November 15, 2019

National Grid’s contractor, Posillico Environmental, is implementing bulkhead barrier wall construction at the Fulton former Manufactured Gas Plant (MGP) Site consistent with the EPA approved design.   This project consists of the replacement of approximately 880 linear feet of existing bulkheads along the eastern side of the Gowanus Canal from the canal’s head end (at Butler Street) to the Union Street Bridge.  This replacement wall will consist of steel sheet piling with an anchored support system which has been designed to serve as both an environmental barrier and support for the EPA’s planned canal dredging and capping remedy. Mobilization began on August 28, 2019 and barrier wall construction is expected to occur over an approximately 12-month period.  Community air monitoring and construction monitoring for vibration and movement is being performed throughout the project.

Ongoing Activities

  • Pre-clearing the bulkhead alignment of debris and potential obstructions to allow mobilization of equipment to the head end and facilitate construction of the barrier wall.  To date, all debris removed has been deemed to be not culturally significant and approved for off-site disposal by EPA.
  • Installation of the sound curtain between the 270 Nevins Street (Parcel I) building and the canal.
  • Air monitoring.
  • Movement and vibration monitoring at Parcels I, VI (242 Nevins Street), VII (234 Butler Street), and the head end of the canal.
  • Noise monitoring.
  • Delivery of certain construction materials.
  • Pre-condition surveys.

Upcoming Activities

The first step of constructing the barrier wall, pre-clearing the wall alignment of debris and other potential obstructions, is on-going.    These in-canal pre-clearing activities were initiated during the week of October 21, 2019 and will take approximately four months complete.

It is currently anticipated that construction of the sound curtain between the Parcel I building and the canal will be completed by the end of November 2019.

Community Air Monitoring Plan Summary

Air quality monitoring is being performed consistent with the Community Air Monitoring Plan (CAMP) for the Fulton Site using a MiniRAE 3000+ PID for volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and TSI Dust Trak DRX Dust Meter. No VOC or dust levels have been detected above Action levels during working hours to date. 



Installation of Sound Curtain at 270 Nevins Street (Parcel I).



Barrier Wall Pre-Clearing.