NOAA and our co-trustees are conducting a natural resource damage assessment of the site which is located on the border of the boroughs of Queens and Brooklyn in New York City and is a tributary to the East River, a tidal strait connecting Upper New York Bay to Long Island Sound. The area provides habitat for numerous species of fish and waterfowl as well as other water-dependent animals. Over 150 years of industrial use have resulted in substantial contamination and impairment of habitat related to releases of hazardous substances and oil. Fish and crab consumption advisories are in place, including a ban on eating fish and crabs by children and women of childbearing age and other recreational opportunities have also been negatively affected. The Trustees' assessment of the extent of any natural resource injuries is ongoing. Cleanup and restoration related to the site provides tremendous potential for benefits to fish, wildlife and the public.

For further information, contact Reyhan.Mehran@noaa.gov.

Return to OR&R Weekly Report.