Enforcement – Eyes on the Creek

Historically, Newtown Creek has been plagued by neglect, illegal dumping and lax enforcement of environmental protection laws. Although active pollution of the Creek has been reduced over the past 20 years, there are still multiple illegal sources of pollution entering the waterway. Following the lead of our partners at Riverkeeper, the Newtown Creek Alliance works to patrol and monitor the Creek and surrounding watershed to prevent contamination. To date we have worked closely with federal, state and local agencies to remedy violations such as: dumping of petroleum products, dumping of industrial waste water, migration of contaminants from shoreline properties into the Creek, derelict vessels, lack of proper storm water permitting, debris dumping and more.

We can use your help to spot sources of pollution along the Creek. The more that local residents, employees and Creek users are able to keep an eye out for illegal activities the cleaner the Creek will be. Here are ways your ‘Eyes on the Creek’ can help:

  1. Send reports, including photos and videos if possible, of dry weather discharges (see example here), dumping into street side storm drains, excessive marine debris or other environmentally harmful activities to NCA, Riverkeeper or NYS Dept. of Environmental Conservation.
  2. Report Oil Spills directly to the NYS Dept. of Environmental Conservation hotline: 1- 800-457-7362