The NuHart State Superfund Site, located in Greenpoint, Brooklyn, has long been a focal point for community organizing and environmental advocacy. North Brooklyn Neighbors (NBN) has played a crucial role in mobilizing residents, advocating for comprehensive cleanup, and ensuring that the remediation process prioritizes community health and safety.
History and Background
The NuHart site was once a plastic manufacturing facility that operated from the 1950s until the 2000s. Over the decades, improper disposal practices led to significant contamination of the soil and groundwater with hazardous substances, including phthalates and chlorinated solvents. In 2010, the site was designated as a state Superfund site, requiring extensive cleanup and monitoring.
Community Involvement
From the outset, North Brooklyn Neighbors recognized the need for strong community involvement to address the environmental and health concerns posed by the NuHart site. Key initiatives included:
- Awareness Campaigns: NBN conducted outreach to educate residents about the site’s history, the types of contaminants present, and the potential health risks associated with exposure.
- Public Meetings: Regular public meetings were organized to keep the community informed about the progress of the cleanup efforts. These meetings provided a platform for residents to voice their concerns and ask questions directly to the responsible agencies and developers.
- Advocacy for Safe Practices: NBN advocated for stringent cleanup standards to ensure that remediation efforts were thorough and effective. This included pushing for the removal of contaminated soil and the installation of barriers to prevent the spread of pollutants.
Key Achievements
The persistent efforts of North Brooklyn Neighbors and the local community have led to several significant achievements:
- Enhanced Cleanup Standards: Due to community pressure, the cleanup plans for the NuHart site have been revised to include more rigorous standards, ensuring a safer environment for current and future residents.
- Transparency and Accountability: NBN’s advocacy has resulted in increased transparency from both the responsible parties and the government agencies overseeing the cleanup. Regular updates and public disclosures have become standard practice.
- Community Health Studies: Efforts to conduct health studies and environmental assessments have been initiated to monitor the long-term impact of the contamination and cleanup process on the community’s health.
Ongoing Efforts
The work at the NuHart site is far from over. North Brooklyn Neighbors continues to:
- Monitor Progress: NBN remains vigilant in monitoring the ongoing cleanup efforts, ensuring that all activities are conducted in accordance with the agreed-upon standards.
- Advocate for Community Interests: The organization advocates for the community’s interests in redevelopment plans, emphasizing the need for green spaces, affordable housing, and other community benefits.
- Engage New Residents: As the neighborhood evolves, NBN works to engage new residents, informing them about the site’s history and encouraging their participation in ongoing advocacy efforts.
How to Get Involved
Community involvement is crucial to the continued success of the NuHart site cleanup. Residents can:
- Attend public meetings to stay informed and voice their opinions.
- Volunteer with North Brooklyn Neighbors to help with outreach and advocacy efforts.
- Support NBN through donations, which fund ongoing environmental and community health initiatives.
For more information and to get involved, visit the North Brooklyn Neighbors website.
Together, we can ensure that the NuHart State Superfund Site is cleaned up safely and responsibly, creating a healthier environment for all residents of North Brooklyn.