At its May, 2016 general meeting, the Gowanus Canal Community Advisory Group passed the following resolution, originally proposed by the CAG’s Land Use Committee, on the proposed siting of a retention tank, head house, and related facilities at the Salt Lot at 2nd Avenue and Fifth Street, adjacent to the Gowanus Canal:
Whereas the New York City Department of Environmental Protection [DEP] has proposed the siting of a four-million gallon retention tank at the Salt Lot to help mitigate the Combined Sewer Overflow [CSO] at the OH- 007 Outfall;
Whereas New York City [City] is initiating construction of a compost facility and salt storage facility [Facilities] either on or directly adjacent to the proposed retention tank site; and
Whereas the EPA Gowanus Canal Community Advisory Group [CAG] is concerned that the construction of these Facilities will potentially impede the construction of the retention tank;
Resolved, that the CAG:
1. urges the DEP to facilitate and provide a schedule for the design and construction of the four-million gallon retention tank immediately so that it is completed prior to or simultaneously with the clean up remedy in Target Area #2; and
2. urges the City to postpone the installation of the Facilities until the retention tank is installed.
Copies to:
Kathryn Garcia, Commissioner, Department of Sanitation
Honorable Costa Constantinides, Council Member, District 22, Chair – Committee on Environmental Protection and member Sanitation Committee
Honorable Brad Lander, Council Member, District 39
Emily Lloyd, Commissioner, Department of Environmental Protection
Walter Mugdan, Superfund Director, U.S. EPA Region 2
Honorable Antonio Reynoso, Council Member, District 34, Chair – Committee on Sanitation & Solid Waste Management
Honorable Deborah Rose, Council Member, District 49, Deputy Majority Leader, Chair – Committee on Waterfronts
Honorable Jo Anne Simon, Assemblymember, Assembly District 52
Honorable Nydia Velazquez, Congresswoman, NY 7th District
Office of the Mayor, New York City