SDMS Document
1111111111111111111111111111111111111111 CAYADUTTA CREEK 114864 START ONE ADlVIINISTRATIVE RECORD FILE INDEX OF DOCUMENTS
1.0 FACTUAL INFORMATIONIDATA
1.2 Site Investigation
P. 100001- Memorandum to Mr. Tom Kady, On-Scene Coordinator, US EPA, 100005 Region II, from Mr. Harry L. Allen, Ph.D., Environmental Response Team. U.S. EPA, Region II, re: Preliminary Results of Geotechnical Im'estigation Conducted at the Briggs Street School Site. Johnstown, Ne\" York, January 17, 1986. (Attached: Benchmark diagrams.)
P. 100006- Memorandum to NIr. Tom Kady, On-Scene Coordinator, US EPA, 100021 Region II, from Mr. Harry L. Allen, Ph.D, Environmental Response Team, Enviresponse, Inc., re: Johnstown, NY, Preliminary Results of Geotechnical Investigation, Briggs Street School Site, December 19, 1985. (Attached: 1. Benchmark diagrams; 2. Boring data: 3 Boring diagram)
1.3 POLREPs
P. 100022- Pollution Report Five (5) and Final, Removal Action, Cayadutta Creek 100024 Disposal Site, Johnstown, Fulton County, Ne\\ York, prepared by NIr. Mark Pane, On-Scene Coordinator, Response ane! Prevention Branch, U.S EPA, Region II, Recipients See Distribution Lise October 9, 1986.
P. 100025- Pollution Report Four (4), Removal Action. Cavadutta Creek Disposal 100027 Site, Johnstown, Fulton County, New York. prepared by ivlr. \fark Pane. On-Scene Coordinator, Response and Prevenliull Branch, l; S EPA. Region II, Recipients: See Distribution List, .-\ugllst 27, 1986
P. 100028- Pollution Report Three (3), Removal Action, Cayadutta Creek Disposal 100030 Site, Johnstown, Fulton County, New York, prepared by l'V!r. i\lark Pane. On-Scene Coordinator, Response and Prevention Branch, U S EPA, Region II, Recipients: See Distribution List. July' c). 1986.
P. 100031- Pollution Report Two (2), Removal Action, Cayaclutta Creek Disposal 100032 Site, Johnstown, Fulton County, Nevv York, prepared by Mr. i\lark Pane. On-Scene Coordinator, Response and Prevention Branch, US EPA, Region II, Recipients: See Distribution List, June 26, 1986. P. 100033- Pollution Report One 0), Removal Action, Cayadutta Creek Disposal Site, 100035 Johnstown, Fulton County, New York, prepared by Mr. Thomas Kady, On-Scene Coordinator, Response and Prevention Branch, US EPA. Region II, Recipients: See Distribution List, June 19. 1986.
1.7 Sampling DatalData Summary Sheets/Chain of Custody Fonns
P. 100036- The actual document is available for review in the Cayadutta Creek site 100036 file. Site files are located at the United States Environmental Protection Agency, Region II, Removal Records Center, Building 205, 2890 Woodbridge Avenue, Edison, New Jersey, 08837
2.0 DECISION DOCUlVIENTS
2.2 Action Memoranda & Amendments
P. 200001- Preliminary Assessment and Removal Funding Request for Cayadutta 200013 Creek at Briggs Street, Johnstown, Fulton COUIlI\. 0ie\1; York, Action Memorandum, to Me William l Librizzi .. Direct,)!. Emergency and Remedial Response Division, US EPA, Region II. from :\11'. Thomas M. Kady, On-Scene Coordinator, Response ane! Pre\ention Branch, C S EPA, Region II, 0.1ay 15, 1986.
2.3 Documentation of State Involvement
P. 200014- Letter to J\fr. William]. Librizzi, Director, Otlice of Emergency and 200014 Remedial Response, U.S EPA, Region II. from Dr. John A. :\lc:\amara. Superintendent of Schools, Greater ]ohnsto\\n School District. re Removal request, September 13, ]985
P. 200015- Letter to 0.Ir. William l Librizzi, Director, Otflce of Emergency and 200015 Remedial Response, US EPA, Region II, frolll :\Ir Norman H. Nosenchuck, PE, Director, Division of Solid and Hazardous Waste. :\e\\ York State Department of Environmental COIlSer\(llioIL re Request for USEPA Immediate Removal Action, Inactive Haz,lrdous Waste Disposal Site, Cayadutta Creek at Briggs Street, .lohnstO\\ll (C), Fulton County, New York. September 3, 1985.
-2- 3.0 PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
3.2 Community Relations Plan
P. 300001- Plan: Communitv Relations Plan. Cavadutta Creek at Brigus Street 300011 Johnstown, New York, prepared by Mr. Gerard rvlaresca, Weston/SPER Division, prepared for Mr. Thomas Kady. On-Scene Coordinator, Emergency and Remedial Response Division, Response and Prevention Branch, U.S. EPA, Region II, April 11, 1986
3.3 Fact Sheets
P. 300012- Fact Sheet: "Questions & Ans\vers about Cayaclutta Creek at Briggs 300015 Street Site," prepared by New York State Department of Health, Bureau of Toxic Substance Assessment, Environmental b,:posure lm'estigation Section, Health Liaison Program, September 14, 1985
P. 300016- Fact Sheet: "Questions & Answers about Cayaclutta Creek at Briggs 300021 Street Site," prepared by New York State Department of Health. Bureau of Toxic Substances Assessment. Environmental E"posure IIwestigation Section, Health Liaison Program. prepared in conjunction \\ith C S EPA. Region II, Response and PreventiOn Branch. Site \Iitigatioll Section., undated.
3.6 Press Coverage
P. 300022- Newspaper Article: "Cleanup of Ole! Tannery \\(lSle Begins." prepared by 300022 Mr. John R. Becker, The Recorder. June 11. 198!)
P. 300023- Newspaper Article "Ruling Will Speed To"ic Cleanups," prepared by i'ds 300023 Ellen Mitchell, The New York Times, October 5. 1986
P. 300024- Newspaper Article "EPA Defines Hazardous ZClne." Leader-Herald. 300025 November 4, 1985. (Attached Press photograph)
P. 300026- Newspaper Article: "School Officials Await EP;.\ Action, Hazardous 300026 Waste Site Targeted for Cleanup." prepared b:--' i\ls Susan 1. :\lylott, Leader-Herald, October 3, 1985.
P. 300027- Newspaper Article "Oflicials Hopeful of Cleanup ..'..ction i\ear School, 300027 Creek Bank 'Inactive Hazardous Waste Site'." prepared by \ls Susan I Mylott. Leader-Herald. September 15. 198:'
-3- P. 300028- Newspaper Article: "Meeting Slated on Waste Problem Near City 300028 School," The Leader-Herald, September 20, 198:'
P. 300029- Newspaper Article: "EPA Cleanup is Undenvay at \Vaste Site:' prepared 300029 by Ms. Susan 1. Mytott, undated.
-4- ,;I'..... 'J $1<4,. , 4'., ~ ft UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY \~) EDISON, NEW JERSEY 08837 +~~( PfJt(f!tc,".t January 17,1986
MEMORANDUM SUBJECT: Preliminary Results of Geotechnical Investigation Conducted at the Briggs Street School Site, Johnstown, NY
FROM: Harry L. Allen, Ph.D. %~;f /J/'" Environmental Response Team /- ~ --vr -~. TO: Tom Kady, OSC EPA - Region II
The Environmental Response Team was requested to define the extent and composition of tannery waste material deposited at the Briggs Street School Site. Cayadutta Creek which flows adjacent to the deposition site has undercut the bank causing subsidence and exposure of the tannery waste material. The proximity of the Briggs Street Elementary School to the disposal area poses the potential threat of students coming in contact with the tannery waste material. Results from this site investigation will be used to evaluate the consequences of exposure to the material, the volume and extent of waste material, and an estimation of removal volume. The ERT/EERU activities conducted at the site included: 1) drilling and sampling ¥l borings to identify horizontal and vertical extent of contamination and the lithology of underlying materials; 2) installation of monitoring wells in four of the 11 borings to determine possible vertical migration of leachate from infiltration and percolation through the waste material and to identify ground water gradients; 3) hand auger;ng approximately 40 borings on a grid pattern to further identify vertical and horizontal extent of tannery waste; 4) collect four samples for bio-assessment testing. The enclosed figure entitled "Briggs Syteet Site Sampling Grid" describes the sampling locations. The following is a status report on each of the four activities: 1. The borings identified waste thickness from 0.0' to 3.4' underlain by graded silts, sands, and gravel. A continous clay zone underlies the entire site and out-crops along the creek. Approximately 18 soil samples were collected from this boring program and are currently being analyzed for priority pollutants. Samples were collected primarily from the waste material and the zone immediately below the waste material.
