreelementaryormiddleschoolstudents,or150ormorehighschoolstudents
basedonnumberofresidentialunits?(SeeTable61inChapter6)

o Ifyes,wouldtheprojectresultinacollectiveutilizationrateoftheelementaryand/orintermediateschoolsinthe
studyareathatisequaltoorgreaterthan100percent?

o Ifyes,wouldtheprojectincreasethiscollectiveutilizationrateby5percentormorefromtheNoActionscenario?
iv. HealthCareFacilities
o Wouldtheprojectresultintheintroductionofasizeablenewneighborhood?
o Ifyes,wouldtheprojectaffecttheoperationofhealthcarefacilitiesinthearea?
v. FireandPoliceProtection
o Wouldtheprojectresultintheintroductionofasizeablenewneighborhood?
o Ifyes,wouldtheprojectaffecttheoperationoffireorpoliceprotectioninthearea?
4. OPENSPACE:CEQRTechnicalManualChapter7
(a) Wouldtheprojectchangeoreliminateexistingopenspace?
(b) IstheprojectlocatedwithinanunderservedareaintheBronx,Brooklyn,Manhattan,Queens,orStatenIsland?
(c) Ifyes,wouldtheprojectgeneratemorethan50additionalresidentsor125additionalemployees?
(d) IstheprojectlocatedwithinawellservedareaintheBronx,Brooklyn,Manhattan,Queens,orStatenIsland?
(e) Ifyes,wouldtheprojectgeneratemorethan350additionalresidentsor750additionalemployees?
(f) Iftheprojectislocatedinanareathatisneitherunderservednorwellserved,woulditgeneratemorethan200additional
residentsor500additionalemployees?

(g) Ifyestoquestions(c),(e),or(f)above,attachsupportinginformationtoanswerthefollowing:
o Ifinanunderservedarea,wouldtheprojectresultinadecreaseintheopenspaceratiobymorethan1percent?
o Ifinanareathatisnotunderserved,wouldtheprojectresultinadecreaseintheopenspaceratiobymorethan5
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YES NO
percent?
o Ifyes,aretherequalitativeconsiderations,suchasthequalityofopenspace,thatneedtobeconsidered?
Pleasespecify:

5. SHADOWS:CEQRTechnicalManualChapter8
(a) Wouldtheproposedprojectresultinanetheightincreaseofanystructureof50feetormore?
(b) Wouldtheproposedprojectresultinanyincreaseinstructureheightandbelocatedadjacenttooracrossthestreetfrom
asunlightsensitiveresource?

(c) Ifyestoeitheroftheabovequestions,attachsupportinginformationexplainingwhethertheprojectsshadowwouldreachanysunlight
sensitiveresourceatanytimeoftheyear.
6. HISTORICANDCULTURALRESOURCES:CEQRTechnicalManualChapter9
(a) Doestheproposedprojectsiteoranadjacentsitecontainanyarchitecturaland/orarchaeologicalresourcethatiseligible
fororhasbeendesignated(oriscalendaredforconsideration)asaNewYorkCityLandmark,InteriorLandmarkorScenic
Landmark;thatislistedoreligibleforlistingontheNewYorkStateorNationalRegisterofHistoricPlaces;orthatiswithin
adesignatedoreligibleNewYorkCity,NewYorkStateorNationalRegisterHistoricDistrict?(SeetheGISSystemfor
ArchaeologyandNationalRegistertoconfirm)
(b) Wouldtheproposedprojectinvolveconstructionresultinginingrounddisturbancetoanareanotpreviouslyexcavated?
(c) Ifyestoeitheroftheabove,listanyidentifiedarchitecturaland/orarchaeologicalresourcesandattachsupportinginformationon
whethertheproposedprojectwouldpotentiallyaffectanyarchitecturalorarcheologicalresources.
7. URBANDESIGNANDVISUALRESOURCES:CEQRTechnicalManualChapter10
(a) Wouldtheproposedprojectintroduceanewbuilding,anewbuildingheight,orresultinanysubstantialphysicalalteration
tothestreetscapeorpublicspaceinthevicinityoftheproposedprojectthatisnotcurrentlyallowedbyexistingzoning?

(b) Wouldtheproposedprojectresultinobstructionofpubliclyaccessibleviewstovisualresourcesnotcurrentlyallowedby
existingzoning?

(c) Ifyestoeitheroftheabove,pleaseprovidetheinformationrequestedinChapter10.
8. NATURALRESOURCES:CEQRTechnicalManualChapter11
(a) DoestheproposedprojectsiteorasiteadjacenttotheprojectcontainnaturalresourcesasdefinedinSection100of
Chapter11?

o Ifyes,listtheresourcesandattachsupportinginformationonwhethertheprojectwouldaffectanyoftheseresources.
(b) IsanypartofthedirectlyaffectedareawithintheJamaicaBayWatershed?
o Ifyes,completetheJamaicaBayWatershedFormandsubmitaccordingtoitsinstructions.
9. HAZARDOUSMATERIALS:CEQRTechnicalManualChapter12
(a) Wouldtheproposedprojectallowcommercialorresidentialusesinanareathatiscurrently,orwashistorically,a
manufacturingareathatinvolvedhazardousmaterials?

