brownfield news

Brownfield News in the Rochester Area:

ATTORNEY GENERAL CUOMO SUES TO HOLD JUNKYARD OWNERS ACCOUNTABLE FOR YEARS OF ENVIRONMENTAL DAMAGE Lawsuit Seeks Immediate End to Pollution at the Site, Comprehensive Environmental Cleanup, and Substantial Financial Penalties ALBANY, N.Y. (July 21, 2008) – Attorney General Andrew M. Cuomo today announced he is suing the owners of a Washington County junkyard for years of environmental damage caused by allowing toxic chemicals to contaminate the air and nearby groundwater. (July 21) Office of New York State Attorney General Andrew M Cuomo
Victor votes to adopt committee's recommendations for contaminated area | democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle VICTOR — Recommendations proposed by a citizens' advisory committee to help homeowners in an area of contaminated groundwater were adopted Monday night by the Victor Town Board. (July 15, 08) Democrat and Chronicle | Rochester news, community, entertainment, yellow pages and classifieds. Serving Rochester, New York
Brownfields legislation receives final passage ALBANY – While citing some reservations that the measure does not go far enough, Senate Democrats are hailing the final passage of new Brownfields legislation. The reforms adopted in the unanimously passed measure go a long way towards helping to stimulate the upstate economy, clean up the environment and assist developers with tax credits to encourage new building on sites once thought to be vast wastelands. (June 27, 08) New York State News on the Net!
DiNapoli Releases Brownfields Report Tax Credits Only Part of the Solution State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli today released a report on New York State’s Brownfields Cleanup Program (BCP). DiNapoli’s report found that while the State has had moderate success cleaning up former industrial sites the State needs to consider refining the tax credit incentives for brownfield clean up and broadening the scope of its policies. --Get the Report: Overview of the New York State Brownfields Cleanup Program June 2008 --from New York State Office of the State Comptroller
Brownfield tax break criticized -- Page 1 -- Times Union - Albany NY ALBANY -- State Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Pete Grannis on Monday fired a rhetorical shot at big developers who have reaped hundreds of millions of dollars under a state tax program aimed at cleaning and rebuilding on polluted land. ( June 10, 08) Albany NY News - Times Union - Serving Albany, Saratoga, Schenectady, Troy
Advocates push for revamped brownfields law in New York state | democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle ALBANY — Environmental officials and advocates said Monday that lawmakers should not go home this month without overhauling New York state's brownfields program, which is widely considered dysfunctional because some developers have received millions of dollars in tax credits while thousands of contaminated sites remain untouched. (June 10, 08) democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle | Rochester news, community, entertainment, yellow pages and classifieds. Serving Rochester, New York
Beef up state lead law | democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle In Monroe County last year, 426 kids were lead-poisoned. That number — down from 1,234 in 2002 — represents a small victory. And while Rochester, with its 2-year-old lead abatement law, is doing much better than other areas around the state, it's no time for celebration. Truth be told, it took Rochester far too long to get to where it is today. Even the law currently in place was met initially with opposition. (April 28, 08) democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle | Rochester news, community, entertainment, yellow pages and classifieds. Serving Rochester, New York
Brownfields cleanup reform urged | democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle State programs to clean up and redevelop old gas stations and manufacturing and dry-cleaning properties might be working in New York City and other metro areas downstate. But local officials said Monday that the current brownfields programs and incentives have failed to deliver the economic development boost needed upstate. (April 29, 08) democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle | Rochester news, community, entertainment, yellow pages and classifieds. Serving Rochester, New York
Yonkers, Rochester clash over brownfield program | lohud.com | The Journal News The mayors of Yonkers and Rochester find themselves poles apart over how to clean up contaminated former industrial sites known as "brownfields." The debate will resume next week at the Capitol. Yonkers Mayor Philip Amicone wants to keep the current program, which has committed hundreds of millions of dollars to only a few developers in the past few years. But Rochester Mayor Robert Duffy backs a proposal by Gov. David Paterson to cap the amount that can be awarded to a developer so that more sites can be cleaned up with existing state funds. (April 13, 08) lohud.com | The Journal News | Westchester, Rockland and Putnam Counties news, community, entertainment, yellow pages and classifieds. Serving Westchester, Rockland and Putnam Counties, New York
Officials detail cleanup of toxic solvent in Farmington | democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle FARMINGTON— State Department of Environmental Conservation officials outlined Wednesday night how a Syracuse-based firm that specializes in cleaning up brownfields wants to break down remnants of the toxic solvent trichloroethene at a site along Route 96. Almost three quarters of a ton of trichloroethene, or TCE, had been dumped on the property of Griffin Technology more than two decades ago and, according to the DEC, the contamination levels in groundwater are as much as 400 times acceptable levels. (March 27, 08) Democrat & Chronicle
Third toxic site found in Brighton - Rochester, NY - MPNnow A third toxic site in Brighton has been found by the state Department of Environmental Conservation. The DEC recently announced that 235 Metro Park — which is sandwiched between East and West Henrietta roads and Brighton-Henrietta Town Line Road to the south —tested positive for traces of tetrachloroethene (PCE) and trichloroethene (TCE). (March 24, 08) Homepage - Rochester, NY - MPNnow
Farmington site to be tested for toxic vapors | democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle FARMINGTON — Tests for vapors contaminated with the toxic solvent trichloroethene will be taken on the property of Wade's Market Center this spring. The tests will determine whether there is a need to take air samples inside the grocery, said Todd Caffoe, an environmental engineer with the regional office of the state Department of Environmental Conservation. (March 22, 08) Democrat & Chronicle
Site's cleanup draws little interest | democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle Barring a flood of public comments, state environmental officials could decide early next month on a cleanup option for a site in northeast Rochester where soil and groundwater are contaminated with toxic solvents. (March 12, 08) Democrat & Chronicle
Budget Bill Brownfields Proposal - NYS Dept. of Environmental Conservation The Brownfield Cleanup Program (BCP) was established in 2003 to provide incentives for the cleanup of brownfield sites. Since that time, a number of unintended consequences and issues have been identified. This proposal is designed to correct a number of problems in the way the tax credits are awarded under the BCP, in order to: Promote more and better cleanups Reward sound development Foster urban revitalization Target limited state resources more effectively --from New York State Department of Environmental Conservation
Third toxic site uncovered, in Brighton - Even as state environmental officials are publicizing cleanup plans for two Rochester-area toxic dump sites, another local contamination site has been placed on the to-do list. The new site, off Brighton-Henrietta Town Line Road, is a commercial property where the once-ubiquitous industrial solvent trichloroethene, or TCE, was used — and apparently spilled. Groundwater near the building at 235 Metro Park in Brighton contains relatively high concentrations of TCE, as well as other solvents. (March 13, 08) Democrat & Chronicle
EPA Annual Toxics Report Shows Decrease in Chemicals Released From Facilities in New York State | Newsroom | US EPA (New York, N.Y.) The latest Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) data continues to show a general downward trend for chemical releases by facilities in New York State, according to the annual TRI report issued today by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) in record time. Total releases to air, water and land by industry in the state decreased by more than 10% between 2005 and 2006, from 32.9 million pounds to 29.1 million. “TRI is an important tool for regulators, emergency responders, businesses and communities because it helps them better understand and be aware of the types and amounts of chemicals being released in their neighborhoods,” said Alan J. Steinberg, EPA Regional Administrator. “It also serves to encourage industries to improve their processes and reduce the amounts of chemicals released – leading to this reduction in the amounts released into New York’s environment.” --from U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Cleanup could be near for old refinery land — On the west bank of the Genesee River, halfway between Corn Hill Landing and Brooks Landing, lies nearly 60 acres of prime land. More than a mile of the waterfront is city owned. The rest is a mix of state and private property. At the heart of the site, in the area of Flint and Exchange streets, is the former Vacuum Oil Co. refinery. And nearly all of that land is potentially or documented to be toxic. (February 21, 2008) Democrat & Chronicle
DEC chief pushes for cleanup of tax credits — Stumping in Rochester for proposed changes to the state brownfields cleanup program, New York's environmental commissioner said Wednesday the new program would be a boon for upstate cities.(February 14, 2008) Democrat & Chronicle
