Buffalo China Brownfield Cleanup Program Site
Fact Sheet - March 2009
Update on Ongoing Environmental Investigation Activities at Buffalo China Site
Geoprobe used at former Buffalo China facility to test
soils for contamination
Introduction
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) would like to update you on ongoing environmental investigation activities at the Former Buffalo China Site located at 51 Hayes Street in Buffalo. Work at the site is being conducted through the New York State Brownfield Cleanup Program, a program that encourages current or potential property owners to voluntarily cleanup brownfields so they may be returned to productive use. Brownfields are typically former industrial properties that may be impacted by contamination.
During previous site investigation activities, elevated levels of chemicals called volatile organic compounds (VOCs), in particular Trichloroethene (TCE), were found in the bedrock on and off-site. Additional rock wells will be installed to determine the extent of contamination, and potential exposure pathways (i.e., how people might come into contact with contamination) will be assessed. For more information on TCE, visit the ToxFAQ page on the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) website (see link in right column).
Site Background
The Buffalo China site comprises approximately 8 acres and is bounded on the north by Conrail railroad tracks, on the east by the adjoining former Buffalo China Warehouse and other commercial/industrial facilities, and on the south and west by residential properties. A former school and playground are located a few hundred feet to the southeast, but children no longer attend the school. The nearest body of water is the Buffalo River, located approximately ¼ mile south and east of the site. Previous environmental investigations at the site indicate that the site's soil and shallow groundwater have been impacted by volatile organic compounds and lead. The Buffalo China site has historically been the location of china and mirror manufacturing. The particular chemical detected, TCE, is commonly used in mirror manufacturing.
What Will the Environmental Investigation Involve?
To complete the investigation and to ensure the safety of the public, more rock wells will be drilled on both the Buffalo China property and the surrounding off-site area. Nearby properties will be assessed for potential exposure pathways. Any investigation work extending beyond Site boundaries onto private property will be conducted with appropriate permission or authority. Private properties identified that require necessary vapor sampling will be contacted individually and provided with additional information by NYSDEC and NYS Department of Health.
North side of Buffalo China Site
Next Steps
A final draft Remedial Investigation and Remedial Action Report is expected to be completed by Fall 2009. It will summarize all the environmental data collected and evaluate alternatives to clean up the site. Any information indicating impacts to nearby properties will be disclosed to affected property owners as soon as possible. Fact sheets similar to this one will continue to be sent throughout the project to keep you updated and informed on the project's progress.
Who Should I Call If I Have Questions About the Site?
Questions regarding the investigation of this site are welcome. Should you have any questions, please contact the following representatives:
Project-related Questions:
Ms. Christine Barton
Conestoga-Rovers & Assoc.
285 Delaware Ave Suite 500
Buffalo, NY 14202
(716) 856-2142
Health-related Questions:
Mr. Cameron O'Connor
NYSDOH
584 Delaware Avenue
Buffalo, New York 14202
(716) 847-4385
Environment-related Questions:
Ms. Linda Ross
NYSDEC Region 9 Office
270 Michigan Avenue
Buffalo, NY 14203
(716) 851-7220
Locations to View Project Documents
Two locations have been established as document repositories to provide you with access to project information. All documents relevant to the site's remedial program are available for review at:
East Clinton Branch Library
1929 East Clinton Street
Buffalo, NY 14206
(716) 823 5626
NYSDEC Region 9 Office
270 Michigan Avenue
Buffalo, NY 14203
(716) 851-7220
More information may be found online at the Region 9 Environmental Remediation Project Information page. Look for the Buffalo China entry under the Erie County heading.
