 Welcome to the community newsletter for the Niagara and Erie County Radiological Assessment (NECRA) project to help keep interested residents, businesses, and community leaders updated about the initiative’s progress. You can unsubscribe at any time using the ‘unsubscribe’ link at the bottom of this page.
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), in consultation with New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH), continue to advance the radiological assessment across areas of interest in Niagara and Erie counties and are committed to keeping the public informed.
In this issue:
Have questions? Meet with our team!
At the Drop-In Tabling Sessions, representatives from EPA, NYSDEC and NYSDOH will be available to answer questions and provide information to residents. We had many great interactions in our first few sessions in the town of Niagara and are now holding opportunities in additional communities. We invite you to join us to ask questions and learn more about the property access and survey process.
Date: Monday, August 17, 2026
Time: 4:00-7:00 p.m.
Location: Western New York Welcome Center, 1999 Alvin Road (Exit 19 off i-190) Grand Island NY, 14072.
Date: Thursday, August 20, 2026
Time: 4:00 -7:00 p.m.
Location: Niagara Falls Convention Center, 101 Old Falls Street, Niagara Falls NY, 14303.
Date: Monday, August 24, 2026
Time: 4:00-7:00 p.m.
Location: Lewiston Library, 305 South 8th Street, Lewiston NY, 14092
How are locations chosen for assessment?
EPA and NYSDEC prioritize locations of interest identified by aerial and roadway survey data. We continue welcoming residents to submit property access agreements but are first focusing on areas of interest identified by the survey data.
Once that work is complete and survey results are evaluated, EPA and NYSDEC may expand screening to other areas.
Nearly 900 access forms have been received to date, providing agency staff with permission to conduct initial outside radiological surveys. As of this week, nearly 600 properties were screened. We appreciate the ongoing cooperation of residents as this work continues.
After this survey, EPA and NYSDEC will review the readings, contact you, and inform you of your preliminary results.
This week, residents at more than 200 properties received notification that no further action was recommended based on their site-specific results. When an additional assessment is needed, EPA, NYSDOH and NYSDEC work with residents to schedule and complete additional assessment activities, which may include additional radiological scans, air sampling and soil sampling. Agency workers will also meet with these residents to discuss the results of the screening and any additional assessment activities.
No Further Action Recommended
- No further action is necessary at this time.
- You will be contacted by EPA and NYSDEC by email, mail, or phone, informing you that no further action is needed at this time.
- You will also receive a physical packet mailed to the address we have on file with a formal determination letter and more information.
Further Investigation Recommended
- Further investigation of this property is warranted.
- You will be contacted on the phone by EPA and NYSDEC for next steps. Staff will talk through the initial results with you and coordinate times for crews to conduct additional testing on your property.
Agency staff are committed to following up with all residents of screened properties. Some properties may take longer for results to be analyzed due to various factors observed on-site and information being collected at neighboring properties, among other factors. If you have any questions during this process, please contact our helpline or email us.
Every week, we will share a key term or phrase that our scientists and researchers are using. If you ever see or hear a term that is unclear, get in touch with us!
Radiological Screening Survey: NECRA includes many types of data collection. When we have a signed access agreement for the radiological screening survey, crews will walk up and down a property in a grid, similar to mowing a lawn. They carry a probe, detector, and a GPS device connected to an iPad to gather data. This can take between 10 – 45 minutes depending on the property size and vegetation.
Visit on.ny.gov/NECRA to view the July 20 meeting presentation, informational fact sheets about fieldwork, soil sampling, radiation health and safety, and how to contact agency representatives.
NECRA Hotline (7 days a week, 8am - 6pm)
(518) 712-8279
NECRA Email
NECRA@dec.ny.gov
NYSDEC, NYSDOH, and EPA will continue providing updates as fieldwork progresses and additional information becomes available.
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