(b) Doestheproposedprojectsitehaveexistinginstitutionalcontrols(e.g.,(E)designationorRestrictiveDeclaration)relating
tohazardousmaterialsthatprecludethepotentialforsignificantadverseimpacts?

(c) Wouldtheprojectrequiresoildisturbanceinamanufacturingareaoranydevelopmentonornearamanufacturingarea
orexisting/historicfacilitieslistedinAppendix1(includingnonconforminguses)?

(d) Wouldtheprojectresultinthedevelopmentofasitewherethereisreasontosuspectthepresenceofhazardous
materials,contamination,illegaldumpingorfill,orfillmaterialofunknownorigin?

(e) Wouldtheprojectresultindevelopmentonornearasitethathasorhadundergroundand/orabovegroundstoragetanks
(e.g.,gasstations,oilstoragefacilities,heatingoilstorage)?

(f) Wouldtheprojectresultinrenovationofinteriorexistingspaceonasitewiththepotentialforcompromisedairquality;
vaporintrusionfromeitheronsiteoroffsitesources;orthepresenceofasbestos,PCBs,mercuryorleadbasedpaint?

(g) Wouldtheprojectresultindevelopmentonornearasitewithpotentialhazardousmaterialsissuessuchasgovernment
listedvoluntarycleanup/brownfieldsite,currentorformerpowergeneration/transmissionfacilities,coalgasificationor
gasstoragesites,railroadtracksorrightsofway,ormunicipalincinerators?
(h) HasaPhaseIEnvironmentalSiteAssessmentbeenperformedforthesite?
Ifyes,wereRecognizedEnvironmentalConditions(RECs)identified?Brieflyidentify:
(i) BasedonthePhaseIAssessment,isaPhaseIIInvestigationneeded?
10.WATERANDSEWERINFRASTRUCTURE:CEQRTechnicalManualChapter13
(a) Wouldtheprojectresultinwaterdemandofmorethanonemilliongallonsperday?
(b) Iftheproposedprojectlocatedinacombinedsewerarea,woulditresultinatleast1,000residentialunitsor250,000
squarefeetormoreofcommercialspaceinManhattan,oratleast400residentialunitsor150,000squarefeetormoreof
commercialspaceintheBronx,Brooklyn,StatenIsland,orQueens?
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YES NO
(c) Iftheproposedprojectlocatedinaseparatelyseweredarea,woulditresultinthesameorgreaterdevelopmentthanthat
listedinTable131inChapter13?

(d) Wouldtheprojectinvolvedevelopmentonasitethatis5acresorlargerwheretheamountofimpervioussurfacewould
increase?

(e) IftheprojectislocatedwithintheJamaicaBayWatershedorincertainspecificdrainageareas,includingBronxRiver,
ConeyIslandCreek,FlushingBayandCreek,GowanusCanal,HutchinsonRiver,NewtownCreek,orWestchesterCreek,
woulditinvolvedevelopmentonasitethatis1acreorlargerwheretheamountofimpervioussurfacewouldincrease?
(f) Wouldtheproposedprojectbelocatedinanareathatispartiallyseweredorcurrentlyunsewered?
(g) IstheprojectproposinganindustrialfacilityoractivitythatwouldcontributeindustrialdischargestoaWastewater
TreatmentPlantand/orcontributecontaminatedstormwatertoaseparatestormsewersystem?

(h) Wouldtheprojectinvolveconstructionofanewstormwateroutfallthatrequiresfederaland/orstatepermits?
(i) Ifyestoanyoftheabove,conducttheappropriatepreliminaryanalysesandattachsupportingdocumentation.
11.SOLIDWASTEANDSANITATIONSERVICES:CEQRTechnicalManualChapter14
(a) UsingTable141inChapter14,theprojectsprojectedoperationalsolidwastegenerationisestimatedtobe(poundsperweek):0
o Wouldtheproposedprojecthavethepotentialtogenerate100,000pounds(50tons)ormoreofsolidwasteperweek?
(b) Wouldtheproposedprojectinvolveareductionincapacityatasolidwastemanagementfacilityusedforrefuseor
recyclablesgeneratedwithintheCity?

o Ifyes,wouldtheproposedprojectcomplywiththeCitysSolidWasteManagementPlan?
12.ENERGY:CEQRTechnicalManualChapter15
(a) UsingenergymodelingorTable151inChapter15,theprojectsprojectedenergyuseisestimatedtobe(annualBTUs):0
(b) Wouldtheproposedprojectaffectthetransmissionorgenerationofenergy?
13.TRANSPORTATION:CEQRTechnicalManualChapter16
(a) WouldtheproposedprojectexceedanythresholdidentifiedinTable161inChapter16?
(b) Ifyes,conducttheappropriatescreeninganalyses,attachbackupdataasneededforeachstage,andanswerthefollowingquestions:
o Wouldtheproposedprojectresultin50ormorePassengerCarEquivalents(PCEs)perprojectpeakhour?
Ifyes,wouldtheproposedprojectresultin50ormorevehicletripsperprojectpeakhouratanygivenintersection?
**Itshouldbenotedthattheleadagencymayrequirefurtheranalysisofintersectionsofconcernevenwhenaproject
generatesfewerthan50vehiclesinthepeakhour.SeeSubsection313ofChapter16formoreinformation.
o Wouldtheproposedprojectresultinmorethan200subway/railorbustripsperprojectpeakhour?
Ifyes,wouldtheproposedprojectresult,perprojectpeakhour,in50ormorebustripsonasingleline(inone

direction)or200subway/railtripsperstationorline?

o Wouldtheproposedprojectresultinmorethan200pedestriantripsperprojectpeakhour?
Ifyes,wouldtheproposedprojectresultinmorethan200pedestriantripsperprojectpeakhourtoanygiven

pedestrianortransitelement,crosswalk,subwaystair,orbusstop?

