Local leaders want construction of a garbage facility in Gravesend stopped, saying there's potentially harmful toxins being spewed out into the water and they're accusing city officials of knowing about it.

The former garbage incinerator site was shut down decades ago because it was harmful. Councilman Vincent Gentile says discovery of a recent lawsuit shows the city knew about the environmental danger that construction could cause, but continued anyway. 

Gentile and other local leaders are now petitioning the Environmental Protection Agency to end all construction, at least until the area is cleaned.

The Department of Sanitation tells News 12, "The Southwest Brooklyn MTS is a vital component of the comprehensive NYC Solid Waste Management Plan that was overwhelmingly approved by the city and state."