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Environmental Investigation and Cleanup - Elmira High School

Project Name: Former Sperry Remington-North Portion

NYSDEC Project ID: C808022

Ongoing Cleanup at Elmira High School

Community Newsletter: Elmira High School - Former Sperry Remington Property Cleanup - Fall 2022 Update (PDF)

Enhanced Community Liaison Plan: Former Sperry Remington and Scott Technologies Sites - June 2022 Update (PDF)

Interim Remedial Measures (IRM): Up to Date Construction, Monitoring, and Health and Safety Information (leaves DEC website)

Questions and Answers: Frequently Asked Questions - Former Sperry Remington Site - November 2020 (PDF)

Frequently Asked Questions - Former Scott Technologies Inc. (STI) Site - November 2020 (PDF)

Frequently Asked Questions - Former Sperry Remington Property - North Portion September 2020 (PDF)

PROJECT HOTLINE: Still have questions or concerns? Need to report an issue? Contact the Project Team (leaves DEC website)

Visit the online repository to view the documents for this site.

New York State is committed to overseeing a careful and thorough cleanup of the Elmira High School (EHS) property. Our top priority is ensuring that students, faculty, and visitors are not coming in contact with any of the site's below-ground contamination. The potential ways that people could be exposed to subsurface soil, groundwater and soil vapor contamination have been appropriately addressed:

Boundary of the Former Sperry Remington - North Portion Site
Boundary of the Former Sperry Remington - North Portion Site
  • Contaminated soil is below the ground's surface and covered by vegetated soil, wood chips, paving and building foundations.
  • Groundwater is not used for drinking water or other purposes at the school.
  • The effective operation of building's sub-slab depressurization systems (SSDS), as well as the heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning systems, ensure that contaminants beneath the building are not drawn into the school, where they could affect the indoor air quality.
  • Air quality at the school has been extensively tested and shown to be consistently below NYS Department of Health (DOH) air guideline values.

In 2017, Unisys entered into an agreement with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) under the State's Brownfield Cleanup Program (BCP) to complete a comprehensive environmental investigation and cleanup at the Elmira High School (EHS) property. Additional investigation is being conducted to identify all areas of below-ground contamination that must be cleaned up, and PCB-contaminated soil is being removed ahead of or in conjunction with EHS capital improvement projects at the school. While exposure pathways are being managed, EHS capital improvement projects provide an opportunity to more easily access areas of contamination and permanently remove contaminated material. All cleanup and investigation is being conducted by Unisys with strict NYS Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and DOH oversight.

To date, an estimated 32,400 cubic yards of soil associated with IRM #5 have been excavated and disposed of off-site at approved facilities or re-used as backfill where the soil meets cleanup standards.

Ongoing Interim Remedial Measures Activities:
Interim Remedial Measures (IRMs) are being planned and implemented at EHS under DEC oversight to remove soils impacted by PCBs and other site-related constituents as presented below (Figure 1).


Figure 1: Planned and Completed IRM Cleanup Activities on EHS Property

Unisys began the current IRM #5 Amendment 2 (IRM #5A2) October 2021, to remove contaminated soils and former industrial sewers from the EHS athletic fields north of the football field (NAF). To date, an estimated 67,600 cubic yards of soil (approximately 69,000 tons) were excavated and disposed of off-site at approved facilities. Excavation and waste shipment are ongoing.

The work areas identified in Figure 1 including excavation area, haul road, and material storage area are not accessible to the public for safety reasons. Traffic controls, including flagmen and traffic control devices such as cones, signs, and barriers, are used to ensure safe access for students and school personnel to and from the EHS property. IRM-related truck traffic to and from the project site does not occur during scheduled student arrival and release times and is carefully coordinated with ECSD for other events. The restoration of the backfilled area will be coordinated with ECSD, including the district's work on the new stadium complex.

