http://cityroom.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/02/23/under-the-gowanus-canal-flushing-out-the-stench/

Saw this on the NY Times website this morning. It looks like NYC is making efforts to reduce the stench in the Gowanus Canal. The are repairing/improving the tunnel system that is supposed to flush out the canal. If you recall, Royte's book opened with her paddling down the canal, commenting on it's disgusting appearance and smell. Hopefully the improvements will help. Goals include raising oxygen level in the water, reducing the toxic gasses and reducing the smell.