Site Priority Classifications
Statutory Classifications:
Classification Code: 1
The classification assigned to a site at which:
- contamination constitutes a significant threat to public health and the environment; and
- the significant threat to public health and the environment is causing, or presents an imminent danger of causing, either irreversible or irreparable damage to the environment.
Classification Code: 2
The classification assigned to a site at which:
- the disposal of hazardous waste has been confirmed and the presence of such hazardous waste or its components or breakdown products represent a significant threat to the environment or to health as described in subdivision (a) above; or
- hazardous waste disposal has not been confirmed, but the site has been listed on the Federal National Priorities List (NPL).
Classification Code: 3
The classification assigned to a site at which:
- contamination does not presently constitute a significant threat to public health or the environment, as described in subdivision (a) above.
This classification is used only when there is sufficient information available to conclude that the site does not pose a significant threat. This classification is not used for sites where the information is insufficient to make a definitive decision concerning significant threat.
Classification Code: 4
The classification assigned to a site which:
- has been properly closed but that requires continued site management, consisting of operation maintenance, and monitoring.
A site whose remedial program stipulates more than one operable unit is eligible for this classification only when all of the operable units have been satisfactorily completed.
Under certain circumstances, this classification may be assigned to a site where remedial activities have been completed, but conditions at the site have not been brought into compliance with applicable regulatory standards. Example: a site with a groundwater extraction and treatment system may be reclassified to Class 4 once it has been established that the extraction/treatment system is operating effectively, even though the groundwater being extracted and treated is contaminated at concentrations greater than the applicable regulatory limit or limits).
Classification Code: 5
The classification assigned to a site which:
- has been properly closed in a setting where a consequential amount of hazardous waste or its constituents remain, but do not require continued operation, maintenance and/or monitoring. No further action required.
A site whose remedial program stipulates more than one operable unit stipulated is eligible for this classification only when:
- all of the operable units have been satisfactorily completed and approved by NYSDEC;
- the site is in compliance with all applicable regulatory standards; and/or
- an appropriate monitoring program has been completed and approved by the NYSDEC; and/or
- further action is not required.
Administrative Classifications:
Classification Code: A
The classification assigned to a non-registry site in any remedial program where work is underway and not yet complete (i. e., Brownfield Cleanup Program, Environmental Restoration Program, and Voluntary Cleanup Program sites). This may be used for Manufactured Gas Plant sites or those being remediated under an EPA Cooperative Agreement.
Classification Code: C
The classification used for sites where the Department has determined that remediation has been satisfactorily completed under a remedial program (i. e., State Superfund, Brownfield Cleanup Program, Environmental Restoration Program, Voluntary Cleanup Program). State Superfund (Registry) sites must have completed all active operation, maintenance, or monitoring requirements before they can be delisted and made class C. Non-registry sites may be made a class C after successful completion of all required construction or after a no further action remedy has been selected by the Department. These sites will be issued a Certificate of Completion (COC), but may still require ongoing maintenance and periodic certification of institutional/engineering controls (IC/ECs).