14.AIRQUALITY:CEQRTechnicalManualChapter17
(a) MobileSources:WouldtheproposedprojectresultintheconditionsoutlinedinSection210inChapter17?
(b) StationarySources:WouldtheproposedprojectresultintheconditionsoutlinedinSection220inChapter17?
o Ifyes,wouldtheproposedprojectexceedthethresholdsinFigure173,StationarySourceScreenGraphinChapter
17?(Attachgraphasneeded)

(c) Doestheproposedprojectinvolvemultiplebuildingsontheprojectsite?
(d) Doestheproposedprojectrequirefederalapprovals,support,licensing,orpermitssubjecttoconformityrequirements?
(e) Doestheproposedprojectsitehaveexistinginstitutionalcontrols(e.g.,(E)designationorRestrictiveDeclaration)relating
toairqualitythatprecludethepotentialforsignificantadverseimpacts?

(f) Ifyestoanyoftheabove,conducttheappropriateanalysesandattachanysupportingdocumentation.
15.GREENHOUSEGASEMISSIONS:CEQRTechnicalManualChapter18
(a) Istheproposedprojectacitycapitalprojectorapowergenerationplant?
(b) WouldtheproposedprojectfundamentallychangetheCityssolidwastemanagementsystem?
(c) Wouldtheproposedprojectresultinthedevelopmentof350,000squarefeetormore?
(d) Ifyestoanyoftheabove,wouldtheprojectrequireaGHGemissionsassessmentbasedonguidanceinChapter18?
o Ifyes,wouldtheprojectresultininconsistencieswiththeCitysGHGreductiongoal?(SeeLocalLaw22of2008;24


ATTACHMENT 1
EAS SUPPLEMENT

New York City Environmental Quality Review

Environmental Assessment Statement (EAS) Full Form Supplement
Ridgewood Reservoir Critical Environmental Area Designation

Introduction
TheRidgewoodReservoirisaformerwatersupplyreservoirlocatedwithinHighlandPark,straddlingthe
BrooklynQueensborder.Thereservoirwasconstructedin1858andservedaspartofthewatersupply
systemforBrooklynuntil1959.Thereservoirisdividedintothreebasinsseparatedbyembankmentsand
hasbeensubstantiallydrainedformanyyears.Intheyearssincebeingtakenofflineasawatersupply
source, the reservoir has transitioned into a naturalized area that is unique within New York City and
serves as an important ecological, historic, and public recreation resource. In recognition of its
exceptionalcharacter,theNewYorkCityDepartmentofParksandRecreationproposestodesignatethe
reservoirasaCriticalEnvironmentalArea(CEA).SeeDesignationJustificationandproposedCEAboundary
inAttachment3.TheonlyotherexistingCEAwithinNewYorkCityisJamaicaBay,designatedin1990.

CriticalEnvironmentAreaDesignation

ACriticalEnvironmentalAreaisadesignationthatmaybeappliedpursuanttotheprovisionsoftheState
EnvironmentalQualityReviewAct(SEQRA)toidentifyaspecificgeographicareaofexceptionalorunique
character. A CEA designation is not in itself a development or land use control (such as zoning) or
proscriptive management plan, but rather an expression of an agencys concern for the unique
sensitivitiesandresourcesinthatarea.Onceanareahasbeendesignated,thepotentialimpactsonthe
characteristics of the CEA become relevant areas of concern for specific consideration during SEQRA
reviewoffutureprojects.

Thecurrentproposedaction(CEAdesignation)thereforereflectsapolicystatementregardingthespecial
characteristicsofthesiteandestablishmentofanadministrativerequirementthatthesecharacteristics
shallbegivenappropriateconsiderationduringthedevelopmentandenvironmentalreviewofanyfuture
developmentproposalsinorsubstantiallycontiguoustothearea.Assuch,therearenospecificphysical
componentsoractivitiesconsideredaspartoftheactionorwithinthisEAS.

Location
TheRidgewoodReservoirislocatedwithinthenortheasternportionofHighlandPark,andisacomponent
ofalargergreencorridorformedbytheparkandseveraladjoiningcemeteries.Thesitesitsatoparidge
formedbytheWisconsinicesheetsterminalmoraine,theHarborHillMoraine.Risingmorethan100feet
abovethesurroundingoutwashplain,thereservoiraffordsdramaticviewsoveritssurroundingstonearby
cemeteries, East New York, Woodhaven, the Rockaways, Jamaica Bay and the Atlantic Ocean. The
Reservoirisformedbyacompactedearthenfillembankmentextendingapproximately1.5milesaround
theentirecircumferenceofthereservoir.Thetopwidthoftheembankmentisaminimumof20feet.
The reservoir is divided into three separate basins by slightly narrower embankments (top width of
approximately15feet)similarinconstructiontotheperimeterembankment.Theeasternbasinconsists
of approximately 9.95 acres, the central basin is approximately 11.85 acres, and the western basin is
approximately21.17acres.Anasphaltmultiusepathencirclestheouterrimofthebasin.Thisperimeter
path system is part of the BrooklynQueens Greenway and was completed in 2013 as part of a larger
projectthatincludedtheconstructionofADAaccessrampsandtheinstallationoffencing,lighting,seating
andsignage.


