(WNY News Now) – Buffalo, NY – The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) is seeking public feedback on a draft work plan aimed at investigating the Simon Southwest Properties site located at 23 East Huron Street, Buffalo, Erie County.
The NYSDEC has opened a 30-day public comment period, running from April 17 to May 17, 2024, for a draft Remedial Investigation Work Plan (RIWP) concerning the Simon Southwest Properties site in Buffalo, NY. This plan, submitted under New York’s Brownfield Cleanup Program, will be executed by Jemal’s Simon LLC, with oversight from NYSDEC and the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH).
To access the RIWP and related project documents, individuals can visit the DECinfo Locator online platform. Additionally, hard copies of these documents are available for review at a designated location. Written comments can be submitted to the NYSDEC project manager listed under Project-Related Questions.
The proposed investigation aims to delineate the extent and nature of contamination in soil, groundwater, and other environmental components. Previous assessments have identified semi-volatile organic compounds (SVOCs) and metals in the soil at the site.
Key elements of the investigation include drilling and sampling soil borings to identify potential on-site contamination sources, as well as the collection and analysis of soil vapor, sub-slab soil vapor, and indoor air samples. Moreover, groundwater monitoring wells will be installed and sampled as part of the investigative process.
Following the public comment period, NYSDEC will review the feedback, make any necessary revisions to the plan, and seek concurrence from NYSDOH. Upon approval, the outlined activities will be implemented. Subsequently, a comprehensive report summarizing the investigation’s findings will be submitted to NYSDEC for review and potential approval.
Once the investigation concludes, a Draft Remedial Action Work Plan will be developed, outlining proposed cleanup measures. This plan will undergo public review and comment for a 45-day period. The ultimate goal is to safeguard public health and the environment while facilitating the redevelopment of the site, which is slated to include residential apartments and commercial retail space.
The 0.38-acre site, historically utilized for various purposes including foundry operations, dye manufacturing, printing, wood preservation, and metal/welding activities, is situated adjacent to Ellicott Street and East Huron Street. Its redevelopment aligns with New York’s Brownfield Cleanup Program, which promotes the voluntary cleanup and reuse of contaminated properties for recreational, residential, commercial, or other purposes.
For further information about the Brownfield Cleanup Program, interested parties are encouraged to visit the designated DEC webpage. NYSDEC pledges to keep the public informed throughout the investigation and cleanup process.
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