100001 2. Monitoring wells installed in selected borings were developed, purged, and sampled. Analyses are currently being performed on these samples for metals and base neutral priority pollutants. Water levels, from these wells and from the hand augering program, indicate a typical ground water gradient to the creek with minor mounding associated with areas of greater waste thickness. 3. Hard auger borings identified the area of deposition as approximately 1 acre. In addition to the hand auger borings, waste thickness was also determined by measuring a cross-section of exposed material at the stream bank. Generally, waste thickness decreases in a radial pattern from a maximum of 6 feet at one point on the stream bank. Cover materials over the waste ranges from a few inches to a couple of feet. The enclosed figure entitled "Briggs Street Site Sludge Removal Isopacs" describes the distribution of waste requiring removal. 4. The bioassay samples are currently being analyzed at the Corvallis laboratory. Preliminary results indicate the waste material extract is toxic to aquatic invertebrates. Conclusions 1. The area of disposal is confined to approximately 1 acre. 2. The volume of waste material is approximately 3000 cubic yards. 3. The volume of waste material and cover material is approximately 3200 cubic yards. The enclosed figure entitled "Sludge Removal Elevation Briggs Street Site" gives the final elevations of removal based on a benchmark elevation of 600 feet at the concrete culvert. 4. Should the removal option be excercised, the total removal volume should be approximately 3400 cubic yards. 5. Volumes calculated are only initial estimated based on the ability to visually identify limits of excavation. A more detailed examination of the data may change the volumes calculated. In addition, should analytical results identify contaminated zones below the waste material, estimates would change significantly. enclosures:a/s
100002 / Bll. ~lS0)116 BRIGGS STREET SITE 100,74 SAMPLING GRID
-SOJO -100,0
-150,0 '" "<9 .BENCHMARK ",. -200)0 -227)0 /
BRIGGS STREET SITE SLUDGE REMOVAL ISOPAC I
,BENCHMARK / SLUDGE REMOV AL ELEV AnON BRIGGS STREET SITE
B3 4 'WB7 600
.BENCHMARK { v_ Ut'/r.Yj ( ~~:;------:.; , '_J
!/1/ ,y ...... , .' . , (f£/JY, ~ " Y , v ENVIRESPONSE, INC.
110 SOUTH ORANGE AVENUE. LIVINGSTON, NEW JERSEY 07:)39 . PHONE 201-533-1100
DATE: December 19, 1985 SUBJECT: JOHNSTOWN, NY: PRELIMINARY RESULTS OF GEOTECHNICAL INVESTIGATION, BRIGGS STREET SCHOOL SITE
FRor·1: Harry L. Allen, Ph.D. Environmental Response Team TO: Tom Carly, OSC EPA - Region II
The Environmental Response Team was requested to define the extent and composition of tannery waste material deposited at the Briggs Street School Site. Cayadutta Creek flowing adjacent to the deposition site has undercut the bank causing subsidence and exposure of the tannery waste materi a 1. The proximity of the Bri ggs Street El ementary School to the disposal area poses the potential threat of students coming in contact with the tannery \'Iaste material. Results from this site investigiltion will be used to evaluat0 the consequences of exposure to the material, the volume ilnd extent of \/aste material, and all estimation of removal volume. The ERTjEERU Activities conducted at the site illclu(led: 1) rrill ing and sampling 11 borings to identify horizontal and vertical extent of contamination ann the lithology of underlying materia~s; 2) installation of monitoring wells in four of the 11 borings to determine possible vertical migration of leachate from infiltration and percolation through the waste materi al and to identify groundwater gradients; 3) hand augered approximately 40 borings on a grid pattern to further identify vertical and horizontal extent of tannery waste; 4) collect three samples to perform a hio-assessment. Follo'tJing is a status report on each of the four acti vi ti es: 1) The borings identified waste thickness from 0.0' to 3.4' underlain by graded silts, sands, and gravel. A continuous clay zone underlies the entire site and out-crops along the creek. Approximately 18 soil samples were collected from this boring program and are currently being analyzed for priority p0llutants. Samples were collected primarily from the"\,/aste material and the zone immediatelY below the waste material. 2) Monitoring wells installed in selected borings were developed, purged, and sampled. Priority pollutant analysis are currently being performed on these samples. Water levels, from these ';Jells Clnd from the hand auger program, indicate a typical ground\'/ater gradient to the creek \!ith minor mounding associated .,yith areas of greater waste thickness.
6 3) Hard auger borings identified the area of deposition as approximately 1 acre. In addition to the hand auger borings, waste thickness was also determined by measuring a cross-section of exposed material at the stream bank. Generally waste thickness decreases in a radial pattern from a maximum of 6 feet at one point on the stream bank. Cover material over the waste ranges from a few inches to a couple of feet. 4) The bioassay samples are currently being analyzed at the Corvalis Laboratory. Conclusions 1) The area of disposal is confined to approximately 1 acre. 2) The volume of waste material is approximately 3000 cubic yards. 3) The volume of waste material and cover material is approximately 3200 cubic yards. 4) Should the removal option be exercised, the total removal volume should be approximately 3400 cubic yards. 5) Volumes calculated are only initial estimates based on the ability to visually identify limits of excavation. A more detailed examination of the d~ta may change the volumes calculated. In addition, should analytical results identify contaminated zones below the waste material, estimates would change significantly.
pt/5011 0 :01600
7. Q
1 ~ 'l J[J I
3 FEET i, BRICJGS STR[[T SIT[ 6 FEET SLUDGE f~[MDVAL_ ISe]PAC 8 FEET ,j
9 FEE~r/') B3 5 ?FEET /~<'.C I F E,ET Z-- !}~ .'/ 0 ,BSt.6' 4 - / .. 4 fTU./ . 3 FEET / >~ ___ ,- _ /
o ,13 [ ~~ C t IJv1 () r~ K (/) / / 1 ~-1l 9, SLUDGE REMOVAL ELEVATION
i \ 599 BRIGGS STREET SITE
/ l'''--.----- / /------/1 B (,,=>,,/ 3' 11. ',~B3 13 5 / ;.ll ;j \J 13 7) 0 / ',BiZ I l /~. 600 : / 1\" gl 9J I i VjC)' . ,]3 j / 598';'C
o ,BENCHMnRI< o
~
