Minutes of the Gowanus Community Advisory Group’s October 27, 2026 General Meeting

EPA Updates

Thomas Greene Park: Thomas Greene Park sits on contaminated land, and the EPA is testing a remedy–ISGS (In Situ Geochemical Stabilization). ISGS injects a chemical solution into the soil to immobilize underground contaminants like coal tar and prevent them from spreading. To determine if ISGS will work, a two-step testing process is being undertaken. The first step is in process, which is a pilot study that takes place in a lab, using samples of coal tar (DNAPL) taken from existing wells around the park. The data have not yet been fully analyzed, but once reviewed, a report will evaluate the implications for the next step–what’s called field-scale testing at the park itself. CAG members suggested early coordination with the Parks Department for any future multi-week field testing.

Canal Dredging – RTA2 Updates (from 3rd to 9th Streets): Dredging of contaminants sitting at the bottom of the canal is moving forward two years ahead of schedule and is expected to start within weeks. A staging area across from the asphalt plant will handle materials. Dredging will start in those areas where the bulkheads are complete. The CAG welcomed and expressed excitement for this unexpected news. The CAG suggested that materials be made available for community consumption, including updated fact sheets, a map of the to-be-dredged area, community explainer videos, and flyers with clear contact information should odors exceed thresholds.

Turning Basin 1 (TB1): Designs are near finalization and will be formally presented at the next meeting.

Head of Canal End: Efforts to address sheens at the head of the canal are progressing. In September’s General Meeting, the EPA reported that an alternative solution was needed, and this month the alternative solution is identified and being put in place.

Gas Tunnel at the Citizens Site: At the September General Meeting, there was an extended discussion of the old gas tunnel that crosses the canal at the former Citizens MGP site, and the potential for gaps around the tunnel that allow for contamination to seep into the canal. The EPA looked further into how the potential for re-contamination will be prevented, and presented the solution that includes what’s described as a bump-over seal, and collection wells on both sides of the abutting bulkheads. 

CSO Tank Updates: The “Red Hook” CSO tank at Nevins Street at the head of the canal has below-ground demolition and repairs underway that are approximately 50% complete. Above-ground mobilization and pre-construction inspections are scheduled for mid-November, with periodic working-hour street closures anticipated on Nevins Street.
The “Owl’s Head CSO Tank at about 5th Street off 2nd Avenue has below-ground excavation, waterproofing, and initial structural slab pours underway. Air monitoring shows running averages remain below screening limits, except for one reading, supported by odor mitigation measures (misting, foam, fans).

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Missed our October 2026 General Meeting? You can find a recording here.

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Headlines from Our October 2026 General Meeting

Dredging Moves Ahead 2 Years Early. The EPA announced that the dredging of the canal between 3rd and 9th Streets will begin in the next few weeks, two years ahead of schedule. The original plan was to wait until all the bulkheads along the canal were completed–the bulkheads prevent the shoreline from collapsing into the canal during the dredging operation. Instead, the dredging will happen in those places where the bulkheads are in place, and where the bulkheads aren’t yet completed, those areas will be staged for later.

Thomas Greene Park Remediation & Upland Contamination. A central concern remains the long timeline for the remediation of contamination beneath Thomas Greene Park. Community members expressed frustration that full park remediation is moving slowly, emphasizing the urgent need for action on this heavily used public space. The EPA is currently testing a remedy in a lab that, if the results are positive, will lead to a more intensive and extensive test in the park in a few months. CAG members advised the EPA of the need for tight coordination with the Parks Department when the time comes.

Public Meeting on Soil Vapor Intrusion. The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation announced it will host an in-person public meeting on area-wide soil vapor intrusion on November 17 at PS 372 (in the gymnasium at 215 1st Street). This meeting will give residents the opportunity to learn about testing and mitigation efforts for underground vapor risks across the neighborhood, with the goal of encouraging home owners and landlords to get their properties tested (free of charge).

Minutes of the October 5, 2026 Meeting of the Gowanus Canal CAG’s Archaeology & Historic Preservation Committee

Attendees: Joan Salome-Rodriguez: Moderator. Katia Kelly, Jason Schwartzman: CAG members. Irene Baker: National Grid.  Aaron Kaufman: Gowanus Remediation Trust.

1. Follow up with Celeste and Jason re: how to publish StoryMap on CAG Website. GRT approved this and Aaron reports that he reached out to Celeste about how to share it.

