• Began Cone Penetrometer Testing on Parcel II
About the Citizens former Manufactured Gas Plant Site

Gas used for cooking, lighting, heating and commercial purposes was manufactured at the Citizens Manufactured Gas Plant from the 1860’s to the early 1960’s.  The plant was built by the Citizens Gas Company, and sold to Brooklyn Union, a predecessor of National Grid, in 1895.  The plant used coal and petroleum products to create a flammable gas which was piped to users in the surrounding neighborhoods. The production and storage facilities were decommissioned and demolished in the early 1960’s, and Brooklyn Union sold the site in 1969, after which it had no control of anything that happened on the property. The by-products of gas production and storage that resulted from site operations will be addressed through a Remedial Plan being implemented by National Grid with the oversight of the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC).  Most of the site is owned by the City of New York, with the balance owned by private companies.  National Grid is responsible for the investigation and remediation of the site because it was operated by a predecessor company at the time the contamination occurred. 

This website provides information on the Citizens former MGP Site, the remediation projects and opportunities for public participation. National Grid is committed to the protection and enhancement of the environment, always seeking ways to minimize the environmental impacts of our past, present and future activities. We hope this website, a part of our public participation and outreach efforts, is helpful and informative. If you need additional information or have suggestions to make our website better, please contact the individuals listed under Contacts.

Weekly Update

National Grid will provide an activity update for neighbors of the Citizens former MGP site as developments related to the remediation of the site warrant. The update will describe the work that has been done, and provide an outlook and schedule for upcoming work, including information about any work that may impact normal community activities. The Report Archive section under the Key Documents tab of this website will include all of the Updates.

Update, January 23, 2012

The Remedial Design Pilot Study at the Citizens Site, as described below, is now planned for mid-2012, depending on permit approvals from the involved State and Federal agencies. No intrusive remedial work will be conducted until the Pilot Study has been completed and the Remedial Design submitted to and accepted by the NYSDEC.

Supplemental investigations required for developing underground remedial design solutions will be implemented at the Citizens Site in the first quarter of 2012. These findings will be used as appropriate in the development of a revised excavation program. On Parcel I (the vacant lot that formerly housed the majority of the former MGP) pilot wells will be installed below the elevation of the former holders. Where appropriate, the wells will later be converted to long-term recovery wells. Other recovery techniques may be evaluated. A work plan is in final development for review and approval by the NYSDEC.

The Remedial Design pilot study field testing is planned for mid-2012. This will include:

  1. Investigation of the bulkhead structures on Parcel II (the location of the active concrete plant) between the existing cribbing supports and the dock structures.
  2. Investigation of the anchorage and depth of the existing bulkhead sheet pile wall on Parcel III, which is the former distribution warehouse, near the end of Huntington Street.
  3. Investigation of the condition of the Bond-Lorraine Street Sewer that runs across the site between Bond Street and Smith (at Huntington St)
  4. Investigation of subsurface conditions for the installation of sheet piles along the bulkhead on Parcel II.
  5. Installation of barrier wall elements on Parcel III to evaluate sheet pile interlock seal configurations.
  6. Evaluation of sheet pile grouting alternatives.

Within the Off-Site Area, investigations will focus on the areas north, east and south of the Site.

National Grid is committed to protecting the public, our workers and contractors, and the environment from potential hazards associated with cleanup activities. Public safety is managed with oversight from the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) and the New York State Department of Health. Every investigation and remedial measure is conducted under a Health and Safety Plan approved by the NYSDEC and the NYSDOH. For more information about the Pilot Studies click here or go to Key Documents/Major Reports and click on the link to the Citizens Pilot Study Work Plan.