The pictures are staggering.

I would imagine that they could pump the water out, but it is so contaminated, they can't just dump it in the ocean, can they?

 

I honestly have no idea where they will be pumping the water to. I wouldn't be surprised if they do just pump it in to the ocean/river (estuary).
They probably could pump it in to the sewers (then thru the treatment) if they're not too backed up, but in downtown Manhattan if it's so flooded who knows?
The Brooklyn Battery Tunnel which runs from Bkln to downtown Manhattan is completely flooded to the entrances on both sides... submerged to the ceiling. That's a lot of water to pump out.

The biggest problems now is pumping all the tunnels dry, and checking & repairing the electrical systems for salt-water damage. The MTA (subways) estimate 3-4 days, but no one really knows cause it depends on the extent of the damages.

 

I actually ventured out today to attempt to check into work and it took 3 hours from my apartment in Brooklyn to get over the Manhattan bridge (about 10 miles). I saw them running some pumps out of the subway and it was just spilling out into the street so im assuming its going into the sewers. Driving in manhattan without traffic lights was kind of surreal though, kind of like the blackout in 2003. Overall, people were in good spirits, mostly because most of them didn't have to go to work.

I hope everyone affected by this comes out alright. Damage is all over the place mostly from fallen trees. I took this pic and it was just a few blocks away from my place, but its a common sight.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/88091585@N07/8143322632/

 

Not my photo nor my car. =( Photo credit says Park Slope in Brooklyn, NY

 

Dear, Lord may the fit rest in peace so sad : /

 

Hope you guys on the East Coast are OK.

 

Damn, this reminds me of when Hurricane Ike hit us down here in Houston. Trees everywhere