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Photos, Video: Toxic Gowanus Canal Flooding The Neighborhood
By
John Del Signore
Published Oct 29, 2012
Modified Oct 29, 2012
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By
John Del Signore
Published Oct 29, 2012
Modified Oct 29, 2012
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The Gowanus Canal overflowed its banks last night and this morning, and seems poised to flood the neighborhood further as high tide draws nigh tonight. Last night the toxic waterway overflowed on 2nd street, and as these photos show, other parts of the neighborhood (which is in Zone A) have been flooding today as well. High tide is at 8:50 p.m.—time to bust out the Jet Ski and the Hazmat suit?
The 1.5 mile canal, which is a designated Superfund site, is filled with toxic sludge, heavy metals, oil and—when the sewer system overflows—good old human excrement. It doesn't usually smell very good even on a good day, so we don't envy those who have defied the evacuation order to stick around.
Update: DEP Spokesman Corey Chambliss tells us, "We encourage residents to observe existing advisories regarding the Gowanus Canal and will work with the EPA to determine any potential impacts that result from flooding. Residents should wash their hands and practice proper hygiene if they come into contact with the canal’s water or sediments."
Here's video of the canal flooding at 1st Street this morning. The filmmaker only regrets that he or she "couldn't capture the smell."
Gowanus rising from Wicked Delicate Films on Vimeo.
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Gowanus
gowanus canal
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John Del Signore
Originally from the Albany area, John Del Signore has called NYC home since 1995. In addition to his thousands of meticulously-crafted bespoke blog posts for Gothamist, his writing has also been published in The Awl, Deadspin, The Nervous Breakdown, and performed at The Brick Theater in Brooklyn.
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Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
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