Gowanus Superfund VICTORY

Posted on by Dave Paco Abraham

Crowning months of lobbying efforts by a coalition of civic groups including the Cobble Hill Association, the EPA has announced that it will be adding the Gowanus Canal to the National Superfund List of Hazardous Waste Sites. It is expected that the clean-up will take 10 to 12 years and will cost $350 million to $500 million. Thanks to US Congresswoman Nydia Velázquez, NYS Senator Velmanette Montgomery, NYS Senator Daniel Squadron, NYS Assemblywoman Joan Millman and NYC Councilman Brad Lander for their support. 
 
The EPA will also be hosting a meeting this Thursday, March 4 at PS 58 at 7:00 pm. The meeting will focus on next steps in the Superfund process.

Thursday, March 4, 2010
from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM
in the auditorium of PS 58
located at 330 Smith Street, Brooklyn, NY
(entrance to the school is on Carroll Street)
Here are some highlights of statements released yesterday:

 “….designating this waterway as a Superfund site is simply the most reliable way to ensure we have the dollars and the coordination to undo years of environmental damage.  I commend the EPA not only for its conclusion but for its commitment to transparency and participation throughout the process.”
                       – State Senator Daniel Squadron

“I am very enthusiastic to hear about Superfund designation of the Gowanus Canal, which was announced today by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.  Previous EPA studies have confirmed that the Canal is highly toxic and requires comprehensive cleanup.  I am convinced that Superfund designation is the best approach for getting it done – to bring the substantial resources necessary, provide for optimal coordination between all interested parties, and best insure that the community is well-informed and involved.  Over time, I believe that Superfund designation will turn the Gowanus Canal area from a toxic remnant of mistreatment of the environment into a sustainable community resource for decades to come.
                     – Councilman Brad Lander


The clean-up of the Gowanus Canal has been the environmental challenge of our time and the Cobble Hill Association has been proud to stand together with all of our South Brooklyn neighbors and local elected officials to fight for Superfunding the Gowanus.

Congratulations to all of us!