Water Contamination Discussion in Greenpoint

Greenpoint aeration

Greenpoint residents and activists are having serious doubts about the new proposed aeration system for the city. The Department of Environmental Protection officials are trying to install a new $115-million system that will pump oxygen into the Greenpoint sludge way so the creek can meet state and federal water quality standards. But several fear the plan will dispense foul sewage fumes into the air.

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Neighborhood Heroes: Willis Elkins

Willis Elkins

The thought of tackling large-scale environmental issues can be daunting. You’re not alone. Sometimes, as it turns out, the best way to get started is in your own neighborhood. Meet Willis Elkins, the program manager at Newtown Creek Alliance (NCA). In green circles, he is the man to know when it comes to environmental efforts here in the North Brooklyn area. We had the chance to sit down with Willis over coffee a few days ago to learn more about what drives him to help Greenpoint.
Willis is tall, sports a well groomed beard, and has an unassuming demeanor. But get him talking about his work with NCA and it’s easy to understand how so much progress has been made with him at the helm of most of NCA’s cleanup programs. AND he’s active in the art community. But more on that later.

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