DEC Announces Start of Second Phase in Cleanup of Properties Near Former Geneva Foundry

DEC and DOH to Hold Public Availability Session on March 27 on Plans for 2018

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) announced today that the second remedial construction season in the cleanup of properties in neighborhoods near the former Geneva Foundry Site in the city of Geneva, Ontario County, is scheduled to begin in April 2018. The second phase of the cleanup will include the removal of contaminated soil from approximately 40 residential properties, taking into account each property's unique features and the efficiency of working on adjoining properties.

During the first phase of the remediation of properties near the former foundry site in 2017, 135 properties were screened and sampled. Beginning in July 2017, DEC remediated 21 properties. In addition, DEC determined that no further action was necessary on 19 properties based upon DEC and State Department of Health (DOH) evaluation of screening data.
DEC and DOH are holding public availability sessions on Tuesday, March 27, from 3 to 5 p.m., and from 6 to 8 p.m., at Our Lady of Peace Parish Center, 110 Exchange Street, Geneva, NY. During these sessions, property owners and residents will have an opportunity to meet with DEC and DOH one-on-one to discuss property-specific soil sampling results, 2018 construction plans, and other aspects of the cleanup.

Pursuant to the January 2017 Record of Decision (ROD) for the site, approximately 220 properties in the city of Geneva were identified for investigation and possible cleanup. DEC will continue with this cleanup until all impacted properties have been remediated to protect public health and safety.

Historic air emissions from the foundry contained lead and arsenic that were deposited onto the soil in the surrounding area. DEC is designing and implementing site-specific cleanups of properties to remove the contaminants from impacted properties. Contaminated soils will be excavated and transported off site for safe disposal. Clean fill will be brought in to replace the excavated soil.

DEC is undertaking remedial design and construction activities in blocks of properties to allow for cleanup activities on multiple properties simultaneously. DEC is currently meeting with individual property owners identified for remediation this year to review and discuss soil data, proposed cleanup and restoration activities, and to confirm the property owner's consent for property access to allow remediation to take place.

DEC and its contractors will continue to work with the city of Geneva and public works staff to implement project activities.

Work is scheduled to start in April and continue into December 2018, weather permitting, pending final agreement with property owners. Work, including equipment operation, will typically take place five days per week, Monday through Friday, between 7:30 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. DEC will oversee remedial work performed by LaBella Associates of Rochester, New York.

Areas disturbed during the cleanup will be restored, including lawns, sidewalks, driveways, trees, shrubs, garden beds, sheds, decks, etc. Similarly, city-owned roads, utilities, or other infrastructure impacted by cleanup activities will be repaired or replaced as necessary. Trucks will be lined with plastic sheeting and covered to properly secure all material during transport. Truck traffic patterns will be designed to minimize congestion on local roads and maintain safety in the community. Truck traffic will also be minimized when school buses are picking up and dropping off students near work zones.

In addition, a community air monitoring plan will be implemented to monitor for dust during excavation and ensure that contaminated soil is not released to the surrounding environment during the cleanup.

DEC is adaptively managing this project to ensure the remediation and restoration activities are completed expeditiously and efficiently. DEC will continue to keep area residents informed throughout the process.

The project is being funded and conducted pursuant to terms of the State Superfund program. Additional Former Geneva Foundry Site details, including environmental and health assessment summaries, are available on DEC's website.