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Community Meeting on Meeker Ave. Contaminants - Thursday

Via Mike Schade: schadeyacres@gmail.com

Important Community Meeting: DEC/DOH Public Meeting to Discuss Meeker Ave. Plumes Contamination in Greenpoint

When: Thursday February 4th - 7:00pm - 9:30pm (note - DEC is also havening an availability session the same day from 3:00pm - 5:00pm)

Where: St. Cecilia's Auditorium - 24 North Henry St. Brooklyn, NY (Greenpoint)

Background:

DEC and DOH will be offering sub-slab/indoor air sampling free of charge to residences in selected zones of the contamination area -- the sampling will be conducted in February and March 2010. Based on the results of the sampling - DEC and DOH will determine if mitigation systems are needed, which would be offered free of charge.

The NY State Dept. of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has identified several plumes of chlorinated solvents (TCE & PCE) in the soils and groundwater beneath Greenpoint and East Williamsburg. These plumes are collectively referred to by DEC as the "Meeker Ave. Plume". The plumes are the result of decades of dumping and irresponsible manufacturing practices by historic and contemporary drycleaning and metalworking businesses. Testing conducted by DEC has confirmed that hazardous vapors from the Meeker Ave. contaminant plumes are intruding into residential properties in the area.

Home owners and businesses in the vicinity of the plumes are encouraged to contact DEC to have their property tested for vapor intrusion free of charge. To set up an appointment to have your home or business tested please contact Dawn Hettrick at the NYS Dept. of Health (DOH), (800) 458-1158 x27860. If a vapor intrusion problem is identified, DOH will install a mitigation system at no cost to the property owner.

Hazardous vapor intusion from the Meeker Ave. plumes is a substantial threat to human health. Fortunately, a properly installed and maintained mitigation system can eliminate the threat of hazardous vapor intrusion, protecting residents and employees from the impacts of future exposures.

Why Should I Get My Home Tested?

DEC has identified toxic chemicals in Greenpoint and E. Williamsburg soils and groundwater that could potentially migrate into homes and businesses through a process known as "vapor intrusion". Some of these chemicals are toxic and have been linked to cancer and other serious health problems. It's important to get your property tested to determine whether or not chemicals are migrating into your home, so that DEC and DOH can take appropriate action to prevent this from occuring. Note that just because you live above the plumes, it doesn't necessarily mean chemicals are migrating into your home. Getting your home tested can offer you peace of mind by determining whether or not your home is safe from TCE and PCE vapor intrusion. Testing is free and confidential. If your home is deterimined to have elevated levels of chemicals of concern, DEC and DOH will install a mitigation system free of charge to reduce your exposure and protect your home.

How Do I Get My Home Tested?
The NYS Dept. of Health and NYS Dept. of Environmental Conversation are offering free indoor and subslab air-sampling in certain areas above the Meeker Ave. Plumes. To set up an appointment to have your home or business tested please contact Dawn Hettrick at the NYS Dept. of Health, (800) 458-1158 x27860.

If a vapor intrusion problem is identified, DOH will install a mitigation system at no cost to the property owner. These mitigation systems, known as sub-slab depressurization systems, are designed to withdraw air from beneath your home's foundation. This prevents toxic soil vapors from entering homes and can help protect your family's health. They're widely used to prevent radon gas from entering structures in areas where radon gas is naturally occurring. If offered, the system will be installed free of charge.

Tenants, Want Your Building to Get Tested?
If you're a tenant, talk to your landlord about the contamination and encourage him/her to get their property tested. If they are unwilling, contact Dawn Hettrick at the NYS Dept. of Health, (800) 458-1158 x27860, to discuss your concerns.

Learn more -- http://www.newtowncreekalliance.org/meeker.htm