Forum
« Mounting on Plaster Wall? Kingsview Coop + Ashland Place »
August 6, 2009
Toxicity Problems on Properties
How does one go about researching toxicity issues on properties in Brooklyn? I am considering property in Williamsburg and have checked out PropertyShark.com and have discovered that adjoining properties have toxic issues. The property I am considering buying does not, but is surrounded on 2 sides by issues.
PropertyShark does not explain what the toxic issues are. I can get the block and lot numbers of the affected lots. With that info, is there a website or agency that would give me specifics as to the toxicity? Is this something I should be concerned with in purchasing a house near these sites? Thanks.
Comments
It's highly doubtful that your lot would not have an issue if two adjoining lots have issues... These sorts of things tend to leech into the surrounding soil over time.
Posted by: SJ at August 6, 2009 12:58 PM
leach
Posted by: dittoburg at August 6, 2009 1:33 PM
lichee
Posted by: DitmasSnark at August 6, 2009 2:01 PM
itchy
Posted by: dittoburg at August 6, 2009 2:02 PM
I understand. How do I go about researching what kind of toxicity is present?
Posted by: tlocane at August 6, 2009 2:10 PM
You have to excuse the regulars... They're generally more interested in bsing around than actually being helpful.
Try http://maps.toxicstargeting.com/ or http://toxmap.nlm.nih.gov/toxmap/main/index.jsp or maybe contact the EPA or the NY Department of Environmental Conservation or NYPIRG.
Posted by: SJ at August 6, 2009 2:36 PM
very basic if you look at the property overview in propshark.com
They list whether toxic site or neighboring a toxic site.
Of course this doesn't say potential for finding toxicity.
Posted by: Petebklyn at August 6, 2009 3:02 PM
You could also check out http://habitatmap.org
or
The sites will also give you some community resources
Posted by: Brooklyn Red at August 6, 2009 3:08 PM
be careful -- purchasing a contaminated lot can make you responsible for the full cost of an environmental cleanup, even for off-site contamination. the real way to do this is to hire an environmental consultant or lawyer to do a proper due diligence. the above posters are right that if adjacent properties have issues, yours may too.
Posted by: bklynite at August 6, 2009 3:14 PM
I looked into buying a property in PA to put up a garage, not even a residence. i can't remember the issues but it was quite easy to speak with the local EPA officials. I remember that after speaking with them , they could not set my mind at ease for potential difficulties down the road that I, as the new owner of the property, might be liable for.
Posted by: daveinbedstuy at August 6, 2009 3:54 PM
Go to habitatmap.org
Posted by: GTRAIN at August 6, 2009 7:12 PM
go to maps
Posted by: GTRAIN at August 6, 2009 7:13 PM
I have read before that Brooklyn College will test soil for Lead and other heavy metals. Although I am not sure how to contact them...
Posted by: Gross at August 6, 2009 7:16 PM
You should not acquire property without doing a phase 1 environmental site assessment. Property uses have changed over the years and the current use may not provide any clues to potential environmental problems from the past. Dry cleaners, gas stations, old underground storage tanks can pose problems and they may not be apparent on public records.
Do not underestimate the potential for impacts from adjoining properties.
If you want some more background information, you can go to my website: www.environmental-law.net or look at the posts on my blog that appear at the EDR Commonground website.
Posted by: LSchnapf at August 7, 2009 11:24 AM
The NYSDEC does have a spills database and also listing of known contaminated sites on its website. However, because historical contamination is not necessarily required to be reported there can be contamination that occurred prior to the current environmental requirements that will not show up on these records. This is why it is important to do a phase 1 that thoroughly evaluates past uses of the site and adjacent properties
Posted by: LSchnapf at August 7, 2009 11:28 AM
Thanks all for your suggestions. I plan on following up with all the links you sent and check it out further.
Posted by: tlocane at August 8, 2009 5:19 PM
Post a comment
Please be patient while your comment is published. It may take a moment.