The NYS Department of Environmental Conservation responds to Senator Montgomery's call for an investigation of the environmental conditions surrounding 280 Richard Streets in Red Hook

On April 2, 2018, Senator Velmanette Montgomery wrote to Commissioner Basil Seggos of the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and Commissioner Vincent Sapienza. P.E. of the New York City Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to request an investigation into the environmental conditions at 280 Richards Street in Red Hook and the potential toxicity of the large dirt mounds at the site.

On May 9th, Senator Montgomery received a response from Commissioner Seggos of the NYS DEC which noted:

Thank you for your letter regarding the environmental conditions at 280 Richard Street in Red Hook.

DECs office of General Counsel nearing the stage of the enforcement process to resolve this matter. The Consent Order that has been issued includes provisions ensure that the Respondent employs and maintains erosion controls, dust controls and best management practices. 

Specifically, DEC requiring that stockpiled material immediately contained fencing and hay bales for soil stabilization and tackifier be applied for dust control. These measures help prevent material from entering the waterway as as make certain that the storage and handling of the material not negatively impact the surrounding area. 

Senator Montgomery has yet to receive from the NYC DEP in response to her letter.

To read Senator Montgomery's letter and NYS DEC's response, download the PDFs.

To learn more about Senator Montgomery's work on this issue, visit https://www.nysenate.gov/newsroom/articles/velmanette-montgomery/senator-montgomery-calls-nys-department-environmental

To learn more about this issue, visit:

https://bklyner.com/neighbors-want-red-hoek-point-developer-address-environmental-concerns/

https://bklyner.com/cb6-holds-approving-thors-revised-red-hoek-point-plans-neighborhood-concerns-addressed/