Uncovering the Hazards: Inside the Ongoing Battle to Clean Up Brooklyn’s Superfund Sites

The ongoing struggle to clean up Brooklyn’s Superfund sites, specifically the Meeker Avenue Plume, is a pressing issue that continues to impact the residents of Greenpoint and East Williamsburg. The Meeker Avenue Plume stretches roughly 45 blocks and has been designated as a federal Superfund site due to the hazardous vapors potentially seeping into over 1,000 homes and hundreds of businesses in the area.

Community Advisory Groups (CAGs) have been formed by residents to act as liaisons between the community and environmental agencies overseeing the cleanup efforts. These groups, including the Meeker Avenue Plume CAG, consist of dedicated individuals like Heidi Vanderlee, Lisa Bloodgood, Lael Goodman, and Natalie Vichnevsky, who work tirelessly to raise awareness and advocate for the cleanup of these hazardous sites.

The EPA, which is overseeing the cleanup of the Meeker Avenue Plume, has been conducting testing of indoor air in properties within the affected area. The presence of chemicals like trichloroethylene (TCE) and tetrachloroethylene (PCE) at high levels in indoor air poses serious health risks to residents, including the potential for cancers and birth defects.

One of the challenges faced in the cleanup efforts is the reluctance of landlords to allow testing of their buildings for soil vapor intrusion. There is a lack of awareness and understanding among property owners about the importance of testing and addressing contamination issues. The CAG members, along with the EPA, are working to educate and encourage landlords to participate in testing to ensure the safety of residents.

The data collected from testing and monitoring efforts play a crucial role in determining the extent of contamination and guiding cleanup efforts. The transparency and communication between the EPA, CAGs, and the community are essential in ensuring that residents are informed and involved in the decision-making process.

As the cleanup of the Meeker Avenue Plume continues, the dedication and efforts of community members, environmental agencies, and advocacy groups are vital in addressing the environmental challenges and protecting the health and well-being of residents in Brooklyn. The ongoing series “Hazardous” sheds light on the ongoing struggle to clean up Superfund sites in Brooklyn and the collaborative efforts to ensure a safe and healthy environment for all.