2. There are other materials including images of the dredged items that could also be shared. We already know these materials can be shared as we shared them at the show last April 2025. Will work with Outreach and GRT to see if we can get some petty cash for printing flyers, images and frames. Em has a bunch of frames and Joan followed up about the size. Size of photos printouts would be 11 x 17. In order to have the 3D items Gowanus Dredgers, Gowanus Canal Conservancy, and John Quadrozzi would have to get on board. Irene will check with Terri Thompson and Joan will follow up with Michael. Just found out from Peter in a separate call (he was in Maryland when we had this meeting) that there is an idea floating around to do a Gowanus exhibit at PowerHouse. Will work with Constanza Valenzuela, Associate Curator, Powerhouse Arts, Pam W., Curator, and Sasha Fishman, Powerhouse Artist-In-Residence ’26-’27, Columbia Sculpture MFA ’24, sashafishman.com.

3. Joan reported that Clinton and Union Street library scheduled to open in the fall. Katia reached out to the former manager of the Clinton Street library, Uldis Skrovelis, and he can put us in touch with the Friends of the Carroll Gardens Library. Ginger Gaines is the President of Friends of Carroll Gardens Library. Expectation is that library will open in late November or early December and we could tour. Library should be very interested in the StoryMap. Awaiting info from Aaron as to whether StoryMap can be shared with the Brooklyn Public Library.

4. Can the StoryMap also be in book form? Aaron to follow up as to whether GRT still has the original draft StoryMap that was much more geared to kids. It would be nice to have both the electronic version and a kids book version. Aaron to follow up to see if Chronicle Heritage can do that.

5. Joan shared her PowerPoint of the graffiti materials. Joan followed up with Celeste in August and again in September.  Eventually we want a show at Dredgers with real items dredged and the graffiti materials, but it would be great if we could show the StoryMap, too. Aaron will follow up. If we cannot move all of John Quadrozzi’s items to the location, we could use the photos we have of them already. Michael emailed John. Aaron to find out if we have to move large pieces for a show, whether GRT can pay for a U-Haul.

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Minutes of the October 5, 2026 Meeting of the Gowanus Canal CAG’s Water Quality & Technical Committee

Attendees:  Joan Salome-Rodriguez – Moderator. CAG members: Katia Kelly, Jason Schwartzman. National Grid: Irene Baker.  Gowanus Remediation Trust: Aaron Kaufman.

You can watch a video recording of the meeting here. Please enter passcode a8m.?ERw for access.

1. Bond-Lorraine Sewer abandonment and how the proposed initial design of the high-level sewer lines to take the street runoff will ultimately result in a LOT of disruption in the neighborhood. Katia reported that the last time DEP did work on Columbia Street in 1975 or so, many buildings collapsed and people died.  

2. Gas line at Huntington and other NAPL leaks. Per Katia, there were all these special sealants that were not so impenetrable on the bulkheads.  

a. NAPL leak at head of the Canal – no action at the moment as EPA is still figuring out what is going on there – EPA said the bulkhead is bulging. Katia noted that wouldn’t National Grid be responsible for paying for the leak since the coal tar has migrated from the MGP site (Fulton at Thomas Greene Park) under the Canal and over to the east side where the NAPL leak is (next to the flushing tunnel at Butler Street). Per Aaron, the GRT is the party responsible for that location. The closure sheet capping the bulkhead there did not go down all the way and that is what Aaron believes is the source of the sheening. They were going to do supplemental grouting but that approach is not effective, so they are now figuring out a different solution per Victoria. If there is historic contamination from the Fulton site or other activities in the area, that exposure pathway is going to be sealed. Joan showed Irene on Google Maps the area that we are discussing, and she will look into whether Fulton is involved.

b. Gas line going across Public Place from west to east at Huntington needs to be sealed. We asked Irene if that would be sealed by National Grid because it still supplies Red Hook. Brian at the General CAG meeting acknowledged the Gas Tunnel – design discussions between EPA, GRT and National Grid to address sealing around that infrastructure before cleanup can happen in that area. The bulkheads have to go in before any of that can happen and EPA is in charge of sequencing that.  

Also, NAPL leaking into the Canal at Huntington. Is National Grid going to seal that up? Question sent to Victoria, what party is dealing with the bulkhead at the street end at Huntington, the City or a developer.    

c. Katia – Have they ever dredged around 3rd St Bridge pylons? Aaron responded – RTA 1 substantially complete – odds and ends remaining like 1st Street turning basin and the leak at the head of the canal. As for 3rd Street dredging around the pylons he thinks that may be addressed in the RTA 2 design.  Joan sent that question to Victoria.

d. Joan asked how many third party bulkheads are not done? Eight to nine properties including the 7th Street turning basin.