ENVIRONMENT: Troubled Brockport properties get county assist - News & Opinion - Rochester City Newspaper The 28-acre property is an inactive hazardous-waste site. Contaminants found in soils, storm sewers, and stream sediments include cyanide, heavy metals, and solvents. Much cleanup work has been done, but environmental questions still surround the property. (Jan 30, 08) Rochester City Newspaper
ATTORNEY GENERAL CUOMO ANNOUNCES $1.6 MILLION SETTLEMENT WITH POLLUTERS OF ROCHESTER HAZARDOUS WASTE SITE Bausch & Lomb, DuPont, Eastman Kodak, Xerox, and Others Required to Reimburse the State for Cleanup Costs ROCHESTER, NY (January 16, 2008) – Attorney General Andrew M. Cuomo today announced a settlement with eight private and public entities requiring them to reimburse the State of New York nearly $1.6 million for costs from the cleanup of the Rochester Fire Academy, a hazardous waste site in Monroe County. The eight entities, including Bausch & Lomb, DuPont, Eastman Kodak, and Xerox, disposed of hazardous waste at the site from 1954 to 1980. (Jan 16, 07) Office of New York State Attorney General Andrew M Cuomo
A Coalition Seeks Toxic Chem Ruling - A statewide coalition is pushing for stronger regulations on a toxic chemical. The chemical is called trichloroethylene or TCE. It’s a problem residents in one Victor neighborhood are dealing with after the chemical was found in groundwater. The DEC thinks it seeped into the ground from a mining operation on Malone Road. (Dec 30, 07) R News: As It Happens, Where It Happens
Lighthouse Point project wins court case with DEC— IRONDEQUOIT— The State Supreme Court has ruled that the state Department of Environmental Conservation was wrong to exclude the proposed Lighthouse Pointe development from the State Brownfield Cleanup Program. Lighthouse Pointe Property Associates LLC aims to build upscale condos, townhouses, restaurants and a promenade on the site of a former city dump bordering the Genesee River on the eastern side of the Col. Patrick O'Rorke Bridge in Irondequoit. The project is expected to cost about $200 million. (December 25, 2007) Democrat & Chronicle
DEC testing in Victor called inadequate — State environmental workers returned to a section of western Victor on Tuesday to begin a new round of tests for the presence of intruding toxic vapors. But their work plan has been scaled back — and that decision, like others, doesn't sit well with some residents. A pocket of the Ontario County town has been in the spotlight much of this year because of groundwater contamination that was first uncovered in 1990. State officials spent years tracing the source of industrial solvents in the groundwater and testing residential drinking-water wells for the chemicals' presence. (December 17, 2007) Democrat & Chronicle
Environmental backlog/Day 2: Change at DEC frustratingly slow — Like many other interest groups in New York state, environmental advocates were keenly optimistic that Gov. Eliot Spitzer would push new initiatives and complete tasks that his predecessor, George Pataki, had left undone. "We entered this year with high expectations," said Laura Haight, senior environmental associate for New York Public Interest Research Group. (December 17, 2007) Democrat & Chronicle
Vapor intrusion may be crucial test for DEC — By some accounts, New York is at the cutting edge on a hot-button environmental concern. Others say the state was tardy and has years of work to do. At issue is vapor intrusion, a phenomenon in which chemical vapors can rise from underground contamination and accumulate in buildings, putting occupants at risk. (December 16, 2007) (December 16, 2007) Democrat & Chronicle
DEC scrambles to catch up on environmental projects — The agency charged with protecting New York's environment, weakened by years of deep staff cuts, faces a mountain of environmental work left undone. Despite burgeoning public interest in "green" issues, major programs to reduce air pollution are not fully implemented. Hundreds of water pollution permits are out of date. Dam inspections have been called inadequate. Hundreds of old toxic dump sites have not been cleaned up. And cleanup regulations have been weakened. (December 16, 2007) Democrat & Chronicle
States join lawsuit against EPA -C ase fights loosening of rules over reporting, tracking of toxic chemicals — New York joined a coalition with 11 other states Wednesday in suing the federal government to force stricter reporting and tracking of commercial use and storage of toxic chemicals. In a lawsuit filed in federal court in Manhattan, the states are seeking a reversal of a move last year by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency that relaxed the requirements for companies to report toxic chemicals they use. (November 29, 2007) Democrat & Chronicle
DEC shows Victor citizens options cleaning up contaminated groundwater — Three interim cleanup options for contaminated groundwater in a part of western Victor were outlined Wednesday for citizens who trickled into public sessions held by state officials. State environmental officials will select one of the options, all of which would cost more than $1 million to implement, early next year. If all went as planned, actual cleanup work could begin in mid- to late 2008, said Jason Pelton, state Department of Environmental Conservation project manager for the Victor site. (November 29, 2007) Democrat & Chronicle
ATTORNEY GENERAL CUOMO SUES EPA FOR DENYING THE PUBLIC ACCESS TO INFORMATION ON TOXIC CHEMICALS IN THEIR NEIGHBORHOODS - Cuomo Leads Coalition of 12 States to Overturn EPA’s New Restrictions ~ Lack of Transparency Increases Risk to Workers, Community Members, and the Environment - NEW YORK, NY (November 28, 2007) - Attorney General Andrew M. Cuomo today announced that New York and eleven other states are suing the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) over new regulations denying the public access to information about toxic chemicals in their communities. -The EPA will allow thousands of companies to avoid disclosing information to the public about the toxic chemicals they use, store, and release into the environment by rolling back chemical reporting requirements. The suit seeks to overturn the weakened reporting requirements and provide the public with the access they had in the past. (Nov 28, 07) Office of New York State Attorney General Andrew M Cuomo
Victor contamination prompts possible health study — The state Department of Health has called a meeting for Nov. 5 to discuss the possibility of a contamination-related health study of Victor village residents. (October 26, 2007) Democrat & Chronicle
Rochester to receive state brownfields grant - Rochester – The city is going to receive a nearly $3.4 million state Environmental Conservation Department grant for remediation of environmental contamination at 1000 Driving Park Avenue. (October 10, 07) New York State News on the Net!
DEC hires outside experts in Victor toxin case - Rochester, NY - MPNnow Victor, N.Y. - The state Department of Environmental Conservation has contracted with Malcolm Pirnie, a national consortium of independent environmental engineers, scientists and consultants, in its investigation of underground contamination in the western part of town. (October 10, 07) Homepage - Rochester, NY - MPNnow
DEC Shuts Down Victor Mine - A big development in Victor's water contamination woes. The state shut down a mine and gravel operation in the town suspected of being the source of the problem. (October 4, 2007) R News: As It Happens, Where It Happens
ROCHESTER SELECTED TO RECEIVE BROWNFIELD GRANTS FROM NYSDEC Mayor Robert J. Duffy announced today that the City will receive nearly $3.4 million from the N.Y. State Dept. of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) for remediation of environmental contamination at 1000 Driving Pk. Ave. The Environmental Restoration Program (ERP) grant is one of the largest environmental cleanup grants awarded to the City in the last 20 years. (October 6, 2005) Welcome to the City of Rochester
Victor cleanup on the horizon - Mystery of plume lessens, but grievances linger — State investigators still don't know who dumped toxic solvents near a gravel mine in Victor decades ago, causing a contamination problem that haunts part of the town today. But they are closer to solving that mystery than before and are, for the first time since the solvents were discovered 17 years ago, making plans to begin cleaning up the mess. (September 30, 2007) Democrat & Chronicle
MPNnow Expert to visit Victor pollution site RSS Victor, N.Y. - New state Department of Environmental Conservation Region 8 Director Paul D'Amato will escort an environmental staffer from state Attorney General Andrew Cuomo's office Wednesday on a visit to the contaminated area on a western part of town. Town environmental consultant Paul Lytle announced the visit Monday at a Town Board meeting. (Sept.25, 07) Messenger Post Newspapers
Back to Albany for Victor contamination issue - Rochester, NY - MPNnow Victor, N.Y. - Town Supervisor Leslie Bamann Monday will attend a key meeting in Albany that she hopes will put state and local officials on the same page in working to settle a groundwater contamination case. (Sept. 15, 07) Homepage - Rochester, NY - MPNnow
EPA finishes clean up at Diaz in Holley The dismantling of buildings at the former Diaz Chemical plant in Holley has been completed - a major step toward the completion of the clean up of the contaminated site. The Environmental Protection Agency has been a presence in the Village of Holley for many years now, but its work is nearing its end, Michael Basile, public relations coordinator of the EPA said. "Once we went in to the plant, following the chemical spill in 2003, we staged the chemicals that needed to be removed and began the clean up," he said. "The demolition of the buildings that were contaminated or structurally unsound has been finished. The buildings that are still standing will remain and could be used in the future." (Sept 9, 07) Westside News Inc.
