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Citizen Participation Plan for Endicott Area Environmental Projects

Broome County, New York - May 2005

Prepared by New York State Department of Environmental Conservation

Section 1: Introduction

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (Department), in cooperation with the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH), is investigating historic releases of industrial solvents from the former International Business Machines' (IBM) facility in Endicott, New York. Other potential sources of industrial solvents in the area are also being investigated.

This citizen participation plan provides summary information about the type of contamination that has been identified; major projects within the affected areas; opportunities for public participation in remedy selection; a summary of the Department's consent order requirements; primary contact information for various state, local and private agencies; and information on where project-related documents are available.

During the remediation (cleanup) process, the Department will keep the public informed of planned or ongoing actions; environmental conditions; public health threats posed by contamination and responses under consideration; and project status. The Department will also provide opportunities for the public to give information, opinions and perspectives on technical decisions about the site.

The citizen participation program will evolve throughout the remediation process; therefore, the Department will continually solicit public input. The public is encouraged to discuss ideas and suggestions about this plan or other aspects of the project with the contacts listed in Section 6.

Section 2: Authorizing Agencies

2.1 New York State Department of Environmental Conservation

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation has authority over the investigation and remediation for the affected areas in Endicott. You can reach the Department's Web site at: http://www.dec.ny.gov.

2.2 New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH)

The New York State Department of Health will address specific human exposures to site contaminants as well as community concerns about associated health issues. Working with local, state and federal health agencies, the NYSDOH has prepared a public health response plan which incorporates the full range of concerns expressed by the community. A copy of the plan is available on the NYSDOH's Web site: http://www.health.state.ny.us/nysdoh/gas/endicott_phrp.htm.

2.3 Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry

The Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry will, in addition to assisting the NYSDOH in its efforts, collect historic data from agencies to help evaluate the feasibility and usefulness of using laboratory models to estimate the affects of historic exposure to contaminants. Additional information about the agency's efforts in Endicott are available at the agency's Web site: http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/statefactsheets/sfs-ny.html.

2.4 Broome County Health Department

The Broome County Health Department is compiling more than 20 years of sampling data from the area's main water sources, well #32 (also known as the Ranney Well), located next to Grippen Park and wells #5 and #28, located on South Street in the Village of Endicott. These data are available to the public via the Broome County Health Department's Web site: http://www.gobroomecounty.com/safety/.

Each agency or program will consider public input in its decision making process, although their approaches may differ. For specific information on agency policy, check the agency Web site or call the telephone numbers listed in Section 6.

Section 3: Background

3.1 Endicott Area Demographics

The population of the Village of Endicott is 13,038, the median resident age 37 years old, and median household income is $26,032 (year 2000). Median home value is $65,600 (year 2000). Industries providing employment include: manufacturing (20.9%), educational, health and social services (20.3%), retail trade (12.2%), arts, entertainment, recreation, accommodation and food services (10.2%). The Town of Union has a population of 56,298. The median age is 40 years old and the median household income is $34,170. Other demographic statistics are similar to those of Endicott.

3.2 Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) in Endicott Area

Endicott has a rich industrial history. Endicott Johnson (shoe manufacturers) and IBM both formerly operated major manufacturing facilities in the immediate area. Since the 1940's, IBM has used solvents containing VOCs at its former 150-acre manufacturing plant located along North Street. Historically, as a result of leaks and spills associated with IBM's manufacturing operations, solvents entered the groundwater, located 18-30 feet below the ground surface. Contaminant levels in the groundwater are highest in the former facility manufacturing area near the railroad tracks between Watson Boulevard and North Street. The primary groundwater contaminants, down-gradient of the facility, are trichloroethylene (TCE), and 1,1,1-trichloroethane (TCA, also known as methyl chloroform). Methylene chloride, Freon 113, benzene, toluene and xylene have also been identified at the site in lesser amounts. TCE is a colorless liquid used as a solvent for cleaning metal parts. In humans, long term exposure to high levels of TCE in workplace air is associated with effects on the central nervous system and irritation of the eyes and respiratory tract. In laboratory animals, exposure to high levels of TCE has damaged the central nervous system, liver and kidneys, and adversely affected reproduction and normal development of offspring. Lifetime exposure to high levels of TCE has caused cancer in laboratory animals. Some studies suggest that exposure to TCE in workplace air or drinking water is linked to cancer, and reproductive and developmental toxicity in humans. Whether or not these effects are caused by TCE or some other possible factor (for example, exposure to other chemicals, smoking, alcohol consumption, lifestyle choices) is unknown. Because these studies have limitations, they only suggest, but do not prove, that exposure to TCE can cause cancer, and developmental and reproductive effects in humans.

