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.
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).
NYS Department of Environmental Conservation Updates
Upland Sites & Vapor Intrusion: A map of upland sites was presented, showing an overview of Gowanus and the sites that have been remediated and are being remediated. A public meeting on area-wide soil vapor intrusion is scheduled for November 17 at PS 372. An active mitigation system in coordination with NYC DOE and HVAC adjustments are reported to be addressing basement vapor issues.
Hydrology & Groundwater: Groundwater elevation modeling is actively underway in coordination with the EPA.
Bulkhead Deflection / Inspection: There was a discussion about observed bulging along a brownfield site bulkhead at 141 3rd Street. The bulging occurred during contaminated soil removal that impacted the way the bulkhead is anchored, prompting a pause of the excavation to preserve the structural integrity of the bulkhead. Monitoring confirmed that the bulging stopped.
CAG Business and Committee Updates
Archaeology and Historic Preservation Committee: Planning potential exhibits with local organizations and coordinating with the (re)opening of the Carroll Gardens Library to showcase Gowanus history and story maps.
Water Quality Committee: Reviewed the Bond-Lorraine sewer, gas line/NAPL leak mitigations, and the need for City Council legislation regarding canal egress points.
Outreach Committee: Developing a CAG communication plan to become better at getting information about the remediation efforts in Gowanus out into the community, and will incorporate the news about the upcoming dredging of the canal between 3rd and 9th streets. The CAG was encouraged to watch the video recording posted on the website, where Celeste presents the results of the CAG’s representation survey, and Outreach discusses the implications for future CAG member recruitment efforts.
Admin Committee: Requested committee leads to compile and submit attendance records.
Land Use Committee: Re-circulated the committee framework, discussed PS 372 updates, and facilitated soil heavy-metal testing across three neighborhood parks. The next meeting was rescheduled to November 10 due to Election Day.
Facilitation Committee: No updates were presented.