DEC and DOH require a Community Air Monitoring Plan (CAMP) to measure airborne particulate matter. Dust concentrations are continuously monitored during remediation and construction activities. Airborne PCB vapors are monitored when remediation activities are occurring in soil with PCB concentrations known or suspected to be greater than 50 mg/kg. Dust control measures (e.g., watering) are implemented to reduce dust on temporary dirt roadways and open excavations. If air monitors detect dust above action levels, work is stopped until corrective measures are implemented to ensure public health and the environment are protected.

Trucks are covered to properly secure all material during transport. Trucks and equipment are decontaminated prior to leaving the site and truck traffic patterns have been designed to maintain safety on local roadways.

IRM #5 Amendment 2 (PDF) (10.8 MB) provided additional remedial construction details related to the removal of the former industrial sewer along the eastern property line and ground preparation for stadium related subsurface utilities.

IRM #5A2 Construction Drawings (PDF) (7.4 MB)

A temporary and limited construction access point will be re-established on Main Street during July and August 2022 to complete the final small portion of IRM 5A2 north of the tennis courts. Construction activities and traffic will be limited and full safety, monitoring, and dust control programs will be implemented.

Completed IRM Activities:

Recent IRMs north of the EHS building were implemented in coordination with ECSD capital construction plans for the new EHS stadium complex and athletic fields. All areas associated with IRMs #4, #4A, and #5 have been backfilled with imported clean fill and/or re-use material that meets cleanup standards.

For each IRM, safety measures are implemented to monitor dust and air quality in addition to ensuring safe access for students, school personnel and visitors to and from the EHS property. IRM-related truck traffic to and from the project site does not occur during scheduled student arrival and release times and is coordinated with ECSD for other events.

Table 1 sets out a summary of the excavation, disposal and reuse activities associated with IRM #4, IRM #4A, IRM #5, and IRM #5A2.

Table 1: IRMs by the Numbers

IRM #4
(June to August 2020)

IRM #4A
(September 2020 to April 2021)

 IRM #5
(December 2020 to April 2022)

IRM #5A2
(October 2021 to Present - all ongoing)
Soil Excavated 6,500 cubic yards 9,962 cubic yards 59,260 cubic yards 100,000 cubic yards
Disposed Off-Site as Hazardous Waste 4,079 tons 9,064 tons 38,000 tons ~25,000 tons
Disposed Off-Site as Non-Hazardous Waste 3,977 tons 3,686 tons 49,000 tons ~165,000 tons
Soil Reused as Backfill 1,987 tons 1,200 tons 18,000 tons NA
Fill Imported for Backfill and Soil Cover 7,993 tons 5,958 tons 70,000 tons ~135,000 tons

Note: Excavation measurements are cubic yards and disposal is measured as tons. For this Site, the conversion is 1 cubic yard = 1.9 ton
IRM #5A2 Excavation and disposal numbers - through October 2022

The activities completed as part of IRM #4, IRM #4A, IRM #5, and IRM #5A2 will be summarized in a Construction Completion Report (CCR). For impacted groundwater and soil below the water table, it is anticipated that institutional and engineering controls like groundwater use restrictions, monitoring, and clean cover systems will be proposed in the final site remedy.

Unisys is conducting comprehensive investigations to define the nature and extent of the contamination below ground in soil and groundwater across the entire property and any areas where contamination has migrated to or been disposed at other properties. Between 2015 and 2021, Unisys completed soil sampling to depths of 16 feet below ground the approximate depth of groundwater across the majority of the EHS site. The remedial investigation activities have informed the previously completed and ongoing IRM actions. The remedial investigation is ongoing for the remainder of the site. In August 2020, initial soil sampling was conducted to determine the extent of potentially impacted soil off-site, east of the former visitor grandstand at the football field. In addition, an assessment of potential impacts from an on-site industrial storm sewer was completed and a soil investigation below the groundwater table began in early 2021.

Additional delineation and characterization of soil impacts is planned for the NAF (Spring 2021), east of the gymnasium (Summer 2021), and areas requiring further evaluation to support future on-site cleanup plans. Comprehensive site-wide groundwater investigations are ongoing in the NAF and the football field and is planned for the east of the gymnasium site area. Work is also planned to assess the attenuation or shrinking of the groundwater concentrations extending east of the site toward the railroad tracks. DEC and DOH completed extensive study of these plumes in 2007 and found no adverse risk to the public.

