The New York Post has published a number of editorials and anonymous opinion pieces on the Gowanus Canal that are as factually murky as the waters of the polluted waterway. The latest appeared on September 21st.
On Sunday, the Post published a rebuttle by George Pavlou, Acting Regional Administrator of the US EPA in Manhattan, which correct some of the "inaccuracies" in the piece.
Good for him. His office should be commended for its incredible professionalism. His staff has worked hard to involve and inform the community about the Superfund designation process. I for one thank him and his crew for their hard work, and hope that they get the support from Administrator Jackson, the head of the EPA in Washington to get the Canal listed as soon as possible.
This community has waited long enough.
A plan, a canal
Last Updated: 4:30 AM, September 27, 2009
Posted: 12:17 AM, September 27, 2009
Your editorial, “ ‘Help’ the Gowanus Doesn’t Need” (Sept. 21) has several inaccuracies, the most troubling being the assertion that the Superfund relies solely on litigation to get a cleanup done.
The EPA’s Superfund program receives appropriations from Congress every year to fund work, and litigation almost never hinders progress at a site. The Superfund law gives the EPA the authority to pay for the cleanup and recoup costs from polluters later.
Moreover, Superfund cleanups often spur development. Superfund designation gives us teeth to hold polluters responsible and to ensure the health and safety of the surrounding communities and the environment.
The EPA is considering all approaches to cleaning up the canal, and our main goal is simple: a cleaner Gowanus that will better serve this vibrant community.
George Pavlou
Acting Regional Administrator, US EPA, Manhattan
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6 comments:
I refuse to register with NY Post in order to comment. So, if the EPA is checking in with pmfa I wish to extend my gratitude to Mr. Pavlou and the EPA.
Superfund cleanup will spur Gowanus development?!
Toll can build residential but the rest of Gowanus is restricted to industrial uses.. What kind of industrial development is EPA planning?
I am troubled to learn that the Superfund designation will be a catalyst for development. Why was this not disclosed by the EPA during the public comment period?
And the editorial only stated that Superfund is not necessarily the death knell to development. Development does not have to be 12 story condos. It is a broad term.
What will superfund development look like? 4-story condos? 2-story manufacturing? More Gowanus parking lots?
When will the EPA tell us their development plans?
Dear Anon 10:21,
The EPA has made it abundantly clear that it is up to the community to decide what kind of development it wants and needs on the banks of the canal.
Only the city can re-zone an area. Not the EPA.
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