FMC Corporation informed a group of property owners in Middleport this week that it has been requested by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC), along with the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) (collectively, the “Agencies”) to perform additional investigative activities in a portion of the study area known as “Tributary One and Flood Plain South of Pearson/Stone Roads,” also referred to as “Operable Unit 6” or “OU6.”
The data and information that will be obtained will be used to better delineate the areas and depths of elevated arsenic on properties, and/or to evaluate the scope of any remediation that may be needed as part of a Corrective Measures Study (CMS).
These investigative activities will be conducted concurrently with those announced in June 2016 as part of an OU6 Reach T1 Interim Corrective Measures Pre-design Work Plan for approximately 26 properties along the upstream portion of Tributary One and its flood plain between Francis St. on the south and the Erie Canal on the north.
FMC and/or its environmental consultants will be contacting individual property owners for an estimated 45 parcels north of the Erie Canal to discuss property-specific activities and to request permission to perform the work required for the CMS.
Activities to be conducted in 2016 may include:
- Inspecting properties to identify, survey, and mark sampling locations and property boundaries;
- Collecting stream and/or wetland samples and characterization data;
- Collecting surface and subsurface soil samples on selected properties;
- Inspecting structures (e.g., embankments, road/bridge foundations, storm sewer pipes);
- Conducting ecological surveys and/or collecting samples of wildlife, fish, plants, insects, benthic invertebrates, small mammals, and worms, as necessary and appropriate.
These investigative activities for the CMS are part of FMC’s continuing effort to evaluate constituents relative to its plant in Middleport under the 1991 Administrative Order on Consent among FMC and the Agencies. Property specific data will be shared with the property owner.FMC is committed to operating safely in Middleport, NY to protect its employees, neighbors, and the environment in compliance with all applicable Federal and State regulations. It is also committed to protecting human health and the environment and has worked diligently with the community over the years to ensure the Village is safe.Property owners with any concerns, comments or questions can contact the FMC Community Office at 735-9769 or in-person at 8 S. Vernon Street in Middleport. Walk-in hours are 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays. Other times are available by appointment. Property owners are also invited to speak with a representative of the Agencies.