Kodak Park tainted past hard to bury - Some claim state oversight isn't stringent enough — Three more Kodak Park buildings will be imploded next month, part of a revitalization program in which 100 structures will have been demolished at the vast manufacturing complex by year's end. But long after the buildings are leveled and rubble is cleared, the impact of decades of pollution will persist. Despite hundreds of millions of dollars in spending, and about $65 million more to come, large swaths of Kodak Park remain contaminated, their soil and groundwater tainted by countless chemical leaks and spills over the years. (August 26, 2007) Democrat & Chronicle
Experts say Kodak's dust truly clean - No implosion ever takes place until all that's toxic has left the building — When Kodak buildings 65 and 69, at the corner of West Ridge Road and Dewey Avenue, come tumbling down on Sept. 22, all that will remain of the 1950s-era research and engineering structures will be a huge pile of masonry rubble. (August 26, 2007) Democrat & Chronicle
Smokestack, decried for years, now dismantled — The 198-foot-tall smokestack attached to Kodak Park's chemical waste incinerator, perhaps the most contentious environmental symbol at the industrial complex, was unceremoniously dismantled several months ago. Through the incinerator's 31 years of service, Eastman Kodak Co. stoutly defended it as a safe and efficient way to rid itself of hazardous waste. The unit, southwest of the railroad crossing on West Ridge Road in the Rochester portion of Kodak Park, incinerated as much as 60 million pounds of solid and liquid wastes annually. (August 27, 2007) Democrat & Chronicle
Pollution limits Kodak Park's uses - A third of complex restricted to commercial or industrial — The future use of sprawling Kodak Park will be dictated in part by the contamination that remains behind as a legacy of past environmental problems. Much of the 1,100-acre site, which was largely farmland before Eastman Kodak Co. moved manufacturing operations there in 1891, has been designated for the same use it has now: industrial and commercial businesses. Kodak is nearly finished demolishing unneeded buildings and clearing sites for reuse by itself or other companies. (August 27, 2007) Democrat & Chronicle
State links chemical hazard to dry cleaner in Brighton — A Brighton neighborhood already dealing with two hazardous sites now has a third — the former Speedy's Cleaners at 2150 Monroe Ave. Tetrachloroethene (or PCE), a chemical commonly used by dry cleaners, was found in high levels in recent groundwater samples and now has been linked by state environmental officials to Speedy's, which moved from the Monroe Avenue site about two decades ago. (July 27, 2007) Democrat & Chronicle
Brownfield tax breaks debated - ALBANY — Besides the more than $1 billion that the state knows it owes developers of projects built on polluted land, taxpayers could be on the hook for billions more, according to state officials. That's because besides 54 projects already identified as qualifying for breaks, another 123 are also in line to get them, officials said this week. (July 14, 2007) Democrat & Chronicle
Oil Based Paint Soon to be Illegal - Oil based paints have been the preferred choice of professionals for more than 70 years especially for outside jobs. Come July 16th many of those paints, stains and sealants will no longer be available in New York State. (July 6, 07) http://www.rnews.com/
Emerson submits work plan to DEC addressing TCE cleanup timetable -ITHACA — Emerson Power Transmission submitted its work plan in response to a letter from the Department of Environmental Conservation calling for quicker and more comprehensive action in addressing contamination on South Hill. -The plan combines numerous aspects of the project, as requested by the DEC in their letter. The areas addressed include soil borings in the 25 Areas of Concern, further investigation of the fire water reservoir where the contamination was first identified and further investigation into possible transmission pathways in the bedrock. (July 5, 07) The Ithaca Journal
Mercury Reduction Plan for New York and New England Waters - NYS Dept. of Environmental Conservation A draft plan has been released for reducing mercury in the waters of New York State and New England to eliminate fish-consumption advisories caused by mercury from air deposition. Seven states-New York, Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island and Vermont-collaborated with the New England Interstate Water Pollution Control Commission (NEIWPCC) to produce the draft plan entitled, "Northeast Regional Mercury Total Maximum Daily Load" (TMDL). In New York State, the draft TMDL is not anticipated to place any additional economic or regulatory burdens on municipalities. The intent of the draft plan is to serve as a starting place for initiatives to control atmospheric deposition to levels where fish-consumption advisories are no longer necessary. (June, 07) NYS Dept. of Environmental Conservation
Leaders seek action on TCE, cite Victor - Schumer, Spitzer demand response - — U.S. Sen. Charles Schumer, using Victor as a prime example, said Wednesday that environmental contamination by the solvent trichloroethene is a growing problem in upstate New York that federal authorities must address more aggressively. Schumer, D-N.Y., said the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency "has turned a blind eye to this growing danger." He called on the agency to toughen regulatory standards and update its health risk assessment of trichloroethene, or TCE, which he said is 20 years out of date. (June 28, 2007) Democrat & Chronicle
Schumer berates EPA for lack of action on TCE contamination - ITHACA — Claiming that the Environmental Protection Agency has been dragging its feet for too long, U.S. Senator Charles Schumer, D-NY, called for action on the issue of trichloroethylene contamination in Upstate. The call came in the form of a press blitz Wednesday during which Schumer said if he didn't see action soon he would propose budgetary pressures on the agency. (June 28, 07) The Ithaca Journal
Lyons board plans landfill maintenance and cleanup LYONS - The Town Board discussed plans for summer maintenance at the closed Lyons/Galen Landfill at its meeting Wednesday night. (June 30, 07) Finger Lakes Times Online
MPNnow.com: Cancer study, cleanup plan in works But Victor residents who met with state officials about groundwater pollution left roiled over the pace of answers and action. (Jun 27, 07) Messenger Post Newspapers
MPNnow.com: Schumer urges tougher handling of toxins With air and groundwater pollution spread far and wide, Sen. Charles Schumer calls for stricter standards and vigorous cleanup efforts. CANANDAIGUA — Sen. Charles Schumer likens the handling of toxic wastes "like those plaguing Victor" to using a squirt gun where a cannon is required. During a teleconference Wednesday, he blasted the federal Environmental Protection Agency for not developing stricter standards to deal with industrial toxins. The state Department of Environmental Conservation likewise was scolded for its ineptitude in fielding complaints and inspecting sites for compliance. (June 28, 07) MPNnow.com: Rochester and Western Finger Lakes News, Entertainment, Sports, Opinions, Photos and More
The toxic legacy of midnight dumping - An ongoing Democrat and Chronicle investigation has revealed that the Rochester region is replete with old, illicit, toxic dump sites that have not been cleaned up by government agencies. As a result, hazardous chemicals, especially TCE, continue to seep through soil and water, posing a threat to the health of nearby residents. (July 1, 2007) Democrat & Chronicle
How many more dumps are out there? 'Many times it looks pristine,' says an EPA spokesman, 'but you never know' — Many of the known rural waste sites in the Rochester region were discovered in a frenzy of environmental sleuthing that began in the late 1970s, in reaction to the Love Canal hazardous waste-dumping disaster in Niagara Falls. A few more have come to light since then. But as development moves farther into once-rural areas, a question lingers: Are more sites yet to be uncovered? (July 1, 2007) (July 1, 2007) Democrat & Chronicle
Dump worries go on and on - A history of plodding cleanup goes back decades; toxicity lingers as area issue — When workers began clearing the earth for a 2005 Mendon subdivision expansion, the grader's huge blade encountered more than soil. "All of a sudden it was scraping a big wide blue, red and purple smear," said Lt. Michael Van Durme of the state Department of Environmental Conservation. (July 1, 2007) Democrat & Chronicle
State to open cancer cluster study in Victor — Citing an apparently high incidence of brain and other cancers in a part of Victor troubled by contaminated groundwater, the state Department of Health said tonight it planned to conduct a full cancer cluster study in the area. Citizens concerned about groundwater contamination by the toxic solvent trichloroethene, or TCE, asked for the cluster study two months ago after compiling a list of several dozen residents with serious illnesses. - June 26, 2007 Democrat & Chronicle