to, ------~----r------, 1 j ______, 1 f PROJECT: BRIGGS ST. ;
I ~IRESPIJISE INC. PROJECT NO.: 36618190203 BORI~: B-1 ELEVATION: DATE: 10/28/85 FIELD GEDLOOIST: PAUL KARMAZINSKIIPAUl iJ1CNAlLY ------1 1 SAMP. NO.&I BLOWS/SIX IN. 1 SAMPLE REC./ 1 MAT. KlIST.&1 SOIL DEN/ 1 COLOR I MATERIAL CLASSIFICATION 1 REMARKS i I DEPTH (FT) 1 OR ROD (%) I SAMP. LENGTH 1 W. T. (FT) 1 ROCK HARD. I (uses or rock brokenness) 1 1 ______------______1______------______1______
1 I no sample I I I 0. 0-~. 5 I
S-l 4.5-6.5 2/8/13/9 I 0.7ft/2.0ft I lIOi st !lied. brown 1 silty sand. (SM) dense I
R-lIS-2 6.5-9.5 continuous I 0.8ft/3.0ft dk. sand and silt. increase silt content w/deoth. saJlpling. t I brown trace construction rubble. (SM)
I R-2 1 1 9.5-14.5 II 1 5. 0ft/5. eft gray 1 9.5ft-11.0ft silty sand and gravel. (G/l!) I 11. 0ft-14. 5ft clay. (CH)
------REMARKS: Botta. of boring - 14.5ft. Backfilled boring w/bentonite to 13.0ft. t a continuous sa.ole tube systew was used. BORING: B-1 PAGE: 1 OF ,------to 10 ------PROJECT: BRI66S ST. ENVIRESPCiNSE I~. PROJECT NO.: 36618190203 BORING: B-2 ELEVATION: DATE: 10/28/85 FIELD 6EOLOOIST: PAUl KARMAZINSKI , , , , SAMP. NO.&' BLOWS/SIX IN.' SAMPLE REG./ I MAT.MDIST.&' SOIL DEN/ , COLOR' MATERIAL CLASSIFICATION 1 REMARKS , DEPTH (FTl' OR R!ID (~) 'SAMP. LENGTH , W. T. (FT) 'ROCK HARD. , (uses or rock brokenness) ______1______------______1 1 no saJlole , 1 0.0-2.0 1
5-1 2.0-4.8 1/3/6/9 1 0. 4ft/2. 0ft damo loose dk. silty sand and sludge material. sludge aateriall 1 gray 1 at 2.0ft. (SM) 1 1 R-l/S-2 4.0-S.0 continuous '8.5ft/l.0ft dame white sludge and sludge ilpregnated soil. 'sludge zone saJlplil'l9. * 12. 0ft -S. 0ft
R-2/S-3 1 5.0-7.0 II 1 5.0ftl7.0ft dallO dk. brown sandy si 1t, SOlIe organic .aterial. (MH) W. T. @ 7.0ft
R-3 7.0-9.S II , 7.0ft/9.5ft wet d~ gray 1 sar~ and gravel. (SP) 1 , R-4 , , 9.5-13.0 II , 9.Sft/13.0ft lIOi st gray '9.Sft-12.0ft sandy silt. (MH) 1 1 12.0ft-13.0ft clay. (CH) 1
------REAARKS: BottOil of boring - 13.8ft. Backfilled boring w/bentonite to 12.8ft. * a continuous SclJIPle tube systetll was used. BORING: B-2 POOE: 1 (F ------. 10 11 ------PROJECT: BRIGGS ST. ENVlRESPONSE INC. PROJECT NO.: 36618190283 BORING: B-3 ELEVATi ()i: DATE: 10/29/85 FIELD 6£OI..00IST: PAUl KARMAZINSKI
I I I SAMP. NO.&I BLOWS/SIX IN. I SAMPLE REC./ I MAT. MOIST. &1 SOIL DEN/ I COLOR I MATERIAL CLASSIFICATION I R£.i'IARKS I I DEPTH (FTlI OR RliD (1.) I SAMP. LENGTH I W. T. (FT) I ROC!{ ~RD. I (uses or rock brokenness) I I ------I I R-1 0.0-2.0 continuous I 1.17ft/2.0ft da.p brown I silty sand. (SI'I) sampling. * I sludge aaterial begins at 0.5ft. sludge is only I i.pregnated in soil f~ 1.0ft-2.0ft. Isludge zone 10. 5ft -2. 2ft • I R-2/S-1,2 I I I 2.0-4.0 I " I • 83ft /2. 0ft damp tan I 2.0ft-2.2ft sludge aaterial. I 5-1 taken brown I 2.2ft-4.0ft silty sand. (8M) I 5-2 taken I R-3 I 4.0-6.0 " 1. 0ft/2. 0ft dalllp brown I si 1ty sand. (8M) I IIIOtt led. I R-4 6.0-8.0 " 1. 0ft /2. 0ft brown I silty sand. (8M) I trace IIIOttling frQe 6.0ft-7.0ft. I I R-5 8.0-10.0 " • 25ft/2. 8ft dk. sand and gravel, trace silt. (SP) gray
R-6 10.0/12.0 II I 2.0ft/2.0ft gray I sand and gravel. (61') I clay @ 12.0ft. I I I
------. REMARKS: BottOll of boring - 12.0ft. f a continuous ~ple tube systel MaS used.
BORING: B-3 ~: 1 OF ------1 12 PROJECT: BRl66S ST, ENV I RESPONSE INC. PROJECT NO. : 36618190203 BORING: B-4 ELEVATION: DATE: 10/29/85 FI ELD GECl03 I ST : PAUl KARMAZ I NSl{ I
I I I I SAJIlP. /fl. &I BlIJ.IS/5IX IN. I SAMPlE REC./ I MAT. MOIST. &I SOIL DEN/ I COLOR I MATERIAL CLASSIFICATIOO 1 R9!ARK5 1 DEPTH (FTlI OR ROD (%) 1 SAMP. LEN6TH I W. T. (FTl 1 ROCK HARD. I (USCS or rock brokenness) ______1______1______1______1______1______1______1______I R-l Iil. 0-2. 0 continuous I 1.3ft/2.0ft dallo dk. I 8. 8ft-i. 2ft fill and organic zone. saJIpl i ng. * brown I 1.2ft-1.6ft sludge Material. I 1.6ft-2.lilft silty sand. (8M)
I 1 1R-2/B-4/S-11 Isludge zoo 2.8-5.8 1 " I 2. Iilft/2. eft Mist dk. 1 2.0ft-2.5ft silty sand. (8M) 12. 5ft-3. 6f brown I 2.5ft-3.6ft sludge .aterial and wood. IB-4 and 5- 1 3.6ft-5.0ft silty sand. (8M) Itaken froll I Ithis zone. I R-3 I I II 5. 8-7. Iil I 0. 9ft/2. 0ft soist brown I silty sand. (8M) I IIOttled. I
------REMRKS: BottOll of boring - 7.0ft. * a continuous SaJlole tube systel was used.
BORlt{i: B-4 I PAGE: 1 (f 1------_--__------____ 10 1fl ------PROJECT: BRIGGS ST. ENVIRESPONSE INC. PROJECT NO.: 36618190203 OORIN6: B-5 ELEVATION: DATE: 10/29/85 FIELD GECtOOIST: PAll KARMAZINSKI ------! ! ! !!! I ! SAi'lP. NO.&! BLOWS/SIX IN.! ~E REC./! ~T.MOIST.&! SOIL DEN/! COlOR! MATERlfl. ClASSIFICATION I RE~RKS I DEPTH (FTlI OR RQD (~) ! SAMP. LENGTH I W. T. (FTl I ROCK HARD.!! (uses or rock brokenness) I· ------R-l 0.0-2.8 continuous ! 2.0ft/2.0ft daJlp brown ! 0.0ft-1.0ft fill and organic aaterial. sampling .• tan ! 1.0ft-2.0ft sludge aaterial •
._------REMARKS: BottOil of boring - 12.0ft • a continuous sasple tube syste. was used.
BORI~: 8-5 PAGE: 1 Of ------row 14------PROJECT: BRIGGS ST. ENV I RESPCt& INC. PROJECT NO.: 36618190203 BORING: B-f. ELEVATION: DATE: 10/30/8S FIaD GEClOOIST: PAUL KARMAZINSKI
I I SliMP. NO. &1 BlOWSISIX IN. I SAMPLE REC.I I ~T.jI()IST.&1 SOIL DENI I COLOR I MATERIAL CLASSIFICATION I R9.ARKS I DEPTH (FT) I OR RQI) (~) I SAMP. lEN6TH I W. T. (FT) I ROCK HARD. I (uses or rock brokenness) ______1______1______I R-l 0.0-2.0 continuoos 1. 8ft 12. 0ft damp black I 0.0ft-0.Sft root zone and ash fill. saJIpling.* tan I 0.5ft-2.0ft sludge aaterial. I I Islud~e zone I 10. 5ft-3.5ft I I R-2/S-1 ,2 I I I 2.0-4.0 I II 1. 9ft/2. 0ft dallo I white I 2.0ft-3.5ft sludge aaterial. I I blue- I green I 3.Sft-3.9ft clayey aaterial. brown I 3.9ft-4.0ft silty sand. (8M) I R-3JS-3 4.0-f..0 " 1. 9ft 12. 0ft damp 1t. I si 1ty sand. (Sl'1) brown I aottled. I R-4 b.0-7.0 " 0.5ft/1.0ft I moist brown I sand and gravel. (SP) I I R-S/S-4 IW. T.@ 7.0ft I I 7.0-10.0 II 1. 8ft/3. 0ft wet brown I 7.0ft-8.0ft silty sand. (8M) I fIIOttled. I 8.0ft-8.5ft gravel zone. (SP) gray I B.Sft-10.0ft silty sand. (SJI1) I R-f./S-5 10.0-14.0 I II I 4.0ft/4.0ft wet gray 10.0ft-12.0ft silty sand, grades to a sandy clayl (SM-Cl) I 12.0ft-14.0ft clay. (CH)
I S-f. I 14.0-15.5 I 11/11/11 1. 5ft I 1. Sft dalllp lied. gray I clay. (CH) I I dense I
------REl4lRKS: BottOli of boring - lS. Sft. f a continuous sa.ple tube syst~ was used.
