According to the “Greenpoint Courier” newspaper, New York State will conduct a new study of the extent of the Greenpoint Oil Spill. The House of Representatives just passed an amendment, sponsored by Rep. Anthony Weiner, to a previous study of the spill done by the EPA. The original study was sponsored by Rep. Weiner and Rep. Nydia Velasquez. One of the terms of the new study the funding of a three-dimensional model of the oil spill. This depiction will take into account not only the size and shape of the spill in the groundwater, but also its effect on nearby soil, as well as to illustrate vapors in the air hovering above the spill.
While the 2007 study left many unanswered questions it did raise some new concerns, chiefly that the spill is actually much more extensive, and hence much worse, than previously thought. Now, experts fear the spill to be 30 million gallons, almost twice the original estimate of 17 million gallons. Furthermore, this study found the boundaries of the spill to stretch much farther than commonly thought. Officials and scientists hope that the 3-D model will provide a much more accurate picture of the spill, which will in turn allow investigators to target specific areas regarding health impacts on local residents.
To read the press release from Congresswoman Velasquez, click the link below:
http://www.newtowncreekalliance.org/42408nv.htm
