06 - Part 6 - Natural ResourcesPlanning Base Studies Village of Rye Brook, New York Chapter 6 Natural Resources
6-1 May 2012 Prepared by the Westchester County Department of Planning
Natural resources provide many benefits for a community. Trees can increase property values, reduce stormwater and improve air quality. Wetlands can protect against flooding and keep water clean. The Village of Rye Brook has a diversity of plants, animals and habitats — despite significant development — that contribute to the overall quality of life in the . This chapter provides background on the natural resources located in the Village of Rye Brook. Important natural resources include soils, watersheds, wetlands, stormwater and floodplains. Environ-mental data is presented to illustrate a complete picture of existing conditions, constraints and opportunities in the . 6.1 Topography The Village of Rye Brook is located in the Long Island Sound coastal plain, typified by low lying lands closer to shore and gently rising lands further inland. At the southern end, the is only about a mile from Long Island Sound. The land throughout Rye Brook is typical of a Long Island Sound coastal community — even though lacking shoreline on the Sound — with most of it being relatively level with limited areas of steep slopes. The overall topography ranges from a low of approximately 60 feet above sea level imme-diately south of Bowman Avenue to a high of approximately 405 feet above sea level at BelleFair’s community center, adjacent to the development’s green. (See Map 6.2 Topography on page 6-3).
Figure 6-1. BelleFair Housing Constructed on Steep Slopes
CHAPTER 6 NATURAL RESOURCES
Photo source: Westchester County
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MAP NOTE: Environmental features shown werederived from multiple sources listed below. This mapis for general purposes only. All physicalenvironmental features are subject to fielddetermination.
SOURCES: Slopes derived from a 2007 digitalelevation model; Drainage Divides digitized from1:24,000 scale County EMC quads; Hydric WetlandSoils derived from the USDA Soil ConservationService Soil Survey data layer for WestchesterCounty (2006); Waterbodies, Streams derived fromyear 2007 aerial photography; NYSDEC mappedwetlands derived from the NYSDEC.
Village of Rye Brook, NY
HARRISON
Environmental Features
Westchester CountyDepartment of PlanniningMay 2012
Planning Base Studies
Legend
Slopes 15% to 25%
Slopes over 25%
NYSDEC Mapped Wetlands
National Wetland Inventory Wetlands
Hydric Wetland Soils
Water Bodies
Major Drainage Basin Divides
Minor Drainage Basin Divides
Streams
Natural Resources
Westchester
County Airport
Blind Brook
Country Club
Blind Brook
School
Rich
Manor
Park
Crawford Park
HUTCH
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Middle
School
St.
Mary's
Cemetery
Port Chester
High School
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BLIND BROOK BASIN
BEAVERSWAMPBROOKBASIN
BYRAM RIVER BASIN
PORT CHESTERHARBOR BASIN
KENSICORESERVOIRBASIN
MAMARONECKRIVERBASIN
Map 6 - 1Environmental FeaturesPage 6 - 2
BYRAM RIVER BASIN
BYRAMRIVERBASIN
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MAP NOTE: Westchester County GIS 3-meterDigital Elevation Model (DEM) produced fromLiDAR data acquired in 2009.
Village of Rye Brook, NY
HARRISON
Topography
Westchester CountyDepartment of PlanniningDecember 2011
Planning Base Studies
Legend
Elevation in Feet
Under 50
51 - 100
101 - 150
151 - 200
201 - 250
251 - 300
301 - 350
351 - 400
401 - 450
451 - 500
Natural Resources
Westchester
County Airport
Blind Brook
Country Club
Blind Brook
School
Rich
Manor
Park
Crawford Park
HUTC
H
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S
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RIVER
PA
R
K
W
A
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Port
Chester
Middle
School
St.
Mary's
Cemetery
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Map 6 - 2TopographyPage 6 - 3
Planning Base Studies Village of Rye Brook, New York
6-4 May 2012 Prepared by the Westchester County Department of Planning
Chapter 6 Natural Resources
A. Steep Slopes Less than 10% of the land (173 acres) in Rye Brook contains steep slopes. Of these areas, 145 acres have slopes of 15-25% and 28 acres have slopes greater than 25%. Steep slopes are scattered throughout the Village (See Map 6.1 Environmental Features on page 6-2) and most are on parcels that are already developed. The most significant concentrations of steep slopes are at the BelleFair residential development and surrounding the Westchester-Rye Brook Hilton property. Steep slopes may constrain land development due to the often diffi-cult stabilization needed following soil disturbance, construction of structures, and establishment of new slopes through regrading. They also have generally higher rates of stormwater runoff and are susceptible to erosion and slope failure when their soils are dis-turbed or become extremely wet. The disturbance of steep slopes is regulated through the Village’s Steep Slope Protection Law, Chap-ter 213 of the Village Code. 6.2 Soils Soils are relevant to municipal comprehensive planning because of their variable characteristics, including their abilities to absorb stormwater runoff, filter out pollutants carried by runoff, support structures and support varying plant and animal life. Other impor-tant characteristics include their rates of water percolation, stability and inclination to erode. A. Soil Categories A list of soil types found in Rye Brook are shown in Map 6-3 and further identified and categorized in Figure 6-2. The information in the map and table has been derived from the U.S. Department of Agriculture-Natural Resources Conservation Service’s (NRCS) 1994 Soil Survey of Putnam and Westchester Counties, New York. It should be noted that the areas of these soils, as shown in Map 6-3 and Figure 6-2, are approximate due to the general nature of the soil survey, which is accurate only to plus or minus two acres. Further-more, many of the dominant mapped soil units may include subor-dinate soils that have not been mapped because they are relatively small areas within larger soil units. Fieldwork should be done for site-specific soil surveys where more precise soil information and boundary mapping are needed, usually in association with proposals for land development.
Planning Base Studies
Village of Rye Brook, New York
Chapter 6 Natural Resources
6-5
May 2012
Prepared by the Westchester County Department of Planning
a. Urban Land
As to be expected in a highly developed area, Rye Brook’s pre-
dominant soil types are dominated by the special category, or
“modifier”, of “urban land.” The NRCS defines “urban land” as
“areas where at least 60% of the land surface is covered with build-
ings or other structures.” Included in the soil survey mapping for
“urban land” are small areas of soils that have not been appreciably
altered, such as Charlton, Chatfield, Paxton, and Riverhead soils,
e.g., Urban land-Paxton complex or Urban land-Charlton complex.
In Rye Brook, 923 acres, or 41% of the land area, includes the
modifier “urban land.”
b. Hydric Soils
Hydric soils are generally associated with wetlands because they
are seasonally or permanently saturated or inundated with water.
They also play a significant role in stormwater management for wa-
ter quality and quantity purposes and ground and surface water re-
charge capabilities. Many land uses are not suitable in areas of hy-
dric soils due to the wetness of the soil. Development on these soils
should be closely regulated. Seven of the 34 soil types identified in
the Village (Figure 6.2) are hydric soils.
For more detailed descriptions of the soil types listed in the table,
including their limitations or benefits for certain land uses, please
refer to the Soil Survey of Putnam and Westchester Counties, New
York, in Appendix 6-1.
B. Hydrologic Soil Groups
Hydrologic soil groups classify soils according to their runoff-
producing characteristics. These characteristics should be key to
decisions made relevant to stormwater management and flood miti-
gation.