TCA is used as a solvent and degreasing agent, and is found in some household products such as cleaners, glues, and aerosol sprays. Breathing high levels of TCA can cause adverse effects on the central nervous system and cardiovascular system in humans and laboratory animals. Laboratory animals that breathed high levels of TCA also had effects on the respiratory tract and the liver. In laboratory animals, TCA at levels that are toxic in parent animals also adversely affect the normal development of their offspring.

3.3 Location and Spread of Contaminants

In 1980, after a reported spill at its facility, IBM began addressing contaminants that were found to have entered the groundwater. There have been several investigations at or near the site since that time, including the current remediation efforts. The nearest public water supply wells are located 4,000 feet to the southwest of the facility and take in water from the lower aquifer. Historically, contaminant levels unacceptable for drinking water have been recorded at these wells. Treatment to remove contaminants began in 1983 and continues today. The wells are also routinely tested and have consistently exhibited contaminant levels acceptable for drinking water since 1983.

3.4 Vapor Intrusion

Groundwater contamination from the former IBM facility has resulted in detectable levels of contaminants in the indoor air of off-site structures. [Vapor intrusion has not been documented on-site. We are in the process of doing on-site sampling.] Vapor intrusion occurs when contaminants evaporate into the overlying soils and the vapors enter enclosed spaces such as basements and crawl spaces. Investigations show that trichloroethylene (TCE) is the primary groundwater and indoor air contaminant.

3.5 Classification

An investigation was initiated after a 4,100-gallon methyl chloroform spill at IBM Endicott in 1979, and, in 1986, the Department classified IBM as a Class 4 site meaning, "a site which has been closed but requires continued management." Subsequent investigations at the site revealed subsurface vapors from historical spills entering the basements of homes near the facility. As a result, in 2004, the Department reclassified the former IBM facility as a Class 2 site.

3.6 Cleanup Responsibility

Although IBM sold the property in 2002, it has continued to cooperate with the investigation and cleanup at the site. Investigation and remediation activities previously performed under a hazardous waste management permit will continue to be performed under a consent order issued by the Department in August 2004.

IBM continues to identify affected properties and, where necessary, install vapor mitigation systems to address current or potential exposures related to vapor intrusion. Approximately 490 structures in the Village of Endicott and the Town of Union have received or will receive mitigation systems.

3.7 Monitoring and Remediation Mechanisms

In addition to installing vapor mitigation systems, the Department is requiring IBM to investigate methods to accelerate cleanup of the groundwater plume. The off-site plume is currently being remediated by a pump-and-treat system consisting of eight (8) wells in the area south of North Street. A pump-and-treat system is designed to pump out contaminated groundwater, remove or neutralize the contaminants and discharge the "cleaned" groundwater back into the environment. The on-site plume is currently being remediated with a similar system.

3.8 Sampling and Investigation for Vapor Intrusion

Sampling for the intrusion of subsurface vapors began in 2001. As sampling extended beyond the property lines of the former IBM facility, new data indicated a need to further evaluate existing conditions within the Village of Endicott and the Town of Union. Consequently, the Department initiated discussions with other potentially responsible parties at or near the site. Properties being evaluated include Schapiro=s Dry Cleaners, the former Ideal Dry Cleaners, Creative Printing and properties located on Robinson Hill Road. There is also an area-wide environmental assessment being performed to more fully define environmental conditions throughout the area.

