Environment DEC
From the November 2005 issue
Governor Announces $2.42 Million for Brownfield Projects
More than $2.42 million in Environmental Restoration Program (ERP) grants have been announced for the investigation of contamination at brownfield sites in nine communities across New York State, including a $348,700 grant for the Town of Warrensburg in Warren County. Warrensburg will use its grant to investigate the nature and scope of contamination at a former paper mill on the Schroon River, with the goal of transforming the site into a recreation area with river access. All grants are funded through New York State's ERP, under the Clean Water/Clean Air Bond Act.
Warrensburg's goal is to increase
access for sporting and recreation
on the Schroon River following
cleanup of a brownfield
"New York State's Environmental Restoration Program is the best in the nation, helping local communities investigate and remediate contaminated sites, revitalize dormant properties and improve their quality of life," Governor Pataki said. "The Warrensburg grant will transform an abandoned property into a vibrant recreational site that will provide local residents and tourists with greater access to the beauty of the Adirondacks."
The Warrensburg Project
The 3.5-acre vacant Warrensburg Board and Paper Mill site on Route 418 was contaminated by petroleum emanating from the former mill into soils and the Schroon River. In 1995, the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) conducted an emergency cleanup action at the site, including the removal of approximately 100 drums containing various wastes, 3 fuel oil storage tanks and approximately 1,000 cubic yards of contaminated soils. DEC returned to the site in 2000 for a second remedial action to address petroleum contamination. The primary sources of the contamination were removed, but residual subsurface soil and groundwater petroleum contamination remains on site.
Using the brownfields grant, Warrensburg will conduct an investigation to determine the extent of the remaining contamination. The investigation will include comprehensive soil and groundwater sampling, as well as sampling of surface water and sediment from the Schroon River. Once the investigation is complete, DEC and the Department of Health will determine the remediation activities necessary to make the site safe for reuse. The Town of Warrensburg is planning to assume ownership of the property and create access to the river for sporting and other recreational activities.
Environmental Restoration in NYS
DEC Acting Commissioner Denise M. Sheehan said, "Environmental investigation is the first and most important step in any brownfield site's redevelopment. Using the funding awarded today, these municipalities will perform investigations to determine the type and extent of environmental contamination at each site, ensuring more effective cleanup in the future."
In October 2003, Governor Pataki signed historic legislation to refinance and reform the state's Superfund and Brownfield Cleanup Program. Under this law, New York provides grants covering up to 90 percent of the cost of investigating contaminated sites.
Other Brownfield Projects
In addition to the Warrensburg grant, the other grants announced were as follows:
Town of Russia, Herkimer County - $133,220 for the investigation of environmental contamination at the former Salm's Repair property in the Village of Poland
Town of Clermont, Columbia County - $99,000 for the investigation of environmental contamination at the former Hettling property, 1795 Route 9, in Clermont
The former Chalmers Knitting Mill
will become a mixed-use development
with office, retail and residential buildings
City of Amsterdam, Montgomery County - $234,000 for the investigation of environmental contamination at the former Chalmers Knitting Mill complex, 21-41 Bridge Street and 32 Gilliland Avenue, Amsterdam
City of New York, Bronx County - $315,000 for the investigation of environmental contamination at the Melrose Commons Urban Renewal Park in the Bronx at 820-832 Melrose Avenue and 400 E. 160th Street
Erie County Industrial Development Agency (ECIDA) - $134,640 for the investigation of environmental contamination at Parcel 4 in the northern portion of the Buffalo Lakeside Commerce Park in Buffalo
The City of New Rochelle and Westchester County - $882,000 for the investigation of environmental contamination at the David's Island property in New Rochelle
Schuyler Heights Fire District plans to
build a new fire station and rescue
facility on the remediated site
Schuyler Heights Fire District, Albany County - $105,300 for the investigation of environmental contamination at a vacant, 7.5-acre parcel at 849 First Street in the Town of Colonie
City of Rochester, Monroe County - $169,876 for the investigation of environmental contamination at the Orchard-Whitney site in Rochester