Hydric Soils in Rye Brook
Hydric soils are formed under conditions of saturation, flooding, or ponding for a sufficient period of
time during the growing season to develop anaerobic conditions in the upper part of the soil where the
roots of plants are generally found. These wetland hydrologic conditions typically support plants that
are most often found in wetlands. Hydric soils have developed characteristics of soil that is saturated or
inundated with water during part of the year. Hydric soil types within the Village are:
Fluvaquents (Ff)
Leicester Loam, 0 to 3 % slopes, stony (LcA)
Leicester Loam, 3- 8 % slopes, stony (LcB)
Leicester Loam, 2- 8% slopes, very stony (LeB)
Ridgebury Loam, 0-3% (RdA)
Ridgebury Loam 3-8% (RdB); and Sun Loam (Sh)
LI
N
C
O
L
N
A
V
E
ANDER
S
O
N
H
I
L
L
R
D
27S
COMLY AVE
WYMAN ST
N RID
G
E
S
T
H
A
I
N
E
S
B
L
V
D
ALFRE
D
C
T
W
I
L
T
O
N
R
D
O
L
D
O
R
C
H
A
R
D
R
D
A
R
R
O
W
W
O
O
D
C
I
R
N RID
G
E
S
T
BEEC
H
W
O
O
D
B
L
V
D
LIN
C
O
L
N
A
V
E
ARB
O
R
D
R
FRANKLIN ST
CAR
L
T
O
N
L
N
WOOD
L
A
N
D
DR
S RID
G
E
S
T
ROB
I
N
S
ROO
S
T
HA
W
T
H
O
R
N
E
A
V
E
HUTCHINSON
R
I
V
E
R
P
K
Y
S
WO
O
D
L
A
N
D
AVE
HUTCH
I
N
S
O
N
R
I
V
E
R
P
K
Y
N
BETSY BROWN RD
DOR
A
L
GR
E
E
N
D
R
CO
U
N
T
R
Y
RID
G
E
D
R
COUN
T
R
Y
RIDG
E
CLOS
E
TRE
E
T
O
P
CRE
S
KIN
G
S
T
WILTON CIR
BO
L
T
O
N
P
L
IRENHYL AVE
BOWMAN AVE
S
R
I
D
G
E
S
T
FAIRL
A
W
N
PKY
NEUTON AVE
BOWMAN AVE
BR
U
S
H
H
O
L
L
O
W
C
R
E
S
GR
E
E
N
H
O
U
S
E
CIR
JAMES WAY
HUTCHINS
O
N
RIVER PK
Y
S
HIL
L
S
P
O
I
N
T
L
N
HER
I
T
A
G
E
C
T
OSBORNE PL
BISHOP DR N
T
R
E
E
T
O
P
L
N
ARL
I
N
G
T
O
N
P
L
COLLEGE AVE
HEIRLOOMLN
RT-120A
JACQUELINE LN
K
I
N
G
S
T
ARGYLE RD
BOXWO
O
D
P
L
DOR
C
H
E
S
T
E
R
D
R
SUNSET RD
E
L
M
H
I
L
L
D
R
BERKLEY DR
HIGHV
I
E
W
AVE
LAT
O
N
I
A
R
D
C
A
S
T
L
E
LN
D
G
PARADE LN
DEVONSHIRE CT
W
E
S
T
V
I
E
W
A
V
E
VIN
T
A
G
E
C
T
RIDGEBLVD
CRESCENT PL
DIXONST
IRENHYLAVE
JENNIFER LN
LEGENDAR
Y
C
I
R
PINE
T
R
E
E
D
R
STONEFALLS CT
HIGH ST
B
E
L
L
E
F
A
I
R
BL
V
D
S
Y
L
V
A
N
R
D
HIL
L
C
R
E
S
T
A
V
E
BAY
B
E
R
R
Y
L
N
GRE
E
N
W
A
Y
CIR
REUNI
O
N
R
D
DOR
A
L
GRE
E
N
DR
E
O
L
D
O
A
K
R
D
C
O
U
N
T
R
Y
R
I
D
G
E
D
R
BONWIT RD
LA
T
O
N
I
A
R
D
WESTCHESTE
R
A
V
E
BOBB
I
E
L
N
PINE
R
I
D
G
E
R
D
LAWR
I
D
G
E
DR
WOODLAND DR
WYM
A
N
ST
N
HIGH POINT CIR
BEL
L
EFAIRBLV
D
COU
N
T
R
Y
R
I
D
G
E
D
R
MA
R
K
D
R
RIDGEBLVD
BE
A
C
O
N
L
N
CROSSWAY
V
A
L
L
E
Y
T
E
R
RIDGEBLVD
WINDINGWOOD RD S
LON
G
L
E
D
G
E
D
R
ARGYLE RD
B
L
U
E
B
I
R
D
H
O
L
W
FAIRLAWN P
K
Y
IVY HILL LN
WINDINGWOOD RD
N
RIDGE BL
V
D
L
A
W
R
I
D
G
E
D
R
FE
L
L
O
W
S
H
I
P
L
N
LEGENDARY CIR
MEADOWLARK RD
B
A
R
B
E
R
P
L
BERKLEY LN
C
O
N
C
O
R
D
P
L
BISHOP DR S
MEETING
HOUSE LN
P
A
R
K
R
I
D
G
E
C
T
BAYBERRYCLOS
H
I
G
H
V
I
E
W
A
V
E
LITTLE
KINGS LN
W RIDG
E
D
R
W WILLIAM ST
PARKW
O
O
D
P
L
MOHEGAN LN
BELL PL
CAS
T
L
E
VIE
W
C
T
MILLENI
U
M
P
L
WHI
T
T
E
M
O
R
E
P
L
T
E
R
R
A
C
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C
T
R
Y
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R
I
D
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P
L
Z
RED ROOF DR
R
O
C
K
I
N
G
H
O
R
S
E
T
R
L
B
R
U
S
H
H
O
L
L
O
W
C
L
O
S
ROCKRIDGE
D
R
ELLENDALEAVE
BERKLEY DR
CHAR
L
E
S
L
N
KENDOLIN LN
ORIOLE
P
L
BIRCH LN
C
O
U
N
T
R
Y
R
I
D
G
E
C
I
R
WIN
D
S
O
R
R
D
ROCK RIDGE DR
DI
V
I
S
I
O
N
S
T
B
E
L
L
E
F
A
I
R
B
L
V
D
LINCOLN
A
V
E
MI
L
E
S
T
O
N
E
R
D
CANDY LN
RYERIDGEPLZ
P
H
Y
L
L
I
S
P
L
SLEE
P
Y
HOLL
O
W
R
D
TAM
A
R
A
C
K
R
D
BROOKRIDGE CT
DEER
R
U
N
PAD
D
O
C
K
R
D
MOHEGA
N
L
N
PINE R
I
D
G
E
R
D
E
A
G
L
E
S
B
L
F
INTERNA
T
I
O
N
A
L
D
R
MAPLE CT
BELLEFAIR RD
29
30S
BOBBIE LN
RO
A
N
O
K
E
A
V
E
EDG
E
W
O
O
D
D
R
S R
I
D
G
E
S
T
KNO
L
L
W
O
O
D
D
R
B
R
O
O
K
L
N
HIDD
E
N
POND
D
R
MAYWOOD AVE
WHIPPO
O
R
W
I
L
L
R
D
DORA
L
G
R
E
E
N
S
D
R
W
J
E
A
N
L
N
WINTHROP DR
RIDG
E
S
T
COUNT
R
Y
R
I
D
G
E
D
R
LOCH LN
BET
S
Y
B
R
O
W
N
R
D
VAL
L
E
Y
T
E
R
29
T
A
M
A
R
A
C
K
R
D
CHU
R
C
H
I
L
L
R
D
HOLLY
L
N
AVON CIR
WIND
I
N
G
W
O
O
D
R
D
S
MAGNOLIA
D
R
COUNT
R
Y
R
I
D
G
E
D
R
VAL
L
E
Y
T
E
R
CROSSWESTCH
E
S
T
E
R
EXPY
CROS
S
WEST
C
H
E
S
T
E
R
EXPY
C
R
O
S
S
W
E
S
T
C
H
E
S
T
E
R
E
X
P
Y
HILLANDALE RD
TALCOTT R
D
CRAWFORD ST
L
I
N
C
O
L
N
A
V
E
ADEE ST
HAWLEY AVE
RIDGEBLVD
RT-120A
I-95
RT-12
0
A
BOSTON P
O
S
T
R
D
C
R
O
S
S
W
E
S
T
C
H
E
S
T
E
R
E
X
P
Y
WILLETT
A
V
E
KENIL
W
O
R
T
H
R
D
MIDLAN
D
A
V
E
10
HUTCH
I
N
S
O
N
RIVER
P
K
Y
S
P
U
R
C
H
A
S
E
S
T
A
I
R
P
O
R
T
R
D
CR
O
S
S
W
E
S
T
C
H
E
S
T
E
R
EX
P
Y
L
I
N
C
O
L
N
A
V
E
BOWMANAVE
INDIAN RD
P
U
R
C
H
A
S
E
S
T
S R
E
G
E
N
T
S
T
BOWMANAVE
L
I
N
C
O
L
N
A
V
E
HALSTEAD A
V
E
WESTCH
E
S
T
E
R
A
V
E
N MA
I
N
S
T
WEB
B
AVE
HUTCHIN
S
O
N
RIVER
PKY S
N REG
E
N
T
S
T
S M
A
I
N
S
T
MILLST
S RID
G
E
S
T
RT-12
0
A
WE
B
B
A
V
E
WE
S
T
C
H
E
S
T
E
R
A
V
E
ANDERSON HILL RD
PUTNAM AVE
US
-
1
PUT
N
A
M
A
V
E
PUR
C
H
A
S
E
S
T
KEN
I
L
W
O
R
T
H
RD
HUTCHINSON RIVER PKY S HUTCHINSO
N
RIVERPKY N 28
POLLY PARK RD
S PE
A
R
L
S
T
KI
N
G
S
T
RT-1
2
0
H
A
I
N
E
S
B
L
V
D
9N-S
W
G
L
E
N
A
V
E
WESTCHESTER AVE
G
R
A
C
E
C
H
U
R
C
H
S
T
WESTCHESTER
AVE
27
RIDG
E
S
T
27
10
28
LcB
Uf
W
RdA
CsD
LcA
Sh
Sh
CrC
UpC
PnB
Ub UlC
W Uf
RdA
WdB
Ff
WdBPnC
Sh
UpB
LcB
Ub
UpC
UhC
WdBPnC
RdA
WdA
PnB
WdB
W
Uc
W
Sh
UwBSuB
W
PnD
PnC
PnB
CrC
ChC
CuD
CtC
PnC
Sh
Uf
WdB
PnB
ShCtC
CuD
Sh
WdC
LcA
CrC
W
CuD
CsD
W
Uf
W
CrC
PnC
WdBLcA
CrC
W
W
PnC
WUhC
Ub
Uc
Ff
Sm
PnC
WdBRdB
CuD
PnB
PnC
UpC
WdB
PnB
RdB
CrC
SuB UbW
W
PnC
ChCRdA
UlC
Uf
UlC CuD
W
SuA ChB
WdB
ChB Uf
WdB
PnD
UlDPnDShPnB
W
PnBLcA
UpCChCCrC
UpB
UpB UhC
PnC
W RdA
ChB
SuA
ChB
PnC
Ub
RdA
WdCSh
CsD
Sh
W Uf
WdB PnB Ub Uf
UfUfUlC
CsD UlD
UwB
CtC CsD
WCtCCe
LeBCrC
CrC
PnC
Pa
CtC UcLcBUb
PnB
Uf
CrC
W
SuB
ChD
CuD
Uf
CuD
UbW
RdB
UlC
ChC CrC
W
RdA RdB
WdB
WdB
PnC
PoB
ChBWdB
CtC
Ub
UwB
W
PnC
Sh
PnC
Sh Sh CrC
CrC UhB
UwB
RdA
PnC
RdA
RhA
PnD
PnC
CtCUpB
Sh
UbPoB
CtC
LcA
Sh
WdB
CrC
Ub
ChB PnB
CrC
PnC CsD
CsD CsD
UpCUfCsDCuD UwB
ChB
LcA
RdB
RdA
WdB
PnB
RdA
RgBPnCPnB
UwB
LcB
UwB
ChD
Uf WdB
SuB WdA
LeB
UpC
ChB
WdB PnB
WdB
Uf UpB
UhB
PnB
SuB
WdBPnB
CsD
PnC
Ub
ChC
ChB
WdB
UpB
UwB
Ff
PnB PnC
LcA
W
UlC UhB
WdB
UhC
LcB
PnC
PnB
RdB
Sh
CrC
RdB
PnB
UpB
PnC
LcA
Sh
CtC
Ub
CrC
Sh UbSuB
CsD
UhCUwB
UbSh
UpC
PnB
Ra
ChB
Uf W
UbCsD
RdAPnC
PnB
RdA
Ub
CsD LcA
WdB
RdA
WdBCsD
CrC
Ub
UlC
PnB
WdB
UhCW ChB
W
WdA
Ff
WdB
UpB
PnB
Sh
Uc
LcB
LcB CuDCtCLcBShW
Uf
PnB
Ub
Uf
LcA
UwB
UhB
ChB
WdA UlC
LcB UvB
PnC CrC
UhC
UlC ChB
LcB PnB
PnB
FfPnB
PnC
Uf
UfUpC
SuB
CrC
Ub
Ub UlD
CrC
UpC
SuA
PnB
UpB
Uc
PnB
UwB
CuD
WdC
Ub
PnD
ChCWdB
UhDChBLcA
Uf
ChBChC
Uf
WUpB
UlC
LcB
Ub
UbSuA PnB RdBUbUhB
CsD
Sm Sh
UlC
CsD
UlC
RdA
WWdA
Uf CsD
CsD
PnC
UpB
Uf
UpCLcB
Port Chester
C
O
N
N
E
C
T
I
C
U
T
0 0.5 10.25 Miles
µB
Y
R
A
M
R
I
V
E
R
MAP NOTE: Source - USDA SoilSurvey. See appendix for soildescriptions
Village of Rye Brook, NY
HARRISON
Soils
Westchester CountyDepartment of PlanniningApril 2012
Planning Base Studies
Natural Resources
Westchester
County Airport
T
O
W
N
O
F
G
R
E
E
N
W
I
C
H
Rye Brook
Map 6-3SoilsPage 6-6
Legend
Soil Type Groupings
Charlton
ChatfieldPaxtonSutton
WoodbridgeUrban
Hydric
FluvaquentsRiverhead
Water
Planning Base Studies
Village of Rye Brook, New York
Chapter 6 Natural Resources
6-7
May 2012
Prepared by the Westchester County Department of Planning
So
u
r
c
e
:
U
.
