The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is inviting public comments on its proposed cleanup plan for contaminated creek sediment and floodplain soil along a section of the Eighteen Mile Creek Superfund site in Niagara County, New York. The 30-day public comment period runs from July 19 to August 19, 2024. A public meeting will be held at Newfane Townhall, located at 2737 Main Street, Newfane, New York, on August 1, 2024, at 6:00 p.m. to discuss the cleanup plan.
“EPA’s proposed cleanup for this portion of the creek is to remove and dispose [of] the contaminated sediment and floodplain soil that threaten human health as well as fish and wildlife,” said Regional Administrator Lisa F. Garcia. “We encourage the public to join our meeting, ask questions and share their views on the proposed plan.”
Under the proposed cleanup plan and with EPA oversight, contractors would remove and dispose of contaminated sediment, replace it with clean fill, and monitor sediment, surface water, and fish tissue long-term. The plan recommends that contractors remove and properly dispose of floodplain soil contaminated with lead and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) within a specific 11-acre area. By targeting these areas, the EPA aims to accelerate the cleanup by removing known sources of contamination while continuing to evaluate downstream segments of the creek. Further cleanup proposals will address areas not covered by this plan.
Eighteen Mile Creek has a history of industrial use dating back to the 19th century when it was used for hydropower production. The main channel originates just south of the New York State Barge Canal and flows north for about 15 miles until discharging into Lake Ontario in Olcott, New York. The watershed includes two main tributaries: East Branch of Eighteen Mile Creek and Gulf Creek.
The EPA added Eighteen Mile Creek to the National Priorities List in 2012 and is cleaning up the site in several phases or Operable Units (OUs). OU1 addressed residential soil contamination and structural hazards posed by buildings at the former Flintkote Plant property. OU2 focuses on soil cleanup at nearby commercial properties contributing contamination to the Creek Corridor and its sediment. The current proposal relates to OU3 addressing contaminated sediment and floodplain soil extending roughly 5.3 miles downstream from Harwood Street. OU4 deals with lead contamination in residential soil near the former Flintkote Plant property. Cleanup actions for OU1, OU2, and OU4 are underway with construction set for Summer 2024 funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
Written comments on the proposed plan may be submitted to Christopher O’Leary, Remedial Project Manager at U.S. Environmental Protection Agency via mail at 290 Broadway – 19th Floor, New York, NY 10007 or via email: OLeary.Christopher@epa.gov.
For additional background information or to view the proposed cleanup plan visit the Eighteen Mile Creek Superfund site profile page.
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