AlthoughthereservoirhasnotbeenpartoftheCityswatersupplysystemfordecades,itisclassifiedas
a dam by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC). While originally
classifiedasaClassCorHighHazarddam,inMarch2017itwasreclassifiedbyNYSDECasaClassA
LowHazarddamtoreflectitscurrentconditionsandstatus(e.g.,fullydisconnectedfromthepublic
watersystem.)

SupplementalAnalyses
Thefollowingsectionprovidesadditionalinformationforeachofthetechnicalanalysiscategoriesthat
requiresupplementalinformationinresponsetoyesresponseswithintheEASFullFormPartII.

1.LandUse,ZoningandPublicPolicy
(a)Istherethepotentialtoaffectanapplicablepublicpolicy?

TheRidgewoodReservoirisownedbytheCityofNewYorkandiscurrentlyunderthejurisdictionofNYC
Parks.AsCityownedparkland,thesiteisnotsubjecttozoningandismanagedbyNYCParksinsupport
of the agency mission to create and sustain thriving parks and public spaces for New Yorkers. Direct
managementandcontrolbyagovernmentalagencyaffordssubstantialprotectionforthesitecompared
toprivatelyheldlandsubjecttomarketpressuresanddevelopmentforces.

Asdescribedabove,theproposedprojectestablishesanadministrativerequirementandpolicyrelatedto
theSEQRAreviewofprojectswithinorsubstantiallycontiguoustotheRidgewoodReservoir.Whilethe
CEAdesignationinitselfdoesnotestablishanewdevelopmentcontrolorpermittingframework1,the
designationwouldsupplementtheprotectionsaffordedbypublicownershipandprovideadditionalpolicy
guidanceonappropriatemanagementoftheresourcetoensurethatitsuniquequalitiesareprotected
andenhanced.

TheCEAdesignationwouldbeexpectedtosupportandprotectcurrentlanduseconditions.TheReservoir
wouldcontinuetofunctionasanopenspaceresourcewithinalargerParkcontext,whichwouldremain
consistent and compatible with the surrounding land use pattern. Therefore, no significant adverse
impactsrelatedtolanduse,zoningorpublicpolicywouldbeanticipated.

6.HistoricandCulturalResources
(a) Does the proposed project site or an adjacent site contain any architectural and/or archaeological
resourcethatiseligiblefororhasbeendesignated(oriscalendaredforconsideration)asaNewYorkCity
Landmark,InteriorLandmarkorScenicLandmark;thatislistedoreligibleforlistingontheNewYorkState
orNationalRegisterofHistoricPlaces;orthatiswithinadesignatedoreligibleNewYorkCity,NewYork
StateorNationsRegisterHistoricDistrict?

TheReservoirwasakeycomponentofthefirstcentralpublicwatersupplysystemforBrooklyn.Shortly
afteritsincorporationasaCityin1834,Brooklyninitiatedasearchforareliablepublicwatersupplyto
supplantthesystemofshallowwells,cisternsandspringsthatserveditsneighborhoods.Aftermanyyears

1
AsexplainedintheSEQRAHandbook,designationdoesnotgrantanyagencypermittingauthorityorother
jurisdictionsthatdidnotalreadyexistbeforedesignationoftheCEA,nordoesitaltertheclassificationofanaction
intermsofSEQRAType.(Seehttp://www.dec.ny.gov/permits/45500.html).

of public deliberation and investigation, groundbreaking for the Ridgewood Aqueduct and Reservoir
SystemwasonJuly11,1856andwaterwasfirstraisedonNovember18,1858.

Theoriginaldesigncalledforthreebasins,buttheprojectwasalteredandonlyadoublebasinwasinitially
built. The system collected water from Long Island streams, which was conveyed via the Ridgewood
AqueductandpumpedintotheReservoirbysteamengineswithintheRidgewoodPumpStationlocated
atthewesternterminusoftheaqueduct.WaterfromtheReservoirwasthendistributedoutviagravity
throughasystemofmainsthatfedintoprogressivelysmallerdistributionpipes.Overtime,thesupply
system was expanded to incorporate additional streams and groundwater wells, and the distribution
systemwasenlarged,includingtheadditionofthethirdbasinin1891.

TheReservoirwasthemajorsourceofwaterfortheCityofBrooklynuntil1898,atwhichtimeBrooklyn
mergedwiththeCityofNewYorkandgainedaccesstotheNewYorkCitywatersupplysystem.Withthe
completionoftheCatskillAqueductandCityTunnelNo.1in1917,ahighqualitywatersourcefromthe
CatskillsbecameavailableandtheRidgewoodSystemwasplacedonstandbystatus.Thesystemwasused
asnecessarytosupplementtheCatskillwaterduringthefirsthalfofthe20thcentury,buttheeventual
developmentofadditionalupstatereservoirsandCityTunnelNo.2increasedavailabilitytoBrooklynand
endedtheneedforwaterfromtheRidgewoodSystem.

