Brooklyn's Gowanus Canal transforms from toxic Superfund site to green waterfront

The Gowanus Canal, a 1.8-mile stretch in Brooklyn tainted by more than a century of industrial pollution, is undergoing significant changes. In 2010, the EPA classified it as a Superfund site, revealing a 10-foot layer of contaminants. Climate change exacerbates the issues caused by stormwater and sewage pollution. To address wastewater management, two new retention tanks are currently under construction. For over ten years, the Gowanus Canal Conservancy (GCC) has focused on community involvement and green infrastructure. A master plan was unveiled in 2017 by GCC and Scape, with a 2021 rezoning prioritizing public access. The design incorporates flood-resistant elements, a 'street creek' for stormwater, and an amphitheater-like area, aiming for a sustainable ecosystem, as highlighted by Tamara Greenfield and Gena Wirth.