Senator Montgomery Urges New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Basil Seggos to Reclassify the Gowanus Canal

Dear Commissioner Seggos.

I am writing in support of the Gowanus Canal Community Advisory Group’s (CAG) petition to the New York State Department of Environment Conservation (DEC) to reclassify the waters of the Gowanus Canal. north of Hamilton Avenue. from their current industrial classification of Class-SD
to Class—I.

This classification will be more consistent with existing and future use of the waterway serving Gowanus and its surrounding communities.
I support the CAG’s request that the Gowanus Canal be given a waler classification that is more reflective of the ongoing investments to improve the quality of the water, including the federally mandated Superfind cleanup and recent and proposed infrastructure investments. The new classification would be protective of its current recreational uses, which include primary and secondary contact.

To read the full Letter to Commissioner Seggos, Click here.