3.9 Consent Order

A consent order is a legal agreement between two parties. In August 2004, the Department issued a consent order to IBM which outlines specific steps IBM must take in developing plans to track and eliminate subterranean pollution under the manufacturing plant on North Street. It also requires that IBM conduct a Supplemental Remedial Investigation (SRI) and Focused Feasibility Study (FFS) of seven areas (called operable units) that were insufficiently evaluated as potential sources of contamination. The order also requires IBM to improve the groundwater pump-and-treat system; add an additional pump-and-treat system south of North Street; re-inject clean groundwater at sites to be specified later; perform plume control in the bedrock; develop a comprehensive monitoring plan; and perform a complete investigation of on-site pollution sources.

Section 4: Project Descriptions

4.1 Operable Units

Complex contaminated sites may be divided into specific areas for ease of investigation and cleanup. These areas are called "operable units." The primary criteria for placing sites into operable units are geographic proximity, and similarity of waste characteristics and site type (see map in Appendix A). The Department's consent order requires additional work at the seven operable units listed in the table below.

Key to "Work Required" Abbreviations:

SRI: Supplemental Remediation Investigation - A process or processes to determine nature and extent of contamination at a site, (what the type and extent of the contamination).

FFS: Focused Feasibility Studies - Studies of data to develop and evaluate options for a remedy that is focused on a specific area.

IRM: Interim Remedial Measures - Actions that are undertaken without extensive investigation to prevent or mitigate environmental damage before a final remedy is determined.

Work Required at the Operable Units

Work required at the Operable Units

Operable Unit #	Description	Work Required
OU #1	Railroad Corridor Source Area	SRI, FFS and IRM
OU #2	North Street Area	SRI, FFS and IRM
OU #3	Plume Reduction Southern Zone	SRI, FFS and IRM
OU #4	Ideal Dry Cleaners	SRI, FFS and IRM
OU #5	Building 57	SRI, FFS
OU #6	Plume Control in Bedrock	SRI, FFS and IRM if appropriate
OU #7	Assessment of On-Site Sewers	SRI and FFS if appropriate

4.1.1 Site-Wide Source Area Evaluation

In addition to the investigations described above, the consent order requires a site-wide source area evaluation. This evaluation will focus on other potential sources of contamination and initially encompass the Railroad Corridor Source Area (OU1), the North Street Area (OU2), Ideal Dry Cleaners (OU4), Building 57 (OU5), and the On-Site Sewers (OU7). Source area evaluation of operable units 3 and 6 will be addressed in a work plan to be submitted in August 2005.

4.2 Additional Project Sites

In addition to the previously mentioned operable units, several other sites (some within the seven operable units) have been or are currently being investigated or remediated as part of the overall remediation effort in the Endicott area. These sites were under investigation, or being remediated prior to the 2004 consent order.

4.2.1 Former Ideal Dry Cleaners

Although the former Ideal Dry Cleaners is currently included as one of the operable units in the consent order, the Department had received a work plan from IBM to investigate possible contamination at or near the site prior to the 2004 consent order. IBM purchased the site, which is now a parking lot, and will evaluate it to determine if it is contaminated, and if so, the nature and extent of that contamination. Results of the investigation will determine what, if any, remedial measures are needed.

4.2.2 Schapiro's Dry Cleaners

The Department is working with Schapiro's Dry Cleaners to establish a work plan for investigation of its North Street facility. This investigation is being performed under the Voluntary Cleanup Program (VCP). Earlier investigative work by IBM detected perchloroethylene (PCE), a solvent used for dry cleaning, in sub-surface soil vapor surrounding the building. The Department met with the facility owners and began investigation of environmental conditions at this facility. This investigation involves defining the nature and extent of contamination in various media and will provide information necessary to determine the appropriate remedies.

