DEC & EPA radiological assessment update for Aug. 2

Submitted by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation

The state Department of Environmental Conservation and Environmental Protection Agency continue to advance fieldwork across areas of interest in Niagara and Erie counties.

On Saturday, teams visited 115 properties in areas of interest to speak directly with residents and request permission to conduct screening. More than 1,200 properties have been visited since July 23. In that time, 658 access forms were signed.

On Saturday, joint DEC-EPA teams screened 31 properties.

Once an on-site radiological survey is complete, the data is brought back to the NYSDEC, EPA and NYSDOH experts to thoroughly analyze the results and determine if additional assessment is needed. 

Preliminary data reviews indicate that the vast majority of properties screened will need no further action. EPA and DEC began contacting residents and property owners when screening results and a property-specific technical review are complete to advise when no additional radiological investigation is needed at their property and no further action is needed at this time. Notifications will continue on a rolling basis. The initial notification will be followed in the coming weeks with a more detailed information packet by mail that will include a formal letter of determination, a copy of the property’s screening map, general information about the screening process, and contact information.

Where additional investigation is needed, EPA and NYSDEC are working directly with property owners and renters to schedule and complete additional assessment activities, which may include additional radiological scans, air sampling, and soil sampling.

Staff also remain in direct contact with four residents offered voluntary temporary relocation, providing updates, discussing next steps, and helping connect them with available support.

Residents who have questions about the ongoing radiological assessments are encouraged to call 518-712-8279, a dedicated phone line for the Niagara and Erie County radiological assessment. This phone line will be monitored daily from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. or they can email the team at NECRA@dec.ny.gov. Residents can also visit the dedicated webpage, on.ny.gov/NECRA, and sign up for updates by email.

Residents can also attend scheduled drop-in sessions at the Town of Niagara’s community center to learn more about the property access and survey process. The sessions will take place from 3-7 p.m. Mondays, Aug. 3 and 10, at eh Calvin K. Richards Senior/Youth Activity Center, Veterans Memorial Community Park, 7000 Joe Rotella Way.

DEC and EPA will continue providing updates as fieldwork progresses and additional information becomes available.