There’s a public meeting hosted by the U.S. EPA tonight, Feb. 23, about the Gowanus Canal Superfund site.
The EPA recently released its Remedial Investigation report which identified widespread contamination, health and ecological problems related to the canal. Hundreds of samples found PAHs, PCBs, heavy metals and other toxins.
EPA’s press release states: “The findings of the investigation of the Gowanus Canal confirmed that contamination of the urban waterway is widespread and may threaten people’s health, particularly if they eat fish or crabs from the canal or have repeated contact with the canal water or sediment,” said EPA Regional Administrator Judith Enck. “The next step is the review of options for cleaning up the Gowanus, so we can move ahead with a full-scale cleanup of the canal that will result in a revitalized urban waterway.”
If you have questions or comments for EPA, tonight is your opportunity to speak with EPA staff directly. A fact sheet with the highlights of EPA’s investigation and risk assessments is attached and the meeting notice is below.
Jeff Edelstein–Facilitator, Gowanus Canal Community Advisory Group
PS 32
317 Hoyt, between President and Union