3. Turning Basin 1 – Request presentation of completed design – Aaron said that by end of year we will have a 90% design presentation (per Facilitation Committee that is happening at the October General CAG – sent email to Victoria and Natalie to confirm since it is on the October agenda). Resolution regarding naming – Marylander Basin, Denton’s Mill. Discussed re-naming and Aaron suggested that should be addressed to the Parks Department or Community Board 6.

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Next Gowanus Canal Community Advisory Group General Meeting: Tuesday, October 27, 6:30 p.m. (In Person & Zoom)

Please join us for our October 2026 General Meeting, on Tuesday, October 27, from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., in person and via Zoom.

In-person meeting

Principles GI Coffee House
139 9th Street
Brooklyn, NY 11215

You can also join the meeting via Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81431345410?pwd=drb4lhEv7H8OQJ4xQ7j60aZuv3tzci.1

Meeting ID: 814 3134 5410
Passcode: 052446

DRAFT AGENDA (all times are approximate)

6:30 – 6:40 p.m.: Welcome and CAG Member Introductions

6:40 – 7:15 p.m.: EPA Updates and CAG Q&A / Public Comment and Q&A as time allows

7:15 – 8:00 p.m.: NYS Department of Environmental Conservation Updates

8:00 – 8:30 p.m.: CAG Business and Committee Updates

  • Archaeology and Historic Preservation Committee
  • Outreach Committee
  • Water Quality/Technical Committee
  • Land Use Committee
  • Administrative Committee
  • Facilitation Committee

8:30 p.m.: Adjourn

Guests are always welcome to comment and ask questions using the chat function.

All Gowanus CAG meetings are open to the public, unless specifically noted otherwise.

Minutes of the Gowanus Canal CAG Outreach Committee’s Meeting of October 14, 2026

CAG Members Present: Celeste LeCompte, Emily Mitchell, Jason Schwartzman (Moderator)

Guests: Natalie Loney, EPA Region 2

1. CAG Representation Survey Results and Implications for Outreach

The committee reviewed results from the recent CAG internal survey intended to identify strengths and gaps in its representation of the broader Gowanus community, and opportunities to extend the CAG’s outreach. The presentation highlighted where the CAG’s current membership is under-represented, including but not limited to geography, type of housing, and professions. Areas of strength were also highlighted.

Committee and overall CAG members are encouraged to listen to the presentation of the findings here:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Wi6gmrZHi4NKQREvSEA-vN3CwrUprIF5/view?usp=sharing

Implications: Committee discussion focused on what might be priority actions for outreach, with the following points:

·Align outreach campaigns with high-interest topics (examples: Soil Vapor Intrusion town hall and outreach to areas where past results are of concern, Thomas Greene Park construction/testing updates and NYCHA residents, excavation/construction of the former Citizens MGP site and surrounding blocks).

·Target residential buildings, schools and businesses physically closest to active remediation areas where residents/workers may feel the immediate impacts.

·Leverage the reach of organizations represented on the CAG to share information through their networks.

·Engage newly constructed residential buildings where interest and demand for more info about flooding, soil vapor, odors and access to public spaces may be high.

·Create introductory Q&A documents for new residents and community members asking foundational questions about Superfund safety, air/water quality, flooding and the cleanup timeline.

·Distribute information through building/community bulletin boards, online community managers and neighborhood events.

·Translate key CAG documents and updates into Spanish and Simplified Chinese.

·Reach out to local business associations (e.g., the Southwest Brooklyn Industrial Development Corporation–SBIDC–to understand their specific cleanup concerns (such as bulkheads, liability, and construction logistics).

2. Public-Facing General Meeting Notes

The committee expressed effusive appreciation to Erica Eliason for taking detailed notes at the monthly General Meeting, and her commitment to continue to play this role!

3. Outreach Events Calendar

The upcoming Thomas Greene Park event was flagged as an outreach opportunity, and Celeste confirmed that the Dredgers put out laminated information sheets at their events, but invited CAG members to join events to informally talk to folks.

Due to light attendance, the Committee agreed to defer discussion of the draft External Communications Plan and outreach to Jo Anne Simon’s office until the next meeting.

