Gianaris calls on DEP to review sewage systems near waterways

State Senator Michael Gianaris released a statement asking the Department of Environmental Protection to launch a citywide review of sewage systems near waterways. This comes after the discovery that sewage from Astoria Park bathrooms has been flowing into the East River for more than 80 years.

“Untold environmental damage has been done to our waterways over several decades due to sewage pumping directly into our waters,” Gianaris said. “Now that this possibility has been discovered, it is critical we ensure similar situations do not exist elsewhere in the city.”

According to the statement, the sewage is coming from the Astoria Park pool and Charybdis Playground’s bathrooms. The playground’s restroom facilities are closed until 2019.