The Environmental Protection Agency is currently investigating an area of possibly contaminated land near the Gowanus Canal to see if it is safe for residential housing.

Members of Voice of Gowanus are concerned about the area that’s undergoing a massive housing development.

“What I’m smelling is an odd, unfamiliar mix of petroleum and organic material,” said Martin Bisi, of Voice of Gowanus. “The driving of the piles into contaminated soil is a reason why a lot of these sites have air monitoring ongoing for the health and safety of the workers."

Sean Mahar, the executive deputy commissioner of the state Department of Environmental Conservation, says that they are keeping residents’ safety in mind while they revitalize the area.

“As redevelopment occurs we want to make sure that we are cleaning up areas of legacy contamination and allowing sites like this to be put back in productive use,” said Mahar, who added that air quality is a top priority as well.

The DEC says a community forum to update residents will take place this spring.