Decades of dumping: A toxic legacy — Many years ago, the practice known as midnight dumping – the covert and illicit disposal of industrial wastes in farm fields, gravel pits and other out-of-the-way rural locations – was a not-uncommon practice in the Rochester region.- June 28, 2007 Democrat & Chronicle
Victor meeting Tuesday on contamination — An informational meeting on the Victor groundwater contamination issue, at which New York state officials will discuss vapor intrusion, cancer concerns and other matters, will be held Tuesday evening at Victor’s educational campus. The meeting, called by the state departments of health and environmental conservation, begins at 6 p.m. in the Victor Education Center off High Street. Officials have said they will discuss the latest results of indoor air and groundwater testing, a citizens’ request for a cancer cluster study and remediation work at the contamination site in western Victor. (June 25, 2007) Democrat & Chronicle
Victor pollution clues come up dry — Nearly two months into a hunt for the source of toxic chemicals that have tainted groundwater in Victor, state investigators have chased down rumors, sought out potential witnesses and picked up tantalizing clues. But they haven't hit pay dirt. An explanation of how industrial solvents came to enter the groundwater decades ago — and who put them there — remains elusive. (June 22, 2007) Democrat & Chronicle
ROCHESTER SELECTED TO RECEIVE BROWNFIELD GRANTS FROM U.S. EPA Mayor Robert J. Duffy announced today that the City has been selected by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to receive two new grants totaling $400,000 for brownfield assessment and cleanup. Brownfields are properties that are more difficult to redevelop or reuse due to actual or perceived environmental contamination. (June 13, 07) Welcome to the City of Rochester
EPA Awards Environmental Justice Grant to Community Group in Rochester, NY - - ( Rochester, N.Y. ) The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency ( EPA ) has awarded the Southwest Area Neighborhood Association ( SWAN ) in Rochester, N.Y. a $100,000 grant to help reduce the exposure of community residents to household hazards such as lead, carbon monoxide and asthma triggers. The EPA grant was given through a Collaborative Problem Solving ( CPS ) Cooperative Agreements program, and presented to SWAN last week at a workshop in Washington D.C. (Media-Newswire.com)
Victor to provide aid to homes affected by plume — VICTOR — The Victor Town Board Monday night approved two measures that will help homeowners near contaminated groundwater in a pocket of western Victor. One measure will reduce costs for residents to hook up with public water, while the other will cover the cost of ventilation systems until state money is received. (June 12, 2007) Democrat & Chronicle
MPNnow.com: The toxic peril that ate my house’s value! New publicity over decades-old groundwater contamination is scaring away home buyers from property not only in the affected neighborhood but across Victor. (June 10, 07) Messenger Post Newspapers
Democrat & Chronicle: Derelict dump sparks inquiry -State DEC zeroes in on Ganondagan site, which is near Victor's toxic plume. For decades, rows of half-buried barrels, abandoned construction equipment, rusted-out storage tanks and building debris lay on a steep, wooded hillside in Victor. The 1-acre dump is the sort of place that New York's Department of Environmental Conservation might be expected to target for cleanup. But in this case, the DEC never discovered the dump on its own and the property's owner never felt a need to alert the environmental agency. June 10, 2007 Democrat & Chronicle
www.ny.gov - BROWNFIELDS BILL KEY TO ECONOMIC REVITALIZATION Goal is to Focus Tax Dollars on Brownfields Clean-up - Governor Eliot Spitzer today proposed legislation that would restructure and improve the state’s brownfields program. If adopted by the State Legislature, it would redirect state tax dollars to provide real incentives for cleanups of brownfields development sites in order to create “shovel ready” land across the state for development purposes. (June 5, 07) www.ny.gov/governor
Brownfields bill key to economic revitalization, says governor - Albany -- Governor Eliot Spitzer has proposed legislation that would restructure and improve the state’s brownfields program. If adopted by the State Legislature, it would redirect state tax dollars to provide real incentives for cleanups of brownfields development sites in order to create “shovel ready” land across the state for development purposes. (June 06, 07) New York State News on the Net!
MPNnow.com: Four more Victor homes added to cleanup list Of 40 homes tested in the contaminated area, four qualify for air cleanup systems. VICTOR — Four more homes have qualified for cleanup systems following the latest round of air quality testing in the mile-long ground water contamination site. (June 1, 07) Messenger Post Newspapers
Victor soon to breathe easier - Special fund to begin flowing to protect homes hit by toxic plume — Installation of ventilation systems to protect against toxic vapors, paid for by a special state Senate grant, should begin soon in a pocket of western Victor. A number of homeowners have been contacted this week about the systems, and a contractor has set dates for home visits or system installation, said Victor town finance director Michael Dollard. (May 27, 2007) Democrat & Chronicle
Cleanup of brownfield sites is at crawl - 'Tens of thousands' in 4-year-old program not getting aid — ALBANY — The polluted former industrial sites that most need government help to get redeveloped aren't getting the aid they need, slowing revitalization of upstate cities, according to a report released Tuesday. The state's 4-year-old "brownfields" program to provide redevelopment subsidies at the sites of former factories, gas stations and other facilities, has completed cleanup of only 25 sites out of the "tens of thousands" that need attention, said Jody Kass of New Partners for Community Revitalization, a Manhattan-based community group. (May 23, 2007) Democrat & Chronicle
Victor to get aid for vapor shields - Emergency relief to come from $50,000 Nozzolio grant — Stepping in where New York's executive branch has not, a state senator pledged to provide a $50,000 grant to pay for health-related work in a portion of Victor beset by contaminated groundwater. State Sen. Michael Nozzolio said Wednesday that the money would pay for testing and for installation of home ventilation systems to protect against intrusion by toxic vapors. (May 17, 2007) Democrat & Chronicle
Investigator assigned to find origin of toxins in Victor — As rumors swirl in Victor, a criminal investigator has been assigned to help environmental officials track down the origin of toxic industrial solvents that have contaminated groundwater in Victor. The decision to bring a state Department of Environmental Conservation investigator into the case was made this afternoon, less than a day after state officials appealed at a public meeting for tips about the source of the solvents. In response to the appeal, several residents offered information about possible sources, and tips continued to come in today. (April 27, 2007) Democrat & Chronicle
State considers cancer cluster study in Victor — The state Department of Health is weighing a request that it conduct a cancer cluster study in a part of Victor beset with contaminated groundwater. The request for a cancer study, passed on to Albany last week by state Sen. Michael Nozzolio, originated with a Victor citizens group that is pressing for more answers on the health impact of the contamination. The group’s agenda also includes a better explanation of the results of recent testing for the presence of toxic vapors in Victor homes. (April 25, 2007) Democrat & Chronicle
Victor voices vapor qualms - Residents ask for help with interpreting data, senator says — Victor homeowners, concerned about a mile-long plume of tainted groundwater in a western portion of the town, on Sunday implored a state senator to ensure that the state's response to the contamination is quick and thorough. (April 16, 2007)Democrat & Chronicle
Victor vapor data released - State says detailed info shows no 'huge alarm for neighborhood' — State officials Friday released detailed data that they say supports the claim that residents in western Victor shouldn't be overly concerned about vapors wafting into homes from a contaminated site. (April 14, 2007) Democrat & Chronicle
DEC announces nearly $8 million in statewide brownfield grants - New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Pete Grannis Thursday announced $7.9 million in Environmental Restoration Program grants for the remediation and investigation of environmental contamination at sites in the City of Newburgh-Orange County, the Village of Haverstraw-Rockland County, the Village of Adams-Jefferson County, the City of Syracuse-Onondaga County, the City of Peekskill-Westchester County, the City of Rome-Oneida County, the City of Rochester-Monroe County and the Village of Ellisburg-Jefferson County. The grants are being funded through the Clean Water/Clean Air Bond Act. (April 13, 07) New York State News on the Net!
