NYSDEC & EPA update for Aug. 31

Says, ‘Significant progress made on Niagara and Erie counties radiological assessment’

Submitted by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation and Environmental Protection Agency assessment teams continue to make substantial progress conducting fieldwork across areas of interest in Niagara and Erie counties through a multiagency, enhanced investigation response.

Since July 23, joint NYSDEC and EPA teams obtained approximately 1,078 signed access forms and screened 847 properties. 

Preliminary data reviews indicate the vast majority of properties screened will need no further action. Of these initial screenings, approximately 514 properties received notification indicating no additional radiological investigation is needed at their property.

To date, DEC referred 32 parcels to EPA for additional investigation, with four properties recommended for voluntary temporary relocation.

This week, teams continue collecting access forms to conduct screening on properties that are identified within and adjacent to locations of interest. Screening is anticipated in the Erie County south towns and at Veteran’s Park in Grand Island, if the forecasted rainy weather allows. Soil sampling on properties requiring follow up is also planned.

Notifications to residents and property owners will be forwarded on a continuing basis as the data is reviewed. Information packets, which include a formal letter of determination, a copy of the property’s screening map, and fact sheet, were mailed to property owners.

Once an on-site radiological survey is complete, the data is brought back to NYSDEC, EPA and New York State Department of Health experts to thoroughly analyze the data and determine if additional assessment is needed. Where additional investigation is needed, EPA and NYSDEC are working directly with property owners and residents to schedule and complete additional assessment activities, which may include additional radiological scans, air sampling, and soil sampling.

New drop-in tabling session

The next drop-in tabling session for residents to learn more about the NECRA project is scheduled for: 

Wednesday, Sept. 9, from 4-7 p.m. at the Orchard Park Public Library, 4570 S. Buffalo St.

Contact

The public can call 844-612-8144 between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. weekdays to reach the NECRA team helpline. Outside these hours, callers can leave a message and a call center representatives will get back to them during operational times.

The public can also email NECRA@dec.ny.gov and visit the dedicated webpage – on.ny.gov/NECRA – to sign up for updates by email.

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