Most of NYC's sewers are combined sewers, meaning they collect both sewage from buildings and stormwater runoff from the streets in a single pipe and carry it all to a wastewater treatment plant. During times of significant rainfall or snowmelt, however, the increased volume of runoff entering the sewer can exceed the capacity of the system. In order to prevent a backup, the excess (including untreated sewage) is dumped directly into area waterways.
Day 25
Combined sewer overflow
January 24th, 2012
Uh… Gross!
To which I would add … Yuck!
Oh that is just gross!
Beautiful skyline shot though in the background.
Nice work Matt! Keep the photos coming!