BORING: B-f. PAGE: 1 [f" ------100-015------I PROJECT: BRIGGS ST. ENVlRESPONSE INC. PROJECT NO.: 36618190203 BORING: B-7 ELEVATION: DATE: 10/30/85 FIELD 6EOL06IST: MIKE NICHOlAS
I ------I I I SAMP. r-u.&1 BLOWS/SIX IN. 1 ~E REC./ 1 MAT. 1'10 I ST. &1 SOIL DEN/I COLOR 1 MATERIAl CLASSIFICATION R£if,ARl\S 1 DEPTH (FT) 1 OR ROD (%) 1 SA/IIP. LENGTH I W. T. (FT) 1 ROCK fflRD.1 (uses or rock brokenness) ----_--____ 1 ______------______1
0.0-2.0 1 continuous 1. 5ft/2. 0ft 1 daJIp black 0.0ft-0.5ft root zone and black sandy silt sallpling.+ brown 1 8.5ft-1.5ft sandy silt,sODe black ash. (Mll 1 2.0-4.0 1 " 1. 0ft/2. 0ft 1 dame 1 1101. T.@ 4.0ft brown 3.0ft-6.2ft silty sand,some black ash and coarse sand. (SM)
4.0-7.0 " 1. 2ft/3. 0ft wet Ibrown 5.0ft-7.0ft sand,scee gravel. (SP) 1 1 1 1 7.0-10.0 II 1 0. 6ft/3. 0ft wet dk. 1 sand, some gravel, trace si It. (&\) 1 brown 1
10.0-12.0 II 1 0. 5ft/2. 0ft wet dk. sand,SOOIe gravel. (61') brown
12.0-13.0 1 " gray clay (CH) 1
------,----- REAARKS: Bottom of boring - 13.0ft. Boring filled II/bentonite to 12.0ft. f a continuous sasole tube systel liaS used. BORING: B-7 PAGE: 1 OF ------1 6 ------PROJECT: BRIBGS ST. ENVlRESPONSE INC. PRruECT NO. : 36& 1B 190203 BORING: B-B ELEVATION: DATE: 10/31185 FIELD GEOLOGIST: MIKE NICHOlAS
I I I I I I SAMP. ~.&I BlOWS/SIX IN. I SAMPlE REC./ I MAT.MDIST.&i SiJIL DEN/ I COLOR I ~TERIAL CLASSIFICATION REMARKS j DEPTH (FIll OR RQD (1.) I SAi'\P. LENGTH I W. T. (FT) i ROC!<. HARD. I (uSCS or rock brokenness) ______i ______1______1______I
8.0-2.5 continuous I 2.3ft/2.5ft damp brown I 8.8ft-0.5ft sandy silt and root zone. OI,U Saltol ing. * tan I 0.5ft-1.8ft sludge aaterial Isludge zone brown I 1.0ft-2.3ft silty sand,some black ash. (8M) 10.5ft-1.0ft I MOttled. I I
2.5-3.S II 0. oft/1. 0ft dallo It. I silty sand,SOIIIE! gravel, trace clay. black ash. brown I (SC)
3. 5-S. 8 " no rec. 1101. T.@ 4.0ft coarse gravel. (SP)
5.0-7.8 II 2. 0ft/2. 0ft wet brown I 5. 8ft-5. 2ft coarse sand, some gravel. (ffl) gray I 5.2ft-7.8ft silty sand. (51'1 I
7.8-9.5 " 2. 5ft/2. Sft loist gray I 7. 8ft-9. 8ft si 1ty sand. (5101) I 9.0ft-9.3ft clay. (CH) I 9. 3ft-9. Sft si 1ty sand. (8M) I
I 9.5-13.8 " I 3. 0ft/3. 5ft Illoist gray I 9. Sft-12. 0ft si lty sand. (8M) I 12.8ft-13.0ft clay. (CH)
I I I I 1______1_---___ 1______1__ -- ___ 1_____ 1___ 1____ ---_------______1____ _ I I ~RKS: BottOCll of boring - 13. 8ft. Boring filled M/bentonite to 12.0ft. f a cont inuous samole tube systE!1l MaS useO. BORING: B-B PAGE: 1 IF 10 17 ------PROJECT: BRIGGS ST. ENVIRfSPONSE INC. PROJECT NO.: 3&61B190203 BORING: B-9 ELEVATION: DATE: 10/31/85 FIELD GEOI..OOI5T: MIKE NICHOLAS
~------1 SAMP. NO.&I BLOWS/SIX IN. 1 SAMPlE REC./ 1 MAT.MDIST.&I SDIL DEN/I COlOR 1 MATERIAL CLASSIFICATION 1 REMARKS 1 DEPTH (FT) 1 OR RQD (:t) 1 SAMP. LEN6TH 1 W. T. (FTl 1 ROCK HARD. 1 (US"CS or rock brokenness) ---____ ---_1--__ --__ ------______1______1______1______
0.0-2.8 continuous 1 2.0ft/2.0ft dallp brown 1 0.0ft-0.5ft root zone. sampling. i 1 8.5ft-2.0ft sandy silt,trace gravel. (Mt) 1 1 2.0-4.0 !I 1.5ft/2.0ft IW. T.@ 3.5ft It. brown 1 2.0ft-3.5ft silty sand,trace black ash. (SM) 1 IIIOtt led. 1 dk. 1 1 brown 1 3.5ft-4.0ft silty sand. (SM) 1 1 4.0-7.0 l! 1 2. 0ft/3. 0ft wet dk. brown 1 4. 0ft-5. 0ft silty sand. (S!
REMARKS: Bottom of boring - 13.0ft. Boring filled w/bentonite to 12.0ft. i a continuous sample tube systea was used. BORING: B-9 PAGE: 1 OF 1 8 1------.------PROJECT: BRIGGS ST. ENVIRESPONSE INC. PROJECT NO. : 36618190203 BORING: B-10 ELEVATION: DATE: 11/1/85 FIELD 6£Ct06I5T: MIKE NICHO...ffi
1 1 1 1 SAMP. NO.&I BLOWS/SIX IN. 1 SAMPLE REC./ 1 MAT.MDIST.&I SOIL DEN/I COLOR 1 MATERIAl CLASSIFICATION RE~RKS 1 DEPTH (FTlI OR ROD (%) 1 SAMP. LENGTH 1 W. T. (FT) 1 ROCK HARD. 1 (uses or rock brokenness) . 1
1 0.0-2.0 1 continuous 1 2.0ft/2.0ft daJllo dk. 1 0.0ft-0.5ft root zor~ salloling. f brown 1 0.5ft-2.0ft sandy silt. (Ml)
1 2.0-4.0 1 " 1 0. 8ft/2. 0ft 1101. T.t 3.0ft I dk. I 2. 0ft-2. 5ft si 1ty sand, SOMe grave 1. (SM) browm I 2.5ft-4.0ft sandy gravel. (GP)
4.0-7.0 " I 3. 0ft /3. 0ft wet gray I 4.0ft-5.0ft sand and gravel,SOtIe silt. (61'0 5.0ft-7.0ft clay. (CH)
I 7.0-10.0 " I 3. 0ft /3. 0ft daap gray I clay. (CH)
------REMARKS:BottOM of boring - i0.0ft. Boring filled M/bentonite to 5.0ft. f a continuous saaple tube systes Mas used. BORING: B-10 PAGE: 1 OF ._._--- 10 9' ---~------PROJECT: BRIGGS ST. ENVlRESPCNSE INC. PROJECT NO.: 36618190203 BORIt-«3: B-11 ELEVATIrr.: DATE: 11101/85 FIELD GEClOOIST: PAUL MCNAlLY
1 1 1 1 1 St1iI!P. NO. &1 BLOWS/SIX IN. 1 SAMPLE REC. / 1 HAT. jl(JIST. &1 SOIL DEN/ 1 C!l.OR 1 MATERIAL a...ASSIFICATI~ REPIARKS 1 DEPTH (FTlI OR ROD (?!) 1 SAMP. LENGTH 1 W. T. (FT) 1 ROCK PARD. 1 (uses or rock brokenness) ______-----____ --1_---__ - ______1______1 I 1 0.0-2. 0 continuous 1 2.0ft/2.0ft daJIo brown 1 0.0ft-0.5ft root zone. sarlpling. t 1 8.5ft-2.0ft sandy silt. (ML) 1 1 2.0-4.5 II 1 2.5ft/2.5ft 1101. T.@ 4.0ft brown 1 2.0ft-3.5ft sandy silt. (ML) 1 3. 5ft-4. 0ft si 1ty sand. (~) gray 1 4. 0ft-4. 5ft clay. (CH) 1 1 1 4.5-7.0 II 1 2.5ft/2.5ft daJIo gray 1 clay. (CH)
------REMARKS: Botta. of boring - 7.0ft. Boring filled M/bentonite to 4.0ft. t a continuous sarlple tube systes Mas used. BORING: B-11 PAGE: 1 (]= 10 20 lGOOOl
/ U.S. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
POLLUTION REPORT
DATE: October 9, 1986
Region II TO: C. Daggett, EPA Response and Prevention Branch J. Marshall. EPA Edison, New Jersey 08837 M. Randol, EPA F. 'R u bel, EPA (201) 548-8730 - Commercial & FTS G. Zachos, EPA 24 Hour Emergency ERD. Washington (E-Mail) J. Czapor. EPA N. Nosenchuck, NYSDEC F. Ricotta, NYSDEC TAT
POLREP NO.: Five (5) and Final INCIDENT NAME Cayadutta Creek Disposal Site SITE NO.· Ql POLLUTANT: Naphthalene, chromium. arsenic CLASSIFICATION: Potential Major SOURCE: Tannery Wastes LOCATION: Johnstown, Fulton County, New York AMOUNT: 3000 Cubic Yards WATER BODY: Cayadutta Creek to Mohawk River