In December 2019, Unisys approved the Interim Site Management Plan (ISMP) (PDF, 6 MB, 134 Page) developed by Unisys for the EHS property. The ISMP monitors and maintains the engineering controls, including cover system barriers (e.g., concrete floors, pavement, mulch beds, clean, and vegetated soil) and sub-slab depressurization systems (SSDS). The existing and newly constructed cover system reduces the potential of exposure to below-ground contamination or remaining impacts. The ISMP includes measures to monitor and maintain the SSDS that is installed in portions of the EHS building. The SSDS is operating continuously and prevents potentially impacted vapors from entering the indoor area.

ISMP monitoring and inspections are conducted quarterly, with the most recent event being completed in April 2021, including indoor air sampling. If deficiencies in these engineering controls are found, actions will be taken to quickly address these deficiencies. Monitoring, inspection, and indoor air sampling events have consistently shown the SSDS are preventing potentially impacted vapors from entering the EHS building.

DEC requires advanced notification of all construction and maintenance work below protective soil cover. This work must be planned and completed in accordance with the Excavation Work Plan portion of the ISMP to ensure the protection of public health and the environment. DEC has received appropriate notification of ECSD athletic complex and field restoration construction activities and has authorized work to proceed.

DEC and DOH will continue to keep the public informed as this work progresses and as cleanup plans are developed. To receive site information electronically by email from DEC, sign up for the DEC Delivers email listserv.

Properties Outside School

In addition to the cleanup efforts on the school property, DEC and DOH continue to oversee Unisys's ongoing investigation of potential off-site migration of contaminants in the surrounding community. Unisys is responsible for the thorough investigation and cleanup of all contaminants that have been released, disposed of or have migrated from the former industrial facility in all off-site areas.

Based on current and historical remedial investigation findings, there are no indications that contaminants are migrating or have been disposed immediately west, north and northeast of the EHS property.

The migration of contaminants southeast of the EHS in groundwater have been investigated and monitored by DEC from 1998 to 2007 and sampling data suggests they are of limited extent, breaking down and diminishing in concentration. No one is coming in contact with or drinking the groundwater as public water supply serves this area and is routinely monitored.

NYSDEC Project ID: 808043

Supplemental Work Plan for Remedial Investigation / Feasibility Study Coldbrook Creek: July 2019 Approval (PDF) - October 2019 Update (PDF)

Revised Interim Remedial Measure Work Plan (Oil Skimmer #2): September 2019 Approval - October 2019 Update (PDF, 11 MB, 168 Page)

Revised Interim Remedial Measure Work Plan Oil Skimmer #2: Construction Drawings (PDF, 3.6 MB) (October 2019)

The ongoing investigation of contaminants released to the Coldbrook Creek area has been underway since 2010. This investigation has determined the presence of potential residual sources of contamination in on-site structures and off-site impacts of site-related contaminants nearly 2 miles downstream in creek bed sediments. Additionally, no residual impact to surface water quality was found. No one is expected to come in contact with or drink the surface water as public water supply serves this area and adjacent property owners were advised of methods to reduce the risk of potential exposure to impacted creek sediments.

In December 2019, Unisys completed the first phase of soil sampling in flood prone areas adjacent to Coldbrook Creek to evaluate the extent of site contaminants associated with periodic flooding. Initial sampling areas were prioritized within the 100-year flood plain and the remaining areas will be completed in a second phase in summer 2020.

Unisys is planning to conduct additional Coldbrook Creek sampling in Summer 2020 to complete a Fish and Wildlife Impact Analysis.

In December 2019, Unisys completed the cleaning and a bypass of active storm sewers in preparation for the 2020 removal of Oil Skimmer #2. All waste and contaminated material will be appropriately managed for off-site disposal.

In Spring 2020, Unisys has been working toward the completion of the removal of Oil Skimmer #2, a potential source of PCB contamination in Coldbrook Creek. Impacted sediments from within the skimmer were removed and disposed off-site at appropriate regulated facilities. Following assessment of cleanup alternatives, a final remedy for the disposition of the skimmer will be implemented.

