The state has approved a permit for the city to pour up to 7.2 million gallons of contaminated groundwater into Coney Island Creek every day for up to two years while the city upgrades sewer and water mains in Coney’s west end.
The permit allows the city to overlook nearly a dozen heavy metals found in the water because only small amounts were discovered in the creek, and state officials say locals have nothing to fear because Coney creek flows into Gravesend Bay, which will dilute the pollutants. But with millions of gallons gushing into the inlet each day for years, experts and locals fear that the contaminates could amass to dangerous levels, and aren’t buying the state’s argument that being connected to a large body of water will mitigate the risks.
The project being run by the Economic Development Corporation will upgrade aging water mains and storm and sanitary sewers in an area bounded by W. 17th and W. 22nd streets from Neptune Avenue to the Boardwalk. Shovels are expected to hit the ground this summer and the project will last for roughly two years — with an embargo on Surf Avenue construction from May 15 to Sept. 15 so as not to clash with the swell of beach-goers, according to city records.
But to keep the construction site dry, the city applied for a State Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permit to “dewater” contaminated groundwater from several sites by pumping it into Coney Island Creek — where people swim, students routinely wade for city-run education programs, and some congregations use the waters for religious rites such as baptisms.
11 comments:
I always find it interesting how the powers that be are above the law and exempt from their costly and burdensome laws, rules and regulations!
If the government can exempt itself from these rules, it reenforces my argument that the regulations that excessively strict, of no real use, and meant only to control us...
Not at all in favor of this, but honestly asking- what is the alternative? How would the city otherwise clear this water to do the construction?
Agreed sarc, but don't forget all those rules and regulations also create an excellent opportunity for graft. Our pols/bureaucrats need to supplement their income somehow.
Metals and sewage are natural!
I completely agree with (sarc) funny how illegal dumping only applies to the constituents and not the politicians.
Illegal dumping of toxic waste is illegal for a reason and in the great words of Thomas Jefferson - "No one is above the law" - I guess our government officials don't think any laws apply to them. They should all be fired immediately. Polluting our waterways is a health hazard to the well-being of all of us let alone nature. STOP DESTROYING OUR PLANET !
George Orwell. “All animals are equal, but some animals are more equal than others.”
Is anyone going to tell the towers along the East River, or the people getting a spray from the new ferry rides?
naw.
Cuomo and EDC to Coney Island residents: Choke on it.
I can't believe what I am reading. Where is the Sierra club when you need them? The state and the compliant ball-less city are actually going to push poison into creeks near parkland. It's like a recipe for a new superfund site. But if idiots with more money than you have are willing to spend 3 to 5 thousand to live and leisure near Gowanus, I guess this is a speculation plan for the next row of tower pestilence and a way to continue to destroy the livelihoods of the residents of the town.
Mario's son gets worse every damn day. Him and his appointees have absolutely no conscience. but at least he and they "are not Trump" right?
Paraphrasing George Orwell, All Brooklyn citizens are equal, But some Brooklyn citizens (The tower people, the predator developers and equity groups, the celebrity invaders from the entertainment industry, Mayor Big Slow de Faustio and his farm team) are more equal than others
sarc knows!
Anonymous said...
"and in the great words of Thomas Jefferson - 'No one is above the law' "
There is however a special exemption for B.J. & HiLlEry Diane Rodham Clinton!
"The air at ground zero is safe to breathe". Remember that one. I hope christy Whitman a slow painful death,as she condemned so many.....
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