Radiological update for Aug. 20

Submitted by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation

The state Department of Environmental Conservation and Environmental Protection Agency assessment teams continue to conduct fieldwork across areas of interest in Niagara and Erie counties. Nearly 1,000 access forms have been received to date. Since Sunday, teams began going to properties in Aurora, Boston, Brant, Concord, Eden, Evans, Hamburg, Marilla and Orchard Park to request access for permission to conduct radiological screenings. Joint NYSDEC and EPA teams screened 30 properties and included the use of a drone equipped with radiological detection equipment to aid in screening larger properties in the survey. Teams took soil samples from six properties.

Preliminary data reviews indicate that the vast majority of properties screened will need no further action. To date, 486 properties have been sent notification indicating no additional radiological investigation is needed at their property. Information packets, which include a formal letter of determination, a copy of the property’s screening map, a fact sheet, and frequently asked questions with contact information, were mailed to property owners. Notifications to residents and property owners will be forwarded on a continuing basis as the data is reviewed. 

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

Approximately 150 people attended the Grand Island drop-in session on Monday evening. The next drop-in sessions for residents to learn more about the NECRA project include: 

•Thursday, Aug. 20, 4-7 p.m., Niagara Falls Convention Center, 101 Old Falls St.

•Monday, Aug. 24, 4-7 p.m., Lewiston Public Library, 305 S. Eighth St.

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. They also can email the team at NECRA@dec.ny.gov. Residents can visit the dedicated webpage, on.ny.gov/NECRA, and sign up for updates by email. 

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