S
.
D
e
p
a
r
t
m
e
n
t
o
f
A
g
r
i
c
u
l
t
u
r
e
-
Na
t
u
r
a
l
R
e
s
o
u
r
c
e
s
C
o
n
s
e
r
v
a
t
i
o
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S
e
r
v
i
c
e
’
s
(
N
R
C
S
)
S
o
i
l
S
u
r
v
e
y
o
f
P
u
t
n
a
m
a
n
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e
s
t
c
h
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s
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e
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C
o
u
nt
i
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s
,
N
e
w
Y
o
r
k
,
1
9
9
4
Soil Category
Soil Map
Symbol Soil Name and Description Hydrologic Group Acreage
Charlton 283
ChB Charlton loam, 2-8% slope B 75
ChC Charlton loam, 8-15% slope B 21
ChD Charlton loam, 15-25% slope B 18
CrC Charlton-Chatfield complex, rolling, very rocky B 169
Chatfield 43
CsD Chatfield-Charlton complex, hilly, very rocky B 17
CuD Chatfield-Hollis-Rock outcrop complex, hilly B, C/D, D 26
Paxton 302
PnB Paxton fine sandy loam, 2-8% slopes C 200
PnC Paxton fine sandy loam, 8-15% slopes C 90
PnD Paxton fine sandy loam, 15-25% slopes C 12
PoB Paxton fine sandy loam, 2-8% slopes, very stony C < 1
Sutton SuB Sutton loam, 3-8% slopes B 5
Woodbridge 279
WdA Woodbridge loam, 0-3% slopes C 65
WdB Woodbridge loam, 3-8% slopes C 160
WdC Woodbridge loam, 8-15% slopes C 54
Urban 1096
Ub Udorthents, smoothed NA 137
Uc Udorthents, wet substratum NA 35
Uf Urban land NA 126
UhB Urban land-Charlton complex, 2-8% slopes NA, B 189
UhC Urban land-Charlton complex, 8-15% slopes NA, B 63
UhD Urban land-Charlton complex, 15-25% slopes NA, B 3
UlC Urban land-Charlton-Chatfield complex, rolling, very rocky NA, B, B 187
UpB Urban land-Paxton complex, 2-8% slopes NA, C 217
UpC Urban land-Paxton complex, 8-15% slopes NA, C 36
UwB Urban land-Woodbridge complex, 2-8% slopes NA, C 103
Hydric 141
LcA Leicester loam, 0-3% slopes, stony C 1
LcB Leicester loam, 3-8% slopes, stony C < 1
LeB Leicester loam, 2-8% slopes, very stony C 3
RdA Ridgebury loam, 0-3% slopes C 79
RdB Ridgebury loam, 3-8% slopes C 36
RgB Ridgebury loam, 2-8% slopes, very stony C < 1
Sh Sun loam D 22
Fluvaquents Ff Fluvaquents-Udifluvents complex, frequently flooded D, B 52
Riverhead RhA Riverhead loam, 0-3% slopes B 7
Water W Water NA 15
TOTAL 2,223
Figure 6-2. Soils In the Village of Rye Brook
Planning Base Studies
Village of Rye Brook, New York
6-8
May 2012
Prepared by the Westchester County Department of Planning
Chapter 6 Natural Resources
The chief consideration in assigning a soil type to a hydrologic soil
group is the capability of soil, bare of vegetation, to permit infiltra-
tion. Separate factors in predicting runoff include slope and the type
of plant cover.
Soils are assigned to four hydrologic groups. Group A soils, none of
which have been identified in Rye Brook, have a high infiltration
rate and low stormwater runoff potential. They are well drained and
often consist of relatively high concentrations of sand and/or gravel.
Group D soils, at the other extreme, have a very slow infiltration
rate and high runoff potential. They may have a layer of clay at or
near the surface and a high permanent water table, or they may be
shallow because they are over nearly impervious bedrock or other
material. Most of the Village’s soils are in Groups B and C, be-
tween the extremes of Groups A and D.
6.3 Water Resources
A. Coastal Long Island Sound Watershed
All of Rye Brook is located in the Coastal Long Island Sound wa-
tershed. All stormwater that runs over land within the Village even-
tually makes its way into the Sound. The Village comprises 5% of
the coastal Long Island Sound watershed. The Village is located
within the Blind Brook and Byram River subwatersheds. Map 6-1
on page 6-2 shows the locations of these subwatersheds.
Surface runoff within the Village gets to its destination largely via
Blind Brook or the Byram River. The East Branch of Blind Brook
joins the main stem of the Blind Brook in the Village just south of
Bowman Avenue. The main stem and the East Branch of Blind
Brook fall within Village boundaries. The Byram River channel is
entirely outside these boundaries although a small part of the Vil-
lage drains to it.
According to the Atlantic Ocean/Long Island Sound Basin Water-
body Inventory and Priority Waterbodies List (August 2011), the
sources of water quality impairments within the Long Island Sound
watershed include municipal and industrial discharges, urban
stormwater runoff, combined and separate sewer overflows, con-
taminated sediments, oil and hazardous material spills, nonpoint
source runoff from a variety of activities, dredge soil disposal,
ground/surface/saltwater intrusion and thermal discharges. These
pollutants impact commercial fishing, shellfishing, boating and
swimming. Additionally, the fish and wildlife habitat for the water-
shed is threatened when pollutants are introduced into the system.
Despite these water quality impairments, the Long Island Sound has
significant economic and ecological value.
LISWIC is a group of 13
municipalities located in the
Long Island Sound Watershed
in Westchester County, New
York. The Council was the
result of a four-day Commu-
nity Leadership Alliance Pro-
gram, held in the spring of
1998 at Pace University Law
School, where a group of
municipal officials and leaders
saw the potential benefits of
working intermunicipally to
achieve common goals.
Planning Base Studies
Village of Rye Brook, New York
Chapter 6 Natural Resources
6-9
May 2012
Prepared by the Westchester County Department of Planning
Rye Brook is one of 13 municipalities that make up the Long Island
Sound Watershed Intermunicipal Council (LISWIC). In recent
years, LISWIC has evaluated the benfits of establishing a storm wa-
ter utility district and assisted the County in enacting new regional
stormwater legislation.
a. Blind Brook Subwatershed
The Blind Brook is approximately 10 miles in length and flows di-
rectly into Long Island Sound. The Blind Brook subwatershed cov-
ers approximately 11 square miles in Connecticut and New York.
and comprises 10 square miles in the coastal Long Island Sound
watershed. The Rye Brook portion of the Blind Brook subwater-
shed covers approximately 2,061 acres or 32% of the coastal Long
Island Sound watershed. Watershed planning efforts for the Blind
Brook watershed were completed as part of the development of a
comprehensive management plan for the subwatersheds of Beaver
Swamp Brook, Beaver Swamp Brook West, Blind Brook,
Mamaroneck Harbor, Milton Harbor and Port Chester Harbor in
1998. For more information about this plan, click here.
b. Byram River Subwatershed
The Byram River is nearly 14 miles in length. The Byram River
subwatershed covers approximately 29 square miles in Connecticut
and New York, largely in North Castle, Greenwich and Port Ches-
ter. The Rye Brook portion of the subwatershed covers approxi-
mately 162 acres, or less than 1% of the total Byram River sub-
watershed.
