Village of Endicott Vapor Migration Project Fact Sheet - November 19, 2002
Public Information Session
Fact Sheet Abstract - Groundwater Vapor Project
- Presence of contaminant vapors - IBM sampling indicates that contaminant vapors are present eight feet below the ground in the IBM parking lots north of Monroe Street where samples were collected.
- Further soil gas sampling - Collection of samples from below the soil surface (called soil gas samples) in areas where contaminants are found in the groundwater will begin in early December 2002.
- Interior air sampling - To determine if there is any possibility that vapors from contaminated groundwater could influence indoor air quality in buildings, IBM will collect air samples from inside and beneath certain buildings. IBM will contact residents and property owners for permission to test, beginning in January 2003.
Purpose
You are invited to attend a public information session on Tuesday, November 19, 2002 at the Union Presbyterian Church, 200 East Main Street, Endicott, NY, from noon until 9:00 p.m. to answer questions regarding recent environmental information relating to the former IBM facility located in Endicott, New York. You may come at any time during these hours. Representatives from the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC), New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH), Broome County Health Department and IBM Corporation will be on hand to answer questions on the recent data and next steps. Those living in the vicinity of the facility are encouraged to attend.
Background
Since the 1940's, IBM has used industrial solvents in its manufacturing operations at the Endicott facility. Historically, as a result of leaks and spills, these solvents entered the soil and groundwater located 18 feet to 30 feet below the ground surface. These solvents are no longer used at the facility. Since 1980, IBM has been cleaning up and monitoring the contaminants that have entered the groundwater. Contaminant levels in the groundwater are highest in facility manufacturing area along the railroad between Watson Boulevard and North Street. (See map on back). The contamination decreases in concentration as groundwater moves slowly underground toward the Susquehanna River. IBM has an on-going groundwater cleanup program that has been effective, but it typically takes many years to achieve cleanup.
In the Spring of 2002, NYSDEC and NYSDOH required IBM to assess the possibility that vapors from the contaminants in the groundwater might be moving upward through the soil toward buildings. Results provided to the State in September 2002 indicate that vapors are present eight feet below the ground in the IBM parking lots north of Monroe Street where samples were collected.
Upcoming Activities
The State, County and IBM believe that it is prudent to determine if these vapors are leaving the former IBM property. To determine this, it will be necessary to collect additional samples from below the soil surface (called soil gas samples) in areas where contaminants are found in the groundwater. This sampling will begin in early December 2002.
It is also believed prudent to determine if there is any possibility that these vapors could influence indoor air quality in buildings throughout the neighborhood. To determine this, it will be necessary to collect air samples from inside and beneath certain buildings. IBM will be contacting certain residents and property owners for permission to test indoor air and soil gas beneath their buildings. That testing will begin in January 2003.
The fact that you are asked for permission to test your property does not mean that your indoor air is being impacted. Results should be available 5 to 6 weeks after sample collection and will be provided with an explanation to those whose buildings are sampled. Please note that you are not obligated to grant permission for this sampling.
Even though IBM recently sold the property, IBM will continue to be responsible for this work under the New York State Environmental Conservation Law.