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DEC: Phelps Site Poses Significant Threat to Public Health, Environment

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The state has determined the G.W. Lisk site on South Street in Phelps poses a significant threat to public health and the environment.  The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) is reviewing the Remedial Investigation Report for the G.W. Lisk Site located at 2 South Street.

The Remedial Investigation Report (RIR) describes the results of the site investigation and recommends the development of a remedy to address the contamination that was found. The RIR was submitted by the G.W. Lisk Company, Inc.

Based on the findings of the investigation, the NYSDEC, in consultation with the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH), has determined that the site poses a significant threat to public health and the environment. This decision is based on levels of trichloroethene (TCE) which persist at levels above 300 μg/L in the groundwater thereby increasing the risk for soil vapor intrusion.

Highlights of the Remedial Investigation Report: The primary “hot spot” or source area of the contamination is underneath the main facility. TCE persists at levels 340 times greater (1,700 μg/L) than NYSDEC standards in overburden groundwater and 70 times greater (310 μg/L) in bedrock groundwater. TCE and other volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in the groundwater may move into the soil vapor (air spaces within the soils), which in turn may move into overlying buildings and affect the indoor air quality (known as soil vapor intrusion). On-site soil vapor intrusion has already mitigated through two Interim Remedial Measures. Sampling indicates that soil vapor intrusion is not currently a concern for off-site structures but could become a concern as the plume continues to migrate over time.

Next Steps: NYSDEC will complete its review, make any necessary revisions and, if appropriate, approve the investigation report. The approved report will be made available to the public. The applicant may then develop a cleanup plan, called a “Remedial Action Work Plan.” This plan describes how contamination will be addressed, with NYSDEC and NYSDOH overseeing the work. NYSDEC will present the draft cleanup plan to the public for its review and comment during a 45-day comment period. NYSDEC will keep the public informed throughout the investigation and cleanup of the site.

The G.W. Lisk Facility is in the south-central portion of the Village of Clifton Springs. The site is situated directly south of the Clifton Springs Hospital and Clinic. The site features include two main clusters of buildings where facility operations occur. Paved parking areas and driveways are located on the central, southern and eastern portions of the site. Paved driveways and shipping areas are also located throughout the site. The western and southern portions of the site are primarily wooded. Sulphur Creek flows northwest through the site. The BCP boundary consists of a portion of the overall G.W. Lisk parcel. The site is currently operated as an active manufacturing facility and is zoned for industrial use. The surrounding parcels are currently used for a combination of industrial, commercial, and residential uses. The nearest residential area is located east of the site on South Street.

 

 

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