1. SITUATION
A. Same as previous POLREP.
2. ACTION TAKEN:
A. On September 3, 1986. the ERCS Contractor mobilized on site to perform the punch list items.
B. Erosion control measures taken included:
o Application of 241 cubic yards of topsoil onto the site area. Fertilizer and the seeding mixture recommended by the Soil Conservation Service were then applied, followed by a layer of hay for mulching purposes.
o Rip rap was placed along the length of the creek bank downstream of the gabion wall, to prevent undercutting. Rip rap was also placed at step-down locations in the gabion wall where there were steep changes in grade.
o 22 C. The gaps in the fence'bordering the creek were filled with rip rap a coil spring wire was installed on the fence bottom along the creek to improve security and sufficiently restrict entry. A second gate was installed in the fence to provide maintenance entry from the creek side of the site.
D. The cleared underbrush left on site was removed by the City of Johnstown.
E. The areas on the Jansen Avenue School grounds that were damaged by heavy equipment were repaired.
3. FUTURE PLANS AND RECOMMENDATIONS'
A. The NYSDEC will continue to monitor the site and will recommend it for NPL ranking.
4. FINANCIAL STATUS:
A. Funds Authorized Under Action Memorandum (May 8. 1985)
1. Total Project Ceiling $ 160,000 2. Mitigation Contracts Ceiling 123,000
B. Estimated Mitigation Contract Expenditures
1. Delivery Order 6893-02-056 to O.H. Materials
a. Amount Obligated 138,000
Note: The authorized mitigation contract ceiling of $123,000 was obligated and expended under DCN KCS-369. A delivery order ceiling increase of $15.000 (DCN KSC-432) is part of contingency funds authorized under the total project ceiling.
b. Expenditures as of August 31, 1986 136,320
c. Balance of obligated funds 1,680
d. Balance of unobligated funds -0-
C. Other Extramural Costs (Estimated)
1. TAT Salary/Travel as of September 26, 1986 7,210
23 D. Estimated Intramural Costs
1. EPA Salary/Travel as of September 26. 1986 $ 10.500
E. Total Expenditures 154,030
1. Percentage of Total Project 96.3% Ceiling
2. Percentage of $1,000,000 15.4%
FURTHER POLREPS FINAL POLREP X FORTHCOMING SUBMITTED BY _ __ 'fIlf![lf~__ f~Lt!:-______Mark Pane, OSC (TAT) Response and Prevention Branch
DATE RELEASED ----OC(OBc-\(------7 H· -----It{ <6~
24 u.s. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
POLLUTION REPORT
DATE: August 27, 1986
Region II TO: C. Daggett, EPA Response and Prevention Branch J. Marshall, EPA Edison, New Jersey 08837 M. Randol, EPA F. Rubel, EPA (201) 548-8730 - Commercial & FTS G. Zachos, EPA 24 Hour Emergency ERD, Washington (E-Mail) J. Czapor, EPA N. Nosenchuck, NYSDEC F. Ricotta; NYSDEC TAT
POLREP NO.: F ou r (4) INCIDENT NAME: Cayadutta Creek Disposal Site SITE NO.: Ql POLLUTANT: Naphthalene, chromium, arsenic CLASSIFICATION: Potential Major SOURCE: Tannery Wastes LOCATION: Johnstown, Fulton County, New York AMOUNT: 3000 Cubic Yards WATER BODY: Cayadutta Creek to Mohawk River
1. S ITUATION:
A. Same as previous POLREP.
2. ACTION TAKEN:
A. On July 15, 1986 representatives from the U.S. EPA conducted a survey of the work completed on site. Representatives from NYSDEC and the Jansen Avenue School were in attendance. During the survey, a punch list of remaining work items was developed. This list includes property reparations for damages that occurred during removal action operations, and erosion control measures such as applying topsoil and revegetating the area along the creek.
10 5 B. On August 5, 1986, at the request of the U.S. EPA. representatives from the Johnstown Soil Conservation Service (SCS) visited the site to observe the erosion problem and make appropriate recommendations.
C. On August 13. 1986, SCS made a second site visit to meet with the ERCS contractor and review erosion control measures to be executed.
D. On September 3, 1986, an ERCS subcontractor mobilized on site to perform the punch list items. Rain prevented site activity during the two preceding weeks.
3. FINANCIAL STATUS:
A. Funds Authorized Under Action Memorandum (May 8, 1985)
1. Total Project Ceiling $ 160,000 2. Mitigation Contracts Ceiling 123,000
B. Estimated Mitigation Contract Expenditures
1. Delivery Order 6893-02-056 to O.H. Materials
a. Amount Obligated 138,000
Note: The authorized mitigation contract ceiling of $123,000 was obligated and expended under DCN KCS-369. A delivery order ceiling increase of $15,000 (DCN KSC-432) is part of contingency funds authorized under the total project ceiling.
b • Expenditures as of August 122,820 31, 1986
c . Balance of obligated funds 15,180
d. Balance of unobligated funds -0-
C. Other Extramural Costs (Estimated)
1 • TAT Salary/Travel as of August 31, 1986 5,200
D. Estimated Intramural Costs
1 . EPA Salary/Travel as of August 31, 1986 4,500
1 26 E. Total Expenditures $ 132,520
1. Percentage of Total Project (82.8%) Ceiling
2. Percentage of $1,000.000 (13.2%)
4. FUTURE PLANS AND RECOMMENDATIONS:
A. Punch list items will take approximately one week to complete. U.S. EPA will monitor these activities.
FURTHER POLREPS FINAL POLREP FORTHCOMING x SUBMITTED BY_.~a7}~ 1{iJK Mark Pane, OSC (TAT) Response and Prevention Branch
DATE RELEASED ______q/~~~~,
10 27 U.S. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
POLLUTION REPORT
DATE: July 9, 1986
Region II TO: C. Daggett. EPA Response and Prevention Branch W. Librizzi, EPA Edison, New Jersey 08837 F. Rubel, EPA G. Zachos, EPA (201) 548-8730 - Commercial & FTS ERD, Washington 24 Hour Emergency (E-Hail) J. Marshall, EPA J. Czapor, EPA N. Nosenchuck, NYSDEC F. Ricotta, NYSDEC TAT
POL REP NO.: Three (3) INCIDENT NAME' Cayadutta Creek Disposal Site SITE NO.: Q1 POLLUTANT: Naphthalene, chromium, arsenic CLASSIFICATION: Potential Major SOURCE: Tannery Wastes LOCATION: Johnstown, Fulton County. New York AMOUNT: 3000 Cubic Yards WATER BODY: Cayadutta Creek to Mohawk River
1. SITUATION:
A. Same as previous POLREP.
2. ACTION TAKEN:
A. On June 25, 1986 the ERCS contractor completed 65 cubic yards of the gabion retaining wall, totaling 200 cubic yards for the construction of the first tier. The first tier consisted of 16 sets (four 3' x 3' x 9' gab ions to a set) of gabions, one 3' x 3' x 9' gabion as the lead keyway, and eight l' x 3' x 6' gabions as the tail keyway. The running length of the first tier of the wall is 294 feet.