NYSDEC Project ID: 808049

Site Characterization Work Plan Addendum #3: August 2019 Approval - December 2019 Update (PDF, 7.6 MB, 35 Page)

Shallow Soil Removal IRM: May 2020 Approval (PDF, 9.4 MB, 45 Page)

The ongoing characterization of areas of potential concern on the Former Scott Technologies site has been underway since 2010 and has documented elevated levels of contaminants in soil and pipe/pond sediment. The site has been utilized for materials storage during IRM activities at the adjacent Elmira High School.

In May-June 2020, Unisys will complete a shallow soil removal IRM to reduce the risk of potential exposure. Additionally, the materials storage area will be closed and restored as turf.

Public Meetings and Information Sessions

A virtual public information session was held in December 2020. Slides and videos were presented demonstrating various aspects of the site history, investigation, cleanup, and public health protection efforts. Experts from NYSDEC, NYSDOH and Unisys were present to provide the opportunity for interested residents and community members to have specific questions answered.

Slides and videos presented:

Virtual Public Availability Session - December 3, 2020 - 6-8 pm - Website and Zoom Registration (leaves DEC website)

NYSDEC, NYSDOH and Unisys previously held public information sessions in 2019 and 2018 at the Elmira High School to provide progress updates. Separate stations demonstrating various aspects of the site history, investigation, cleanup and public health protection efforts were staffed by experts from NYSDEC, NYSDOH and Unisys to provide the opportunity for interested residents and community members to have specific questions answered. Information also was presented through videos and posters.

Videos presented (here as PDFs):

Posters presented:

NYSDEC, NYSDOH and Unisys Corporation held a public meeting on Wednesday, May 2, 2018 at the Holiday Inn Elmira-Riverview. The presentation included details of the proposed PCB cleanup for the portion of EHS site.

Information provided at the public meeting included:

What is Exposure? (link leaves DEC's website)

NYSDEC held additional public meetings about the project in 2017 and 2015:

Additional public meetings will be held at later stages of the project as necessary and will be announced here.

Summary of Previous Work

Since beginning site characterization in July 2014 at the EHS, Unisys has collected more than 3,000 soil samples at various depths across the 34-acre property site, and analytical results have identified polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and metals as contaminants of concern in the subsurface soils. PCBs are the primary contaminant of concern in the subsurface soils of the proposed and completed IRMs.

PCBs are generally known to be stable in subsurface soil and do not easily migrate into groundwater. PCBs can migrate into soil vapor; however, no PCBs have been detected in the indoor air at EHS. Sub-Slab Depressurization Systems (SSDS) currently operate in the gymnasium, cafeteria, F-wing area, K-wing Science addition and the Music-wing of EHS. In addition, the building-wide heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system operates in positive pressure mode to further prevent vapor migration.

Interim Remedial Measures (IRM) soil cleanup activities at EHS began in 2017, Since then, approximately 70,000 tons of soil has been excavated and 45,000 tons of below ground hazardous and non-hazardous waste removed from the site. All hazardous and non-hazardous waste has been appropriately disposed of at off-site regulated landfills, and soils meeting standards were used to backfill excavations. A clean soil cover (two feet thick minimum) was installed over backfill and the surface was restored as turf, asphalt or concrete.

In 2017, in coordination with an EHS capital improvement project in the front parking area and tennis courts, Unisys implemented an Interim Remedial Measure (IRM #1) to remove contaminated soil from below-ground in the front parking and tennis court areas. An estimated 10,208 tons of soil was excavated and 1,350 tons of PCB hazardous waste and 2,580 tons of non-hazardous waste soil was taken off-site for disposal using cleaned and covered trucks traveling on main roads. The balance of excavated soil was reused as backfill below a two-foot-thick clean soil cover after sampling confirmed that it met standards. All waste materials removed from the site were properly disposed of at appropriate regulated facilities. The work area was restored with turf, asphalt, tennis courts and concrete sidewalks. Unisys also conducted an additional Short-Term Response Action (STRA) to remove shallow subsurface soils with elevated levels of PCBs above applicable standards on a portion of the football field and track infield.