4.2.3 Creative Printing

The Department initiated efforts to investigate possible contamination in or near the Creative Printing facility on East Main Street in Endicott. Elevated concentrations of solvents TCE, PCE and 1,1,1, TCA were detected in the subsurface soil vapor and water at this site. The Department prepared a work plan to further investigate this area and to determine the appropriate next steps. The preliminary site assessment will be completed in the spring of 2005.

4.2.4 IBM- Robinson Hill Road Sites

The Department commenced discussions with IBM relative to four other sites located off Robinson Hill Road in the Town of Union. These sites are the Gun Club and the Gun Club Disposal Area, and two separate sites on the Country Club property. Each of these sites may undergo an evaluation of environmental conditions to determine if contamination is present, and if so, the nature and extent of that contamination. Further, the study will evaluate if remedial measures are necessary.

4.3 Area-Wide Study

The Department, in conjunction with NYSDOH, is also undertaking an area-wide environmental study using State Superfund monies to determine what actions are most appropriate for this area. The area-wide study is being performed by the Department and will focus on the areas outside the IBM plume, but within the Village of Endicott and Town of Union. Because many of the facilities currently operating in the Endicott area still use chemicals that may enter the environment (e.g., automotive facilities, various manufacturing operations, metal finishing, etc.), this study is designed to determine if any facilities, historical or current, have affected or are affecting environmental conditions in the area (area-wide study map is shown in Appendix B). Activities associated with this project will include a historical records search and implementation of an investigative work plan to test and evaluate conditions. Throughout this project, the public will be kept informed of Department activities, and the work plan will be available to the public.

4.4 Action Plans

The Department will continue to aggressively require IBM to remediate soil and groundwater and to investigate and address potential exposures to vapor migration that may affect the indoor air quality of off-site structures. Since the fall of 2002, there has been an extensive effort to assess the environmental impact associated with migration of contaminant laden sub-surface vapors through the soil and into buildings in the Village of Endicott and the Town of Union. The Department, NYSDOH and the Broome County Health Department have been coordinating with local officials and the public to have IBM address the site's contamination as well as the solvent vapors detected in soil and buildings. The two documents described below provide the framework for the majority of work that is being performed to address IBM-related groundwater vapor migration.

4.4.1 Action Plan - Groundwater Vapor Project (December 2003)

The primary objective of the plan was to determine where there were environmental impacts to indoor air that could be attributed to the IBM groundwater contaminant plume. The plan describes the procedures, protocols and criteria used to make this determination for structures located within the study area. The plan also discusses mitigation systems to address effects on indoor air.

4.4.2 Supplemental Groundwater Assessment Work Plan (March 2003)

The Department suggested improvements to remedies and mitigation systems already installed. Public comments were solicited on these improvements. In addition, fact sheets were distributed and a public information session was held. A complete copy of the plan is available at the document repository listed in Section 5.7.

Section 5: Citizen Participation

Citizen participation activities are designed to address public concerns about environmental remediation activities. The Department is committed to informing and involving the public in the process of accomplishing comprehensive environmental remediation in the Endicott area. In order to do this, it is important for the Department to receive public input.

Per the Department's 2004 consent order with IBM, work plans for each operable unit have been submitted which may contain the following types of supporting documents: SRI's, FFS's, IRMs, and remedial design/construction work plans. The work plan for each operable unit must include a citizen participation plan which provides opportunities for public input.

The following are Department citizen participation activities that have been performed, and other activities that may be conducted as warranted.

5.1 Public Meetings

Public meetings represent a formal presentation and exchange of information. Public meetings may be held to explain, and to offer an opportunity to comment on, proposed final remedy selections within the Endicott area. The public will be notified in advance of meetings through news releases to regional news media and direct mail to the site contact list. Meeting dates will also be available at: http://www.dec.ny.gov/chemical/8672.html

5.2 Public Information Sessions

Public information sessions, which are less formal than public meetings, have been held periodically and have been well attended, allowing hundreds of people to obtain information from multiple agencies and parties. These information sessions help maintain contact with the community during periods between formal meetings and will continue as needed. Information updates on various projects as well as on the area-wide study have been, and will continue to be made available at these sessions.

