LAST GASP: Newtown Creek Oil Watch

The Seine of north Brooklyn was particularly repulsive today. And Laura Hofmann and Christine Holowicz (who shot the above video footage) tendered the bad news to the DEC hotline. Laura has assured me that she has never before received the rude treatment she got today by the operator. The first (and last time) I called the DEP I faced an inquisition.

How do you know it is oil?

I was asked, among similar crass questions. I grew up with gearheads. In my car-owning days I never once had to pay for an oil change— a six pack of beer sufficed. I live in Greenpoint. I know petroleum when I see (or smell) it.

Regardless of what this is, it is GROSS.

Miss Heather

P.S.: On that note, here’s more reading about the Newtown Creek Experience from north Brooklyn’s very own Aaron Short.