How polluted is Newtown Creek?

Various contaminated sites along the creek have contributed to the contamination of Newtown Creek. Today, as a result of its industrial history, including numerous spills, Newtown Creek is reported by US Environmental Protection Agency to be one of the nation’s most polluted waterways.

What two sources of pollution are found at Greenpoint and Newtown Creek?

The shores of the Newtown Creek in Greenpoint contain some of the most polluted industrial spaces in the United States, befouled by more than a century of oil spills and toxic waste.

How deep is the Newtown Creek?

12 feet
Newtown Creek has a length of four miles. Its natural depth was 12 feet, falling to four feet at the head of navigation.

Where is Newtown Creek?

Newtown Creek, a 3.5-mile (6-kilometer) long tributary of the East River, is an estuary that forms part of the border between the boroughs of Brooklyn and Queens, in New York City.

Are there fish in Newtown Creek?

About Newtown Creek Newtown Creek is a stream near Middletown. The most popular species caught here are Largemouth bass, Smallmouth bass, and Bluegill. 94 catches are logged on Fishbrain. Please use your best judgement when determining where you can fish, and make sure you follow local rules and regulations.

Is it safe to live near Newtown Creek?

A few important things to note: The Newtown Creek is a Superfund Site, if you live above or near the Meeker Ave plumes it’s important to get your home tested right away for harmful fumes, oil spills and bad odors are cause for action, houseplants can help improve air quality in your home, eating food from your garden …

Is Newtown Creek safe?

Study: Newtown Creek safe for kayaking, dangerous for swimming, iffy for seafood. Kayakers like these are now banned from the Newtown Creek, thanks to a move by the city. Boating on Newtown Creek is safe, but be careful around the seafood and don’t take a dip, a new state study concluded.

Is Newtown Creek a Superfund site?

In 2010 Newtown Creek was named a Superfund site by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA). The Superfund program has the resources to mediate some of the nation’s most contaminated areas and responds to environmental emergencies, oil spills and natural disasters.

What kind of fish are in Newtown Creek?

Newtown Creek is a stream near Middletown. The most popular species caught here are Largemouth bass, Smallmouth bass, and Bluegill.

Can you kayak in Newtown Creek?

Greenpoint boaters welcomed the news. “The report confirms what we have always believed, that with simple precautions the creek is relatively safe for kayakers and canoers,” said Dewey Thompson, founder of the North Brooklyn Boat Club.

Why are Newtown Creek and Gowanus Canal Superfund sites?

Sadly, these two waterways could compete for the title “most polluted in the country.” Newtown Creek is twice as large and receives more raw sewage, but Gowanus Canal has some major hot spots of toxic pollution. Regardless, there can be no debate which site is currently in a better position for the future.

Why is it called a Superfund site?

Superfund is the common name given to the law called the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act of 1980, or CERCLA. Superfund is also the trust fund set up by Congress to handle emergency and hazardous waste sites needing long-term cleanup.

Where is Newtown Creek wastewater treatment plant?

Aerial view of the Newtown Creek plant. Located in the Greenpoint area of Brooklyn, it is the largest wastewater treatment plant in New York.

What is the name of the sewage treatment plant in NYC?

Newtown Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant. A portion of the nature walk on Newtown Creek. Each step represents a different evolutionary era. The Newtown Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant is the largest sewage treatment facility operated by the New York City Department of Environmental Protection.

How often does the Newtown Creek plant overflow?

Overflows from the Newtown Creek plant on the order of 100 million US gallons (380,000,000 l) occur on the average of once a week. When that occurs

What’s new at the Newtown water park?

The plant’s unusual public amenities, which include a visitors’ center with a manmade waterfall, a nature walk along the Newtown Creek, and the dramatic aesthetic elements, all stem from a long-term upgrade project that was begun by the city in 1998 and is scheduled for completion in 2014.