Public information sessions were held on:

November 19, 2002
April 10, 2003
April 21, 2004
October 13, 2004 (afternoon and evening sessions)
February 9, 2005 (afternoon and evening sessions)

The Department anticipates holding additional sessions in the future and will post notifications in local newspapers and at the above Web site. In addition, notices will be sent to individuals and public officials on the public contact mailing list.

5.3 Fact Sheets and Public Information Session Announcements

The Department provides project updates called, "fact sheets" or "public information session announcements" during many remediation projects. The following documents summarized information about the status of remediation and findings at the site and preceded or announced: public information sessions; the release of SRI reports; proposed remedial work plans; IRM reports; and remedial design construction plans. Fact sheets or public information session announcements were provided in:

November 2002
April 2003
May 2003
July 2003
October 2003
April 2004
October 2004

The fact sheets or public information session announcements listed above are attached (see Appendices C-H). Upcoming fact sheets will be mailed to individuals on the site contact list, made available on the Department's Web site and at the document repository listed in Section 5.7.

5.4 Toll-Free Telephone Numbers

The Department and NYSDOH provide toll free numbers to facilitate open and frequent communication with the public about environmental and health concerns.

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation 1-800-388-8223
New York State Department of Health 1-800-458-1158, ext. 27890

5.5 Web Sites

In November 2002, the Department and NYSDOH established Web sites to provide information to the public about the former IBM Endicott site. The addresses are:

http://www.dec.ny.gov/chemical/8672.html

http://www.health.state.ny.us/nysdoh/gas/soilgas.htm

5.6 Citizen Group Meetings

The Department has met with various local groups to discuss the project's status and future actions. Among these groups are the Resident Action Group of Endicott (RAGE), Endicott Stakeholders Planning Group and Citizens Acting to Resolve Endicott's Environment (CARE). Department staff attend regular meetings held by these groups.

Building upon the past outreach efforts, the Department will continue to cooperate with citizens groups and provide opportunities for the public to become informed about, and to provide input to remedial decisions. Interested citizen groups are encouraged to contact the project manager or project citizen participation specialist with questions or concerns about the project or opportunities for public input. Contact information is listed in Section 6.

5.7 Document Repository (Library)

The document repository for this project is the:

George F. Johnson Memorial Library
1001 Park Street
Endicott, New York 13760
Tel. (607) 757-5350
Hours: Mon. 10-6, Tues. 2-9, Wed. 10-6, Thurs. 2-9, Fri. 10-5 and Sat. 12-4

The George F. Johnson Memorial Library keeps a complete inventory of documents and items related to the IBM project in Endicott. In addition, a list of all project related documents housed at the library can be viewed at:

http://www.4cls.org/webpages/members/endicott/groundwater.htm

The list of library documents includes reports, data, maps, and other information gathered and developed during the course of the cleanup as well as fact sheets and public meeting announcements.

Complete project records are also kept at:

Department of Environmental Conservation
625 Broadway
Albany, NY 12233
Hours: 8:30-4:45
(518) 402-8000, Please call ahead.

Department of Environmental Conservation - Region 7
615 Erie Blvd. West, 2^nd Floor
Syracuse, NY 13204
Hours: 8:30-4:45
(315) 426-7403,Please call ahead.

Additional articles on the IBM/Endicott site are available at The Binghamton Press and Sun Bulletin web site: www.pressconnects.com.

5.8 Community Concerns

The community has expressed numerous concerns and questions about remediation projects and studies being performed in the Endicott area. The primary concerns raised by the public at information sessions and citizen group meetings attended by the Department include:

Issues specifically related to Department programs, e.g., mitigation systems, groundwater contamination, and air quality issues have been, and will continue to be, addressed at public meetings.

