EPA’s Investigation Results
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has finished testing soil found during National Grid’s cleanup at a former manufactured gas plant site at 222, 252, and 254 Maspeth Avenue in Brooklyn, New York, for elevated levels of radiation.
EPA’s investigation found that there is radiological contamination in the soil that could potentially impact people working outdoors on the property. Soil sampling results indicate that this radiological contamination has not migrated to other properties and therefore, in its current condition, does not present a risk to surrounding businesses or residences.
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, or NYSDEC, is currently overseeing the cleanup of coal tar contamination at the 222 Maspeth Avenue property and there is no ongoing exposure to outdoor workers due to the cleanup. NYSDEC will ensure that the radiological contamination is addressed as part of their ongoing cleanup of coal tar contamination.
If you have any additional questions or concerns about the site going forward, please reach out to the NYSDEC project manager Marnie DeLuke at 518-402-3262. Project related health questions may be directed to the New York State Department of Health project manager Johnathan Robinson at 518-402-7881.
Background
In January 2025, at the request of the NYSDEC, EPA took samples from the 222, 252, and 254 Maspeth Avenue properties, which make up the Brooklyn Union Gas-Equity Works Site. EPA’s investigation found that the only property with radiological contamination at levels that pose a potential threat to people’s health and the environment is the 222 Maspeth Avenue property.
Site History
From the late 1890s to late 1920s, Brooklyn Union Gas operated a gas manufacturing facility on the property. The facility produced gas which was piped to surrounding neighborhoods and used for cooking, lighting, heating, and commercial purposes. National Grid is currently cleaning up contamination from coal tar waste; a type of contamination found at many gas manufacturing sites.
In late December of 2023, National Grid learned that soil removed from 222 Maspeth Avenue contained elevated levels of radiation. National Grid stopped their cleanup activities in the areas where elevated radiation was present. After investigating the cleanup area, under NYSDEC supervision, National Grid continued to complete cleanup activities in areas without elevated radiation. National Grid stopped cleanup activities in September 2024 so NYSDEC could coordinate with EPA to investigate the areas with elevated levels of radiation.
Additional Resources
Coal Tar: www.atsdr.cdc.gov/toxfaqs/tfacts85.pdf
Radiation: www.epa.gov/radiation/radiation-basics
Radon: http://www.epa.gov/radon
NYSDEC Gas Manufacturing Facility Cleanup Program: https://dec.ny.gov/environmental-protection/site-cleanup/brownfields-state-superfund-programs/manufactured-gas-plants/mgp-program
