AboutJohn V. Barbieri Expertise I am a New York City trivia buff. I have written "Mr. New York`s Trivia Quiz", a 600-page fun book which offers hundreds of multiple choice questions and answers. Each of the 38 chapters cover a different aspect of NYC. The topics include: places, people, history, sports, buildings, theatre, fun facts & more.
Experience I was born and raised in NYC. My website is www.mrnewyorktrivia.com
Organizations N.Y. Trial Lawyer's Association
Publications In New York magazine.
Education/Credentials St. John's Law School, New York
Expert: John V. Barbieri Date: 1/14/2005 Subject: New York Steam Pipes
Question John
What do the steam pipes beneath Manhattan streets heat? And where is this steam generated? Also when was the Manhattan steam system created?
Thanks Simon
Answer Simon,
Some 30 billion pounds of steam every year flow beneath the streets of Manhattan from the Battery to 96th Street. While it is unknown to most New Yorkers, Con Edison's subterranean steam system is the biggest steam district in the world. There are 7 plants in NYC -- five in Manhattan and one each in Queens and Brooklyn. On a cold winter day, nearly 10 million pounds of steam at 350 degrees Fahrenheit flow each hour through 105 miles of underground mains. Steam is efficient and cost effective for high-rise buildings and most of it is used for heating and cooling.
The city's infrastructure is old, with much of it being built 50 to 100 years ago. Just maintaining this system, which cracks and breaks every day, is a monumental task.
