Flooding to resume in southeast Queens

From the Daily News:

A solution for chronic flooding in southeastern Queens homes has proven to be short-lived as the state has nixed a popular ground-water pumping program.

Homeowners were finally getting relief after more than a decade of having their basements flood with a mix of storm water and sewage after heavy rains.

But now that the state has ceased pumping water out of a St. Albans well, which lowers the high water table in the area and alleviates flooding, homeowners are once again on edge.

The well was re-opened in August to remove toxic material in the groundwater, he said. About 800,000 gallons of water were being pumped out a day until operations were suspended last month.

A city Department of Environmental Protection official told the Daily News on Wednesday that the agency is not responsible for operating the wells.

A state Department of Environmental Conservation official also denied having any involvement with Station 24. But a Nov. 28 email from the DEC confirms the agency was responsible for operating the well.

DEC officials did not immediately respond to questions on Wednesday about whether the well would be re-opened.

Stone well discovered in Brooklyn backyard

From Brownstoner:

We are in the midst of a renovation of our brownstone in Ft. Greene and made a fascinating discovery in our backyard. The contractors were digging a hole to pour the footings for an extension and new deck and they stumbled across the opening of an old well. The well is approximately 8 to 10 feet deep and is made of stone. I'd like to get readers' opinions about the use of and history of wells in Brownstone Brooklyn. Also, I'd like to get readers' suggestions about what I should do with it...I am interested in hearing ideas about preserving the well or maybe some creative way of incorporating it into our backyard or renovation. I'd hate to just cover it up because it's a pretty cool discovery.