Monitoring Data

ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING

Public and worker safety during construction is our number one priority. The Gowanus Remediation Team has established a rigorous environmental monitoring program to ensure the safety of the site workers and the surrounding Gowanus community during remedial construction activities. During construction, it is normal to expect increased levels of dust, temporary suspension of sediment in the waterway, noise and vibrations. Safety during construction is the number one priority.

Please click below to view the Gowanus Remediation Team’s environmental monitoring updates.

AIR & NOISE MONITORING

To protect public and community health and the safety of workers on site the Remediation Team, under the supervision and at the direction of the EPA, conducts an extensive air monitoring program designed and implemented by a third party, independent of the construction contractor. Fourteen (14) automated air monitoring stations have been placed along the canal to detect the presence of volatile compounds and particulate matter (dust). Urban settings like the areas surrounding the Gowanus Canal contain background levels of volatile compounds and particulate matter in the air regardless of the occurrence of remedial construction activities, and the monitoring takes into account these background levels. Volatile compounds and particulate matter include both man-made and natural occurring sources such as smog, paint, asphalt paving, vehicular emissions (diesel exhaust), and even vegetation (plants). The air monitoring stations measure concentrations of volatile organic compounds and particulate matter. In the event that remedial activities result in levels of volatile compounds and particulate matter above pre-set levels, the construction team is alerted immediately so that we can investigate and address the elevated concentrations through a variety of established protocols. This process of investigating and addressing these issues serves to protect workers and surrounding communities. The air monitoring program is described in more detail in the Community Air Monitoring Program plan.

Significant noise during dredging activities is not anticipated. During bridge and bulkhead support work, noise monitors will be stationed along the canal to ensure that noise levels during construction comply with local noise ordinances. Noise is measured using the decibel scale. For example, normal conversation is typically around 60 decibels, and electric saw is around 100 decibels, and amplified rock music is around 120 decibels.

RTA 2

RTA 1

Water Quality Monitoring

The Gowanus Remediation Team (GRT) utilizes water quality monitoring buoys positioned in the Gowanus Canal to detect the turbidity levels and dissolved oxygen levels of the waterway during construction activities. The GRT monitors water quality to ensure that construction activities do not result in readings above predetermined levels (exceedances).

The turbidity (or cloudiness) of the water is monitored to detect resuspension of sediment related to construction activities. Turbidity is a measure of how well light penetrates the water. If small solid particles are present, the water can appear murky or turbid. Turbidity can occur naturally through algae blooms and by human activities, such as rain storm runoff.

Dissolved oxygen (DO) is the amount of oxygen that is present in water of the canal. The GRT monitors DO levels using the monitoring buoys and handheld monitors. Various environmental conditions such as ambient air temperature, rain storm runoff, and aquatic life can influence DO levels.