TheReservoirbecameabackupreservoirin1959,andwaslastusedduringadroughtperiodinthe1960s.
TheReservoirwasfinallydecommissionedin1989.Theeastandwestbasinsweredrained.In2004,the
ReservoirwasofficiallyturnedovertoNYCParks,andthroughalargerwatermainprojectmanagedby
the NYC Department of Design & Construction, remaining pipes were fully disconnected from the
reservoirby2016.

The original pump station has been removed, but historic structural elements remain, including the
reservoirstructureitselfandabrickpumphouseandgatehousealongthenorthernedgeofthewestand
centralbasins,providingatangiblephysicalconnectiontotheReservoirspriorroleasanimportantpublic
worksthatwasintegraltothedevelopmentandpublichealthoftheCity.

Inrecognitionofitsuniquehistory,theRidgewoodreservoirhasbeennominatedforinclusiononthe
NationalandStateRegistersofHistoricPlaces.Thereservoirshistoryisalsooneofthefeaturesofthe
sitethatcontributestoitssignificanceasaCEA.DesignationasaCEAwouldsupplementexistingSEQRA
requirements related to the consideration of historic features during the review of any development
proposalsandhelpshapemanagementdirectionsforthesite.Forexample,adaptivereuseofthehistoric
structuresforparkaccessoryuses,suchasacomfortstationorinterpretivecenter,couldbeexploredin
anefforttosupporttheexpandedpublicuseofthesite,relaythestoryofthereservoir,andhighlightthe
sitesroleinthegrowthanddevelopmentoftheCity.AstheCEAdesignationwouldservetohighlight
andpreservetheuniquehistoricfeaturesofthesite,nosignificantadverseimpactsonhistoricresources
wouldbeanticipated.

8.NaturalResources
(a)Doestheproposedprojectsiteorasiteadjacenttotheprojectcontainnaturalresourcesasdefinedin
Section100ofChapter11?

TheprojectsiteisanexistingopenspaceresourceassociatedwithHighlandPark,andassuchitcontains
and is adjacent to natural resources as defined by Section 100 of Chapter 11 of the CEQR Technical
Manual.Theseresourcesincludeuplandforest,waterbody,andwetlandresourcesandtheassociated
vegetationandwildlifethatthesehabitatssupport.

UplandResources
UplandForests,WoodlandsandBarrensForest,shrubandemergentplantcommunitieshavedeveloped
inthebasininteriorsandtheslopesandcrestsofthesurroundembankments.Muchofthevegetationin
thebasinsarenonnativeand/orinvasivespecies,suchasblacklocust,mugwortandbuckthorn.Much
larger, older trees line the outer rim of the embankments. Further description of these habitats is
presentedbelowintheVegetationandWildlifesection.

WaterResources
WaterBodiesandWetlandResourcesThecentralbasincontainsafreshwaterpondapproximately3.5
feetdeep,whichappearstohavebeenestablishedasaresultofthebasinnotbeingfullypumpedout.

Areaswithwetlandcharacteristicshavebeenidentifiedinthecentralandeasternbasins,consistentwith
depictionsonUSFSNationalWetlandInventorymapping.Asindicatedabove,wetlandareaswerealso
foundinthesouthernportionofthewesternbasinbyecologistsfromRoundMountainEcologicalLLCand
NYCParksNaturalResourcesGroup(NRG).FieldvisitswereperformedbyecologistsfromNRGonMay15
and May 29, 2014 which confirmed that the previously identified wetland characteristics and native
wetlandspeciescontinuetopersistinthisportionofthewesternbasin.

Furtherdescriptionofthesehabitatsispresentedbelow.

VegetationandWildlife
AsurveyofthefloraandfaunawithinthereservoirwasconductedbyRoundMountainEcologicalLLCin
thesummerandfallof2007andspringof2008.Atotalof184plantspeciesand150birdspecieswere
observed,including12specieslistedasThreatened,EndangeredorofSpecialConcerninNewYorkState.
Wetlandhabitatsandplantcommunitiesofspecialconservationconcernwerealsofound.

Ofthe184plantspeciesobserved,threewerelistedasThreatenedorEndangeredinNewYorkState.The
boglikeopenareasandforestfringesintheeasternbasin,wherethickcarpetsofPolytrichummosses
dominated the understory, also appeared to be unique within New York City. Areas of wetland and
ecotonalhabitatswerepresentatthesite,includingtheemergentmarshesandopenwaterofthecentral
basin,aswellastheeasternbasinandaportionofthesouthernendofthewesternbasin.ANYCParks
NRGentitationconductedin2005identifiedgoodqualitynativeplantcommunitiesand/orwetlandsin
thesouthernendofthewesternbasin,whichisalsotheareawherethemajorityoftheThreatenedor
Endangeredplantswerefoundinthisbasin.Theforestedwetlandsinthewesternbasinarevegetated
withgreybirch(Betulapopulifolia),sedges(Cyperusspp.),rushes(Juncusspp.),andmosses.


