For Release: Monday, December 8, 2008
DEC Extends Public Comment Period on Proposed Cleanup Solutions for Onondaga Lake Tributaries
Comments on Geddes Brook and Ninemile Creek Accepted Through January 19, 2009
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has extended the 45-day public comment period on proposals to cleanup contaminated soils in two Onondaga Lake tributaries. Comments will now be accepted through Monday, January 19, 2009.
Developed with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and in consultation with the New York State Health Department, the DEC proposals center on excavating contaminated soil and restoring streambeds, banks and wetlands to achieve a long-term solution for addressing pollution at Ninemile Creek and Geddes Brook. Contaminants at the sites include: mercury, arsenic, lead, PCBs, hexachlorobenzene, phenol and other contaminants.
At Ninemile Creek - which has been a source of contamination to Onondaga Lake - DEC and EPA's preferred remedy includes the dredging/excavation and removal of approximately 59,000 cubic yards of contaminated soils over approximately 15 acres. Clean materials would then be placed throughout the site including a habitat layer, backfill and, where needed, an isolation cap. Contaminated soils removed from the creek and floodplains would be disposed of at Honeywell's LCP Bridge Street sub-site containment system. Restoration of the streambed and banks, wetlands and habitats would also be performed. This would include placement of a habitat layer as well as the plantings of appropriate species of vegetation. It is estimated that the project will take two years to complete and will cost approximately $20.2 million.
The plan for an interim remedial measure at Geddes Brook centers on disposal of contaminated soil excavated from a section of the brook and in its adjacent floodplain, and includes actions to manage the contaminated soil. Work proposed at the site includes full bank-to-bank removal of an estimated 4,200 cubic yards of sediments. In addition, floodplain soil would be excavated and removed to a depth of approximately two to four feet. Approximately one foot of vegetated cover would be placed in certain areas to establish an emergent wetland.
DEC encourages the public to provide input on the proposed remedies. Comments on the proposed plans can be submitted in writing to Timothy Larson, GBNMC Public Comments, NYS DEC, 625 Broadway, 12th Floor, Albany, NY 12233-7013 or DERweb@gw.dec.state.ny.us. Comments can also be made at the public meeting scheduled for 7 p.m. on Wednesday, December 10, 2008, at the Martha Eddy Room at the New York State Fairgrounds in Syracuse.
Copies of the plan and fact sheets about the projects are available at DEC's offices in Syracuse (615 Erie Blvd. West, Syracuse) and in Albany (625 Broadway, Albany), and are available at the Onondaga County Public Library (Syracuse Branch at the Galleries) and through Atlantic States Legal Foundation (658 West Onondaga Street, Syracuse). The plan is also available on the DEC's website.