B. Watercourses and Waterbodies
The Blind Brook is classified “C” under the Protection of Waters
Program of the NYSDEC. All waters of the State are provided a
class and standard designation based on existing or expected best
The mission of the Byram
Watershed Coalition (BWC) is
the creation of a Watershed
Based Plan through interdisci-
plinary and trans-boundary
collaboration, via a dynamic
process using sound science, to
restore and maintain the water-
shed as a public and natural
resource by achieving a balance
between development and
watershed restoration and
protection. Meetings identify
issues, assign priority, data/
information collection, sharing
and management, steering
assessment, and determination
of tasks to be completed and
products to be assembled.
New York State Classifications of Waterbodies
Classifications AA or A are assigned to waters used as a source of drinking water.
Classification B indicates a best usage for swimming and other contact recreation, but not for
drinking water.
Classification C is for waters supporting fisheries and suitable for non-contact activities.
The lowest classification is D.
Waters with classifications A, B, and C may also have a standard of (T), indicating that it may support
a trout population, or (TS), indicating that it may support trout spawning (TS). Special requirements
apply to sustain these waters that support these valuable and sensitive fisheries resources. Certain wa-
ters of the state are protected on the basis of their classification. Streams and small water bodies lo-
cated in the course of a stream that are designated as C(T) or higher (i.e., C(TS), B, or A) are collec-
tively referred to as "protected streams," and are subject to the stream protection provisions of the Pro-
tection of Waters regulations.
Planning Base Studies
Village of Rye Brook, New York
6-10
May 2012
Prepared by the Westchester County Department of Planning
Chapter 6 Natural Resources
usage of each water or waterway segment. Classification C is for
waters supporting fisheries and suitable for non-contact activities.
C. Wetlands Definition and Background
Per the Village’s Wetland and Watercourses Law, Chapter 245 of
the Village Code, wetlands are defined in one of two ways: (1) those
areas that meet criteria specified in the Federal Manual for Identify-
ing and Delineating Jurisdictional Wetlands (1989), or (2) those ar-
eas that meet the definition of wetlands included in the New York
State Freshwater Wetlands Act. Wetlands included in the latter are
identified on the New York State Freshwater Wetlands Maps, and
these are only those wetlands that are 12.4 acres or more in size or
have been specially designated by the State as being of “unusual lo-
cal importance.”
Per Village and State regulations, certain activities, as identified in
the regulations, within 100 feet of wetlands and watercourses must
first be approved by the designated approval authority, whether it be
the Village Planning Board, Village Engineer or NYSDEC. Per the
Village’s law, the Village co-regulates these State-designed freshwa-
ter wetlands with the NYSDEC. Although the NYSDEC regulates
only those wetlands that are identified on its Freshwater Wetlands
Maps, the Village regulates all freshwater wetlands, regardless of
size, as long as they meet one or both of the criteria noted above.
Due to its inland location, no tidal wetlands exist within the Village
of Rye Brook.
D. Wetlands in Rye Brook
Wetlands, or areas most likely to contain wetlands, are shown on
Map 6-1. Only one State-designated wetland, State-numbered G-3,
exists in the Village of Rye Brook. It totals approximately 18.6 acres
and is a forested wetland flanking Blind Brook immediately north of
Anderson Hill Road, between the State University of New York at
Purchase and Reckson Executive Park on the border of Rye Brook
and Harrison. The NYSDEC has classified this wetland, per the New
York State Freshwater Wetlands Act, as Class II (see next page).
The single State-designated wetland in Rye Brook is the largest in
the Village. Other, smaller wetlands have also been identified and
mapped as part of the National Wetland Inventory (NWI). This non-
regulatory mapping, which covers the nation, was prepared by the
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. These wetlands are also identified on
Map 6-1. The NWI characterizes each wetland by system, subsystem
(if applicable), class, and subclass. The State-designated wetland in
the Village of Rye Brook, for example, is characterized as a palus-
trine (system), forested (class), and broad-leaved deciduous
Planning Base Studies
Village of Rye Brook, New York
Chapter 6 Natural Resources
6-11
May 2012
Prepared by the Westchester County Department of Planning
(subclass) wetland, with a special modifier of non-tidal/seasonally
flooded. Palustrine wetlands most commonly found in Westchester
County include inland marshes and swamps, with the former domi-
nated by perennial or herbaceous vegetation and the latter domi-
nated by shrubs and trees.
The NWI-mapped wetlands total approximately 42 acres, which
includes part of the State-designated wetland and some segments of
the main stem and East Branch of Blind Brook. The NWI-mapped
wetlands include freshwater ponds totaling approximately 23 acres,
freshwater forested/shrub wetlands (swamps) totaling approxi-
mately 15 acres, and freshwater emergent wetlands (marshes) total-
ing approximately four acres. Freshwater ponds are characterized as
a non-vegetated open water bodies, although many of these in the
Village have been filled in by naturally occurring and human-
induced sedimentation. Emergent wetland vegetation usually grows
in standing water or, at minimum, water-saturated soils during
much or all of the year. Forested shrub wetland vegetation often
grows in standing water or, at minimum, water-saturated soils from
late fall through early to mid spring.
The NWI mapping does not identify all of the wetlands in the Vil-
lage, nor anywhere else, so it must be used in conjunction with
other mapping and field investigations.
In addition to State and federally mapped wetlands, the Soil Survey
of Putnam and Westchester Counties, New York, prepared by the
U.S. Department of Agriculture-Natural Resources Conservation
Service, should be consulted to identify possible other, unmapped
wetlands. As noted in Section 6.2, areas containing hydric or wet-
Class II Wetlands
Class II wetlands have the following characteristics:
Cover Type: it is an emergent marsh in which purple loosestrife and/or reed (phragmites) consti-
tutes less than two-thirds of the cover type (664.6(a)(2))
Ecological Association: it contains two or more wetland structural groups (664.6(b)(1)); it is
associated with permanent open water outside the wetland (664.6(b)(4))
Special Features: it supports an animal species in abundance or diversity unusual for the County
in which it is found (664.6(c)(7))
Hydrological and Pollution Control Features: it is tributary to a body of water which could
subject a lightly developed area, an area used for growing crops for harvest, or an area planned
for development by a local planning authority, to significant damage from flooding or from addi-
tional flooding should the wetland be modified, filled, or drained (664.6(d)(1))
Distribution and Location: it is within an urbanized area (664.6 (e) (1)) it is one of the three
largest wetlands within a city, town, or borough of New York City (664.6(e)(3))
~New York State Freshwater Act
Figure 6-3. Swamp Milkweed
Source: Westchester Department of Planning
Planning Base Studies
Village of Rye Brook, New York
6-12
May 2012
Prepared by the Westchester County Department of Planning
Chapter 6 Natural Resources
land soils can be identified as possible locations of additional wet-
lands. The Village contains approximately 188 acres of mapped hy-
dric soils. It should be noted that not all areas of hydric soil are, in
fact, wetlands. The soil survey is best used for general planning pur-
poses and is only accurate to plus/minus two acres, and all soil
types identified in the survey include inclusions that may be dis-
similar to the dominate soil type. For example, an area of hydric soil
in a given location may include non-hydric soil inclusions within it.
E. County Drainage Channel
Most of the main stem of the Blind Brook, from the vicinity of its
southern terminus north to the vicinity of Anderson Hill Road, is a
designated “County drainage channel.” As such, certain work
within the river channel and within one hundred feet of the channel
is subject to review and approval, via the issuance of a permit, by
the Westchester County Department of Public Works and Transpor-
tation.
F. Impervious Surfaces
Impervious surfaces can be defined as any material that prevents the
infiltration — soaking in — of water into the soil. Roads, rooftops,
parking lots, driveways, tennis courts, sidewalks and airport run-
ways are some easily identifiable impervious surfaces. As develop-
ment occurs in a watershed, the percentage of land covered by im-
pervious surfaces can increase. Map 6-4, Impervious Surfaces,
shows these areas within the Village.
As shown in Figure 6.4, a total of approximately 485 acres, or ap-
proximately 22% of the Village’s 2,223
acres, is covered with impervious surfaces
including all buildings, parking lots, road-
ways, airport runways and sidewalks. Of
this, approximately 292 acres is impervious
coverage from roadways, parking lots and
airport runways which are subjected to leak-
ing oils and grease and the metals they con-
tain. Much of the balance of land area in the
Village is comprised of lawns and other hu-
man-influenced features that, although not
impervious, foster a high degree of storm-
water runoff in comparison with woodlands,
meadows and similar natural features. Ap-
pendix 6-2, Impervious Surfaces, more fully
describes the roles of impervious surfaces
toward the degradation of water quality, hy-
drology and stream habitat.
Source: Westchester County Department of Planning
Stormwater runoff collects and transports
pollutants to lakes, ponds and reservoirs.
Although the amount of pollutants from a single
residential, commercial, industrial or construction
site may seem insignificant, the combined
accumulation of pollution from multiple
properties can contaminate our lakes, rivers,
wetlands and drinking water.
Learn more about stormwater at:
westchestergov.com/stormwater
Planning Base Studies
Village of Rye Brook, New York
Chapter 6 Natural Resources
6-13
May 2012
Prepared by the Westchester County Department of Planning
6.4 Stormwater and Flooding
A. Relationship Between Land Use and Stormwater
Adapted from NYSDEC stormwater website
Stormwater is water from rain or melting snow that does not soak
into the ground but runs off into waterways or pipes. It flows from
rooftops, over paved areas and bare soil, and through sloped lawns,
picking up a variety of materials on its way. The quality of runoff is
affected by a variety of factors and depends on the season, local
meteorology, geography and upon activities which lie in the path of
the flow.
