During my visit to the Gowanus Canal in Brooklyn, I have seen the polluted canal, observed the neighborhood and learned about its history and the future solutions from our leader. The reason why the canal is greatly polluted is because of the industrial pollution from factories that dumped their wastes in its waters. Also, the sewage entered the Gowanus Canal and other contaminants. This led this Canal to be the most polluted waterway in North America. Fortunately, a non-profit campaign, the Gowanus Canal Conservancy was created to help clean and revive the Gowanus Canal with the help of so many volunteers. Finally, to restore the canal is to revive the environment by creating and implementing efficient practices held by the campaign.

In response to student inquiries, the link here is provided here for more information.

http://www.nycservice.org/initiatives/index.php?bitinitiative_id=3

Francisco Diaz

Pro: Sean MacDonald

Econ 2505

The Gowanus canal conservancy

After taking a field trip to the gowanus canal, I would say that I was impressed by its long history and its surrounding. The canal was constructed in the 1800; s. the very long canal is located around businesses, residential buildings, industries, and homes. I did not have any knowledge of the existence of the canal, but thanks to this tour I was able to learn about its history. The Gowanus canal has been polluted for decades; by businesses, factories, coal companies and run-off water. Uncontrolled dumping from humans; and these businesses led to the contamination of the canal. The dumping of all kinds of waste into the water, not only contaminated the water but also the land. The overflow of water also plays a big role in polluting the canal. Thanks to the technology, they are trying to come up with new tactics to improve the condition of the canal conservancy. In my opinion, I think that by improving the condition of the canal; not only will benefit the community but also the environment and ecosystem as well. They have implemented a few methods to try to maintain the canal cleaner. One of those methods is by placing a few bio-swales plants around the neighborhood. Another method is by going green, and maintaining a friendlier environment. The supermarket around the corner has implemented energy saving technology; such as wind farms and solar panels and a greenhouse atop the supermarket. I also overheard the tour guide, saying that there are certain rules for constructing around the canal. They have to move certain distance away from the canal when constructing new projects or residential buildings.  Unlike decades ago; now businesses and factories are more aware of the danger of polluting the Canal. Contaminating the canal not only creates a threat to the canal; but also to the environment and the community as well. It can definitely bring health issues, to the people living nearby the canal.  The main goal is to maintain the canal clean and free polluted. I have to say that I really enjoyed the trip there and the tour as well. I learned things that I did not know about the canal, and also about the neighborhood.

GCC Findings

The most important finding for me was the extensive pollution the canal has faced. From late 1800’s when a coal burning factory (supplying the MTA) dumping their garbage, the sewage waste entering the canal to the cement factory (until recently) washing their trucks and having the run-off water enter the canal. A continuous pollution of the area will take years and years to restore a clean and safe environment for the people leaving in the area.

A second unexpected finding was the rezoning of the surrounding area. Allowing a zoning change from commercial to residential is a testament to the gentrification of Brooklyn. Allowing a low-income housing building to be erected “40 feet” from the canal was very surprising. Seeing the advertisement on the gate surrounding the construction site depicted the canal water as a serene “tropical” looking color, when the reality is that the contamination will remain in the soil for many years to come.

My last important finding was the extent Whole Foods has gone to be the most environment conscious company in the area of GCC. Their combination of solar energy, wind turbines, a greenhouse atop the store and their continuous commitment to the community has made their store “The greenest supermarket in NY State”.  The use of permeable pavement was also an important step in assisting with the prevention of run-off water entering the canal. These findings have taken an interest to me as how to implement them my QueensWay project proposal.

Gowanus Canal Conservatory Site Visit

I had no previous knowledge of the severity the Gowanus Canal is facing.  Taking this tour and learning of its past history has empowered me to realize the many issues the canal presents to the surrounding community. The canal has been polluted for over 150 years by the various surrounding businesses and run-off water. Having the tour guide explain that the ground itself is polluted over 5 feet under, I can’t imagine how such a clan u can be reached to one day have clean (safe) water.

The pollution came from run-off water and multiple businesses such as: a coal company, a cement, human waste and uncontrolled dumping. The EPA has called the site a Superfund and has allocated over $500 million dollars for its cleanup. The Gowanus Canal Conservatory is assisting in transforming the surrounding street along the canal to prevent run-off water to enter the canal by planting green spaces, trees and plants. The Whole Foods store has implemented various energy saving technologies; such as solar panels, wind farms and a greenhouse atop the store. Rezoning has allowed new building developments along the canal and surrounding businesses are more conscious of their impact; such as the cement company not washing their trucks on premises so the runoff water does not enter the canal.

Please read the following article for Monday March 9. A second article will be added to the assigned readings by the weekend.

A Vision faces and Environmental Test

Environmental Econ Presentation_PHer

For those who have signed up for the tour on Monday, March 2, we will be meeting at the site (see map below).

Please see below for directions from CityTech to the site. The tour begins at 12:00 and runs until 1:30. You will have plenty of time to return to campus in time for later classes.

We will meet at the Union St. bridge between Nevins and Bond St. The closest train stop is the R at Union St/4th Ave or the F/G at Carroll and Smith St, both marked on the map below.

To prepare for this tour:

1) Prepare a list of questions to ask to obtain more information about the site and the tour (for example; What is the history of the Gowanus Canal? How/why did it become polluted? What work is the Conservancy doing? How has the local community been impacted by the site over time? Think of questions that the tour raises for you.

2) Document your findings; take photographs; notes, etc. or obtain quotes from tour leader.

3) Post photos; summary of key information on Open Lab.

Gowanus Canal Conservancy – map

Answer to Q1:  More business investment, government spending and more exports will not be able to increase fast enough or could lead to overpass consumer spending, which constitutes the largest part of the economy.

Answer to Q2:

US had a 70% consumer expenditures of the GDP in comparison of Canada’s 56.4%
US investment was lower by almost 3% in comparison to Canada
US net exports were -4.5% for the 10 years and close to 7% lower than Canada
US government expenditures were close to 4% lower than Canada

Overall US was lacking in 3 out of 4 sectors to Canada, only showing bigger Consumer expenditures.

1. Economic policy on reducing carbon emissions_wk2

2. Environmental Econ Presentation 2015

3. Sustainable-agriculture-and-climate-change_03-15-2015

4. Module 1_Emissions policy and remote sensing_04-12-2015

5. Sustainable-agriculture-and-climate-change_03-15-2015

6. Week 11_green jobs growth projections

7. Env economics_Sp 2015-1_Mincyte