newtown creek is one of the lovliest little spots you can find in greenpoint brooklyn. located in the greenpoint riviera, it is the home to the largest oil spill in u.s. history. yes, bigger than that of the exxon valdez:

Government officials detected the Newtown Creek/Greenpoint oil spill in 1978 and estimated that the some 17 million gallons of petroleum covered more than 50 acres of underground area. Free product exists in large amounts on the water table between Monitor Street and Kingsland Avenue, and extends southeast near the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway. Residual petroleum contamination exists in local groundwater, native soil and fill materials. About half of the spilled oil has been recovered by several oil companies.

(via epa.gov)

on view from this nature walk is the greenpoint sewage treatment plant which actually is kind of cool, however, the views aren't this good. all in all, the walkway isn't terribly impressive, i believe odd would be a better word. nature? there are some plants that look ill-tended. lots of areas to sit, however, not much shade on a hot sunny day, so you get a generic waste treatment building. in the end, probably a better place to photograph than to draw.

- recent newtown creek coversage: new york times
- newtown creek alliance

Labels: buildings, newtown creek nature walk, sketchbook, watercolor