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.
3. Follow up on the enforcement of EPA’s Matrix.
We had asked who is responsible for enforcing the EPA Matrix. Steve will be receiving letters demonstrating that the matrix is not being followed for remediation of certain sites along the canal. A retired engineer neighbor is comparing the sites to the matrix and has concluded the matrix is not being followed. Steve is concerned because what’s happening on the sites may not be protective of the remedy.
4. Follow up regarding DEC’s TCE Plume study at St. Mary’s Star of the Sea Church (Luguer & Court Street).
This has been on the agenda for a while. Should we ask if nearby buildings are being tested? Steve could follow up with DEC and DOH. Katia suggests following up to ask “as a pending State Superfund site, has any follow up happened with the residential homes?” Should also ask when determination will be made as a “pending” site.
5. Follow up on Heavy Metal soil testing for our neighborhood’s public spaces.
High levels of metal contamination in the soil is hard to manage. Hildegaard suggests we might ask regulators or design community about how to manage this. Steve asks if Hildegaard has any students who might take soil samples. Steve will follow up with Hildegaard about student availability for soil sampling.
Joan says that the agency with remit over this is NYC DOHMH, who conducts the testing. A number of neighbors are testing their soil, concerns about kids interacting with this soil. It cost money to have this testing done. Katia likes the idea of Hildegaard reaching out to her colleague, but it could wait a few months with other high-priority items. Naïve to think there is no lead in the dirt. Ask for Hildegaard is to test a couple parks, Steve will specify which parks when he follows up (Carroll Park, Thomas Greene Park, St. Mary’s Park).
Bond Lorraine sewer discussion.
Can’t fix Bond Lorraine sewer because of construction. Will be sealed. Proposing new high-level storm sewers along with new combined sewer that is further west. Will go through dynamic separator before going into canal. Storm water outlet will be at end of Bond St. Plan is that no stormwater in pipes (because of the high-level storm sewer) so there will be less CSO discharge at Bond St.