The Gowanus Canal Superfund Community Advisory Group (CAG) on February 5th submitted a formal request for water reclassification, or a “reclass petition,” to the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), Division of Water, Bureau of Water Assessment and Management.
The CAG seeks to reclassify the surface waters of the Gowanus Canal, north of Hamilton Avenue, through the State’s formal rule-making process, from the current industrial designation of Class-SD to Class-I, in order to require more stringent regulatory oversight and enforcement for improved water quality.
The CAG has requested that the Gowanus Canal be given a water classification that will be reflective of ongoing investments in water quality improvement, including the federally mandated Superfund clean-up, and recent and proposed infrastructure investments; is protective of its current recreational uses which include primary and secondary contact; supports the abundance of aquatic flora and fauna living in the Canal, including substantial fish populations in a variety of life stages; and ensures public health and safety in light of a proposed rezoning that will bring new residential development requiring public access at the waterfront.
To see the CAG’s request for water reclassification in its entirety, including our letter to NYS DEC, the formal petition, letters of support from elected officials, and supporting documents, please click here.