Public to tackle toxic Gowanus at Tuesday meeting

December 3, 2012 Mary Frost Brooklyn Daily Eagle

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Amidst concern about toxic sewage overflows from Superstorm Sandy and the EPA’s Superfund cleanup process, the Gowanus Canal Community Advisory Group (CAG) will meet with senior officials from the NY State Department of Environmental Conservation on Tuesday, Dec. 4, 6 to 8 p.m.

The CAG encourages a strong public turnout to show the community’s concern with the clean up. Questions and comments will be collected at the meeting, which takes place at P.S. 32, 317 Hoyt St.

At an earlier meeting held by Congresswoman Nydia Velázquez to address concerns about toxic sludge left behind by the canal after Hurricane Sandy, EPA Regional Manager Judith Enck said that bacteria levels were very high — but toxin sediment at the bottom of the canal remained undisturbed.

On Nov. 15, the Lightstone Group said it planned to move forward with its residential project along the Gowanus Canal. Councilmember Brad Lander had asked the firm to withdraw its application in light of the flooding that took place in the area.

“Based on the information we have reviewed, we believe that had the Lightstone project been built and occupied during Hurricane Sandy none of the residential or parking areas would have experienced flooding,” said Ethan Geto, a spokesperson for Lightstone.