Atotalof150birdspecieswereobserved,including92speciesobservedduringspringandfallmigration,
and58additionalspeciesobservedbylocalnaturaliststhroughouttheyear.Nineofthesespecieswere
listed as Endangered, Threatened or of Special Concern in New York State. A breeding bird survey
conductedbylocalnaturalistsin2007found38birdspeciesnestingatthesite.Thehighdiversityand
abundanceofbirdandotherwildlifespeciesappearedtobedueto theabundanceoffoodresources
present,thediversity,sizeandcontiguityofhabitatsatthesite,anditslocationontheridgeoftheHarbor
Hillglacialmoraine,whichputsitdirectlyintheflightpathofalargenumberofraptorandotherspecies
migratingthroughthearea.Thesignificanceofthesiteforbirdspeciesiswellknown,bothpresentlyand
historically,itbeinglistedamongthetop500placestoseebirdsinallofNewYorkStateasfarbackasthe
1970s.

InvasivePlantSpecies
Theeasternbasinconsistsprimarilyofnativevegetationwitharimofinvasivespecies.Thecentralbasin
isopenwatersurroundedbyinvasives,primarilyPhragmites.Thenorthernhalfofthewesternbasinand
some of the southern half, is almost entirely invasive black locust and mugwort savannah. The slopes
alongtheperimetersoftheouterbasinsaredominatedbyuplandinvasiveshrubs,vinesandtrees.

As indicated, the Reservoir represents a unique natural area within an otherwise heavily urbanized
community. The closest other substantial natural areas are located within Forest Park, Spring Creek
Park/JamaicaBay,whicharerelativelydistant.Assuch,theReservoirprovidesuniqueopportunitiesfor
localresidentstoexperienceanaturalsettingandishighlyvaluedbymembersofthecommunityforthat
purpose.Inaddition,habitatconnectivityiskeytomaintaininghealthypopulationsofbirdsandother
wildlifespecies.BecausetheReservoirissituatedamongpatchesofgreenspacethatrunalongtheJackie
RobinsonParkway,itservesasavaluablelargerhabitatpatchandrefugeformanyspecies.

ThesenaturalattributesarekeyfeaturesthatcontributestothesitessignificanceasaCEA.Designation
asaCEAwouldsupplementexistingSEQRArequirementsrelatedtotheconsiderationofnaturalfeatures
duringthereviewofdevelopmentproposalsandhelpshapemanagementdirectionsforthesite.Asthe
CEAdesignationwouldservetohighlightandprotecttheuniqueecologyofthesite,nosignificantadverse
impactsonnaturalresourceswouldbeanticipated.

(b)IsanypartofthedirectlyaffectedareawithintheJamaicaBayWatershed?

TheprojectsiteislocatedalongthenorthernedgeoftheJamaicaBayWatershed.Asdiscussedabove,
theproposedactionisestablishmentofaCEAdesignation.Therearenophysicalcomponentsoractivities
thatwouldaffectthewatershedassociatedwiththisaction.TheCEAdesignationwouldbeexpectedto
supportandprotectthesitescurrentfunctionasanopenspaceresourcewithinalargerParkcontext.
Nosignificantdevelopmentactivitythatwouldsubstantiallyaffectlandcoverage,landusepatterns,or
growthinthewatershedwouldbeexpected.

ATTACHMENT 2
FIGURES AND SITE PHOTOS

 North

Figure1 Figure2
MapsfromTheBrooklynQueensGreenwayGuide,CityofNewYorkParks&Recreation

RIDGEWOODRESERVOIR+,*+/$1'3$5. SITELOCATIONPLAN
&5,7,&$/(19,5210(17$/$5($'(6,*1$7,21
NYC Parks
 Figure7
Source: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, National Wetlands Inventory
Source:U.S.FishandWildlifeService,NationalWetlandsInventory

5,'*(:22'5(6(592,5+,*+/$1'3$5. NWIWETLANDMAP
&5,7,&$/(19,5210(17$/$5($'(6,*1$7,21
NYC Parks
1) PERIMETER PATH 2) PERIMETER PATH

RIDGEWOOD RESERVOIR, HIGHLAND PARK | Existing Conditions - Perimeter Path

1) PUMPHOUSE 3 2) PUMPHOUSE 3

RIDGEWOOD RESERVOIR, HIGHLAND PARK | Existing Conditions - Pumphouse 3

1) GATEHOUSE 27 2) GATEHOUSE 27 3) GATEHOUSE 27

RIDGEWOOD RESERVOIR, HIGHLAND PARK | Existing Conditions - Gatehouse 27

1) CAUSEWAY BETWEEN BASINS 1 AND 2 - NOT OPEN TO PUBLIC 2) CAUSEWAY BETWEEN BASINS 2 AND 3 - OPEN TRAIL

RIDGEWOOD RESERVOIR, HIGHLAND PARK | Existing Conditions - Causeways

1) BASIN 1 2) BASIN 1

RIDGEWOOD RESERVOIR, HIGHLAND PARK | Existing Conditions - Basin 1

1) BASIN 2 2) BASIN 2

RIDGEWOOD RESERVOIR, HIGHLAND PARK | Existing Conditions - Basin 2

1) BASIN 3 2) BASIN 3

RIDGEWOOD RESERVOIR, HIGHLAND PARK | Existing Conditions - Basin 3



ATTACHMENT 3
CEA DESIGNATION REPORT

 Ridgewood Reservoir

Justification for Critical Environmental Area Designation

Introduction

The Ridgewood Reservoir (Reservoir) is a de-commissioned reservoir located in New

York City, on the Brooklyn-Queens border. More specifically, the Reservoir is located
within the northeastern portion of Highland Park, and is a component of a larger green
corridor formed by the park and several adjoining cemeteries.