MPNnow.com: State pledges action on Victor pollution The town supervisor met with top state environmental officials regarding underground contamination on the west side of town. ALBANY — State officials have agreed to increase the scope of water and air testing in the area of groundwater contamination that runs about a mile from the Syracusa Sand and Gravel mine to the Modock Road springs. They also agreed to begin a remediation plan this month that involves getting at the source of the contamination and identifying the extent and concentrations of the pollutants, industrial solvents that are believed to have spilled at or near the mine as far back as 1981. (April 6, 07) MPNnow.com: Rochester and Western Finger Lakes News, Entertainment, Sports, Opinions, Photos and More
EPA gives progress report on Holley chemical plant site - A high-ranking Environmental Protection Agency official gave a progress report this afternoon about the contaminated former Diaz Chemical Corp. site. Alan J. Steinberg, the EPA’s region 2 administrator, said since the EPA has begun cleanup in 2002, the agency has removed 9,000 drums of chemicals, 112,000 gallons of chemicals and 51,000 feet of chemical piping. (March 26, 07) Democrat & Chronicle
MPNnow.com: Pollution draws calls for resignations An overflow crowd turned out in Victor last night to get information and vent frustration about contaminated groundwater on the west side of town. VICTOR — Concerns over groundwater contamination drew a crowd of roughly 150 residents to a community forum last night that had to be moved from the Town Hall to the Victor Intermediate School auditorium to fit everyone in. A panel of state environmental and health officials tried to quell residents' fears with information about an investigation they launched several weeks ago into groundwater contamination. They also fielded questions from about two dozen worried residents, including Michael Barry, who called for the resignations of two town officials. (March 27, 07) MPNnow.com: Rochester and Western Finger Lakes News, Entertainment, Sports, Opinions, Photos and More
EPA official says he'll look into Victor contamination - (March 26, 2007) — As Victor town officials plan a “community briefing” for this evening on groundwater contamination in a section of the town, the top federal environmental official in New York state said he would inquire about the matter. (March 25, 07) Democrat & Chronicle
Danger below: Toxic vapor woes in Victor also a threat elsewhere - Last month, environmental officers began going into the basements of homes set amid the cornfields and hillsides of western Victor. They told residents they were there to test the air for the presence of toxic vapors rising from industrial chemicals in groundwater below their homes. (March 25, 07) Democrat & Chronicle
EPA fines contractor for destroying wetlands outside Rochester - A local utility contractor working outside of Rochester, New York will be required by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to restore wetlands it filled illegally, and pay a $5,000 penalty for the violation of federal law. (Feb 22, 07) New York State News on the Net!
Residents living near contamination site want medical bills paid - News - MSNBC.com It's been several years since chemical contamination was cleaned up from a G.E. small appliances plant in Brockport, but questions remain about whether there could be a possible cancer cluster near the former site. The issue was argued in the Appellate Division of State Supreme Court in Rochester on Wednesday. (September 06, 2006) Rochester, NY news from WHEC-TV - MSNBC.com
Brownfields offer an opportunity — Rochester has a reputation for being proactive about cleaning up brownfields — contaminated sites that impede development in most American downtowns. But at the current rate of 5 to 15 acres cleaned up each year, it would take several centuries to address the problems that exist today. That's why private developers are critical to solving Rochester's brownfields problem, said Mark Gregor of the city's Department of Environmental Services, during a brownfields seminar Friday at City Hall. (March 11, 2006) Democrat and Chronicle
WXXI: Hevesi Cuts Ribbon, Preaches Brownfield Cleanup (2006-03-10) ROCHESTER, NY (2006-03-10) New York's top fiscal officer helped celebrate completion of a renovated housing project, and encouraged developers to clean up and re-use former industrial lands during a visit to Rochester on Friday. Hevesi led state and local officials in cutting a ribbon to formally complete the renovation of a major senior citizen housing project in Rochester. wxxi NewsRoom
Hard line taken on rules for cleanups - Residents at state hearing urge strict standards for brownfields — BRIGHTON — "Clean" is a relative term when it comes to the pollution that makes dozens of contaminated Rochester properties, known as brownfields, unappealing to developers. And local residents and environmental activists Thursday told state officials that they won't settle for "clean enough" in new state rules that define when a brownfields remediation project is complete. (March 10, 2006) Democrat and Chronicle
DEC offers plan on contaminated hotel site — GATES — The state Department of Environmental Conservation is seeking public input on a draft plan to investigate contamination on the grounds of a Buell Road hotel. According to the DEC, investigators last year discovered vapors from tetrachloroethylene, also known as perchloroethlyene, under the main basement floor of the Comfort Inn, 395 Buell Road. The discovery came during tests to see if the Comfort Inn site had been affected by nearby contamination at Buell Automatics Inc., 361 Buell Road. (September 6, 2005)Democrat and Chronicle
Polluted sites shown on map - Schumer says gas additive has contaminated 89 places in county - With massive gasoline storage tanks towering in the background, Sen. Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., stood Friday on Genesee Park Boulevard and unveiled a map showing 89 spots in Monroe County that have been contaminated by methyl tertiary butyl ether, a gasoline additive and potential carcinogen. (May 28, 2005) Democrat and Chronicle
DEC Tests Mendon Site Groundwater - The Department of Environmental Conservation is testing groundwater near a Mendon housing tract where more than 100 barrels of contaminants were found. The barrels contained paint and solvents. Workers grading land at a construction site in Mendon made the discovery last week. The DEC believes they were buried on the site at least 30 years ago. (May 12, 2005) R News: As It Happens, Where It Happens
Sen. Clinton asks EPA to expand Diaz probe - — HOLLEY — U.S. Sen. Hillary Clinton has asked the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to expand its investigation into lingering contamination left in the village after the closure last year of the Diaz Chemical Corp. plant on Jackson Street. In a letter sent last month, Clinton, D-N.Y., lauded the agency for its decision to purchase eight homes that residents fled following a January 2002 chemical spill. (November 8, 2004) Democrat and Chronicle
Cleanup nears end after 2001 CSX spill - Charlotte work to be done in a month - — CHARLOTTE — Nearly three years after a scorching train wreck spilled thousands of gallons of solvents, the final step of the cleanup could come as early as next week. In the past month, contractors for CSX Transportation have used a massive crane to scoop 2,000 tons of contaminated sediment from the Genesee River. (October 30, 2004) Democrat and Chronicle
Love Canal Removed from Superfund - Federal officials say cleanup work has been completed in the Niagara Falls neighborhood more than two decades after 950 of its families were evacuated. - (October 6, 2004) R News: As It Happens, Where It Happens
MSNBC - Diaz holds public meeting Rochester, NYUSA - People in Holley came out Tuesday night to learn more about the Environmental Protection Agency'srole in clean up efforts following a chemical leak at the Diaz Plant in 2002. (October 6, 2004) MSNBC
(September 28, 2004) Sierra Club Releases Report On Pollution - The Sierra Club has released a new report on pollution at Air Force plant 51 in Greece. The government made landing barges and other war equipment there during the 1940s and 50s. WOKR-TV 13 || ROCHESTER
(September 28, 2004) Group Wants Former Plant Cleaned Up - Rochester's Sierra Club wants the government to clean up a former World War Two plant in Greece. The former plant known as Air Force Plant 51, used to make landing barges during the war and later bulkheads for B-52 bombers. R News: As It Happens, Where It Happens
