Remaking the toxic Gowanus Canal
Once a vital transportation channel for Brooklyn’s heavy industries, the toxic Gowanus Canal was named a federal Superfund cleanup site in March 2010. Until now, little work has been done, but in spring 2012, the first remediation project will be completed: the Gowanus Sponge Park, intended to soak up harmful pollution before the toxins can reach the waterway.
Here are a few photographs of the canal and the surrounding areas.
Former home of the National Packing Box Factory, one of many industries that used to line the canal.
An oil slick seen through a 3rd Ave. fence.
Carroll Street bridge over the Gowanus.
The Gowanus seen from the Carroll Street bridge.
A somewhat incongruous front door on a residence in the Gowanus area.