A superfund site is a location polluted with hazardous material, which is often visually dirty and contaminated. By contrast, the sounds of these locations can seem rather peaceful, beautiful, or serene.

In this episode, “Superfund Waterways,” Danielle Butler and N.D. Austin (co-founders of the Tideland Institute), and Jeremy S. Bloom (sound artist) tell a story about the New York Harbor, the possibilities of an NYC water-culture, and the extent to which soundscapes can alter our perception of environmental change. As part of this narrative, you will be able to hear excerpts from the collaborative project, The Soothing Sounds of the Superfund Sites—a three volume album that features recordings from six different superfund locations along New York City waterways. The tension between the soothing sound of a site, and the description of its hazardous material, creates an interesting dialogue between water and urban culture.

All proceeds from this episode will be donated to the Tideland Institute, a collective that connects New Yorkers to their harbor by building on-water opportunities for physical access, celebration, and creative engagement.