Environment DEC
From the November 2004 issue
Governor Marks First Anniversary of Superfund Reform Legislation
Governor George E. Pataki recently recognized the first anniversary of his signing of landmark legislation that refinanced and reformed the state's Superfund and Brownfield programs by announcing more than $3 million to explore the cleanup of contaminated sites in six communities across New York State.
NYS Assemblyman Chris Ortloff and DEC Comm. Erin Crotty review plans for an office building to be erected on a cleaned up brownfields site in Plattsburgh
"The state's Superfund and Brownfields programs have been crucial in our efforts to clean up our environment, revitalize our downtowns and create new jobs and economic opportunities in cities and towns across New York. With our revitalized Superfund program and the new Brownfield Cleanup Program we are working with local governments to successfully transform our communities and improve the quality of life for our children and future generations of New Yorkers," Governor Pataki said.
The Governor was joined by state and local officials in the City of Plattsburgh, Clinton County. Plattsburgh will receive a $135,000 Environmental Restoration Program (ERP) grant for the investigation of the 5.11-acre Durkee Street Parking Lot. The city will use the funding to perform an investigation to determine whether contamination levels are present in the surface and subsurface soils, groundwater, and soil gas. This information will help the city develop the most effective method of cleanup and allow the site to be redeveloped. A portion of the lot is slated for redevelopment as a multi-story, commercial office building and associated parking garage. Additional, phased development is proposed for the remainder of the site.
Brownfield and Superfund Law
Brownfields are abandoned or underused properties where real or perceived environmental contamination hinders the potential for redevelopment. Last year Governor Pataki signed the historic Superfund and Brownfield Law, making $300 million available on an annual basis for the state's cleanup programs, including numerous reforms to make them more effective. As a result of the legislation, ERP grants now cover up to 90 percent of a municipality's eligible costs for brownfield investigation and cleanups. In addition, the scope of the state Superfund Program was expanded to include hazardous substances, and important liability reform was added to the state Superfund Program and Oil Spill Program.
The Diamond International paper mill site, in Ogdensburg, St. Lawrence County recently received state funds to begin site investigation and remediation
The new law also created a new Brownfield Cleanup Program (BCP) to encourage private investment through liability reform, tax incentives, and a predictable process for cleaning up and redeveloping brownfields; a new Brownfield Opportunity Area Program (BOA) for community-based organizations and municipalities to address area-wide planning, and a new technical assistance grants program.
Since the Governor signed the Superfund and Brownfield Law on October 7, 2003, nearly $22 million dollars in ERP funding have been committed to more than 30 projects in New York State for brownfield investigation and cleanup. In addition, applications have been received for more than 130 projects under the new Brownfield Cleanup Program (BCP). Together, these two successful programs are helping to transform more than 160 brownfield sites across the state. In addition, 51 state Superfund projects that had been on hold due to lack of funding prior to the legislation's enactment now are moving forward. The application period for 2004-2005 BOA grants ended on June 30, 2004. More than 50 grant applications were received and are under review by the state Department of State (DOS).
Grant Recipients
Additional grants announced include: $1.89 million for the investigation of the 90 Hopkins Street site in Buffalo; $720,000 for the investigation of the Sycamore Village site in Buffalo; $243,850 for the investigation of the former Frink America Plant in Clayton, Jefferson County; $78,030 for the investigation of the former C&B Dry Cleaners in Jamestown, Chautauqua County, and $22,500 for the investigation of the Youngstown Cold Storage site in Youngstown, Niagara County.
DEC Commissioner Erin M. Crotty said, "Governor Pataki's signing of the historic Superfund and Brownfield legislation last year has allowed local communities throughout New York State to strengthen our economy and environment. It is through his commitment to brownfield investigations that communities are taking the important first steps toward environmental cleanup and commercial, recreational, or residential development."
The Clean Water/Clear Air Bond Act, proposed by Governor Pataki and approved by voters in November 1996, authorizes $1.75 billion for important environmental programs, including $200 million for ERP grants to municipalities for costs associated with the investigation and cleanup of brownfields. To date, more than $56 million in ERP Bond Act funding has been committed to 146 investigations and cleanup projects at brownfield sites throughout the state.
