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).