EPA includes developer’s Red Hook landfill proposal in Gowanus Canal cleanup plan

Gowanus Canal
Gowanus Canal

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recently finalized its Gowanus Canal cleanup proposal and, as Gothamist noted, the plan includes a controversial measure that is pitting Red Hook against its neighbors. The EPA has signed off on a plan envisioned by developer John Quadrozzi to convert canal sludge into concrete blocks that would be assembled off the coast of Red Hook, near a number of housing projects.

Quadrozzi previously said that the on-site waterfront disposal method would yield between 30 to 60 jobs over the next six years. It would also effectively increase the size of two of his properties, the Gowanus Bay Terminal and Gowanus Industry Park, when complete.

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The canal dredge — which is reportedly contaminated with heavy metals, coal tar and gonorrhea — would be decontaminated and made into new land for permanent use. Quadrozzi aims to expand waterfront economic development by having more boats dock at the landfill site. [Gothamist]Zachary Kussin