As it flows, stormwater runoff collects and transports pollutants to
surface waters. Although the amount of pollutants from a single
residential, commercial, industrial or construction site may seem
unimportant, the combined concentrations of contaminants threaten
our lakes, rivers, wetlands and other water bodies. Pollution con-
veyed by stormwater degrades the quality of drinking water, dam-
ages fisheries and habitat of plants and animals that depend on
clean water for survival. Pollutants carried by stormwater can also
affect recreational uses of water bodies by making them unsafe for
wading, swimming, boating and fishing. According to an inventory
conducted by the United States Environmental Protection Agency
(EPA), half of the impaired waterways are affected by urban/
suburban and construction sources of stormwater runoff.
Examples of pollution in stormwater:
Nutrients such as phosphorus and nitrogen can promote the
overgrowth of algae, deplete oxygen in the waterway and be
harmful to other aquatic life.
Bacteria from animal wastes and illicit connections to sewer-
age systems can make nearby lakes and bays unsafe for wad-
ing, swimming and the propagation of edible shellfish.
Oil and grease from automobiles causes sheen and odor and
makes transfer of oxygen difficult for aquatic organisms.
Sediment from construction activities clouds waterways and
interferes with the habitat of living things that depend upon
those waters.
Point Source and Non-Point
Source Pollution
Point source pollution is easy
to understand because it can be
traced directly to its source.
Think of it like this: if a sew-
age plant has a broken pipeline
that leaks raw sewage into a
river, you can "point" your fin-
ger at the exact source of the
pollution. Point source pollu-
tion was a big concern in the
past, but today stricter laws and
regulations have drastically
decreased the problem.
Non-point source pollution is a
little more difficult to under-
stand. Stormwater runoff pollu-
tion is a type of non-point
source pollution. This means
that the pollution cannot be
traced back to a specific
source, but instead comes from
many different sources
throughout the environment.
Non-point source pollution is
the primary cause of watershed
pollution today. Non-point
source pollution occurs when
small amount of pollution from
a large variety of sources is
picked up by stormwater runoff
and carried into water bodies.
You can't point to the specific
origin of the contamination; it
comes from too many places
and is difficult to trace.
Source: http://www.swfwmd.state.fl.us/
education/kids/stormwater.php
Surface Acres Percent
Roadways, Parking Areas, Side-
walks and Airport Runways
292 13%
Buildings and Structures 193 9%
Total Impervious Surfaces 485 22%
Figure 6-4. Village of Rye Brook Impervious Surfaces
Source: WC GIS Data
Planning Base Studies
Village of Rye Brook, New York
6-14
May 2012
Prepared by the Westchester County Department of Planning
Chapter 6 Natural Resources
The Federal Manual for Identi-
fying and Delineating Jurisdic-
tional Wetlands (1989) is
available online at the U.S. Fish
& Wildlife Service Conserva-
tion Library at:
http://library.fws.gov/
Careless application of pesticides, herbicides and fertilizers
affect the health of living organisms and cause ecosystem im-
balances.
Litter damages aquatic life, introduces chemical pollution, and
diminishes the beauty of our waterways.
The best way to control contamination to stormwater is usually at
the source, where the contaminants can be identified, reduced or
contained before being conveyed to surface water. It is often more
expensive and difficult to remove the combination of contaminants
that are present at the end-of-pipe where stormwater is finally dis-
charged directly to a receiving water body. Significant improve-
ments can also be made by employing stormwater best management
practices or "BMPs" to reduce contaminants. See Appendix 6-3 for
copies of the New York State Stormwater Management Design
Manual and New York State Standards and Specifications for Ero-
sion and Sediment Control, both of which identify appropriate
BMPs.
Suburban watershed and stormwater management often lacks a uni-
fying theme to guide the efforts of its participants—planners, engi-
neers, landscape architects, scientists, and local officials. The lack
of a theme has sometimes made it difficult to achieve a consistent
Types of non-point source pollution
Sediment (dirt, soil, sand): increases turbidity (a measure of water cloudiness) of a water. Tur-
bidity can block sunlight from reaching aquatic plants, making it impossible for them to grow.
Without plants, animals lose a food source and it is more difficult to filter pollutants from the
water. Instead, pollutants collect in the bottom of the water body and remain there indefinitely.
Nitrogen and Phosphorus: Nitrogen and phosphorus, can come from lawn fertilizers or natural
sources, such as manure. Nutrients can cause algal and bacterial blooms, which reproduce rap-
idly. Algae will consume oxygen, increase turbidity in the water body and eventually die along
with the fish and other aquatic life that need oxygen to live.
Pathogenic Bacteria and Microorganisms: Pathogens can be carried by stormwater into a wa-
ter body. This creates health hazards to human and can cause lakes and beaches to close and wa-
ter supplies to be contaminated.
Debris: Plastic bags, bottles and cigarette butts can wash into a water body and interfere with
aquatic life. It also isn't very pretty.
Hazardous wastes: These include insecticides, (chemicals used to control or kill insects) herbi-
cides, (chemicals used to kill unwanted plants) paint, motor oil and heavy metals. All of these
items can cause illness not only to aquatic life, but also humans.
Source: http://www.swfwmd.state.fl.us/education/kids/stormwater.php
Planning Base Studies Village of Rye Brook, New York Chapter 6 Natural Resources
6-15 May 2012 Prepared by the Westchester County Department of Planning
result at either the individual development site or at the watershed scale. A physically defined unit, imperviousness, might be a desired theme. Imperviousness is defined as the sum of roads, parking lots, sidewalks, rooftops, and other impermeable surfaces of the subur-ban landscape. This variable can be easily measured at all scales of development, as the percentage of area that is not “green.” Within the Village of Rye Brook, the Blind Brook subwatershed contains fifteen land use categories, shown in Figure 6-5. The dominant land uses in the Village are low- and medium-density residential development, followed by roads and road and communi-cation-related facility rights-of-way. Private recreational facilities, largely golf courses, also occupy much of the Village’s land. The ways in which these land uses are managed dictates the volume and types of stormwater pollutants running off the land surface and into water resources, such as Blind Brook and Long Island Sound. According to the New York State Priority Waterbodies List for the
Figure 6-5. Land Use by Watershed in Rye Brook
Blind Brook Byram River
Land Use Category Acres Percentage of Subwatershed Acres Percentage of Subwatershed
Medium Low Density Residential 478 23 2 2
Transportation, Communication, Utilities 457 22 9 11
Low Density Residential 216 10 0 0
Private Recreation 190 9 20 25
Public Parks, Parkway Lands 143 7 0 0
Institutional and Public Assembly 119 6 0 0
Common Land Homeowners Association 98 5 13 16
Commercial-Retail 89 4 0 0
Office and Research 82 4 18 22
Vacant/Undeveloped 78 0 <1 <1
Medium High Density Residential 70 3 16 19
High Density Residential 23 1 4 5
Cemeteries 17 1 <1 <1
Water Supply Lands 1 <1 0 0
Mixed Use <1 <1 0 0
TOTALS 2059 82
Source: WC GIS Data
Planning Base Studies
Village of Rye Brook, New York
6-16
May 2012
Prepared by the Westchester County Department of Planning
Chapter 6 Natural Resources
Atlantic Ocean/Long Island Sound Basin, 2002, urban stormwater
runoff is identified as a key source of pollution in Long Island
Sound; pollution from wastewater treatment plants being the most
significant source. Therefore, stormwater management practices
tailored to low- and medium-density residential development, golf
courses, and roadsides would be the most effective strategies to
both improve water quality and lessen the volume of runoff enter-
ing water resources.
Effectively planning for stormwater management practices best
suited for the Village’s land uses may begin with an evaluation of
these uses so as to develop a strategy for implementing stormwater
management practices having the best value derived from a cost-
benefit relationship. This assessment may be guided by, or per-
formed directly in accordance with, the Center for Watershed Pro-
tection’s Unified Site and Subwatershed Reconnaissance (USSR),
which is included as Appendix 6-4. Stormwater management prac-
tices, in accordance with the New York State Stormwater Manage-
ment Design Manual and New York State Standards and Specifica-
tions for Erosion and Sediment Control, must be tailored to existing
land uses or to any redevelopment of them.
The small portion of the Village draining to the Byram River is
largely comprised of single-family residential development, a rela-
tively short section of the Hutchinson River Parkway, open space in
common ownership and office and research facilities.
From a cost-benefit standpoint, the southern part of the Village,
having the most concentrated and diverse land uses and being near
the convergence of the main stem and the East Branch of the Blind
Brook may be the best area of the for stormwater management
practices.
B. Regulations and Planning for Stormwater
Adapted from NYS DEC stormwater website
The Long Island Sound watershed is the subject of existing and
pending water quality improvement requirements, including Total
Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) thresholds for nitrogen. This nutri-
ent is the limiting factor in the development of oxygen-depleting
algae in Long Island Sound; the greater the loading of nitrogen, the
greater the degree of algal growth and, therefore, the greater the
magnitude of oxygen depletion in the Sound. The Blind Brook and
the Long Island Sound are also included in the NYSDEC’s Priority
Water Bodies List (PWL), which notes that stormwater pollution
has a significant impact on the quality of these water resources.
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MAP NOTE: Impervious surface data derived fromWestchester County aerial photography basemappingproject 2007.
Village of Rye Brook, NY
HARRISON
Impervious Surfaces
Westchester CountyDepartment of PlanniningMay 2012
Planning Base Studies
Legend
Roadways
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Map 6 - 4Impervious SurfacesPage 6 - 17
Planning Base Studies
Village of Rye Brook, New York
6-18
May 2012
Prepared by the Westchester County Department of Planning
Chapter 6 Natural Resources
a. NYS Stormwater Regulations — The NYSDEC administers
and enforces three State Pollutant Discharge Elimination System
(SPDES) general permits required for activities associated with
stormwater discharges:
Multi-Sector General Permit for Stormwater Discharges
Associated with Industrial Activities — This permit ad-
dresses stormwater runoff from certain industrial activities.
