EPA reports delay in Gowanus Canal cleanup efforts

Members of Voice of Gowanus tell News 12 that they want to push for a comprehensive hydrology report and proper air and water monitoring.

Lindsay Tanney and Adolfo Carrion

Mar 28, 2024, 10:03 PM

Updated 120 days ago

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The Environmental Protection Agency reported a delay in the ongoing Gowanus Canal cleanup efforts and community members are worried for their health.
The canal was named a Superfund site in 2010, meaning it was deemed an area contaminated by toxic chemicals. State and federal agencies have worked to reverse the damage but their plan is now more than six years behind.
The EPA published a report that says the city was supposed to install two sewer overflow tanks by September 2022. Now, those tanks are scheduled to be done by March 2029, but the city says that could see even more of a delay.
“They've been promising for years to clean this up, and to actually put residents and more buildings along it,” said Gowanus resident Eric Cruz. “Shouldn't they have cleaned up the water first? I haven't seen any of that.”
Members of Voice of Gowanus tell News 12 that they want to push for a comprehensive hydrology report and proper air and water monitoring.


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