FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 10, 2025

City of Mount Vernon Provides Update on Hunts Woods Sewer Investigation and Vernon Parkway Stormwater Discharge

DPW working with NYSDEC, consultants, and community partners to protect water quality and infrastructure integrity

Mount Vernon, NY - The City of Mount Vernon Department of Public Works (DPW) has been actively addressing two infrastructure and environmental concerns: the ongoing sewer investigation in Hunts Woods and a stormwater discharge observed near Vernon Parkway. Both matters are being handled in close coordination with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC), engineering consultants, and local stakeholders.

Hunts Woods Sewer Investigation

On August 28, 2025, DPW mobilized with its engineering consultant, Arcadis, to investigate a possible stormwater and sanitary sewer issue in Hunts Woods Park. Limited site access presents challenges, but DPW has prioritized repairing and raising manholes, completing masonry work, and installing watertight frames and covers.

Recent progress includes:

• Arcadis developing technical drawings to guide field work and rehabilitation.
• DPW obtaining quotes to televise a 12-inch sewer line spanning 10 manholes and 31 basins across Vernon Parkway and Burkewood.
• September 9: Installation of signage at all trail entrances near the affected stream reminding residents to "PLEASE CLEAN UP AFTER YOUR DOG."
• September 15 (tentative): Contractors will review access points with DPW staff.
• September 16 (tentative): Initial repair work is scheduled to begin, including raising manholes, masonry repairs, and installing watertight frames and covers.

Water sampling was conducted by Arcadis last week, with results ranging from 100 to 410 MPN/100 ml at several manholes, and 200 to 630 MPN/100 ml near a storm sewer outfall. These results confirm low microorganism concentrations and no evidence of illicit discharge into the Laurel Brook/Hunts Woods area. At no time has wastewater exfiltrated from the sanitary sewer system.

Future steps include reviewing televising results to guide a Phase 2 rehabilitation plan, which may involve sewer and manhole lining, additional masonry repairs, and installation of more watertight covers.

Stormwater Discharge Near Vernon Parkway

On September 3, 2025, DPW staff observed a clear, odorless discharge from a stormwater outfall on Vernon Parkway. With no recent rainfall, staff began immediate investigation.

Key actions included:

• Collaboration with the Mount Vernon Board of Water Supply, which tested nearby hydrants and found no irregularities.
• Track-down inspection tracing the discharge to a manhole on Burkewood Road, downstream of the Bronxville Field Club property.
• Initial issuance of an Illicit Discharge Violation Notice pending further investigation.
• September 4: Access confirmed the Club was pumping groundwater in preparation for construction, not discharging pool water.
• September 8: A joint meeting with NYSDEC established discharge requirements:
  • Groundwater discharges must not exceed 25 gallons per minute, limited to three consecutive days.
  • Pool water must be held for 10 days before discharge to allow chlorine to dissipate.

All water samples tested negative for chlorine, confirming no pool discharge. A site inspection verified the pool was intact, filled, and free of chemical odor. Pumping equipment was used solely for groundwater exfiltration. The Bronxville Field Club has cooperated fully and has acted in accordance with NYSDEC guidelines under DPW oversight.

"The City of Mount Vernon is committed to maintaining the highest standards of water quality and environmental protection," said Damani Bush, Commissioner of Public Works. "We appreciate the cooperation of our partners at NYSDEC and the Bronxville Field Club as we continue to safeguard the community and our shared natural resources."