B. For the afternoon of June 25, the ERCS contractor backfilled and tampered clay between the gabion wall and the bank. The crew assembled gabion baskets for the second tier. The second tier consisted of 14 sets of two 1-1/2' x 3' x 9' gabions and two 3' x 3' x 9' gabions.
1 8 C. On June 26, 1986, the ERCS contractor began installation of the second tier of the gabion wall. A total of 54 cubic yards were completed of the 130 cubic yards required to finish the second tier.
D. On June 27, 1986 another 76.5 cubic yards of gabions were installed, finishing the second tier w~th a-~otal volume of 130.5 cubic yards and a running length of 135 feet. The area between the second tier and the bank was backfilled with clay.
E. On June 28, 1986, the clay backfill for the second tier was tampered while the third tier of gabions was installed. The total volume of the third tier was 33 cubic yards and was composed of l' x 3' x 6' gabions with two 1-1/2' x 3' x 9' gabions at the beginning, middle, and end. The running length of the third tier was 99 feet.
F. On June 29, 1986, the creek bed was scraped with the front-end loader to remove cobblestone piles used during installation of gabions. The cleared vegetation was arranged in manageable piles for disposal by the Johnstown Sanitation Department.
G. On June 30, 1986, the area between the third tier of the gabion wall and the bank was backfilled with clay and tampered. The surface exposures of the contaminant layer were capped with clay the following day. A passageway from the fence gate to the creek was cleared to allow access for the fence contractor's equipment. Demobilization of the ERCS contractor was complete by the end of July 1, 1986.
H. On July 2, 1986, a meeting was held by the Greater Johnstown School District. The U.S. EPA OSC was in attendance and summarized the project status.
I. The fence construction was completed on July 8, 1986.
3. FUTURE PLANS AND RECOMMENDATIONS:
A. Representatives from the U.S. EPA will visit the site during the week of July 14, 1986 for a survey of the completed work. At this time, a lock will be placed on the fence's access gate and keys will be distributed to EPA, NYSDEC and the Jansen Avenue School.
10 B. NYSDEC will continue to monitor the site and will submit it for NPL ranking.
FURTHER POLREPS FINAL POLREP FORTHCOHING X SUBHITTED BY ·~i1dj(j.. ~- Hark Pane, OSC (TAT) Response and Prevention Branch
DATE RELEASED
ao U.S. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
POLLUTION REPORT
DATE: June 26, 1986
Region II TO- C. Daggett, EPA Response and Prevention Branch W. Librizzi, EPA Edison, New Jersey 08837 F. Rubel, EPA G. Zachos, EPA (201) 548-8730 - Commercial & FTS ERD, vlashington 24 Hour Emergency (E-Mail) J. Marshall, EPA J. Czapor, EPA N. Nosenchuck, NYSDEC F. Ricotta, NYSDEC TAT
POLREP NO.: Two (2) INCIDENT NAME: Cayadutta Creek Disposal Site SITE NO.: Ql POLLUTANT: Naphthalene, chromium, arsenic CLASSIFICATION: Potential Major SOURCE: Tannery Wastes LOCATION: Johnstown, Fulton County, New York AMOUNT: 3000 Cubic Yards WATER BODY: Cayadutta Creek to Mohawk River
1. SITUATION:
A. Same as previous POLREP.
2. ACTION TAKEN:
A. On June 19, 1986, ERCS contractor finished clearing vegetation along the proposed fenceline. ERCS contractor completed the foundation for the gabion retaining wall by laying "rip-rap" into the excavated area of the creek bed. A front end loader was used to grade the rock layer to evenly distribute the foundation stone. A back-hoe was used to excavate and lay stone in lead keyway (the transition area from undisturbed creek bank to the gabion wall designed to prevent undercutting of the wall).
B. A company represenstative from Maccaferri Gabions Incorporated visited the site on June 19, 1986. He demonstrated how to assemble the gabion baskets and how to wire them together for installation. ERCS contractor spent the afternoon of June 19, 1986, and all of June 20, 1986, assembling the gabion baskets.
10 3.1 C. On June 21, 1986, ERCS contractor continued assembling baskets and serviced equipment.
D. On June 23, 1986, ERCS contractor began installation of the gabion retaining wall. By the end of the day, the keyway and four sections of the first tier of the retaining wall were ~ompleted. Eac~ section consi~ts of four baskets~ each 3'x 3'x 9'. A total of 51 cubic yards of the 365 cubic yards needed to complete the gabion wall were installed.
E. On June 24) 1986, the zoning variance required for the construction of the fence was obtained from the city of Johnstown. The fence contractor began setting posts every ten feet along the perimeter of the site. An additional seven sections or 84 cubic yards of gabions were installed.
F. On June 25, 1986, the first tier of the gabion retaining wall was completed. A total of 199 cubic yards of gabions have been installed to date. The space between the installed gabion and the creek bank was backfilled with clay. The clay was then compacted with a tamper. The perimeter fence posts were set with the exception of those that will be set in the clay backfill along the creek. Assemblage began on the baskets for the second tier.
3. FUTURE PLANS AND RECOMMENDATIONS:
A. ERCS contractor will begin the installation of the second tier of the gabion retaining wall.
B. Seeded topsoil will be applied to those areas where buried waste is close to the surface. The cleared trees and vegetation will be removed from the site.
C. The fence contractor will complete the fence installation around the site perimeter with the exception of one side along the creek. The side along the creek will be installed once the retaining wall is completed.
D. U.S. EPA will continue to monitor the site activities.
FURTHER POLREPS FINAL POLREP FORTHCOMING x SUBMITTED BY~L.c~_ Mark Pane, OSC~ (TAT) Response and Prevention Branch
DATE RELEASED ___~;{~C
1 32 U.S. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
POLLUTION REPORT
DATE: June 19, 1986
Region II TO£ C •. D a g ge t t, EPA Response and Prevention Branch W. Librizzi, EPA Edison, New Jersey 08837 F. Rubel, EPA G. Zachos, EPA (201) 548-8730 - Commercial & FTS ERD, Washington 24 Hour Emergency (E-Mail) J. Marshall, EPA J. Czapor, EPA N. Nosenchuck, NYSDEC F. Ricotta, NYSDEC TAT
POLREP NO.: One (1) INCIDENT NAME: Cayadutta Creek Disposal Site SITE NO.: Ql POLLUTANT: Naphthalene, chromium, arsenic CLASSIFICATIO~: Potential Major SOURCE: Tannery Wastes LOCATION: Johnstown, Fulton County, New York AMOUNT: 3000 Cubic Yards WATER BODY: Cayadutta Creek to Mohawk River
1. SITUATION:
A. On September 23, 1985, the New York Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) requested that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (U.S. EPA) provide funding to conduct a Removal Action to clean up a hazardous waste site located at Briggs Street on the bank of the Cayadutta Creek, Johnstown, New York. The site is located behind a recreational area on the grounds of the Jansen Avenue Elementary School. It consists of a contaminated layer of soil extending approximately 200 feet long and 150 wide to a depth of up to 6 feet.
B. The U.S. EPA performed a site assessment on October 1 and 2, 1985. Representatives of EPA, TAT, NYSDEC, NYSDOH, Johnstown School District and the Johnstown City Engineer were present.
C. On October 7, 1985, the U.S. EPA's National Environmental Response Team (ERT) was activated by the OSC to aid in preliminary assessments.
1 33 D. The field phase of this assessment was conducted from October 28 through November 6, 1985. During this period, 14 soil borings were drilled throughout the site. These soil cores were analyzed to identify the depths of the various soil/waste layers and to determine the extent of contamination. Groundwater monitoring wells were installed in four of the borings.
E. Sample analyses from soil borings identified three hazard ous substances of concern: naphthalene, chromium and arsenic.
F. On May 7, 1986, the Division Director approved an Action Memo to: 1) construct a gabion retaining wall along the eroding creek bank where the buried wastes are exposed; 2) erect an eight foot fence around the site; and 3) apply a layer of seeded soil to those areas where buried wastes are close to the surface.
2. ACTION TAKEN
A. On May 21, 1986, the U.S. EPA OSC met with the ERCS contractor to determine the scope of work and the schedule for the work plan.
B. On June 16,1986, the U.S. EPA representative met with the ERCS contractor response manager for a site interview and preliminary mobilization. Arrangements with the local contractors and suppliers were made for the installation of the fence and the purchase of stone for the gabion construction.
C. On June 17, 1986, EPA and ERCS mobilized on site. The ERCS contractor began clearing the vegetation from the area where the fence will be installed. Fallen trees and debris were cleared from the creek and placed on the bank.
