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EPA Proposes to Change Cleanup Plan at Plattekill Superfund Site

Release Date: 07/27/2004
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(#04120) NEW YORK, N.Y. -- The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is seeking community input on proposed changes to the cleanup plan for the Hertel Landfill Superfund Site located in Plattekill, Ulster County, New York. The cleanup approach, which EPA selected in July 1991, required capping of the site, restrictions on future use, and extraction of contaminated ground water followed by its on-site treatment. EPA has capped the site and no longer believes that the extraction and treatment of ground water is necessary to protect people and the environment. The basis for this finding is summarized in a Proposed Plan, which is available for public review. "We believe that the actions already taken by EPA, along with long-term monitoring and restricted future use, will ensure that the public and the environment are protected," said EPA Regional Administrator Jane M. Kenny. "I encourage the public to review and comment on this Proposed Plan." The Hertel Landfill operated from 1963 to March 1977 as a municipal waste landfill. Sampling of the site, performed by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation in the early 1980's, revealed the presence of metals in the ground water as well as metals and organic compounds in the landfill leachate. In June 1986, the site was placed on the Superfund list of the most hazardous waste sites. During EPA's subsequent investigation of the site, the Agency found low levels of volatile organic compounds and metals at concentrations above background levels in ground water, surface water, sediment and soil. EPA is overseeing cleanup activities performed by the parties potentially responsible for the contamination. A landfill cap, which was completed in late 1998, is monitored and maintained. Ground water, soil and sediment monitoring has shown that since the cap was installed, the levels of pollution have improved. EPA will explain the proposed changes to the cleanup plan and all of the cleanup alternatives considered, during a public meeting at 7:00 p.m. on August 11, at the Clintondale Firehouse on Route 44/55 in Clintondale, New York The public comment period begins on July 28 and will end on August 27. Copies of site-related documents and the revised cleanup plan are available for public review in the Plattekill Town Hall in Modena; the Plattekill Public Library, Route 32, Modena; and at EPA's New York office. Monica Baussan, the EPA Project Manager, will accept written or verbal comments at the meeting, or via mail: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 290 Broadway, 20th floor, New York, N.Y., 10007-1866; telephone: 212-637-4271; or e-mail: baussan.monica@epa.gov.