It requires facilities to develop Stormwater Pollution Pre-
vention Plans (SWPPPs) and report the results of industry-
specific monitoring to the NYSDEC on an annual basis.
Municipal Separate Storm Sewer Systems (MS4s) Per-
mit — This permit is required for stormwater discharges
from Municipal Separate Storm Sewer Systems (MS4s) in
urbanized areas. The Village of Rye Brook, Westchester
County Airport, and County of Westchester are all separate
MS4s. Permittees are required to develop Stormwater Man-
agement Program (SWMP) and submit annual reports to the
NYSDEC (please see Appendix 6-5 for copies of those from
Rye Brook).
The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
and NYSDEC have established six “minimum control meas-
ures” that must be included in every MS4 SWMP:
1. Public education and outreach on stormwater impacts
2. Public participation and involvement
3. Illicit discharge detection and elimination
4. Construction site runoff control
5. Post-construction stormwater management; and
6. Pollution prevention and good housekeeping for munici-
pal operations.
These minimum measures are set up to prohibit and system-
atically eliminate pollution of waters by systems intended to
transport only rainwater and natural runoff from rain storms.
In doing so, they are requiring every affected community to
be responsible for all activities that occur within their juris-
dictions.
General Permit for Stormwater Discharges from Con-
struction Activities — This permit is required for construc-
tion activities disturbing one or more acres of soil. Permit-
tees are required to develop a SWPPP to prevent discharges
of construction-related pollutants to surface waters.
Aquatic Dead Zones
The size and number of marine
dead zones—areas where the
deep water is so low in
dissolved oxygen that sea
creatures can’t survive—have
grown explosively in the past
half-century.
It’s no coincidence that dead
zones occur downriver of places
where human population
density is high. Some of the
fertilizer — with nitrogen being
key component — applied to
crops is washed into streams
and rivers. Fertilizer-nitrogen
laden runoff triggers explosive
planktonic algae growth in
coastal areas. The algae die and
rain down into deep waters,
where their remains are like
fertilizer for microbes. The
microbes decompose the
organic matter, using up the
oxygen. Mass killing of fish and
other sea life often results.
Source: http://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/IOTD/
view.php?id=44677
Planning Base Studies
Village of Rye Brook, New York
Chapter 6 Natural Resources
6-19
May 2012
Prepared by the Westchester County Department of Planning
b. Watershed Based Zoning
Traditional zoning strongly emphasizes the regulation of buildings
and where they must be located on a lot and their size, but does not
as strongly focus on the location and size of driveways, roads and
parking lots. For example, no more than one single-family home
may be located on each acre of land in a given area but a wide
range of impervious cover may be seen for the same zoning cate-
gory.
According to analysis performed by the Center for Watershed Pro-
tection, the total runoff volume for a one-acre parking lot is about
16 times that produced by an undeveloped meadow. During a one-
inch rain storm, runoff from a one-acre meadow would fill a typical
size bedroom to a depth of about two feet (218 cubic feet). By way
of comparison, if that same acre was completely paved, a one-inch
rainstorm would completely fill three additional bedrooms.
Watershed based zoning can employ a mixture of land use and zon-
ing options to achieve desired results. A watershed based zoning
approach may include the following nine steps:
1. Conduct a comprehensive stream inventory and assessment.
2. Measure current levels of impervious cover.
3. Verify impervious cover/stream quality relationships.
4. Project future levels of impervious cover.
5. Classify subwatersheds based on stream management
"templates" and current impervious cover.
6. Modify master plans/zoning to correspond to subwatershed
impervious cover targets and other management strategies
identified in the “subwatershed management templates”
found at the Center for Watershed Protection.
Source: Stream Corridor Restoration: Principles, Processes, and Practices (10/98), Federal Interagency Stream Restoration Working Group (FISRWG).
Planning Base Studies
Village of Rye Brook, New York
6-20
May 2012
Prepared by the Westchester County Department of Planning
Chapter 6 Natural Resources
7. Incorporate management priorities from larger watershed
management units such as river basins or larger watersheds.
8. Adopt specific watershed protection strategies for each sub-
watershed.
9. Conduct long-term monitoring over a prescribed cycle to
assess watershed status.
By following these nine steps, this technique can be used to protect
receiving water quality on the subwatershed scale by relocating de-
velopment out of particular subwatersheds.
C. Flood Zones in Rye Brook
The Federal Emergency Management Association has developed
flood zone maps (FIRMS) that indicate areas of flood risk. The 1%
annual flood, i.e., 100-year flood or the base flood, has a 1% chance
of being equaled or exceeded in any given year. The 0.2% annual
flood, i.e., 500-year flood, has a 0.2% chance of being equaled or
exceeded in any given year. Existing thresholds have the 100-year
frequency storm in Westchester County at 7.5 inches of rainfall
over a 24-hour period. For the 50-year and 25-year storms it is 7
inches and 6 inches, respectively. However, the rainfall amounts
associated with these storms is currently being re-evaluated due to
expected increases in rainfall intensity. During the significant April
2007 storm that caused widespread flooding, more than nine inches
of rain fell in some areas of Westchester County.
Although Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) desig-
nated flood zones typical of watercourses and water bodies exist in
Rye Brook, coastal flood zones with velocity hazard (wave action)
are not present.
The headwaters of the main stem of the Blind Brook are in the
Town of Greenwich, Connecticut, immediately northeast of the
Westchester County Airport. The headwaters of the East Branch of
the Blind Brook are in the vicinity of the Blind Brook High School/
Middle School on King Street. The main stem of the Blind Brook
forms the western boundary of the Village with Harrison and con-
tinues flowing southward through Rye City before discharging into
Milton Harbor and Long Island Sound. The East Branch of Blind
Brook flows through single-family residential neighborhoods in the
north and then past multi-family residential, commercial, institu-
tional and retail neighborhoods in the south before joining the main
stem of the Blind Brook just south of Bowman Avenue.
Both of these streams are flanked by designated flood zones that
vary in width up to about 550 feet. In some locations, such as the
Federal Emergency
Management Agency (FEMA)
FEMA administers the National
Flood Insurance Program
(NFIP). The NFIP program
goals are to reduce the risk of
flood damage to properties and
reduce federal expenditures for
uninsured properties that are
damaged by floods. The three
components of NFIP are:
Floodplain identification and
mapping
Floodplain management, and
Flood insurance.
Floodplain identification and
mapping is provided through the
program to create awareness of
flood hazards. The mapping
provides data for flood
management programs and
flood insurance rates for new
construction. Specifically, Flood
Insurance Rate Maps (FIRM)
delineate base flood elevations
and identify flood risk zones
including Special Flood Hazard
Areas (SFHAs). The SFHA is
the land area that is subject to a
one percent or greater chance of
flooding in any given year.
These high risk areas are where
the NFIP's floodplain
management regulations must
be enforced and where the
mandatory purchase of flood
insurance applies. Properties
located outside of these high
risk areas are still subject to
flooding and owners have the
option of purchasing flood
insurance to protect themselves
from flood risks.
Planning Base Studies
Village of Rye Brook, New York
Chapter 6 Natural Resources
6-21
May 2012
Prepared by the Westchester County Department of Planning
East Branch of Blind Brook in the vicinity of Rich Manor Park, the
flood zones reach out across single-family residences and passive
recreational parkland. In other locations, such as at Deer Run, it is
confined to narrow bands on the east and west sides of the main
stem of the Blind Brook. Base flood elevations range from approxi-
mately 32 feet at the brook’s southern end in Rye Brook at I-287 to
approximately 344 feet at the brook’s northern end in the at Lin-
coln Avenue.
D. Proposed and Existing Flood Mitigation Project Sites
The Village has assessed and implemented flood mitigation oppor-
tunities. A 2002 hydrological report by Dolph Rotfeld Engineering
focused on the East Branch of Blind Brook and concluded that
stormwater management basins and channel modifications would
lessen the risk of flooding along the watercourse. In 2009 and 2010,
the Village proceeded with the design and construction of a signifi-
cant basin at Edgewood Drive near Bluebird Hollow, just south of
the Hutchinson River Parkway and north of Rich Manor Park. The
basin has been constructed, involving clearing and grading to con-
struct a stormwater detention basin on approximately 2 acres of un-
developed, -owned property, on which the confluence of two tribu-
tary drainage channels of the East Branch of the Blind Brook is lo-
cated. Site work included: construction of the stormwater manage-
ment facility, access roads and a retaining wall; stabilization of
drainage channels and steep slopes; and installation of safety fenc-
ing. The property was partly re-planted to provide vegetative
screening to obscure views of the basin from nearby residences.
Plans for this basin have been included in Appendix 6-6.
In the 1998 Westchester County’s Watershed Advisory Committee
3 (WAC3) Report, 11 existing surface stormwater management ba-
sins were identified and assessed in Rye Brook. The report is in Ap-
pendix 6-7. Seven of these were retention basins and four were de-
tention or extended detention basins. With the exception of a basin
at the Westchester County Airport and at Rich Manor Park, the ba-
sins were on privately-owned lands. Many of the basins were found
to have diminished water quality improvement and flood mitigation
values due to a lack of adequate maintenance. At Hidden Falls next
to North Ridge Street, residences surround a basin, formed by a
dam across the East Branch of Blind Brook, that is in need of
dredging due to siltation.
In 2010, the proceeded with a flood mitigation project in conjunc-
tion with the City of Rye to retrofit the outlet control structure of
the dam across Blind Brook at Bowman Avenue with a sluice gate.
The dam is on City of Rye property in the . The project would bene-
Planning Base Studies
Village of Rye Brook, New York
6-22
May 2012
Prepared by the Westchester County Department of Planning
Chapter 6 Natural Resources
fit Rye Brook and City of Rye properties south of the dam with
most of the benefit affecting residents in the City of Rye. The has
entered into an agreement with the City to partly fund the project.
