State tests have found that a decades-old oil spill is still in the air in one Brooklyn neighborhood.
State environmental and health officials say high levels of harmful gases were found in Greenpoint, as a result of the oil spill. Officials say the spill that occurred decades ago leaked into Newtown Creek and seeped into the soil. As part of an ongoing massive clean up effort, the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and the Department of Health are requiring ExxonMobil to take more samples of the soil.
The DEC says even though past tests showed high levels of potentially harmful gases, the gases did not pose a risk to public safety. A new round of testing is currently being done on the air. Some residents say they hope the tests will put their health concerns to rest.
State agencies will hold a meeting on past and future testing September 27 at 7 p.m. at the Princess Manor at 92 Nassau Avenue.