High Risk ⚠ Superfund / Contamination Site  ·  New York

Gowanus Canal Superfund Site NY

CRITICAL INFRASTRUCTURE RISK PROFILE  ·  NEW YORK

7 / 10
Risk Score
Facility Type
⚠ Superfund / Contamination Site
Primary Risk Radius
5
mile zone
Secondary Risk Radius
25
mile zone

// Risk Intelligence

Risk Score7 / 10   High
Facility Type⚠ Superfund / Contamination Site
Operator / BranchVarious / EPA
Host CountyKings County NY
Nearest CityWashington DC
Primary Risk Radius5 miles
Secondary Risk Radius25 miles

// Strategic Significance

The Gowanus Canal in Brooklyn is a heavily contaminated urban waterway with coal tar mercury and industrial solvents from over 150 years of manufacturing. The canal periodically overflows during storms flooding adjacent Brooklyn neighborhoods with contaminated water. Gentrification has brought thousands of new residents to the adjacent area.

// Civilian Impact Assessment

Brooklyn residents near the Gowanus Canal face periodic flooding with contaminated canal water during heavy rain events. The rapidly gentrifying neighborhood has brought thousands of new residents to the contaminated corridor.

// Evacuation & Shelter Guidance

Kings County residents near Gowanus should avoid contact with canal water during and after rain events. EPA coordinates cleanup with NYC DEP for CSO overflow reduction.

// Counties Within Risk Zone