Comment submitted by M. Flaherty

for Site #EPA-HQ-SFUND-2009-0063, the Gowanus Canal in Brooklyn NY I live near this site and think it's time the federal government stepped in to clean up pervasive toxic sediments. Local developers are very powerful, and have raised a stink about hampering local cleanup efforts, but all these so-called cleanup efforts have done nothing to actually remediate the site. At best, cleanup efforts have been cosmetic and/or *made it easier for the public to have recreational access to the toxic site.* I should know, I met my husband at an earth day cleanup of trash in the Gowanus Canal. We were married on a bridge over the canal, and live 2 blocks away. There is no true local understanding of how toxic the sediments are and their impact upon local residents. I read the sampling report and am worried this will stay toxic for many years with no action. Please don't cave to local developers: the test results are clear. The Gowanus Canal is toxic, and needs to be cleaned up. I have attached my wedding picture, taken on the bridge over sampling site GC-03-26. Thank you for your time, Maureen Flaherty, Brooklyn New York