HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-CAG-2015-08-03Community Advisory Group (CAG) Meeting Notes for August 3, 2015
Present: Cynthia Brock, Ken Deschere, John Graves
Guests: Walter Hang (Toxics Targeting), Nick Reynolds (Ithaca Journal)
Emerson Plant Site – Chain Works District
No action has yet been announced for the “permitee-initiated modification application”
submitted by the new Emerson subsidiary for these matters, “Emersub 15, LLC”. The
application requests changes to the SPDES (State Pollutant Discharge Elimination System:
“(1) to eliminate the stormwater monitoring requirements and effluent limitations from
outfalls 001 and 003; and
(2) keep monitoring requirements limited to outfall 01A for treated groundwater only.”
As the plant is closed, the groundwater from some on-site wells is treated by a “Dual Phase
Extraction” system, which is regularly updated, but which produces such small amounts of
chemicals that the DEC has simply eliminated limits for many pollutants from the permit. The
output (treated water) flows down the South Cayuga Street hill, to the creek, and eventually
reaches the Inlet and the Lake. Walter feels the wells draw from improper ground levels, and
toxin levels in the monitoring wells have not dropped significantly.
Nate’s Floral Estates (NFE)
We reviewed maps which Cynthia brought, including a historical survey of the areas of the site
used as landfill and as metals disposal areas by Wallace Steel. We believe that NFE is the only
residential area in NY State where people live on top of an uncapped, unremediated dump.
Some Soil Vapor Intrusion (SVI) testing by the DEC is expected. NFE’s trailer homes are above
the ground, but have metal skirts around each base, reducing the flow of vapors out from
underneath the trailer, and directing most of the vapors into the living spaces.
This site’s history of having homes equipped with PVC pipes (not up to Code), running on or
barely underneath contaminated ground, stems from complete breakdowns in regulatory
oversight, as shown in numerous letters between County and City officials, the site owner, and
his lawyers. Some of the non-conforming features are now “grandfathered in”, but it is not clear
whether areas proposed to expand the MH-1 zone would have to meet current requirements. A
back-flow preventer was installed to protect the City in case of NFE water line disruptions, but
the high levels of toxin-filled groundwater can seep into breaks in the NFE system of PVC
plumbing lines, putting residents at higher risk. Puddles of standing water are a frequent sight.
Ithaca Falls Overlook / Ithaca Gun sites
The EPA revisited the area to perform additional tests in May and July, but these results have not
been released. On-going erosion and movement of soil due to construction and remediation
work has allowed contamination from higher on the hill to move into areas cleaned by the EPA
in 2002-2004. Concerns about mercury and other metals found in, under, and near the creek
remain. The proposed Lake St. Park is supposed to be on comparatively “clean” land.
Next Meeting: Monday, Sept. 14th, 6:00 – 7:30PM, 2nd Floor Conference Room, City Hall
Notes submitted by Ken Deschere