Environment DEC
From the August 2006 issue
Comment Period Continues on Revised Superfund/Brownfield Regulations
These senior citizen apartments are
located on a former brownfield site
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) recently announced that revised draft regulations for the Inactive Hazardous Waste Disposal Site Remedial Program (State Superfund Program), the Environmental Restoration Program (ERP), and the new Brownfield Cleanup Program (BCP) have been issued and are available for public comment. The revisions are in response to the public comments received after draft regulations were proposed in November 2005. DEC is also proposing a new alternative remedial program for sites that may not be eligible for the BCP.
Soil Cleanup Tables Changed
In response to the public comments received, DEC has revised the draft regulations to ensure that cleanups are consistent with statutory requirements and protect public health and the environment, while also helping to stimulate the cleanup and revitalization of brownfield sites across the state. Among the changes made in response to public comments is a proposed reorganization of the draft regulation to separate the soil cleanup objective tables into a new Subpart 375-6. A number of changes have been made to the tables and an additional description of the use of the soil cleanup tables has been added. The deadline for submitting public comments on these revised Part 375 draft regulations is August 25, 2006.
New "Remediation Stipulation Program" Proposed
A new Subpart 375-5, the "Remediation Stipulation Program" is also being proposed. This proposal provides for an alternative remedial program, application to which is voluntary, which will facilitate the clean up and reuse of contaminated sites. This program would help stimulate economic revitalization, while ensuring the continued protection of public health and the environment. It would address sites not eligible for the Brownfield Cleanup Program while ensuring proper DEC oversight of the cleanup performed. The deadline for submitting public comments on this proposal is September 5, 2006.
Public Comment Meetings Scheduled
Public comment meetings on the regulations are scheduled in August at DEC headquarters in Albany. To view the draft regulation, supporting documentation and information for submitting comments, please see the complete press release on which this story is based at "Related Links" below.