The Reservoir is comprised of three basins, the easternmost at 9.95 acres, the middle
basin at 11.85 acres and the westernmost basin at 21.17 acres, separated by
embankments that measure 15 in width. The perimeter embankment has a minimum
width of 20 feet and extends roughly 1.5 miles in circumference.

The Reservoir became operational in 1858 and operated as a water supply for Brooklyn
until 1959, after which only the middle basin remained in use as a backup water supply
until 1989. Whereas the outer two basins were fully drained, the middle basin retains a
shallow impoundment of approximately 3.5 feet in depth to this day. Since its
decommissioning, the site has been reclaimed by both native and non-native
vegetation, upland forest and freshwater wetlands.

Since jurisdiction of the Reservoir was transferred from the New York City Department
of Environmental Protection to the New York City Department of Parks & Recreation
(NYC Parks) in 2004, NYC Parks successfully completed the construction of a joint
bicycle and pedestrian pathway around the Reservoir, which is heavily used throughout
the year.

The Reservoir qualifies as a Critical Environmental Area1 because it is:

A unique natural open space with significant flora and fauna in an otherwise
heavily urbanized area;
A site with unique historic value;
An open space resource bounded on all sides by a joint bicycle and pedestrian
pathway, providing a benefit to human health; and
An ecological area of significant social value with recreational and educational
opportunities.

Natural Resources

The Reservoir is a natural area within this otherwise urbanized community. The nearest
substantial natural areas are located within Forest Park, Spring Creek Park/Jamaica

1
PursuanttoTitle6NewYorkCodes,RulesandRegulationsPart617.14(g)(SEQRARegulations).
Bay, and Prospect Park, which are approximately three, five, and six miles distant,
respectively. As such, the Reservoir provides unique opportunities for local residents to
experience a natural setting, and it is highly valued as such by members of the
surrounding communities for that purpose.

In addition, habitat connectivity is key to maintaining healthy populations of birds and

other wildlife species. Because the Reservoir is situated among small patches of green
space that run along the Jackie Robinson Parkway, it serves as a valuable, larger
habitat patch and refuge for many species. The site is home to a variety of small
mammals, amphibians, reptiles, and fish, and provides critical habitat for migratory
birds, as well as nesting and foraging habitat for resident species.

The Reservoir is located along the Atlantic Flyway, a migratory route for birds, and it is
situated on an elevated ridge, which is an attractant for many birds of prey, both for
foraging and for migration. Hawks, bald eagles, and peregrine falcons have all been
observed on the site. The forested area attracts a wide variety of birds, including wrens,
woodpeckers, vireos, sparrows, thrushes, and twenty-four species of warblers. The
open water and wet areas also provide habitat for a variety of ducks, wading birds,
gulls, terns, and marsh birds, such as the American woodcock.

Based on information collected through eBird, an online resource launched by the

Cornell Lab of Ornithology and National Audubon Society that is regularly updated by
local observers, 156 species of birds have been sighted at the location as of February
22, 2017, 29 of which are listed as Species of Greatest Conservation Need (SGCN) in
the New York State Wildlife Action Plan.

Historical Significance

The Reservoir was a key component of the first central public water supply system for
Brooklyn. Shortly after its incorporation as a City in 1834, Brooklyn initiated a search for
a reliable public water supply to supplant the system of shallow wells, cisterns and
springs that served its neighborhoods. After many years of public deliberation and
investigation, groundbreaking for the Ridgewood Aqueduct and Reservoir System was
on July 11, 1856 and water was first raised on November 18, 1858.

The original design called for three basins, but the project was altered and only a double
basin was initially built. The system collected water from Long Island streams and,
conveyed via the Ridgewood Aqueduct, water was pumped into the Reservoir by steam
engines within the Ridgewood Pump Station located at the western terminus of the
aqueduct. The engines pumped water through 36-inch force mains to the reservoir
basins. Water from the Reservoir was then distributed out via gravity through a system
of mains that fed into progressively smaller distribution pipes.
Over time, the supply system was expanded to incorporate additional streams and
groundwater wells, and the distribution system was enlarged, including the addition of
the third basin in 1891.

The Reservoir was the major source of water for the City of Brooklyn until 1898, at
which time Brooklyn merged with the City of New York and gained access to the New
York City water supply system. With the completion of the Catskill Aqueduct and City
Tunnel No. 1 in 1917, a high-quality water source from the Catskills became available
and the Ridgewood System was placed on standby status. The system was used as
necessary to supplement the Catskill water during the first half of the 20th century, but
the eventual development of additional upstate reservoirs and City Tunnel No. 2
increased availability to Brooklyn and ended the need for water from the Ridgewood
System.

