{"id":539,"date":"2024-08-08T17:31:43","date_gmt":"2024-08-08T14:31:43","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/nag-brooklyn.org\/?page_id=539"},"modified":"2024-08-08T17:31:45","modified_gmt":"2024-08-08T14:31:45","slug":"nuhart-state-superfund-site-organizing-for-a-safer-community","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"http:\/\/nag-brooklyn.org\/nuhart-state-superfund-site-process-community-organizing\/","title":{"rendered":"NuHart State Superfund Site: Organizing for a Safer Community"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

History and Background<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Community Involvement<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

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:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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  1. Awareness Campaigns<\/strong>: NBN conducted outreach to educate residents about the site’s history, the types of contaminants present, and the potential health risks associated with exposure.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  2. Public Meetings<\/strong>: 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.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  3. Advocacy for Safe Practices<\/strong>: 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.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

    Key Achievements<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    The persistent efforts of North Brooklyn Neighbors and the local community have led to several significant achievements:<\/p>\n\n\n\n