NEW YORK, NY August 26, 2008 —Newtown Creek, which separates Brooklyn and Queens, may become a federal Superfund site. That's according to Congress members Nydia Velazquez and Anthony Weiner.

In response to pressure from the two legislators, the Environmental Protection Agency has agreed to test Newtown Creek to see if its pollutants are a threat to surrounding communities. A Superfund designation would mean federal funds could be used for clean up efforts, and companies responsible for the contamination could be penalized.

Last year, State Attorney General Andrew Cuomo sued ExxonMobil, seeking restitution for a massive oil spill that contaminated Newtown Creek starting in the 1950s. That suit is ongoing.