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Green Plan To Stop NYC Rainwater Runoff

NEW YORK (WCBS 880) - You can't stop the rain, but you can slow down the flow of rainwater from roofs and streets and stop sewage from being blasted into bays and rivers around New York City.

LISTEN: WCBS 880's Rich Lamb reports

Mayor Michael Bloomberg took to the roof of P.S. 118 in Hollis, Queens to demonstrate the city's strategy to show how green infrastructure really works.

"We installed a green roof covered with vegetation that absorbs rain water. Another area is what's called a blue roof. It's terraced to hold water back and drainage is mechanically slowed to avoid big storm water surges," Bloomberg told reporters including WCBS 880's Rich Lamb.

His Honor said, in addition to the roofs, specially designed planted areas will work to retain street runoff.

LINK: NYC Green Infrastructure Plan

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