Stories from DEP is a collection of feature articles published
in DEP's internal newsletter, Weekly Pipeline. This article was
originally published April 19, 2011. They’re G-r-r-r-r-ate!
Catch Basin Crews Storm City’s Drains For most New Yorkers, it’s
just another feature of the urban landscape — barely
acknowledged until a ring or an iPhone is dropped down the
ominous metal grate. While catch basins may not be the most
glamorous piece of infrastructure, they perform a critical role
in ensuring the health, safety, and economic vitality of New
York City. A catch basin is a type of storm drain located
adjacent to a curb that collects rainwater from the street and
transports it either to one of DEP’s 14 wastewater treatment
plants (for combined sewers) or directly into a waterbody (for
stormwater sewers). The catch basin is typically covered by a
metal grate, which prevents large objects from falling in. Catch
basins function primarily as a draining mechanism during heavy
storms to prevent flooding and allow rai