The Department and NYSDOH have informed the community that follow-up indoor air tests, at selected homes with mitigation systems, have shown VOC concentrations within acceptable limits. The Department, in cooperation with NYSDOH, will evaluate potential exposure to VOCs that are emitted from the operation of subsurface mitigation systems.

The Department and NYSDOH both seek to address as many of the communities' concerns as possible, however, the Department will be unable to fully address all issues until additional studies are completed. As part of the ongoing process of citizen participation, the Department will release information and study results to the public as soon as practical and invites comments and questions about any information that is released. Recognizing that some community concerns are not within the Department's purview, the Department will assist in directing inquires to the appropriate source.

5.9 Public Comment Periods

Under an August 2004 consent order, IBM is investigating the contamination for which it is responsible so that additional remedies can be selected. At a minimum, the Department will solicit public comment on the preferred remedial measures prior to the final remedy selection. The Department may hold public information and comment sessions to explain the proposed modifications, answer questions, and provide an opportunity for public comment. The public will be notified of public meetings, information sessions, or comment periods through the newspaper, radio, Department Environmental Notice Bulletins on its Web site, and a public contact mailing list.

Section 6: Project Contacts

For more information about remediation projects at the IBM Endicott site, the public is encouraged to contact any of the following:

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation:

Robert Knizek, Project Manager
625 Broadway
Albany, NY 12233-7013
(518) 402-9813
rcknizek@gw.dec.state.ny.us

New York State Department of Health:

Jennifer Cunningham, Public Health Specialist 2
Center for Environmental Health
547 River Street
Troy, NY 12180-2216
(800) 458-1158, ext. 27860
BEEI@health.state.ny.us

Broome County Health Department:

Broome County Health Department
225 Front Street
Binghamton, NY 13905
Ron Brink (607) 778-2816 or Bob Denz (607) 778-2895
http://www.gobroomecounty.com/safety/

Town of Union:

Town Supervisor's Office
3111 East Main Street
Endwell, NY 13760
(607) 786-2995

Village of Endicott:

Mayor's Office
1009 East Main Street
Endicott, NY 13760
(607) 757-2420

IBM:

Mitchell E. Myers, Project Manager
8976 Wellington Road
Manassas, VA 20110 1-888-738-7968

Allison Spare, Community Relations Advisor
8976 Wellington Road
Manassas, VA 20110
1-888-738-7968

Citizens Groups:

Citizens Acting to Resolve Endicott's Environment (CARE), c/o
Ms. Bernadette Patrick
213 Frey Avenue
Endicott, NY 13760
(607) 754-6095

Ms. Bette Havel
19 Arthur Avenue
Endicott, NY 13760
(607) 786-0624

Resident Action Group of Endicott (RAGE), c/o
Mr. Alan Turnbull
117 Cleveland Avenue
Endicott, NY 13760
(607) 748-4072

Western Broome Environmental Stakeholder Coalition (WBESC), c/o
Mr. Rick White
Alliance@IBM/CWA Local 1701
36 Washington Avenue
Endicott, NY 13760
(607) 658-9285

Section 7: Public Contact List

The Department has developed a list of interested and affected parties to help the Department keep the community informed and involved in the investigation and cleanup of the IBM Endicott site. The list includes nearby property owners; local news media; citizens groups; civic, business and environmental organizations; local, state, and federal officials, and others. The contact list currently contains more than 4,000 parties and will be reviewed periodically and updated as appropriate.

The Department encourages interested and affected parties to ask to be included on the contact list. This list is used for all mailings, notices and fact sheets. If you wish to be added to the list, contact the project manager listed in Section 6.

Written comments on this citizen participation plan should be addressed to:

Harold Evans
Citizen Participation Specialist
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation
Division of Public Affairs and Education
625 Broadway
Albany, NY 12233-4500