Thursday, September 24, 2009

Newtown Creek recommended for Superfund status

From the NY Post:

After two decades of analysis and environmental testing, the Environmental Protection Agency has recommended adding Newtown Creek to the federal Superfund Priority list, an initial step towards federal intervention to cleaning up the long-polluted Brooklyn waterway.

“Newtown Creek is one of the most grossly-contaminated waterways in the country,” said Acting Regional Administrator George Pavlou. “By listing the Creek, EPA can focus on doing the extensive sampling needed to figure out the best way to address the contamination and see the work through.”

5 comments:

Another Sunnyside Resident said...

Its about time. I remember back in 79 during the gas shortage we would joke about how we should just fill up directly from the Newtown creek.

Erik Baard said...

"Brooklyn waterway?" Oy.

But I'm glad for the progress.

Laura said...

Heh Erik! Do you paddle on the Brooklyn or Queens side of the Creek. LOL

Anonymous said...

More importantly, why didn't Eric's boat dissolve along with Eric. Talk about toxic.

Erik Baard said...

I'm ecumenical when it comes to the creek -- I love exploring both shores! And I've survived swimming in the creek on three occasions -- once I swam to get past a razor wire fence when they lock was changed and I didn't have a chance to get my new key, and then when a pier crumbled and slid off under my feet, and then to make a point about the need to clean up the waterway. I'm pretty sure I didn't render the creek more toxic for having submerged myself in it. :)