Additionally, following a joint request for funding from Rye Brook
and the City of Rye, the City has entered into an agreement with
Westchester County to fund up to half of the originally anticipated
project costs. The City also has received a State grant for the pro-
ject, thereby reducing overall costs for the and City. Project con-
struction is currently anticipated in 2012.
The US Army Corps of Engineers prepared a Blind Brook Water-
shed Management Plan, in 2009 that recommends consideration of
additional flood mitigation projects, including a large basin on Pur-
chase College property north of Anderson Hill Road. The plan is
located in Appendix 6-8.
E. Hazard Mitigation Plan
The Rye Brook Hazard Mitigation Plan (June 2007) identifies a
variety of potentially natural and man-made hazardous events and
provides general recommendations to address the anticipated conse-
quences of these events and to reduce the risks and impacts from
them. Events analyzed in the plan range from hurricanes and torna-
does to transportation accidents and terrorism attacks. Potential risk
and impacts from flooding are generally discussed in the plan. It
recommends actions to reduce flood impacts such as stormwater
management projects. The Hazard Mitigation Plan is included in
Appendix 6-9.
The Village of Rye Brook Hazard Mitigation Plan was approved by
FEMA in 2008. Data and emergency management plans were com-
piled and discussions with representatives from municipalities,
school districts and other agencies and organizations were utilized
to gain a broader understanding of hazards and mitigation efforts in
and around Rye Brook. Input from the public as well as related mu-
nicipalities, agencies and organization was sought and incorporated.
Recommendations included in the Hazard Mitigation Plan that are
most relevant to the preparation of a comprehensive plan include
the following (from Section V, Mitigation Objectives and Strate-
gies).
Identify and mitigate, to extent feasible, all essential facili-
ties located within the 100-year flood zone (i.e. A.J. Posil-
lipo Community Center and Highway Garage).
Continue with stormwater drainage projects in problem ar-
eas of the in order to diminish risk of flooding as identified
in 2002 Stormwater analysis of East Branch Blind Brook
(Dolph Rotfeld Engineering, P.C.)
Planning Base Studies
Village of Rye Brook, New York
Chapter 6 Natural Resources
6-23
May 2012
Prepared by the Westchester County Department of Planning
Acquire undeveloped flood prone property and explore joint
project with City of Rye to enhance stormwater detention at
Bowman Avenue.
Consider local legislation establishing stormwater manage-
ment requirements to minimize increases in stormwater run-
off from land development to reduce flooding, siltation and
help maintain the integrity of stream channels.
Ensure all buildings are compliant with codes regarding
flooding. This recommendation includes the implementation
of strict site plan standards and building code requirements
for development and redevelopment.
Increase the ability of infrastructure to handle increasing
water due to storms and development by:
Routinely clearing drainage basins to increase storage
capacity.
Constructing new detention basin off Edgewood Drive.
Securing final property easements for Loch Lane drain-
age improvements.
Exploring possible detention basin on Beechwood
Boulevard.
Installing new pipe at Avon Circle under Westchester
Avenue.
Exploring dredging projects at Rich Manor Park and
Hidden Falls Pond.
The phases of emergency management are:
Preparedness: Activities, programs and systems developed
and implemented prior to disasters or emergencies
Response: Activities designed to address the immediate and
short-term effects of disasters or emergencies
Recovery: Activities and programs designed to return condi-
tions to an acceptable level: preferably better, with enhanced
resiliency
Mitigation: Long-term actions taken to eliminate or reduce
the effects of disasters or emergencies, either prior to or af-
ter such events
F. Dams
There are three regulated dams in the : the Bowman Avenue dam,
the Blind Brook Country Club dam and the Hidden Falls at Rye
Brook dam.
The Bowman Avenue dam’s outlet control structure is owned by
the Rye City and is slated to be retrofitted to improve the flood
mitigation opportunities at the masonry dam through agreements
and funding provided by the County of Westchester, Rye City, Vil-
lage of Rye Brook and NYSDEC. The retrofit project would in-
Hazard Mitigation Plans
and FEMA
Hazard mitigation planning is
one of the most important
steps towards creating a disas-
ter resilient community. Haz-
ard mitigation plans identify
natural and other hazards and
propose measures to mitigate
the impacts from such haz-
ards. Because mitigation in-
volves “long-term actions
taken to eliminate or reduce
the effects of disasters of
emergencies,” it is appropriate
to incorporate the recommen-
dations included in a hazard
mitigation plan into the com-
prehensive plan for a commu-
nity.
In addition, in order to partici-
pate in the National Flood In-
surance Program, a commu-
nity must, as part of its long-
range planning process, iden-
tify and address areas of sig-
nificant flood damage (44
CFR Part 60.22). In order to
receive funding through
FEMA’s Hazard Mitigation
Grant Program, a community
must have prepared a Hazard
Mitigation Plan and submitted
such to FEMA for review and
approval.
Planning Base Studies
Village of Rye Brook, New York
6-24
May 2012
Prepared by the Westchester County Department of Planning
Chapter 6 Natural Resources
crease the water storage capacity in the impoundment immediately
upstream from the dam on Rye City property in Rye Brook. This
project would largely benefit residents of Rye City, as well as Rye
Brook properties south of the dam, who have experienced chronic
flooding from the Blind Brook.
The Blind Brook Country Club dam, on the border between Harri-
son and Rye Brook and between the country club’s golf course in
Rye Brook and PepsiCo office campus in Harrison, is a masonry
structure built to provide an irrigation pond for golf course. The
dam is between Anderson Hill Road and Hutchinson River Park-
way.
The Hidden Falls at Rye Brook dam, located off North Ridge
Street, is a masonry dam installed to create recreational opportuni-
ties in the upstream impoundment formed by the dam. However,
the impoundment now largely serves as an aesthetic amenity as it is
nearly surrounded by the residential complex.
The Bowman Avenue and Hidden Falls at Rye Brook dams have a
State hazard classification of B, or “intermediate hazard”. Per Part
653 of the Environmental Conservation Law, the failure of an inter-
mediate hazard dam may result in: damage to isolated homes, main
highways, and minor railroads; may result in the interruption of im-
portant utilities, including water supply, sewage treatment, fuel,
power, cable or telephone infrastructure; and/or is otherwise likely
to pose the threat of personal injury and/or substantial economic
loss or substantial environmental damage. Loss of human life is not
expected.
The Blind Brook Country Club dam has a State hazard classifica-
tion of C or “high hazard”. Per Part 653 of the Environmental Con-
servation Law, the failure of a high hazard dam may result in: wide-
spread or serious damage to home(s); damage to main highways,
industrial or commercial buildings, railroads, and/or important utili-
ties, including water supply, sewage treatment, fuel, power, cable or
telephone infrastructure; or substantial environmental damage; such
that the loss of human life or widespread substantial economic loss
is likely should failure occur.
6.5 Plants and Animals
A. Plants
The NYSDEC has divided the state into different ecological zones
that have similar vegetation, topography and land use. Rye Brook is
located in NYSDEC’s Manhattan Hills ecological zone. The vege-
tation in the is predominantly pioneer hardwoods and oaks. The
Dam Safety & the DEC
To protect people against loss of
life and property from flood and
dam failure, DEC is entrusted
with the regulatory power over
dams. The Department also pro-
vides technical support to local
governments and owners of
dams, and promotes floodplain
management in communities
across the state.
What is a Dam?
Dams are man-made barriers
constructed to impound water.
Dams are usually designed with
timber, rock, concrete, earth,
steel or a combination of these
materials. The Department con-
ducts technical reviews of pro-
posed dam construction or
modification, performs periodic
safety inspection of dams, and
works with communities on
emergency preparedness. To
prevent costly failure, DEC
oversees dam maintenance, op-
eration and repair, and monitors
remedial work for compliance
with dam safety criteria.
(Excerpt From DEC website)
Learn more about dams at the
DEC website.
Planning Base Studies
Village of Rye Brook, New York
Chapter 6 Natural Resources
6-25
May 2012
Prepared by the Westchester County Department of Planning
most highly vegetated areas are located near the Blind Brook and
the BelleFair residential community. The forest cover has not
changed significantly in the last several decades. In recent years,
underdeveloped parcels and farmland have been replaced by more
dense residential communities. For more information about how
Rye Brook’s vegetation has changed over time, go to the University
of Connecticut’s Center for Land Use Education and Research
(CLEAR) webpage.
a. Trees
Trees are an important natural resource in a community. Research
has shown that trees in urbanized areas provide several important
functions, including the modification of microclimates by shading
expanses of pavement and thus keeping temperatures lower and re-
ducing energy use. While trees use carbon dioxide in the atmos-
phere and turn it into life-giving oxygen, those planted around a
home can cut air conditioning costs in summer months by providing
shade and reduce heating costs in the winter by serving as wind-
breaks. Trees also filter air pollution, prevent soil erosion and re-
duce noise pollution.
Many of Westchester’s municipalities have recognized the aesthetic
and environmental importance of trees, particularly existing,
healthy trees, by adopting regulations covering the removal, plant-
ing and maintenance of trees, both on public land and private prop-
erty. The Village of Rye Brook has an adopted tree ordinance that
protects trees on both public and private property. The following is
a summary of the ordinance requirements:
Permits are required for removing trees over a certain size
on public and private property
Property owners are required to follow tree removal guide-
lines
Clear cutting is not allowed
Tree Preservation Maps are required for subdivisions
The spacing of urban trees are regulated
Native non-invasive species should replace removed trees
Criteria for removal of a tree include: disease, hazards, ob-
struction of street signs, utilities, traffic control devices.
