Project by Rebecca Koh, Romina Quinn, Xinyue Wang (Luna), Yung-Hsiang Yang (Angus)
“Our project addresses the preexisting nitrogen pollution in the groundwater and ensures long-term recovery of Long Island’s water cycle. Polluted groundwater is pumped out at designated locations and treated in small underground facilities, primarily in denser and historically industrial areas most affected by decades of contamination. At the same time, clean water is returned to the ground through restored sumps and rewilded, permeable landscapes that absorb rain and runoff. Former creeks, wetlands, and channel junctions are prioritized, including large underused lawn areas at MacArthur Airport, which could be restored as grassland or marshland to filter stormwater back into the aquifer.
The nodes anticipate climate-driven displacement, particularly in low-lying southern areas like Oakdale, where shallow groundwater and chronic flooding already threaten homes. By concentrating growth on safer ground, the new towns support aging residents, welcome new populations, and reshape suburban life around walkability, social connection, and environmental repair.”
