THE CITY's senior reporter Samantha Maldonado and journalist Jordan Gass-Pooré discuss the pollution threats and clean-up efforts at Newtown Creek, one of the country's most polluted waterways. They explore the impact of climate change on the contamination, community activism, and the emotional toll of witnessing severe pollution.
Federal agencies are incorporating climate change into the cleanup plan for polluted waterways.
Community engagement is vital for shaping remediation plans and promoting a cleaner future for Newtown Creek.
Deep dives
The History and Pollution of Newtown Creek
Newtown Creek, one of New York City's superfund sites, has a long history of pollution stemming from over 50 oil refineries and various industries along its coastline. The contamination includes oil, metals, and carcinogenic chemicals in the sediment, requiring a lengthy cleanup process supervised by the EPA. Local residents like Laura Hoffman advocate for a cleaner waterway due to past pollution and ongoing industrial activities.
Impact of Climate Change and Hurricane Sandy on Newtown Creek
Climate change poses risks to Newtown Creek, with rising sea levels and increased flooding threatening to spread pollution and disrupt cleanup efforts. Hurricane Sandy's aftermath highlighted the vulnerability of the creek, prompting concerns about future environmental challenges. The EPA works with companies responsible for pollution to address ongoing sources of contamination and mitigate risks.
Remediation Strategies and Community Involvement
To address contamination in Newtown Creek, the EPA considers dredging or capping sediment as cleanup strategies, weighing their effectiveness and environmental impacts. Additionally, efforts to reduce combined sewer overflows into the creek include a massive underground tunnel for wastewater management. Community engagement plays a crucial role in shaping remediation plans while promoting a cleaner, healthier future for Newtown Creek.
Newtown Creek is one of the country’s most polluted waterways. Flooding from sea level rise and storms threatens to spread the creek’s contamination and bring pollution from outside the water into it. The feds are figuring out how to include climate change into the clean-up plan they’re developing. THE CITY’s senior reporter Samantha Maldonado and independent journalist Jordan Gass-Pooré dive in on episode one of Hazard NYC, a four-part FAQ NYC Presents limited series exploring the city’s Superfund sites.
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