D. A public meeting was held on June 17, 1986 at the Jansen Avenue Elementary School. Representatives from the U.S. EPA, TAT, NYSDEC, NYSDOH, and Johnstown School District were in attendance.
E. On June 18, 1986, ERCS cotinued to clear away vegetation from the fence line. A trench was excavated in the creek bed for the foundation of the gabion retaining wall. ERCS began to line this trench with stone. Delivery and assembly of the gabions began.
1 34 3. FUTURE PLANS AND RECOMMENDATIONS:
A. ERCS contractor will complete clearing the vegetation for the installation of the fence.
B. ERCS contractor will continue to line the trench with stone and begin installation of~the ~abions.
C. A variance to the local building code is required for construction of the fence and gabion wall. An EPA OSC representative will attend a hearing to obtain this variance.
D. The U.S. EPA will continue to monitor site activities, for the duration of the project, approximately three to four weeks.
FURTHER POLREPS FINAL POLREP FORTHCOMING X SUBMITTED BY ~:~ Thomas Kady, OSC (TAT) Response and Prevention Branch
DATE RELEASED f/~Jd~,
10 35 ""- THE ACTUAL DOClJlVIENT IS AVAILABLE FOR REVIE\V lN TH E
SITE FILE
SITE FILES ARE LOCATED AT:
UN1TED STATES E~VIRONlVIENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY REGION II REMOVAL RECORDS CENTER BUILDING 205 2890 \VOODBRIDGE AVENUE EDISON, NE\V JERSEY 08837 ....-/ ";,.UNITEOll"ATES ENVlRONMENT AL PROTECTION NCY
MAti 6 '986 -_..-, Preliwinary AsseSSilicnt and Removal Fundin3 Request for Cayadutt2 Cre~K at 6riggs Street, Johnstown, Fulton County, New York - AC~IC~ ~E~GRANCUM
Thc~as M. Rady, On-5cene Coordinator Response and Frevention Branch
~illiam J. Librizzi, Direc~or ET;er;rency and Remedial 2espcnse Division
I. EXECUTIVE SGMMARY
Cn Septeinber 3, 1985, the ~ew York State Department of Environ illental Conservation (NYSDEC) formally requested the U.S. Environ ~ental Protection Agency (EPA) to perform a Removal Action pur suant to the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation ana Liability Act (CERCLA) to mitigate the thre~t posed by an inactive hazardous waste dispo~al site. The site is located on the grounds of the Jansen Avenue Elementary School in the City of Johnstown, Fulton County, 5ew York. The elementary school plating fields border ~he site on one side~ the other side is borjered by Cayadutta Cree~. The site is now referred to as "the Cayadutta Creek siee.»
7he Response and Prevention Branch performed an initial site assessment on October 1 and 2, 1935. A detailed site assess~ent was performej with the Environmental Response Team (ERT) during tne period from October 2~, 1985 to November 6, 1985. Sampling results were completed in January of 1986. By that time, the ground at the site was frozen and snow-covered, making construc tion impractical prior to the present time.
The site assess~ents deter~ined that about 3000 cubic yards of industrial wastes were improperly disposed at this site approxi ~ately forty years ago. Several hazardous substances, pri~arily arsenic, cilromium and especially naphthalene are present in this waste layer in high concentrations. The waste is buried over an area of about one acre. ~uch of the waste is within one foot to six inches of the surface, and a cross-section of the waste layer is cOffi?letely exposed along the eroding bank of Cayadutta Creek.
Based on the quantities and concentrations of hazarjous substances at this site, and due to the proximity of the site to the elemen tary school playing fields, it has been determined that this site poses a threat to human health. A Removal ~ction under CERCLA is recommended to ~itigate this threat by stabilizing and securing this site. The Centers for Disease Control concur with EPA's findings and with the proposed project. F1LE:CAYADUTTA CREEK, JOHNSTOWN, NY 2ERR-RP:fADY:340 6621:~a~:~i~k s#lS'4/R/86 RPvr Q EOoQas·4/18/86 CONCURRENCES
····r?~·~·13·-:-·· ? ... }~~~~.:.!?.l!.',P·rR~ ... l·········?·J?·~·~·f·~~Y.~·~~····.? .~~~~.IZE~··.··O.~.C.-~-JTS f 20EP I ; ZACHOS RUBEL . I ZI PAVL U CR' '1DG·OA:N·. .. ··· ·M:AR"SRAr..r ~-~E~,..~_.P'- .. Jt~~~. .)I.~?:t.. "...... ~}#;; .. ~ ......
/ EPA Form 1320-1 02-70) ~F 11 OFFICIAL' 20 01 -.i-
I I. .SACKGROUl'JD
~ ~. . ~ t' .:-'.. :::'lte ::,et Ins /0~escrlp'C.lGn ' ..
The Cayadutta Creek Si~e is classified by the ~YSD2~ as an inactive hazardous waste disposal site. A~proximately 3000 cubic yards of industrial wastes are buried at the site, which is located alon; Cayadutta Creek near Briggs Street in the City of Johnstown, Fulton County, New York (see Figures
1 and 2). The site is directly4 on the qrounds_ of the Jansen Avenue Elementary School, which is situated within a resi dential area of the to~n. Cayadutta Creek borders one side of the site, and the elementary school playing fields borcier the other side.
The ~YSDEC discoverej the buried wastes on August 6, 1935 while performing a biological study of Cayadutta Creek. Extensive erosion of the east bank of the creek haa exposed a layer of waste approximately 300 feet in length and ran3ing in thickness from approxireately 6 feet at the center to about 6 inches at each end. Large chunks of waste which eroded fr02 the creek bank were observed in the creek. ~anj old bottles and cans are buried within the wastes, indicating tnat the wastes were deposited in or around the 13~O's.
The surface of the site is sp3[sely to xoderately wooded. Un,J.erbrush is thick during the SUi,uner and fall. The surface; is typically snow-covered fro~ mid-Novenber through March.
Several trails across the site indicate that 920ple, presum ably neighborhood children, have used the site as a recre3- tion area. Upon discovery of the buried wastes, the Greater Johnstown School District (GJSD) in conjunction with the Ne~ York State Depart~ent of 2ealth (NYSDOH) and the NYSDEC erected a snow fence around the site and posted warnin3 signs to prevent further access to the site.
B. Quantities and TVDes of Substances Present t
On August 26, 1985, the NYSDEC took five soil samples of t~e waste layer at the site. These samples were analyzed for Priority Pollutants including metals. The sample analyses were completed October 8, 1985. Of the substances found, three ":Jere of ma in CC:1ce rn. These subs tances and thei r respective maximum concentrations were arsenic at 300 ppm, chromium at 137 ppm, and naphthalene at 4000 ppm.
20 02 e e
NEW JERSEY
SPILL PREVENTION & EP A- PM ~ EMERGENCY RESPONSE DIVISION TOM KADY FIGURE 1 TAT PM In association wilt\ HERESE PERRETT ICF. Inc., Jacobs Engineering. Inc~ & Telra Tech. Inc. Y. 200003 l. ~v V L \I "" v v"'-' \..'J v
ELEMEHTARY SCHOOL \...V \.'-'v '-\,.~ '-'V uJ j % uJ.,.. 4- % uJ (/) % 4-.., RECREATION AREA
"'v l. \" \..~ \.. L \,.. ",
111 =2 0 0 tt SPill PREVENTION & EPA P" ~ EMERGENCY RESPONSE DIVISION TOM KADY F'IGURE 2 In association with TA TP .. ICF. Inc .. Jacobs Engineering. Inc ~ & Tetla Tech. Inc. HERESE PERRETTE I SITE MA P 200004 -5-
Arsenic and various arsenic compounds are designated hazar dous substances under CERCLA. The statutory sources for designation are Sections 307(a) and 311{b)(4} of the Clean Water Act (CKA) and RCRA Section 3001. These compounds are EPA priority toxic pollutants, and the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has designated arsenic as a carcinogen. Arsenic enters the body through inhalation and ingestion of dust and fumes. Arsenic and various arsenic compounds attack the skin, eyes and respiratory system.
Chromium and various chromium compounds are also designated hazardous substances under CERCLA. The statutory source for designation is Section 307{a) of the C~A. Chromium is an EPA priority toxic pollutant, and certain chromium compounds are carcinogenic. Chromium compounds attack the blood, lungs, respiratory system, liver, kidneys, eyes and skin. Routes of entry include inhalation, ingestion, and eye and skin contact.
