NYC’s DEP completes excavation phase for underground tank to prevent sewage overflow into area canal

The New York City Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) announced the early completion of excavation for an 8-million-gallon underground tank that will intercept and store combined sewage that would otherwise overflow into the Gowanus Canal during rainstorms. DEP safely delivered this critical milestone six months ahead of schedule by implementing an accelerated construction plan in December 2024.

DEP broke ground on the project in March 2023 with an aggressive schedule agreed upon with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA), which has oversight of the project under the Superfund program. A second tank, located at the bend of the Gowanus Canal at 2nd Avenue and 5th Street, is also under construction. When the two tanks are completed, the canal will be cleaner and healthier, and the top of the tanks will be transformed to provide 3.6-acres of public waterfront open space for the community.

“I am thrilled that the New York City Department of Environmental Protection has completed this phase of the Combined Sewer Overflow Facilities Project for the Gowanus Canal ahead of schedule,” said Congressman Dan Goldman. “As we face more extreme weather events, it is crucial that we continue to prioritize the environmental protection of our communities. The CSO project currently under construction will play a vital role in safeguarding residents by managing sewage overflow. Those who reside near the Gowanus Canal deserve our unwavering commitment to improving the safety and health of their environment.”

“Corporations of the past treated the Gowanus Canal as a dumping ground and left New Yorkers with the bill. But today, we’re taking an important step toward charting a new future for this waterway and this neighborhood,” said State Senator Andrew Gounardes. “This important project will capture millions of gallons of sewage that would otherwise flow into the Canal during storms, keeping our neighborhood cleaner, safer and more resilient. Plus, the project will create new open space for neighbors and families to enjoy. This is how we create a greener, more livable Brooklyn.”

“The completion of the excavation of the tank site brings us one step closer to a cleaner and greener Gowanus,” said Gowanus Canal Conservancy Executive Director Andrea Parker.

The next major stage of work to construct the tank within the excavated area will begin this May and continue through Summer 2026.

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