Safety & Environment

Habitat & Biodiversity

We continue to work closely with our stakeholders to promote biodiversity and protect environmentally sensitive areas throughout the company’s service territory.

Our project engineering process includes a comprehensive environmental review to identify potential impacts to wetlands, waterways, threatened and endangered species, and areas of public interest such as public parks and trees. For large-scale projects with the potential to cause adverse impacts, whether temporary or permanent, Con Edison solicits input from the impacted community and government stakeholders early in the design process to help mitigate any concerns. 

For our routine work activities, Con Edison uses proven practices, such as proper erosion and sediment controls, to protect environmentally sensitive wetlands and waterways. Our main goal is to minimize our work footprint and restore any disturbed areas to pre-construction conditions. Con Edison, working with the New York City’s Department of Parks and Recreation, has developed a thorough set of rules and policies for work in and around city-owned trees and public parks. We understand how vital trees are to NYC’s infrastructure and identity, contributing to clean air and water, reducing energy costs, increasing property values, and beautifying streets and parks. Additionally, Con Edison has fostered a strong relationship with the NYC Landmarks Preservation Commission to develop and protect historic districts and individual landmarks that contribute to the city’s and nation’s identity and heritage.

After several years, at our East River Generating Station, we successfully completed the installation and testing of a new fish protection system for a water intake tunnel. The installation of this new system has reduced Con Edison impact on the aquatic life found within the East River. 

Outside of NYC, Con Edison maintains an extensive Overhead Transmission Vegetation Management program that encompasses more than 2,000 acres. Our efforts seek to encourage biological diversity by protecting native plants, selectively pruning or cutting undesirable species, and increasing public awareness for threatened and endangered species.

Con Edison is a founding member of EPRI’s Power-in-Pollinator Initiative, which fosters collaboration among various utility companies throughout the country to increase the effectiveness of pollinator conservation.     

Con Edison’s robust natural resources program continues to provide regulatory support and guidance for our engineering and operating groups while looking for new ways the company can innovate, foster relationships, and promote sustainable construction practices.