Maloney Praises Inclusion of Meeker Avenue Plume to the National Priorities List of Superfund Sites

Statement

Today, Congresswoman Carolyn B. Maloney (D-NY) celebrated the inclusion of the Meeker Avenue Plume to the National Priorities List (NPL) of Superfund sites by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Cleaning up contaminated sites is important for the health, safety, and the revitalization of communities across the country, including in NY-12.

On October 21, 2021, Congresswoman Maloney submitted a comment to the EPA urging them to add the Meeker Avenue Plume to the NPL. The Meeker Avenue Plume refers to several plumes of chlorinated solvents in the soils and groundwater beneath Greenpoint and East Williamsburg. These plumes are the result of dry-cleaning and metalworking businesses dumping hazardous waste and engaging in irresponsible manufacturing practices for decades. The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has tested these sites and confirmed that the hazardous vapors from the plumes are intruding into residential properties in the area. Congresswoman Maloney also successfully advocated for nearby Newtown Creek to be designated a Superfund site, which was approved by the EPA in 2010. This cleared the way for the EPA to conduct a comprehensive evaluation of the creek and develop and implement a remediation plan.

"Having the Meeker Avenue Plume added to the National Priorities List of Superfund sites will enable the EPA to truly address legacy pollution and make federal cleanup funding available to protect New Yorkers," said Rep. Maloney. "The plumes at this site are the result of historic hazardous waste dumping and irresponsible manufacturing practices, creating a substantial threat to my constituents and their health. I want to thank the Biden-Harris Administration and the EPA for tackling these threats to human health and the environment. I'm grateful that New York can now get the help and support it needs to address these dangerous environmental effects once and for all."

The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law invests $3.5 billion in the Superfund Remedial Program and reinstates the Superfund chemical excise taxes, making it one of the largest investments in American history to address legacy pollution. This historic investment makes a dramatic difference in EPA's ability to tackle threats to human health and the environment. With this Superfund NPL update, the Biden-Harris Administration is following through on its commitment to update the NPL twice a year, as opposed to once per year.

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