CG CORD Newsletter 11/23/2013
Photo by Triada Samaras 2013
Hello from CORD!
The Gowanus Canal Community Advisory Group/CAG held its
last meeting of the 2013 year last Tuesday night 11/19/2013 at St Mary Star of the Sea
Houses. Attended by many CAG members as well as several
community residents and stakeholders, last night's meeting brought us an update
from EPA Project Manager, Chistos Tsiamis, EPA Community Coordinator,
Natalie Loney and recently returned Archaeology Expert, John Vetter.
Christos informed the group that he had met with
all of the Responsible Parties post ROD (Record of Decision) to insure that each
of them understood what was required of them now that the ROD is actually, law.
A letter was sent to each of them detailing what steps are required for them to
take between now and October, 2014. A copy of that letter can be found http://www.epa.gov/region2/superfund/npl/gowanus/
Christos indicated that New York City has already
expressed an interest in an additional meeting with the Project Manager to
review procedures, etc. A date will be set. EPA is in talks with the property owners at the
mouth of the canal regarding restoration and repair of the bulkheads--although
not specifically part of the ROD, the bulkheads can present a recontaminating
influence so discussion must be part of the process and taken into
consideration as part of the eventual design.
EPA will also be launching a pilot study on
possible methods of mixing some of the removed contaminated material with cement
as a means of stabilizing and reusing some of that material in a more positive,
less costly manner. The EPA is scheduled to meet with Lightstone (the
current owners and developers of the former, Toll Brothers site) today,
regarding the EPA's requirements, post ROD on storm water, the additional
sewage the project is expected to produce and further discussion on the exact
nature of the contamination on the site.
John Vetter, now working as a sub contractor for
EPA is back on a limited basis to pick up the Archaeology segment of the Canal.
He reminded us all of the terrific nature of the ROD as a document that both
defines specifically the authority of the EPA as well as providing archaeological
protection for the historic nature of the canal site itself. He reminds us that the ROD is important reading for
each member of this community. http://www.epa.gov/region2/superfund/npl/gowanus/
John has also asked for the input of the
community regarding your feelings on what is important to YOU historically and
archaeologically about the canal. This input will provide a road map for the
Archaeology Committee to pursue. This was the last meeting for 2013. The CAG will
begin monthly meetings again on the fourth Tuesday of each month in January.
Happy Holidays to All!!
CORD!
