On July 11, several locals took part in the first walking tour of industrial sites in Greenpoint, which contributed to the Meeker Plume’s designation of a Superfund site. This outing was organized by Meeker Avenue Plume Community Advisory Group (MAPCAG) and the Greenpoint Library and Environmental Education Center. All sites are monitored by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and have undergone or are undergoing remediation.
First stop was 315 Kingsland Avenue, which was the site of the former Spic and Span Cleaners & Dyers. Leaks from this business’ tank established its ranking in the top two most contaminated sites. It has undergone remediation and is monitored.
In 2015, URS Corporation conducted a survey of the site in a report for New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Division of Environmental Remediation. Among the findings were: perchloroethylene (PCE) was detected above unrestricted use and protection of groundwater criteria; PCE was also detected above residential use and restricted residential use criteria.
According to the EPA, “PCE is a solvent that is widely used for consumer uses such as brake cleaners and adhesives, in commercial applications such as dry cleaning, and in many industrial settings.” In regards, to the harm those exposed to it could experience, “EPA identified risks for adverse human health effects not related to cancer, including neurotoxicity and liver effects, from acute and chronic inhalation and dermal exposures to PCE. EPA also identified risks for cancer from chronic inhalation and dermal exposures to PCE.”
The other sites on the tour were all west of Meeker Avenue. On the way to the second stop, the group passed by an Exxon site under construction, which will consolidate some of their remediation efforts of the Newtown Creek Superfund site.
Along Lombardy and Anthony Streets, Division Place, and Debevoise, Vandervoort, and Morgan Avenues, the group encountered another half dozen sites some of which were still in operation. The businesses consisted of dry cleaners, steel and metal works/foundry, a former soap and lacquer manufacturer, and former steel drum company.
PCE was also found in this area in addition to Trichloroethylene (TCE). The EPA states, “TCE is used in a variety of industrial, commercial, and consumer applications including in industrial cleaning and degreasing, lubricants, adhesives and sealants, paints and coatings, automotive care products, cleaning and furniture care products, and other miscellaneous products. In December 2024, EPA issued a final rule regulating TCE under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) to protect people from health risks including liver cancer, kidney cancer, and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. TCE also causes damage to the central nervous system, liver, kidneys, immune system, reproductive organs, and causes fetal heart defects.”
When the Meeker Plume became a Superfund site on March 16, 2022, it was added to the National Priorities List (NPL) for cleanup by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Remediation of the area began and continues.
During the tour, what look like mini manhole covers with triangles were pointed out. These are monitoring stations. They are scattered all over the area.
To learn more MAPCAG has meetings throughout the year. The next one will be in September. In the meetings they provide updates and the latest information, in addition to answering questions.
MAPCAG and the Greenpoint Library are planning more tours of the area. One is being planned for September. For more information: www.mapcag.org
The Greenline 