-------
fill was added in the 1800s to expand the ground surface towards
the Gowanus Bay, since this area of Red Hook was originally a tidal
marsh.
CLEANUP PLANS
NYC Parks will clean up Ball Fields 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9 under EPA
oversight by first removing all park features such as fencing,
curbing and other structures, adding a layer of plastic sheeting then
covering it with one foot of clean soil over the entire area. The
baseball diamonds, grass cover, fencing, walkways, and associated
structures will then be reinstalled. Controls will be put in place to
make sure the public is not exposed to any contaminants during
construction. This cleanup method will permanently eliminate
public contact with contaminants by isolating them under the plastic
sheeting and one foot of clean soil. This will also serve to prevent
any future spread of contaminated soils from these ball fields. The
layer of clean soil will then be monitored and inspected over the
years.
NYC Parks is in the process of planning the renovation of Soccer
Fields 1, 2 and 6, including securing funding, setting a time frame
and choosing a method, which may include installation of artificial
turf. Any actions for the remaining areas of the park, including
Soccer Field 3 and Ball Fields 1 through 4, will be determined once
sampling results come back.
HOW WILL I GET UPDATES AND THE RESULTS OF THE
INVESTIGATION?
EPA and NYC Parks will provide updates on the status of the
additional sampling and cleanup efforts to the community in various
ways, including fact sheets, letters to park users, updates to the
website, and public information sessions where EPA and NYC
Parks will be available to present plans and answer questions. The
next public meeting will be held on July 22nd.
EPA also plans to establish an Information Repository at the Red
Hook Branch of the Brooklyn Public Library where the public can
review and copy records related to EPA's investigation and the
cleanup of Ball Fields 5 through 9.
SIMPLE STEPS TO REDUCE YOUR LEAD EXPOSURE
The following steps are recommended to reduce your potential exposure to lead contamination that
may be present in urban soils.
•	Remove shoes at the door before entering your home to prevent tracking in any dirt that may be
on your shoes. Clean the bottom of your shoes with a wet wipe or paper towel.
•	Wash your hands and face after visiting these ball fields and always before eating, drinking, or
smoking.
•	Avoid digging into or disturbing soil below the surface of the ball fields.
If you would like information
about the site please contact:
Natalie Loney
U.S. EPA
Community Involvement
Coordinator
(212) 637-3639
Toll Free: (800) 346-5009
lone v.natalie @ epa. gov
If you would like information
on other environmental
concerns or the Superfund
hazardous waste program
contact:
George Zachos
U.S. EPA
Regional Public Liaison
(732) 321-6621
Toll Free: (888) 283-7626
zachos. george @ epa. gov
Visit the EPA's website at:
www3 .epa. gov/re gion2/superfund/re
moval/columbia
www3.epa.gov/region2/superfund/removal/columbia
-------