MSNBC - EPA to buy homes for displaced neighbors of Diaz Chemical plant Rochester, NYUSA - BATAVIA, N.Y. (AP) - The Environmental Protection Agency will spend more than $1 million to buy eight houses whose residents were displaced by a chemical leak nearly three years ago.About 80 gallons of a pungent chemical called 2-chloro-6-fluorophenol leaked from Diaz Chemical in the village of Holley, about 20 miles west of Rochester, on Jan. 5, 2002. (September 14, 2004) MSNBC - News Front Page
Democrat & Chronicle: Prep for CSX river dredge begins — Contractors for CSX Transportation this morning started installing silt curtains in the Genesee River at Charlotte, the site of a 2001 chemical spill. The two-layer plastic devices will prevent contaminated spoils from entering the river during a dredging operation expected to last about two months. (September 7, 2004) Democrat and Chronicle
Cleanup project to begin at site of 2001 derailment - Workers will begin dredging a stretch of a Rochester river where a freight train derailed in a fiery crash nearly three years ago. About half of the 47 cars on the C-S-X Transportation train jumped the tracks on December 23rd, 2001, sending thousands of gallons of solvents into the Genesee River and its west bank. (August 26, 2004) 10NBC / WHEC TV-10
Democrat & Chronicle: CSX spill cleanup set for river bed (August 25, 2004) — Work began Monday on River Street in Charlotte to set up equipment for a project that will dredge portions of the Genesee River contaminated by a December 2001 chemical spill. (August 25, 2004) Democrat and Chronicle
Diaz on superfund list - Holley residents displaced by the Diaz Chemical spill will get federal aid cleaning up their homes. The environmental protection agency has added the Diaz chemical plant to its national priorities list. 10NBC / WHEC TV-10
Democrat & Chronicle: DEC launches new Dewey Ave. site probe — GREECE — In a fact sheet released today, the state Department of Environmental Conservation announced a new plan to investigate contamination at an old military industrial site at the north end of Dewey Avenue. Air Force Plant 51, just south of Round Pond, was used during World War II to build ocean-going oil tankers and some of the landing craft used during the Normandy invasion. (July 15, 2004) Democrat and Chronicle
Democrat & Chronicle: Former auto parts plant gets cleanup — GATES — Over the next few weeks, crews from the state Department of Environmental Conservation will start investigating toxic contamination on the site of a former automobile parts factory near Interstate 490. The DEC will remove and test soil and groundwater samples from outside the three-acre former ITT Automotive plant at 30 Pixley Industrial Parkway. The facility was known as Rochester Form Machine until 1994 and was used to manufacture aluminum components for automotive air conditioners. ITT acquired the factory in 1994, and ceased operations there earlier this year. (June 30, 2004) Democrat and Chronicle
Democrat & Chronicle: Buckeye, residents reach settlement over gas leak — More than a year after a massive gasoline leak contaminated 14 houses in a 19th Ward neighborhood, Buckeye Pipeline Co. of Pennsylvania on Monday announced a final settlement with most of the residents affected. (June 15, 2004) Democrat and Chronicle
Brockport To Get Cancer Report From State - A new study on cancer has focused on people living near the former 3-M Dynacolor and G.E. Black and Decker plants in Brockport and surrounding towns. Both sites are contaminated with PCB’s and other industrial chemicals. (March 17, 2003) WOKR-TV 13 || ROCHESTER
Democrat & Chronicle: DEC urges sweet cleanup of toxic site in Brockport — BROCKPORT — State environmental regulators have a sweet deal for village residents fighting a plume of underground pollution and contaminated surface soil: Add molasses. The state Department of Environmental Conservation at a meeting here Wednesday night proposed injecting a solution of water and food-grade molasses into soils, groundwater and bedrock beneath a contaminated site at 150 State St. (March 4, 2004) Democrat and Chronicle
WXXI: DEC To Show Brockport Cleanup Plans (2004-02-25) The State Department of Environmental Conservation says bacteria can help clean up toxic contamination left behind by the former 3M/Dynacolor plant in the Village of Brockport. The D-E-C will hold a public meeting Tuesday evening in Brockport to discuss its investigation of the toxic site and its proposal for dealing with it. (February 27, 2004) Public NewsRoom
Democrat & Chronicle: Brighton gas spill long-term problem - Action taken but total cleanup might be years away, says DEC December 5, 2003) — BRIGHTON — State and county officials fielded questions Thursday from Brighton residents who want to know how soon a gasoline spill that brought gas fumes into some homes will be fully cleaned up. About 8,000 gallons of gasoline leaked into the ground and groundwater from a storage tank under a Citgo gas station, 2087 Monroe Ave.
EPA to describe Diaz cleanup - — HOLLEY — The Environmental Protection Agency has scheduled public information sessions next week to update villagers about the agency’s cleanup efforts at the site of a former Orleans County chemical plant EPA crews have been at the defunct Diaz Chemical Corp. on Jackson Street since mid-October, working to determine what chemicals remain at the plant and the best options for their removal. (November 6, 2003) Democrat and Chronicle
Democrat & Chronicle: Brockport site to be cleaned up — BROCKPORT — Starting Sept. 29, a stretch of Erie Street in the village of Brockport will be closed to traffic while the state and a local utility dig up yards to investigate chemicals that might have migrated underground from an old dump site. The chemicals are components of coal tar, waste from what was in the 19th century a manufactured gas plant at Erie and Perry streets, just south of the Barge Canal. September 7, 2003) Democrat and Chronicle
Buckeye spill to be cleaned up in city's 19th Ward Clean up is underway on the city's west side after thousands of gallons of gasoline leaked in a neighborhood there. The Buckeye Pipeline Company spilled 50,000 gallons of gasoline last March. (September 4, 2003) MSNBC Local News
Contaminated dirt to be removed from Greece neighborhood There was a meeting Wednesday night for concerned residents of the Autumn Heights neighborhood in Greece. Rochester city officials say contaminated dirt that was dumped in the Greece neighborhood should be cleaned up by November. A city-hired contractor dumped the dirt in the Autumn Heights neighborhood sometime last year. (September 4, 2003) MSNBC Local News
Democrat & Chronicle: Spill causes evacuation — PALMYRA — About 75 people were evacuated from their homes Wednesday night after a chemical leak at a business. About 100 employees at Garlock Industries also were evacuated from the plant at 1666 Division St. when 50 gallons of diluted sulfuric acid was discovered to have leaked from a storage vat, said Palmyra Assistant Fire Chief Bill Colburn. (August 7, 2003) Democrat and Chronicle
Fuel spill called minimal - Brooks Avenue neighbors told that spill cleanup is progressing - — Four months after a massive spill at a Rochester fuel storage facility, health and environmental officials held a meeting Tuesday evening to address questions. About 100 neighbors attended. An underground gasoline leak was discovered March 12 at the Buckeye Terminal, 754 Brooks Ave. An estimated 50,000 gallons spilled, seeping gasoline and gasoline-related chemicals into the Erie Canal and - more than two months later - into the basements of some nearby houses. (July 16, 2003) Democrat and Chronicle
Gas Spill Cleanup Continues On Tuesday, some residents in Rochester’s 19th Ward will get some answers from state health and environmental officials about what health affects, if any a gas spill has had on them. Gasoline provider Buckeye Terminals is located on Brooks Ave. about 200 yards from homes on Westfield St. On March 12, the company reported to the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation that gasoline leaked from one of its underground pipelines. (July 13, 2003) R News: Your NewsChannel
DEC releases report on Brooks Avenue gas leak The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation released a clean-up report Thursday on the gas leak at the Buckeye Terminal on Brooks Avenue. A public meeting has been scheduled so people living near the terminal can learn more about the status of clean up. The meeting will take place July 15 at 7:00 p.m. at the Holiday Inn on Brooks Avenue. (July 13, 2003) MSNBC Local News