In 2018, in coordination with another EHS capital improvement project, Unisys implemented IRM #2 to remove contaminated soil from below ground in the rear parking area. An estimated 41,608 tons of soil was excavated and approximately 12,951 tons of PCB hazardous waste and 16,507 tons of non-hazardous waste soil was taken off-site for disposal using cleaned and covered trucks traveling on main roads. The balance of excavated soil was reused as backfill below a two-foot-thick clean soil cover after sampling confirmed that it met standards. All waste materials removed from the site were properly disposed of at appropriate regulated facilities. The work area was restored with turf, asphalt and concrete sidewalks.

In 2019, Unisys implemented IRM #3 to remove contaminated soil from below ground on the northwest side of the EHS. An estimated 17,318 tons of soil was excavated and approximately 8,250 tons of PCB hazardous waste and 3,268 tons of non-hazardous waste soil was taken off-site for disposal using cleaned and covered trucks traveling on main roads. The balance of excavated soil was reused as backfill below a two-foot-thick clean soil cover after sampling confirmed that it met standards. All waste materials removed from the site were properly disposed of at appropriate regulated facilities. The work area was restored with turf and concrete sidewalks.

During Summer 2020, Unisys completed Interim Remedial Measure (IRM) #4, adjacent to the north and west side of the locker rooms at EHS. An estimated 6,500 cubic yards (approximately 12,300 tons) of soil were excavated and disposed of off-site at approved facilities or re-used as backfill where the soil meets cleanup standards.

In September 2020, Unisys began IRM #4 Amendment (IRM #4A), an expansion of IRM #4. IRM #4A removed below-ground contaminated soil located north of the area of IRM #4 and facilitated the transition between IRM #4 and IRM #5 work.

Unisys completed IRM #4A in April 2021. An estimated 9,962 cubic yards (approximately 18,900 tons) of soil were excavated and disposed of off-site at approved facilities or re-used as backfill where the soil meets cleanup standards. The restoration of the backfilled area for IRM #4A is ongoing in coordination with ECSD including the district's work on the new stadium complex.

In December 2020, Unisys began IRM #5, a continuation to the north from the IRM #4 area, which encompasses the track and football field. The remedial work utilizes much of the same construction infrastructure (e.g., materials storage area, haul road) and excavation to remove soils impacted by PCBs and metals. As of May 2021, an estimated 32,400 cubic yards of soil associated with IRM #5 have been excavated and disposed of off-site at approved facilities or re-used as backfill where the soil meets cleanup standards.

Background

Site Features

The approximately 34-acre property is owned by the Elmira City School District and is comprised of the EHS. On the school property are the school building and grounds, including parking lots, a multiple-use athletic track and field, baseball/soccer fields, tennis courts, volleyball courts, a basketball court, and a playground.

The EHS property, located at 777 South Main Street, straddles the commercial boundary between the City of Elmira and the Town of Southport, Chemung County. It is bounded by South Main Street to the west, the Southern Tier Commerce Center to the south, the Consolidated Rail Corp. property to the east, and vacant and commercial properties to the north. The site is zoned residential, and the surrounding parcels are zoned residential, commercial, or industrial. The nearest residential areas are immediately to the northwest of the site on Ogorman Street and on the west side of South Main Street, as well as to the east of the Consolidated Rail Corp. property.

Site History

The Elmira High School (formerly Southside High School) property located at 777 South Main Street, Elmira, has a long history of industrial and manufacturing use. Originally part of larger 83-acre parcel, the site history is as follows:

  • 1887-1909: B.W. Payne & Sons produced high speed steam engines.
  • 1909-1935: Morrow Manufacturing Co., produced drill chucks, machine parts, and a line of tools.
  • 1936-1972: Remington Rand Corp. manufactured typewriter parts.
  • 1974-1977: Westinghouse Electric Corporation utilized the property primarily for warehousing.
  • 1977: The property was deeded to the Southern Tier Economic Growth Agency.
  • 1977-1979: The Southside High School was constructed on the northern portion of the original parcel, opening in 1979.

