Eighteenmile Creek Corridor State Superfund Site
Cleanup Plan for Eighteenmile Creek Site Finalized
Introduction
A portion of the deteriorating Flintkote plant
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) released the Record of Decision (ROD) for the Eighteenmile Creek Corridor Site in March 2010. The ROD finalizes the cleanup plan that will be implemented to address contamination at the Site. Since the originally proposed cleanup measures were not modified during the public comment period, the selected final remedy mirrors the remedy proposed in the January 2010 Proposed Remedial Action Plan (PRAP). An electronic version of the ROD is available in the right column under the "Important Links" section.
The Eighteenmile Creek Corridor Site is contaminated primarily with lead and chemicals called polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). While the exact sources of all the contaminants are unknown, industrial operations at the former Flintkote plant are suspected to be partly responsible. For more information on these contaminants, visit the ToxFAQ page on the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry website (link provided under Links Leaving DEC's Website section in right column).
Description of the Cleanup Measures Described in the ROD
A worker takes a sample from the creek
To address the contamination present at the site, the NYSDEC and NYSDOH have approved cleanup measures for Operable Units (OUs) 1, 3, 4, 5 and 6 of the Eighteenmile Creek Corridor Site. Operable Units are portions of a site that for technical reasons are identified as specific areas of concern in order to facilitate a more efficient cleanup. The ROD for OU2 (Former Flintkote Site) was released in March 2006 and an electronic version of the document is also available in the right column.
The cleanup activities include the following:
- Operable Unit 1: Eighteenmile Creek and Millrace: Sediment and Creek Bank Excavation with Restoration and Long-Term Monitoring;
- Operable Unit 3: Former United Paperboard Property: Hazardous Waste Removal with Bank Stabilization and Long-Term Monitoring;
- Operable Unit 4: Upson Park: Hazardous Waste Removal with Bank Stabilization and Long-Term Monitoring;
- Operable Unit 5: White Transportation Property: Hazardous Waste Removal with Bank Stabilization and Long-Term Monitoring; and
- Operable Unit 6: Water Street Residential Properties: Limited Excavation with Bank Stabilization and Long-Term Monitoring.
For more detailed information about the cleanup measures, please consult the ROD.
What Comes Next?
Drums and car parts litter a section of the
White Transportation property along the creek
As required by State law, DEC is currently in the process of identifying responsible parties (individuals or entities potentially liable for the contamination) and preparing contract specifications for the remedial design work. Progress on the site and demolition of the building structure will depend on the future availability of funding through the State's Superfund program. NYSDEC will keep the public informed about project developments and milestones.
Site Background
The Eighteenmile Creek Corridor Site consists of approximately 10.6 acres between Clinton and Harwood Streets in the City of Lockport, Niagara County. The site is bound by Water Street, Eighteenmile Creek, residential properties and vacant land to the west; Clinton Street to the south; Mill Street to the east; and commercial property to the north. The Site has been subdivided into six Operable Units (OUs).
A tower bears the name of the former
company
The Flintkote plant is suspected to be the major source of mainly PCB and lead contamination at the site. Flintkote began operations as a manufacturer of felt and felt products in 1928. In 1935, Flintkote began production of sound-deadening and tufting felt for use in automobiles. It is also believed that Flintkote manufactured composite laminates. Manufacturing continued at Flintkote until December of 1971, when operations ceased and the plant closed.
To determine the type and location of contamination at the site, a Remedial Investigation (RI) was completed by the NYSDEC in 2006, with a Supplemental RI completed in 2009. The investigations documented the presence of approximately 105,200 cubic yards of ash fill containing semi-volatile organic compounds (SVOCs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and metals on the upland portions of the site, and approximately 14,500 cubic yards of creek sediment contaminated with SVOCs, PCBs and metals.
In 2009, a Feasibility Study (FS) was completed to evaluate potential cleanup alternatives. The investigation and feasibility reports are available at the locations listed at the end of this fact sheet and electronically through the links in the right column.
Who Should I Call If I Have Questions About the Site?
Should you have any question about this project, please feel welcome to contact these representatives:
Environment-Related Information:
Glenn M. May
NYSDEC Region 9 Office
270 Michigan Avenue
Buffalo, NY 14203
Phone: 716-851-7220
Health-Related Information:
Matthew Forcucci
NYSDOH
584 Delaware Avenue
Buffalo, NY 14202
Phone: 716-847-4385
Locations to View Project Documents
To keep you informed, NYSDEC has set up locations at which you may view project documents, including:
DEC Region 9 Office
270 Michigan Avenue
Buffalo, NY 14203
(716) 851-7220 (Please call for appointment)
Lockport Public Library
23 East Avenue
Lockport, NY 14194
(716) 433-5935
