Public Lab Research note


Forgotten stream hypothesis and proof of concept dye tracing in Gowanus Canal 5th Street basin

by liz , eymund | October 01, 2014 16:50 01 Oct 16:50 | #11222 | #11222

What I want to do

September 7, 2014

This note documents Eymund's work on making the groundwater--hypothesized to be Vechtes Brook--flowing out of the 5th Street basin landfill more visible. Already, its mineral content has created its mark on both sides:

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Here's the overview map created by @eymund explaining the greater significance of restoring this stream for reducing storm sewer overflows:

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A few general snapshots of this basin, first in summer showing leachate:

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the second in winter:

9_-_2014_4_January_view_of_of_Vechtes_Brook_melting_ice_under_3rd_Ave_Bridge_at_4th_Street_Gowanus_Canal_Basin_next_to_Whole_Foods_pic_by_Eymund_lowres.jpg

a third winter, showing how the back of the basin is melted--WHY?:

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Public Lab's winter aerial from 2011

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My attempt and results

Exhibit: red food dye

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Food dye poured into flowing groundwater:

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Eymund "caught red handed"

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Next Steps

This was the "wet" run for the balloon aerial mapping event on September 27th, look for that note as well, tagged "gowanus"

some adventuring required

2014_9_6_Gowanus_Canal_Vechtes_Brook_Shark_Pit_dye_dispersion_tests_IMG_0649.jpg


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