Earlier Work at EHS

2003 - NYSDOH Health Consultation Report concluded that:

  • Environmental conditions at Elmira High School, including indoor air quality and surface soils, pose no public health hazard.
  • The public was not exposed to the impacted sub-surface soils.
  • Direct contact with contaminated groundwater is not a concern.

Recommendations: Develop and Implement:

  • A soils management plan to provide measures to minimize exposure to subsurface soils.
  • An indoor air quality action plan to address the potential of impacted soil vapor migrating into the High School building.

2009 - Environmental Management Plan:

  • Purpose: to organize environmental data, maintain engineering controls, and manage future site development to reduce potential exposures to contaminated soil, groundwater, and soil vapor.
  • Components: Soil Management Plan, Indoor Air Quality Action Plan, Groundwater Management Plan, and an Operations, Monitoring and Maintenance Plan for Engineering Controls.

2010 - Mercury Manifested from Elmira High School:

  • A mercury abatement project of the gymnasium floor was completed. Mercury abatement of a gymnasium floors is not unique to EHS. The historic use of mercury in gymnasium floors is a well-documented, national issue, unrelated to past industrial operations.
  • In addition, during the restoration of the floor, a sub-slab depressurization system was installed to reduce the risk of soil vapor intrusion.

2014 - Order on Consent:

  • Unisys entered Order on Consent to complete site characterization.

2014 - Soil Vapor Intrusion Study:

  • Comprehensive soil vapor intrusion completed as part of the site characterization.
  • Sub-slab Depressurization System was expanded to address the F-Wing of High School.

2014 to Present - Environmental Monitoring Plan Annual Certification:

  • EHS Annual Certification that Environmental Controls such as the sub-slab depressurization system and covers are in place, maintained, and fully functional.

Interim Remedial Measures

Interim Remedial Measures are priority actions that mitigate the risk of exposure to environmental contaminants at EHS. "Interim remedial measures" are undertaken when any potential exposure scenario is noted.

Interim Remedial Measure No. 1 (IRM #1) Summer 2017:

  • Tennis Courts and Grandstand Area: Subsurface PCB contaminated soils located under the tennis courts and south of the grandstand area of the site were excavated and disposed of properly.
  • Football Field: Shallow soils with slightly elevated levels of PCBs from a portion of the track infield/Football field were excavated and disposed of properly. Clean soils were imported to make up the top six inches of soil cover as temporarily restoration until the full extent of subsurface soil remediation in this area is completed in the future. Continuing adherence to the Environmental Monitoring Plan ensures that protective site cover is maintained for the safety of those using the property.

Interim Remedial Measure No. 2 (IRM #2) Summer 2018:

  • Rear Parking Lot and Bus Loop: Subsurface PCB contamination soils will be excavated and disposed of properly. Upon completion of the IRM, EHS completed capital improvement work in this area.

Interim Remedial Measure No. 3 (IRM #3) Summer 2019:

  • Contaminated soil was removed from below-ground on the northwest side of the EHS and taken off-site for disposal. The area including the grassed area near the bleachers and a portion of the north parking lot was restored using clean fill.

Interim Remedial Measure No. 4 (IRM #4) Planned Summer 2020:

  • PCB-contaminated soil will be excavated north of and adjacent to the EHS and taken off-site for disposal.

Interim Remedial Measure No. 5 (IRM #5) Planned Fall/Winter 2020/2021:

  • During the fall of 2020 and into early 2021, contaminated soil will be excavated at the football field complex (FFC) and taken off-site for disposal.

Interim Remedial Measure No. 6 (IRM #6) Planned Spring/Summer 2021:

  • During the spring and summer of 2021, contaminated soil will be excavated in an area east of and adjacent to the EHS and taken off-site for disposal.