The Reservoir became a backup reservoir in 1959, and was last used during a drought
period in the 1960s. The Reservoir was finally decommissioned in 1989. The east and
west basins were drained. In 2004, the Reservoir was officially turned over to NYC
Parks, and through a larger water main project managed by the NYC Department of
Design & Construction, remaining pipes were fully disconnected from the reservoir by
2016.

The original pump station has been removed, but historic structural elements remain,
including the reservoir structure itself and a brick pump house and gate house along the
northern edge of the west and central basins, providing a tangible physical connection
to the Reservoirs prior role as an important public works that was integral to the
development and public health of the City.

Recreation

Heavily used throughout the year, the paved bicycle and pedestrian pathway around the
perimeter of the basins is an integral part of the BrooklynQueens Greenway, a
bicycling and pedestrian route that connects neighborhoods in the two boroughs. The
Greenway affords connections from the Reservoir and Highland Park to Forest Park to
the east and to Prospect Park to the southwest. The route was developed under the
joint auspices of the New York City Department of Transportation and NYC Parks.

As the Reservoir is sited atop a ridge formed by the Wisconsin ice sheets terminal
moraine, the Harbor Hill Moraine, it rises more than 100 feet above the surrounding
outwash plain, and affords pathway users commanding vistas over its surroundings to
nearby cemeteries, East New York, Woodhaven, the Rockaways, Jamaica Bay and the
Atlantic Ocean.

Because over 150 species of birds have been identified as using this area as habitat,
birdwatchers from throughout New York City and beyond come to observe birds here
throughout the year as well.
Opportunities

The reservoir is a substantial open space between Ridgewood and East New York, two
neighborhoods that are generally underserved by open space. As such, it is a special
resource with significant educational and other programmatic opportunities to be
developed by NYC Parks in coordination with the local community.

Already popular with walkers, joggers, bicyclists, and naturalists, the pathway could be
served well by additional features, such as exercise stations and educational nodes,
thereby expanding the park program within the existing framework.

Adaptive reuse of the historic structures for parks accessory uses, such as a comfort
station, is another avenue that could be explored in an effort to support the expanded
public use of the site, relay the story of the reservoir, and highlight the importance of the
sites role in the growth and development of the City.

Looking more broadly, NYC Parks may investigate ways to further enhance the value of
this important resourceproviding a green refuge in a densely developed area and
allowing more residents to connect with the natural world. Ecological restoration
(meadow, woodland, wetland) and complementary recreational opportunities (i.e. nature
trails, boardwalks, canopy walks, canoe/kayak access to open water) could be critical to
achieving this.

Challenges

Invasive Species: The basin floors and walls have been colonized by and filled in with
vegetation; however, much of the growth consists of invasive species. Critical to the
maintenance of the sites biological integrity is the management of more than 20 exotic
and invasive plant species, which may include controlling, removing and replacing these
invasives with native plant species to enhance habitat quality and the overall diversity of
native species that the site supports.

Inaccessibility of Basin Interiors: There is currently no means to enter the basins other
than scrambling down the basin walls, which severely hampers the ability of the City to
monitor and maintain the site, perform invasive removal/restoration, or clear debris and
garbage. This is particularly problematic, as the reservoir has been subject to
unsanctioned human activities within the basins, including illegal dumping, paintball,
and encampments. The establishment of controlled access points into the basin from
the existing perimeter multiuse pathway above could allow for more effective
management and stewardship of the developing vegetative communities within the
basins and improved ability to address trespassing and related damage.

Summary and Conclusions

Recognizing the unique features and management considerations of the site, NYC
Parks is dedicated to sustaining, and, in direct coordination with the local community,
exploring the expansion of the vision for the property in a manner that is sensitive to and
serves to enhance the exceptional character of the Reservoir.

The Reservoir contains both upland forest and freshwater wetlands. It is also home to a
wide variety of small mammals, amphibians, and reptiles, and is a birding hotspot, home
to at least 156 species of birds, 29 of which are Species of Greatest Conservation Need
within New York State.

In addition to its impressive ecology, the Reservoir is the only natural area within the
local community, and one with great historic significance, having been a major water
supply of the City of Brooklyn from 1858 until 1959. Its bicycle and pedestrian pathway
is used heavily and offers a critical connection along the Brooklyn-Queens Greenway,
linking public parks, museums and other public facilities.

Accordingly, the Ridgewood Reservoir meets the SEQR criteria for designation as a
Critical Environmental Area and warrants designation as such. A map at an appropriate
scale to readily locate the boundaries of the CEA is attached. For reference, the CEA
boundary is defined by the embankment and pathway that encircles the three basins.
 Ridgewood Reservoir Designationg Agency : New York City Parks and Recreation
Critical Environmental Area (CEA) Effective Date of Designation: ?

Legend
0 0.2
Ridgewood Reservoir CEA
Base Map: DOT 1:24,000 Planimetric Images
Miles
0.4 0.8
1 inch = 1,042 feet
Disclaimer: This map was prepared by
the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation
in conjunction with New York City Parks and Recreation, for displaying methods,
using the most current data available.
It is deemed accurate but is not guaranteed.
NYS DEC is not responsible for any inaccuracies
in the data. Please contact the designating authority
for additional information regarding legal boundary descriptions.