Minutes of the October, 2026 Meeting of the Gowanus Canal CAG’s Land Use Committee

Attendees: Steve Marcus – Moderator, Andrea Parker, Erica Eliason, Katia Kelly, Joan Salome-Rodriguez, Margaret Maugenest, Emily Mitchell, Hildegaard Link & Susan Yung

Guests: Irene Baker, Aaron Kaufman & Oscar Fock

1. Update regarding the CAG’s Gowanus Protection Framework letter (attached) that was sent to EPA, DEC & DEP.

No one has responded. For DEC, priority is to get them nailed down for the town hall. Once that date is in place, Andrea can follow up. Patrick Foster is no longer in that position, now at DSNY (sanitation). There’s another DEC Staff member we could follow up with, possibly Scott Deyette.

Replacing Bond Lorraine sewer with new approach. Not asking DEP to do anything further for the framework letter. Discussion of if Bond Lorraine sewer is of higher priority than framework letter. No one has acknowledged receiving the letter yet. Katia will write the text for Steve to send to the three individuals.

Since we have no ask for DEP, we could say that even though DEP is doing a good job, we want to hear more about their plans for Bond Lorraine. Letter to go to Mike Sivak, Alicia West, and Scott Deyette. Want them to acknowledge receipt of the letter. For the first round, Alicia was possibly cc’d but it was not addressed to her.

2. Follow up on the CAG’s letter to DEC & DOH regarding PS 372’s Annex and suggest further actions.

Have not gotten a response. Steve suggests sending it again and asking for a response. Michelle and Claire (PS 372 parents) reached out. DEC states they don’t know the source of the contamination in the Annex. The parents would like the committee to consider asking for DEC to do a trackdown study. Hildegaard’s student, Newtown Creek presentation – our regulations do not always protect the public as robustly as we would wish. In the canal, they will be looking for PAHs.

Hildegaard is worried the trackdown study is not in the CAG purview. SVI is also kind of a trackdown study. Andrea doesn’t think it’s overstepping but should be strategic and specific. Joan would write to DEC because it’s a DEC issue. Could ask them if a trackdown study would be effective here.

Hildegaard thinks stronger language may be warranted. Would be important to consider what are the other potential concern areas in the neighborhood. Decision to ask DEC if a trackdown study would be effective here and if so, we urge them to do one, address to Heidi Dudek (DEC) with Scarlett McLaughlin (DOH) included. Steve will draft something and circulate. Hildegaard is reaching out to Lisa for the identification of priority areas with schools and day care centers in the neighborhood she previously put together.

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Missed our September 2026 General Meeting? You can find a recording here.

If you were unable to join us via Zoom for our September 22nd general meeting, you can view a partial video recording of the meeting below, or open it in a new window here.

You can also access a complete transcript of the meeting here.

Please click on any of the following dates for recordings of our July 28th, June 23rd, April 28th, March 24th, February 24th, January 27th, December 2nd, and October 28th general meetings.

For recordings of our June, July and September 2025 meetings, please click here.

And for video of most of our meetings from April 2020 to April 2025, please visit our Vimeo page. Click on any of the videos to view the recording of the desired meeting.

Minutes of the August 31, 2026 Meeting of the Gowanus Canal CAG’s Archaeology & Historic Preservation Committee

Attendees, CAG Members: Joan Salome-Rodriguez, Moderator. Eymund Diegel, Peter Reich.

Guests: Irene Baker, National Grid.

You can watch a video recording of the meeting here. Please enter passcode %dnk9Fyh for access.

Commemorative sites

Besides discussion about the items below, we had a long discussion about Eymund’s ideas to make sites along the Gowanus into commemorative sites. He suggests the 1st Street Turning Basin could be named Marylander Park because the Maryland contingent defended the Revolution from Old Stone House at that site. There is currently a letter of support from Kim at the Old Stone House. It would be tied to the Path of Freedom concept from Old Stone House. Also, the education building we think is planned there could recall Denton’s Mill which used to sit at the 1st Street Turning Basin.

Flood Reduction

There was also some discussion of flood reduction on 4th Avenue that would be better addressed in Water Quality meeting but basically suggested advocacy around EPA taking the U-Haul lot that used to have a sewer pipe from 1876 on to 1956 when that pipe got closed up. Lo and behold, 4th Avenue started to flood.

StoryMap

Since no representative from the Gowanus Remediation Trust was present, we did not get answers to questions below about the StoryMap and whether or how it could be published to the CAG Website. GRT already approved this.

Can the StoryMap also be in book form? Follow up with Aaron as to whether GRT still has the original draft StoryMap that was much more geared to kids. It would be nice to have both. We know the Clinton and Union Street library is scheduled to open in the fall. Joan suggested a visit first to find out who to talk to about it at the library. At our last meeting Aaron was going to follow up on whether the StoryMap can be shared with BPL.

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