WXXI: Work Begins To Clean Up Coal-Tar Sediments (2003-07-07) ROCHESTER, NEW YORK (2003-07-07) Cleanup work has begun to remove coal tar-contaminated sediments from the Genesee River at Brewer Street in Rochester. The site is on the east side of the Genesee River gorge near the middle falls, off Saint Paul Street. Construction workers building the county's new sewer system in the mid-1980s hit underground pools of coal tar. They built temporary lagoons to catch the tar-contaminated water, but over the years the tar has leaked into the surrounding soil. (July 7, 2003) Public NewsRoom
Chemical Leak Forces 50 From Their Homes - Lyons, NY (07/06/03) - About 40 homes in Lyons were evacuated after a highly flammable chemical was discovered leaking from a CSX train car. The leak was discovered around 2:00 p.m. from a tanker car headed to Canandaigua. Most of the families were allowed to return to their homes after 7:00 p.m. Sunday. (July 7, 2003) WOKR-TV 13 || ROCHESTER
PCBs in Brockport: Who's to blame? - Testing for contamination has begun on storm sewer pipes in Brockport near the former General Electric Co. plant on State Street. This is all that GE, the state Department of Environmental Conservation and the village of Brockport seem to agree on. (July 6, 2003) Brockport Post
Democrat & Chronicle: State, federal agencies study Kleen Brite sites — BROCKPORT — Two environmental agencies are examining toxicity levels at two former Kleen Brite Laboratories facilities here. The state Department of Environmental Conservation and the federal Environmental Protection Agency are conducting site assessments for potentially toxic materials. The agencies are seeking to determine the types of waste and chemicals left at the 200 State St. and 100 Fair St. sites. (June 23, 2003) Democrat and Chronicle
Springtime fields of brown - As the legislative season in Albany winds down, the Rochester Business Alliance is making a last-ditch plea for progress on "brownfields" legislation. Brownfields are abandoned, more-or-less contaminated industrial and commercial sites, a commonplace of Rust Belt cities. The sites may not be immediately lethal, but they still must be cleaned up before any redevelopment can proceed. Rochester is home to many brownfields, in locations as different as old factory grounds in the city's northwest quadrant and odd pockets of the lower Genesee River gorge. (June 18, 2003) City Newspaper
Spitzer Backs Assembly Superfund/Brownfields Legislation Attorney General Eliot Spitzer expressed support for a comprehensive new legislative proposal that would clean up the state's toxic sites. Recently introduced by Assemblymember Thomas DiNapoli, Chair of the Assembly Committee on Environmental Conservation, the bill would replenish the bankrupt state Superfund and establish a new brownfields site cleanup program. "Every corner of New York is saddled with toxic waste sites that must be cleaned up thoroughly and quickly," said Attorney General Spitzer. "The longer we wait, the more environmental damage will be done. It is imperative that the state Legislature take immediate action and Assemblymember DiNapoli's legislation is the most comprehensive and responsible approach to this pressing problem." Office of New York State Attorney General Eliot Spitzer
Democrat & Chronicle: NY 'brownfield' bill offers incentives for cleanup (March 19, 2003) — ALBANY — Environmentalists were divided Tuesday over a proposal that would provide financial incentives for cleaning up abandoned industrial sites and exempt property owners, in most cases, from liability. Currently, owners of sites known as brownfields are liable for cleaning up contamination on their property as well as waste that dissipates outside. Tens of thousands of brownfields ranging from abandoned gas stations to old industrial sites are scattered across the state. Most are in inner cities. (March 19, 2003) Democrat and Chronicle
Democrat & Chronicle: Web site offers environmental data — Wondering whether you live near a toxic-waste dump or polluting factory? The Citizens Environmental Coalition has unveiled www.ecothreatny.org, a Web site with maps showing the locations of everything from Superfund toxic waste sites to oil spills to fish consumption advisories. (February 21, 2003) Democrat and Chronicle
Brockport residents settle lawsuit with 3M - Some Brockport residents have reached a settlement with 3M. The lawsuit claimed that the 3M Corporation dumped toxic chemicals in the village Brockport. (January 6, 2003) MSNBC Local News
Democrat & Chronicle: 3M settles part of Brockport contamination lawsuit 232 residents to be paid for property-value losses — BROCKPORT — The first phase of a lawsuit involving a Brockport toxic waste site was settled this week. Attorneys say 232 people will be compensated for a decline in property values brought on by pollution from 3M Co. An additional 30 people, all children, will retain their “future rights” to sue in case medical problems arise, said the lead attorney on the case, Stephen G. Schwarz of Faraci & Lange LLP in Rochester. (January 4, 2003) Democrat and Chronicle
A look at Brockport in '02 The past year saw Brockport's biggest news as the contamination clean-up on sites formerly occupied by the General Electric and 3M companies. (January 1, 2003) Brockport Post
WXXI: EPA to Decontaminate Holley Homes (2002-12-12) HOLLEY, NY (2002-12-12) Many residents in Holley are still displaced from their homes, almost a year after the relase of cholor-fluoro-phenol from the Diaz Chemical Corporation. Wednesday night, concerned residents in the town met with officials with the Department of Health, the Environmental Protection Agency, and the Department of Environmental Conservation. (December 12, 2002) Public NewsRoom
Democrat & Chronicle: DEC extends environmental study of Greece plant — The state Department of Environmental Conservation plans on doing a long-range study of possible contamination at a former shipbuilding and Air Force plant off Dewey Avenue near Round Pond in Greece. The DEC interviewed former employees and inspected the site of the former Air Force Plant 51 facility, 4800 Dewey Ave., over the last year to study the level of contamination at the site. Through these investigations, the DEC has identified areas in need of further study to determine whether surface contamination leaked into the soil and ground water. (December 12, 2002) Democrat and Chronicle
Democrat & Chronicle: Diaz spill report leaves homeowners dissatisfied — HOLLEY — Richard Catlin doesn’t believe sealant paint will keep possible residue from a Jan. 5 chemical spill from leaching out of his home’s insulation and back into the air his family breathes. “Knowing it’s there (in the walls) isn’t the same as knowing it’s gone,” Catlin said Wednesday during an information meeting at Holley High School for residents who have been displaced from their homes since a Jan. 5 chemical spill at Diaz Chemical Corp. on Jackson Street. (December 12, 2002) Democrat and Chronicle
WXXI: DEC Begins Cleanup Study on Former Greece Shipyard (2002-12-09) ROCHESTER, NY (2002-12-09) New York's Department of Environmental Conservation is launching a long-term study of the former Odenbach Shipyard in the Town of Greece, with an eye towards eventually cleaning up the site. Any such cleanup will be a long job. The state plans to begin testing soil and water around the Odenbach site this month, with the final cleanup plans expected to take until 2015. (December 10, 2002) Public NewsRoom
Democrat & Chronicle: Diaz neighbors still displaced Government agencies plan report on cleanup in progress — Eleven months ago, on the morning of Jan. 6, Patricia Dann fled from her South Main Street home in Holley, Orleans County. She and her husband and son left with just the clothes on their backs. (December 4, 2002) Democrat and Chronicle
Democrat & Chronicle: Charlotte cleanup nears end But city still has concerns over consequences of CSX spill — Cleanup is largely finished at the year-old site of a train derailment in Charlotte, where 40,000 gallons of industrial solvents spilled a few feet from the Genesee River. During the Dec. 23, 2001, incident, a runaway 27-car train owned by CSX Transportation toppled over on River Street. The wreck leveled a house, ripped through nearby boats and created an immense fireball. Only one person -- the engineer who jumped off the speeding train -- was injured. (December 2, 2002) Democrat and Chronicle
