Senator Dilan Joins in Calls for Greater Oversight of North Brooklyn’s Toxic Sites
February 4, 2015
Neighbors Allied for Good Growth have started a petition asking city officials to develop a timely and thorough system of responding to, and reporting of, potential exposure to toxins in the event of a fire. On Saturday, January 31 a seven-alarm fire consumed a Williamsburg warehouse used for storing office supplies. Plumes of smoke drifted in-land affecting residents and homes as far as Cypress Hills, who complained of noxious odors and ill effects. As NAG points out, communities like Williamsburg and Greenpoint, are overburdened by toxic waste sites, including the Greenpoint oil spill and numerous state and federal Superfund sites.
“It’s no secret to people living in these communities the volume of, and their proximity to, toxic and hazardous sites. Many of these plots or buildings have been included in state or federal cleanup efforts, but until they are fully remediated they remain a danger, especially in the event of a fire or similar disaster. Immediate response and notification of any impending danger to first responders and nearby communities must be a priority,” said Senator Martin Malavé Dilan.
