Printer-friendlyFormer IBM Endicott Facility Fact Sheet - September 2005
On-Site Investigation Update
Fact Sheet Abstract
The purpose of this fact sheet is to provide an update to the community on recent developments in the investigation and remediation of the Former IBM Endicott Facility.
In February and March of 2005, the New York State Departments of Environmental Conservation and Health (i.e., the State) collected air and soil vapor samples on the Huron Campus (the Former IBM Endicott Facility). Samples were collected from inside, outside and beneath 36 buildings throughout the campus. A total of 259 air samples were collected during the investigation and tested for volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
Data collected during the air and soil vapor investigation are available at the George F. Johnson Memorial Library in Endicott. Available information includes the data report titled "Preliminary Site Investigation Data Report, Huron Real Estate Associates, LLC (September 2005)" and individual information sheets summarizing the results for the air and soil vapor investigation for each building tested. A general overview of the results follows.
Summary of Results
The majority of the indoor air results for routinely occupied areas fell into two categories. In the first category, the air levels are consistent with background indoor air levels and are not of concern. In the second category, the levels are below or slightly above NYSDOH guidelines. In this category, the possibility of health effects in workers exposed to these levels is low. That is, the NYSDOH does not expect to be able to associate health effects from any chemicals at the levels measured in indoor air.
Higher levels were found in the indoor air in two areas infrequently occupied. These are the confinedspace entry tunnels (crawlspaces) located beneath Building 18 and the tank farm located in the basement of Building 18. Occasional entries into these spaces are not an immediate health concern, but the feasibility of reducing exposures in these areas should be evaluated.
Thirty-five outdoor air samples were taken on the Huron Campus from February to March 2005. For the compounds tested, the air levels are consistent with typical outdoor air background levels and are not a concern.
Overall, the soil vapor data generated by this investigation clearly support the necessity of continuing IBM's on-going on-site investigation. The purpose of the investigation is to characterize the nature and extent of subsurface contamination on the Huron Campus and to evaluate the feasibility of expanding remedial actions.