Environment DEC
From the January 2007 issue
DEC Announces Brownfield Grants for Orange County
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC)announced $827,000 in Environmental Restoration Program (ERP) grants for the investigation of potential environmental contamination at three sites in Orange County. The municipalities are eligible for state assistance through the ERP because they are not responsible for the contamination. The grants will provide up to 90 percent of the eligible cost of the investigation and are being funded through the 1996 Clean Water/Clean Air Bond Act.
Grant Amounts and Site Investigations
$314,000 for Glenmere Lake Property, Town of Chester
The abandoned buildings at the
Glenmere Lake site contain
significant amounts of asbestos
Orange County will investigate approximately 9.9 acres situated on the north end of Glenmere Lake. The site contains four abandoned, dilapidated buildings encompassing a total of approximately 20,000 square feet. In the 1940s, the site was part of a 1,440-acre private estate and was later used as a resort and golf course, after which it was acquired for back taxes by Orange County. Orange County currently plans on redeveloping the site for public recreation.
$289,850 for 350-352 Liberty Street, City of Newburgh
The City of Newburgh will investigate the site of a former gasoline station and corresponding underground and above-ground storage tanks. In 1954, the retail gasoline station received a permit for several underground storage tanks from the Newburgh Fire Department. Based on visual inspection of the site, the underground storage tanks were never removed. The business operated until the mid-1980s before being seized by the city for failure to pay taxes.
$223,150 for 7-11 Johnes Street, City of Newburgh
The City of Newburgh will investigate the site of a former dry cleaner. In 1954, the dry-cleaning establishment received a permit for three underground storage tanks from the Newburgh Fire Department. The dry cleaner operated for 40 years. Three significantly deteriorated underground storage tanks and approximately 362 tons of material was removed from the site in August 2000 by the City of Newburgh. Initial screening of soil and groundwater indicated high levels of chemicals associated with dry cleaning, such as trichlorethane and other volatile compounds. The City of Newburgh acquired the property via a tax foreclosure in March 1998.