Remedial Investigation

Remedial Investigation Work Plan: July 2019 Approval (PDF) - October 2019 Update (PDF)

Unisys will continue its investigation and delineation of contaminants of concern at the site under the oversight of DEC and DOH. As new data becomes available, it will be provided to DEC and DOH.

If data indicates a potential risk for exposure, short-term response actions may be necessary and undertaken to mitigate risk while long term remedial strategies are developed. DEC will continue to keep the public informed throughout the investigation and cleanup of the site.

Interim Site Management Plan

Interim Site Management Plan: December 2019 (PDF)

An Interim Site Management Plan (ISMP) is currently being prepared by Unisys for review and approval by DEC and DOH. The approved ISMP will:

  • incorporate all relevant elements of the current EHS Environmental Monitoring Plan,
  • provide an updated operation and maintenance protocol for the ongoing sub-slab depressurization system and interim cover,
  • incorporate the current IRM work and site characterization data, and
  • manage all ongoing work at EHS.
  • Plan Highlights:
    • Identify all property use restrictions (for example, EHS is Restricted Residential use) and engineering controls (for example, soil cover).
    • Include provisions to maintain access agreements where necessary to inspect and/or perform excavation work in areas with soil covers.
    • Include a soils management plan outlining requirements to disturb remaining soils above the soil cleanup objectives. A very generic excavation work plan is included as Appendix G in the Site Management Plan template (see link below).
    • Require periodic inspections to ensure the remedy remains in place and continues to be effective.
    • Describe the system of notifications and reminders.
    • Provide contact information for DEC, DOH, EHS and Unisys.

Document Access Information

The links below provide access to Fact Sheets prepared by DEC; and Questions and Answers documents prepared by DEC and DOH:

Work Plans and Other Documents

EHS Environmental Study Information

EHS Environmental Study Information (link leaves DEC's website)

Health Consultation

Additional Information

Additional information and documents about the site are available in hard copy for public review at the following locations*:

Elmira Steele Memorial Library
101 East Church Street
Elmira, NY 14901
(607) 733-9175

NYSDEC
Region 8 Office
6274 East Avon-Lima Road
Avon, NY 14414
Please contact Jill Bishop for an appointment:
(585) 226-5363

Project Management Contact Information

For project-related questions, contact the NYSDEC Project Manager:
Tim Schneider, P.E.
NYSDEC
Division of Environmental Remediation
6274 E. Avon-Lima Rd
Avon, NY 14414
(585) 226-5480
timothy.schneider@dec.ny.gov

For health-related questions, please contact the NYSDOH Project Manager:
Sara Bogardus
NYSDOH
Bureau of Environmental Exposure Investigation
Empire State Plaza, Corning Tower Rm#1787
Albany, NY 12237
(518) 402-7860
BEEI@health.ny.gov

Related Program Sites

Voluntary Cleanup Program site V00103 (South Main Street, Elmira):

The site, currently occupied by the Southern Tier Commerce Center, was historically the southern portion of the Remington Rand facility used for manufacturing operations. As a result of a voluntary agreement between the former site owner and NYSDEC, a series of cleanup activities including above-ground tank removals and contaminated soil excavations were conducted on the site during the period 1999 to 2004.

The main site features include old industrial buildings, a pond, large parking area, and a former recreation area. The southern end of the site is wooded. Portions of the site buildings are currently used for warehousing and manufacturing of pedestrian bridges. Groundwater is not impacted by the site. The Former Sperry Remington Site # 808043 is a 0.28 acre portion of this site where a combined storm and industrial sewer system discharged off-site. The Former Scott Technologies Site makes up the remainder of this former Voluntary Cleanup Site where additional areas of potential concern are being characterized and the extent of recently found soil contamination is being delineated.

Former Sperry Remington site 808043 (South Main Street, Elmira):

The site is a 0.28 acre portion of the former Remington Rand property where a historically combined storm and industrial sewer discharged offsite. Site-related contaminants appear to have been released to an off-site tributary/marsh that empties into Coldbrook Creek. NYSDEC signed an Order on Consent with UNISYS Corp to conduct a Remedial Investigation, which is ongoing.


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