STV partnered with the New York City Department of Environmental Protection (NYCDEP) to deliver a comprehensive flood‑protection and infrastructure‑resilience program for the Tallman Island Wastewater Resource Recovery Facility (WRRF). Located on a narrow peninsula in College Point, Queens, the facility treats up to 80 million gallons per day (mgd) during average conditions – serving more than 400,000 residents – and plays a vital role in protecting public health and the environment.
Originally built in 1939, the site’s coastal position and low elevation have long made it vulnerable to storm surge and flooding. This project strengthens the WRRF’s defenses while ensuring continuous functionality during extreme weather events.
What challenges did STV address?
Superstorm Sandy in 2012 underscored the facility’s exposure to coastal hazards when storm surge inundated roadways, loading areas and critical infrastructure. NYCDEP identified a need for long‑term, permanent flood‑protection measures to safeguard essential wastewater operations. The primary challenge was to deliver significant upgrades across multiple buildings and systems all while maintaining uninterrupted WRRF operations that are indispensable to the surrounding communities.
What solutions did STV deliver?
STV provided integrated architectural, structural, civil, mechanical, electrical and SCADA/controls engineering, along with construction support services. The team implemented approximately $32 million in flood‑protection improvements funded through the New York State Storm Mitigation Loan Program (SMLP) and informed by FEMA resilience standards.
Upgrades were executed across eight critical buildings, process areas, the tunnel network, and essential electrical infrastructure. Enhancements include deployable flood barriers, flood‑resistant doors, elevated and hardened mechanical and electrical equipment, water‑resilient power and control systems, improved operator access routes and critical system repairs. All work was carefully sequenced to keep the facility operational throughout construction.
How does this project benefit the region?
These improvements significantly enhance New York City’s climate resilience by protecting one of its key wastewater facilities against future storm events. By safeguarding treatment capacity for more than 400,000 residents, the upgrades support public health, environmental protection and reliable service continuity during emergencies. Strengthening Tallman Island WRRF aligns with the city’s sustainability and adaptation goals, ensuring that vital infrastructure can withstand increasingly frequent and severe weather.
Key Stats and Highlights
- Serves 400,000+ residents in northeast Queens, New York
- Treats 80 mgd average / 160 mgd peak flows
- $32 million in flood‑protection improvements
- Upgrades funded through the New York State Storm Mitigation Loan Program (SMLP)
- Enhancements aligned with FEMA‑informed resilience standards
- Flood protection was installed across eight critical buildings, tunnel systems, and major electrical infrastructure
- Includes deployable flood logs, hinged flood barriers, permanent flood walls, flood doors and sealed penetrations
- Continuous facility operations were maintained throughout construction
