Read Up: Great Articles On Greenpoint Oil Spill
Although officials knew of the oil spill lurking underneath Brooklyn, N.Y. since 1950, little was done for almost three decades. But who spilled those millions of gallons of oil? After an investigation, it was determined that ExxonMobile was to blame, but they weren't quick to take accountability. In 2010, nearly 60 years after the spill's first reports, the oil company agreed to a settlement.
The following articles give some background on the spill's half-century battle.
***
By Daphne Eviatar, New York Magazine
Although described as an oil spill, the contents of the sludge is much more complicated -- gasoline, solvents, poisons and other products that leaked from above over decades. But who's sludge is it?
"A Spill Without A Splash: 17-Million Gallon 'Secret' In Greenpoint"
By Mark McIntyre, Newsday
Some may wonder how a spill millions of gallons in size would sit unnoticed for decades. This article explains how.
"Breathless In Brooklyn: Oil Spills In Our Backyard"
By Frank Koughan, Mother Jones
Not only was the Greenpoint disaster an ecological nightmare but a political one as well. Confused city officials seemed more comfortable pointing fingers than figuring out cleanup strategy.
"Suit Seeks Belated Cleanup Of A 57-Year-Old Oil Spill"
By Alan Feuer, New York Times
This article introduces the lawsuit against Exxon Mobil, the oil giant who acquired the Greenpoint mess. The article also offers quotes from Attorney General Andrew Cuomo.
"Newtown Creek/Greenpoint Oil Spill Study Brooklyn New York"
By the Environmental Protection Agency
For those interested in the findings of the EPA, this study examines the oil seepage, potential health risks and recommended fixes for the region.
