The Design Team and its contractors are currently engaged in several activities on the canal. These activities are part of their ongoing effort to further study the canal and develop the remedial design. Information gained from these studies will help the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Design Team develop and implement a lasting remedy for the canal.

1. Temporary Dock: We are installing a floating dock northeast of Huntington Street on the western bank of the canal. The dock will be used for smaller watercraft and light field work associated with pre-design and pilot study activities within the canal.
2. Groundwater Studies: We have been and will continue to collect data to better identify locations where groundwater is seeping into the canal from beneath its floor, referred to as

Groundwater Upwelling.

We will use probes to look for abnormal water temperatures in the Sediment of the canal. The specialized probes are able to gather samples and evaluate water as deep as 3’ beneath the canal bottom. Abnormal temperatures may indicate areas where groundwater is seeping into the canal. These findings will show specific locations where divers may continue to measure the rate of groundwater upwelling.

We will perform tests to evaluate sediments on the canal floor. The findings will show the rate at which water travels through the sediments. Automated sensors also will monitor water pressure at different depths beneath the canal to gauge the amount of groundwater being discharged into it.

Ongoing Work

1. Phase 1 Non-Aqueous Phase Liquid (NAPL) Mobility Pilot Investigation: This investigation will identify areas beneath the canal floor that have higher concentrations of Non-soluble liquids. We will use specialized tools to conduct this investigation near the Citizens former Manufactured Gas Plant property and NYC Asphalt Plant Site. Work will be conducted from a barge in the canal.
2. Bulkhead Pilot Study: In February, we began an investigation into the conditions of the bulkheads that line the canal. We are evaluating various testing methods to use in determining bulkhead stability.  This will be important during field work in the canal as well as during the remedy phase. This pilot study will take place at the Citizens MGP site.

Team traveling to the working barge in 7th Street Turning Basin.

The working barge prepares for NAPL screening in 7th Street Turning Basin.

Drilling near a bulkhead at the Citizens former Manufactured Gas Plant property.