Democrat & Chronicle: Court gives Diaz more time (— BUFFALO — A federal judge on Thursday gave an Orleans County chemical company more time to amend a countersuit it filed against 173 Holley residents who are suing over a January spill. November 22, 2002) Democrat and Chronicle
Democrat & Chronicle: Brockport cleanup nears end Neighbors to polluted stream will soon have restored yards — BROCKPORT — Thanksgiving comes early this year to the Worboys household on East Avenue. (November 16, 2002) Democrat and Chronicle
Democrat & Chronicle: Ontario County landfill chief quits — CANANDAIGUA — Longtime Ontario County landfill director Kevin Spillane has resigned in the wake of an ongoing criminal investigation that was initiated earlier this fall at the county landfill in Flint. “Kevin has resigned his post effective the end of the year,” Donald Leysath, chairman of the county Board of Supervisors’ Solid Waste Committee, said on Thursday. (November 01, 02) Democrat and Chronicle
Seneca County plans hazardous waste collection Seneca County residents have until Wednesday to register with the county Environmental Health Department for disposal of certain waste items that can't be included in the weekly pickups. (October 20, 2002) Finger Lakes Times
Democrat & Chronicle: State seeks release of Diaz financial records (October 10, 2002) — ALBION — Attorneys from the state Attorney General’s Office argued in Orleans County Court on Monday for the release of a Holley chemical company’s financial records. The office is seeking records from Diaz Chemical Corp. because the company said in May that it could not pay living expenses for families displaced by a January chemical spill, said Marc Violette, a spokesman for the attorney general. Democrat and Chronicle
WXXI: Pataki Announces Brownfield Grants (2002-10-04) ROCHESTER, NEW YORK (2002-10-04) Governor George Pataki announced that five area companies will split over one million dollars to revitalize local brownfield sites. --(October 4, 2002) Public NewsRoom
Holley Residents File Lawsuits Holley, NY - Two lawsuits have been filed by Holley residents in the wake of the Diaz chemical spill earlier this year. (October 1, 2002) WOKR13.TV
Democrat & Chronicle: Brockport soil cleanup begins (September 25, 2002) — BROCKPORT — Just before noon Tuesday, contractors in a Lyman Street back yard began digging up contaminated soil, removing three truckloads in the first three hours. The work was the start of a hazardous waste excavation that will dig up or flush out about a mile of creek and connected storm sewer through or under a half-dozen residential streets to East Avenue. (September 25, 2002) Democrat and Chronicle
Democrat & Chronicle: CSX cleanup nearly finished 19,000 tons of contaminated soil removed from spill site (September 10, 2002) — After five months of excavation work, the cleanup of a chemical train derailment site in Charlotte is close to completion. Democrat and Chronicle
Democrat & Chronicle: Cleanup of Brockport creek begins BROCKPORT — Contractors this week are taking the first big step in cleaning up an exposed creek bed -- contaminated for decades with industrial chemicals -- that runs through a village neighborhood. Last week, crews built a temporary access road next to 56 Lyman St. It required 300 tons of gravel and stretches about 150 yards from the street to the canal. (September 6, 2002) Democrat and Chronicle
WXXI: Brockport Contamination Lawsuit Continues (2002-09-02) A Judge has refused to dismiss a lawsuit filed by a Brockport family against Black and Decker and General Electric. (September 3, 2002) Public NewsRoom
STUDY FINDS WIDESPREAD PESTICIDE USE IN THE HOMES, SCHOOLS AND PARKS OF LOW-INCOME URBAN CHILDREN Spitzer Announces Agreements with Retailers to Remove Illegal Pesticides from Shelves Attorney General Eliot Spitzer today released a first of its kind report that reveals widespread use of pesticides in public housing developments, schools and parks, despite the availability of less toxic methods of effective pest control. Unlike other studies, the report examines the cumulative impacts of pesticides on urban children. The report identifies a clear need for improved pest management practices that do not heavily rely on using toxic pesticides. (August 20, 2002) Office of New York State Attorney General Eliot Spitzer
Democrat & Chronicle: Spitzer: Unneeded use of toxins threaten city kids — ALBANY — City children are unnecessarily being exposed to widespread and hazardous pesticides at public housing, schools and parks, according to a report from state Attorney General Eliot Spitzer released Tuesday. As part of the study, Spitzer also settled cases against 12 of 73 stores surveyed where his investigators found unregistered pesticides being sold. (August 20, 2002) Democrat and Chronicle
CSX And City Have Different Views On Derailment Clean Up Rochester, NY - At a meeting in Charlotte on Monday night, a CSX spokesperson told the group that he's hopeful the clean-up work from December's train derailment will be done by the end of the year. (August 6, 2002) WOKR13.TV
Charlotte Residents Will Be Updated On Cleanup Efforts Rochester, NY - People who live in the Charlotte area of Rochester will be updated Monday on efforts to clean up December's train derailment which spilled chemicals into the soil and water. (August 5, 2002) WOKR13.TV
Democrat & Chronicle: Brockport cleanup plan gets green light — BROCKPORT — Corporate plans to clean up industrial contamination in a creek tributary are apparently acceptable to state environmental officials. "We're essentially satisfied with the plans," said Frank Ricotta, regional engineer in charge of cleanup operations for the state Department of Environmental Conservation. (August 4, 2002) Democrat and Chronicle:
Charlotte Businesses Languish While CSX Cleanup Continues Rochester, NY - The latest estimate from City of Rochester officials is that it might be next spring before last December's train derailment in Charlotte is cleaned up. (August 1, 2002) WOKR13.TV
Democrat & Chronicle: Brockport cleanup poised to start — BROCKPORT — Residents of this canalside village will get a final chance Thursday night to review cleanup plans for a creek contaminated decades ago by industries long gone. Beginning as early as Aug. 12, contractors hired by General Electric Co. and 3M Co. will begin scouring out about 3,000 feet of storm sewer. They'll also dig up linked portions of Brockport Tributary No. 3. (August 1, 2002) Democrat and Chronicle:
Democrat & Chronicle: Route 204 open Wednesday morning after chemical spill — Route 204 between Interstate 490 and Chili Avenue in Gates reopened overnight after officials cleared wreckage from an overturned tractor-trailer which spilled chemicals at the start of the Tuesday afternoon rush hour. (July 31, 2002) Democrat and Chronicle:
PCB Contamination Clean-up Begins In Brockport Brockport, NY - GE has begun cleanup on an old manufacturing site in Brockport where tests have shown PCB contamination. On the southern end of the old GE/Black and Decker property, earth one to three feet is being scraped and removed. The DEC calls the area a "hot spot"- -a place where the concentration of PCBs is high enough to be a potential health hazard. (July 20, 2002) WOKR13.TV
Democrat & Chronicle: Tainted dirt removal at Charlote will take longer — After 10 weeks of digging at a chemical spill site along River Street in Charlotte, contractors have moved more than 13 tons of soil. The largest part of the dig -- prompted by a Dec. 23 train derailment -- will take longer than expected. Some of the holes are twice as deep as originally planned, said John P. Casellini. (July 2, 2002) DemocratandChronicle.com
Democrat & Chronicle: State formulates a plan for Chili dump cleanup — State investigators have determined how to clean up the abandoned Golden Road hazardous waste dump. They now want public input before finalizing plans. The state departments of Environmental Conservation and of Health will conduct a public information meeting at 7 p.m. Wednesday at Pearce Memorial Church, 4322 Buffalo Road, North Chili. (06/18/02) DemocratandChronicle.com
Hazardous sites await funding The state Superfund ran out of money for environmental cleanup in March 2001. The former Macedon landfill and a former quarry and landfill in Victor are among the six sites in Ontario, Wayne and Yates counties that would be eligible for cleanup funds under a bill proposed by Gov. George Pataki. (06/18/02) Daily Messenger
Project to extend landfill life to 2027 Ontario County lawmakers approved last week measures that will extend the life of the landfill, where a gas-to-electricity plant is in the works. (June 6, 2002) Daily Messenger
Democrat & Chronicle: Residents displaced by Diaz