Fines are imposed for illegal tree removal
b. Invasive Plants
Invasive plants are a problem throughout Westchester County, in-
cluding Rye Brook. The most predominant invasive plants in the
County are:
Porcelain berry
Wild grape
More information about
invasive species in New
York, can be found at:
www.invasiveplantatlas.org
Planning Base Studies
Village of Rye Brook, New York
6-26
May 2012
Prepared by the Westchester County Department of Planning
Chapter 6 Natural Resources
Mile-a-minute
Kudzu
Burning bush
Mugwort
Japanese knotweed
In Rye Brook, invasive vines are particularly a problem on the Hut-
chinson River Parkway. The Advisory Council on Environmental
Conservation has been looking into ways to remove invasive spe-
cies. More information about invasive species in New York, click
here.
B. Animals
Wildlife, such as coyotes, skunks, raccoons, squirrels, mice, crows
or rabbits, can sometimes be a nuisance to residents. DEC defines
nuisance species as any wildlife that cause health and safety con-
cerns or cause property damage. DEC provides educational infor-
Figure 6-6. Area Near Blind Brook Inundated With Invasive Vines
Source: Westchester County Department of Planning
Planning Base Studies
Village of Rye Brook, New York
Chapter 6 Natural Resources
6-27
May 2012
Prepared by the Westchester County Department of Planning
mation to residents on how they can effectively and appropriately
remove wildlife that are a nuisance. For more information about
nuisance species, go to NYSDEC’s website.
a. Deer
Without many natural predators, white-tailed deer have grown ex-
ponentially in Westchester County. Deer overpopulation has re-
sulted in an increase in car accidents and destruction of forest un-
derstory. In 2006, Westchester County created a Citizens’ Task
Force on White-tailed Deer and Forest Regeneration to address deer
overpopulation issues throughout the County. The Task Force
found that white-tailed deer caused significant damage to forests in
Westchester County. The Task Force developed a report that pro-
vided recommendations for how to implement an Adaptive Deer
Management Program of population control, monitoring and public
education. The Mohonk Mountain House created a list of rarely
eaten plants by whitetail deer which is included in Appendix 6-10.
As noted by Mohonk Mountain House, deer will eat almost any-
thing during harsh winters and when food is scarce. For more infor-
mation about deer in Westchester, refer to the Deer Task Force Re-
port in Appendix 6-11.
b. Coyotes
The Village of Rye Brook has recently developed a program to
manage the coyote population in the . According to the NYSDEC,
the Eastern coyote is firmly established in New York. They live in
New York as an integral part of our ecosystem and have been attrib-
uted to controlling deer populations. Coyotes also provide a great
deal of benefits to New Yorkers through photography, hunting and
trapping; however, not all interactions are pleasant. Some coyotes
in suburbia have lost their fear of people. This can result in a dan-
gerous situation. A coyote who does not fear people should be con-
sidered dangerous. Coyotes in residential areas quickly learn to as-
sociate food with people. Suburban coyote food (garbage, pet food,
pets) is saturated with human odor. Human behavior has often
changed to be non-threatening to coyotes (running into your home
after seeing a coyote is behaving like prey). In short, food smells
like people and people behave like prey. Add to the mix people in-
tentionally feeding coyotes and the potential for a coyote attack be-
comes very real. Potential does exist for coyote attacks in New
York. However, a little perspective may be in order. Nationwide,
only a handful of coyote attacks occur yearly. For more information
about coyotes in New York, go to the NYSDEC’s website. For
more information about this Rye Brook’s program, go to the Coyote
Program Report located in Appendix 6-12.
Figure 6-7. White-tailed Deer
Photo Source: http://commons.wikimedia.org/
wiki/File:White-tailed_Deer-27527-2.jpg
Coyote Safety Tips
Keep coyotes from your
property:
Bring pet food and dishes in-
side.
Do not put out food for birds.
Do not leave food outside unat-
tended; scrape your grill and
burn off food residue.
Cover garbage cans securely.
While outside, have handy a
loud horn, noisemakers, or pots
or pans to bang on and also
things that can be thrown at
coyotes.
If a coyote approaches you:
Be aggressive: stand tall, shout
in a loud voice, throw things at
coyote, maintain eye contact
and wave arms to scare it away
and head indoors or to a more
populated area.
Do not turn your back and run,
as the coyote will then view you
as prey and give chase.
Call 911. Do not try to catch the
coyote unless you are a trained
animal trapper.
Planning Base Studies
Village of Rye Brook, New York
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May 2012
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Chapter 6 Natural Resources
c. Rabies
Rabies is a deadly virus that lives in the saliva and brain tissue of in-
fected animals. Rabies can make an otherwise wild animal act unusu-
ally aggressive or tame. Rabies is spread mainly through bites from
infected animals. But, the virus can also be spread by scratches and
contact with an infected animal’s saliva. Rabies is carried mainly by
wild animals, such as: raccoons, skunks, bats and foxes. However,
stray dogs and cats may also carry rabies.
Education of how to behave around pets and wildlife is important to
Photo Source: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Figure 6-8. Eastern Coyote
Coyotes in Rye Brook
On September 6, 2006, a Rye Brook police officer shot and killed a coyote that had rabies following an
incident on September 5th when a coyote displayed aggressive behavior to three people in Rye Brook.
The Village has a Coyote Hazing Program that was established in July 2010. The purpose of this pro-
gram is to make every attempt to keep in place the coyote's natural fear of people and to periodically
reduce the coyote population.
It is understood by the Village that it is not possible to eradicate all coyotes from Rye Brook or the sur-
rounding areas and that the Village must learn to adapt to having coyotes in this area and make every
effort to maintain a safe environment for its residents to the extent possible.
Planning Base Studies
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Chapter 6 Natural Resources
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minimize contact with rabid animals. Some key points to convey
are:
Never feed, rescue or handle any wild animals.
Avoid strays and unknown pets, they can also have rabies.
Call the police department (911) if a sick, injured or aban-
doned animals is seen.
Wild animals never make good pets and baby animals can be
rabid.
If bitten, scratched or have some other exposure immediately
wash the area with warm soapy water and call a doctor or
hospital.
Call the Westchester County Health Department at (914) 813-
5000 24 hours a day seven days a week for assistance.
Whether this assistance is in the form of a referral or action
by the department will depend upon the circumstances.
d. Birds
Between 2000 - 2005, DEC staff and volunteers completed a sur-
vey of breeding birds in New York State. Two birds of Special
Concern were found in Rye Brook: Cooper’s Hawk and Yellow-
breasted Chat. More information can be found about DEC’s Breed-
ing Bird Atlas, including detailed maps of the survey regions.
Figure 6-10. Cooper’s Hawk
Photo Source: http://commons.wikimedia.org/
wiki/File:Accipiter_cooperii.jpg
Figure 6-9. Yellow-breasted Chat
Photo Source: http://commons.wikimedia.org/
Prevent Rabies
Vaccinate pets
avoid contact with wildlife
and stray animals
bat-proof homes
keep dogs on a leash
keep cats inside
Don’t provide food or har-
borage for wildlife
If exposure does occur, the
Westchester County
Department of Health should
be called immediately at:
914-813-5000
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Village of Rye Brook, New York
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May 2012
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Chapter 6 Natural Resources
Figure 6-11. Asian Long-
horned Beetle
Photo Source: Kenneth R. Law,
USDA APHIS PPQ,
www.forestryimages.org
Figure 6-12. Emerald Ash
Borer
Photo Source: David Cappaert,
http://www.forestryimages.org
e. Invasive Insects
According to the NYSDEC, “invasive species are non-native spe-
cies that can cause harm to the environment or to human health. As
a threat to our biodiversity, they have been judged second only to
habitat loss. Invasives come from all around the world; the rate of
invasion is increasing along with the increase in international trade
that accompanies globalization.” The Asian Longhorned Beetle and
the Emerald Ash Borer are destructive invasive insects that have
been found in New York State. The Asian Longhorned Beetle bur-
rows and destroys hardwood species. The DEC is particularly con-
cerned about the effects of the Asian Longhorned Beetle on maple
species. The Emerald Ash Borer destroys all species of ash trees
and can be spread through affected firewood. While the Asian
Longhorned Beetle is found in Westchester County, the Emerald
Ash Borer has not yet been detected in the County. These invasive
species may be a regional problem in the coming years. Residents
and municipal officials should make sure to plant a diversity of
plant species so that large tracts of forests are not susceptible to in-
festation. For more information, click here.
f. List of Endangered Species
NYS promulgated through State legislation the List of Endangered,
Threatened and Special Concern Fish and Wildlife Species that in-
cludes those endangered species which meet one or both of the cri-
teria specified in section 182.2(g) of 6NYCRR Part 182 and which
Identifying Deer Ticks
Everyone living in West-
chester needs to be able to
identify a deer tick, even if
you do not spend a lot of time
outdoors. Know the difference
between the deer tick which
carries lyme disease, and a
dog tick, which does not carry
the disease.
More information can be
found at the County Health
Department website.
An adult deer tick (left) and an
engorged deer tick filled with
blood (right).
An American dog tick
Left to right: adult male, adult male dor-
sal side, nymph, larva. Note that the adult
dog ticks are somewhat larger than adult
deer ticks, and have characteristic white
markings on the dorsal (top) side.
Bottom Row: the deer tick which trans-
mits Lyme disease. Left to right: adult
female, nymph, younger nymph, larva.
Adults appear in the fall and early spring.
Planning Base Studies
Village of Rye Brook, New York
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May 2012
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Figure 6-13. Bog Turtle
The Bog Turtle is listed on the
NYS List of Endangered Spe-
cies. The Bog Turtle has been
found or is expected to be found
in New York State
Photo Source: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
are found, have been found, or may be expected to be found in New
York State. Some of these species have been found in Rye Brook.
For more information about the list, click here or can be found in
Appendix 6-13.