The statutory sources for designation of naphthalene as a hazardous substance under CERCLA are Sections 307(a) and 311(b)(4) of CWA and HCRA Section 3001. Naphthalene is also an EPA priority toxic pollutant. The compound attacks the eyes, olood, liver, kidneys, skin, red blood cells and Central nervous syste0. Routes of entry include inhalation of vapor or dust, skin absorption, in~estion, skin and eye contact.
One sample contained lead at a concentration of 3240 ppm. This result is not representative of the entire site, how ever, since the average lead concentration in the remaining four samples was 177 ppm with the highest concentration being 297 ppm. Additionally, of the 18 soil samples taken and analyzed by EPA (sampling effort is discussed below), the average lead concentration was 33 ppm with the highest concentration being 186 ppm.
EPA Region II activated the Environmental Response Team (ERT) to perform a geoteChnical investigation of this site as part of the site assessment for removal action. The field. phase of the investigation was performed October 28, 1985 to ~ovember 6, 1935. The ERT activities conducted at the site included: 1) drilling and samp1in3 11 borings to identify the horizontal and vertical extent of contamination and the lithology of underlying materials: 2) installing monitoring wells in four of the 11 borings to identify the groundwater gradient and to determine the possible vertical migration of leachate from infiltration and percolation through the waste lliaterialj and 3) hand augering of approx imately 40 borings on a grid pattern to further define the vertical and horizontal extent of the waste layer.
05 -0-
T~~ borings identified waste thicknesses up to 3.4 feet underlain by graded silts, sands, and ;ravel. A continuous clay zone that is at le~st s8veral feet thick unjerlies the entire site and out-crops along the creek. Eighteen soil sa~ples were collected and analyzed from this boring program. Again, of the substances identified, arsenic, chromium anj naphthalene were those of concern. Arsenic concentrations averaged 197 ppm with a high concentration of 860 pps. Chromium concentrations averaged 56 ppm with a high of 212 ppm, and the average naphthalene concentration was 707 with a high of 11,900 P9m.
Monitoring wells installed in selected borings were developed, purged, and saxpled. The groundwater gradient, as suspected, was toward the creek. Analyses indicated minimal impact on groundwater quali~y from this site. Additionally, potable water in the area is ~unicipally provided.
Hand auger borings identified the area of deposition as approximately one acre. In addition to tne hand auger borings, waste thickness was also determined by measQring the cross-section of the exposed material at the stream bank. . It '.;las deter;-,:ir~ej that, in general, the '.r<'aste thiel. ness decreased in a radial pattern from a maximum of six feet at one point on the stream bank. Cover ~aterials over the waste ranged froI about six inches to several feet. The estimated volume of waste material is 3000 cu~ic yards.
C. National Priorities List Designation
This site is not on the National Priorities List.
6 -7-
I I I. TBREl\'f
A. Threat to Putlie Exposure
This site poses a threat to human health and the environment due to its proximity to the Jansen Avenue Elementary School and due to the unstable condition of the eroding bank of Cayadutta Creek.
The primary threat is the potential for persons, especially children, to come into direct contact with the arsenic, chromium and naphthalene present at the site. The site borders the elementary school playing fields. The fields are used by the school children as well as ~any Johnstown residents. A softball was found during the site assessment, indicating that playing balls do stray into the area. Persons searching for stray balls are likely to encountei exposed wastes or buried wastes that are very close to the surface.
As discussed in the previous section, several paths we~e observed across the site. This area is the only wooded ~rounds on the elementary school property, making it especially attractive to children as a play area. Because the creek borders the woods, the attraction is enhanced. Furthermore, because this site is on an ele~entary school prc~erty immediately adjacent to playing fields teat children as well as adults are encouraged to use, people naturally get the false impressio0 thnt this area is safe for recreation.
In addition to the recreational attraction, the many antique (circa 1940) bottles and cans buried in the waste layer will attract people to the site. ~any of these items are partially exposed along the creek bank; others ~re very close to the surface. During the site assessment, several bottles surfaced in the tracks of the track-mounted drill rig used in the boring program. Many of the bottles are considered collector's items; therefore, it is quite likely that people will sift through the wastes in search of these items, exposing the~selves in the process to the hazardous substances present at the site.
07 · . , . e e
-8-
Secondary to the direct contact threat discussed 'above, the site poses a~ iridir~ct threat t6 public' exposure through the food chain. .!:-iany large chunks of the waste layer were -observed in the creek 'during :thesite inspection. Since arsenic, chromium and naphthalene are
A third po~s~ble threat posed by this site is that of public exp6sure to riaphthalene vapors •. Naphthalene concentrations' far exceed the concentrations of other hazardobs ~ubstances found at,the site •. Some concentrations of naphthalene were in the "percent range" (grea.ter than 10,000 ppm). Since naphthalene sublimes at room temperature at atmospheric pressure, an accuillulation of naphthalene vapor is possible.
B. Evidence of Extent of Release
Investigation, sampling and analysis by NYSDEC and EPA have identified an inacti~e hazardous waste disposal site con taining approximately 3000 cubic yards of buried wastes over an 'area of about one acre on the Jansen Avenue Elemen-, tary School grorinds in Johnstown, New York. As discussed in Section II-8, the predominant hazardous substances in the buried wastes are arsenic~ chromium and naphthalene. Erosion of' the east bank of Cayadutta Creek has exposed the buried waste layer. Many large chunks of the waste layer have entered, and continue to enter, the creek due to erosion of the cr~ek bank.
C.- Previous Actions to Abate Threat
The Greater Johnstown School District in conjunction with the NYSDEC and NYSDOH erected a four-foot snow fence and posted warning signs around the perimeter of the site to prevent site 'access. Parents have been advised via televi- 'sion, newspaper and town meetings to keep their children away from the site. These actions are effective in pre venting site access only on a temporary basis.
,[1] Sittig,M.,Ed., PRIORITY TOXIC POLLOTANTS, Health Impacts and Allowable Limit·s, . ciOYES . Dat~Corpor ation I Park Ridge, New Jersey (1980)~: . " -' ,""< ;" ~ -a e e
-9-
D. Current Action to Abate Threat
Except for the actions described above and the project pro posal below, no mitigative efforts are known to be underway at this time.
IV. ENFORCEMENT
The site has been referred to the Site Investigation and Compli ance Branch, but due to the relatively low cost of the proposed project and the small chance of identifying potentially respons ible parties, a cost recovery action is doubtful. According to people who lived in the area in the 1940·s, Adams Tannery, pre viously located directly across the creek, used to dump their wastes at this site. The tannery reportedly burned down sometime in the 1940·s. No surviving members of the company are known to exist.
V. PROPOSED PROJECT AND COSTS
A. Objective of the Project
The objective of this proposed action is to mitigate the existing threat to public health and the environment imposed by the hazardous substances found on the Jansen Avenue Elementary School property. Since the site poses a direct contact threat site,stabilization and security was chosen as the best solution and as the course of action most con sistent with the mission of the Removal Program.
Site stabilization will consist of two steps. First a gabion retaining wall will be constructed along the eroding creek bank. In addition to supporting the creek bank and preventing further erosion, the clay backing of the gabion wall (see Figure 3), in conjunction with the thick clay layer underlying the entire site, will further minimize the impact of this site on groundwater and Cayadutta Creek. Since excavation of the creek bank is necessary in order to construct the retaining wall, disposal of some hazardous materials (approximately 100 cubic yards) is necessary. The second step in site stabilization will be the applica tion of a six inch layer of seeded top soil in areas where buried wastes are within one foot of the surface. In addi tion to providing a greater barrier between the waste and the surface, the extra layer of dirt will help to minimize the sublimnation of naphthalene.
Site security will consist of a chain-link fence around the site. The fence will have one or two gates for maintenance purposes. The gates will be kept locked, and warning signs will be posted along the fence. 2 9 .. Olnooz
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. . ., e e -12- The site s~abilization and security measures discussed above eliminate the threat of public exposure to the hazardous substances at this site by: 1) preventing public access to the surface of the site (fence); 2) stabilizing the eroding creek bank ( ga'bien retaining . wall) i 3) Eu rthe r minimizing the impact of potentially toxic leachate on Cayadutta Cree~ (clay backing to gabien wall); 4} providing an additional barrier to wastes near the surface of the site (top soil); and 5) minimizing' the possibility of accuntulatin';i vapors abov~ the site (top soil). The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) agree that these actions are warranted.
B. Project Estimated Cost
The subsequent costs associated with the mitigative action are outlined as follows:
1. ERCS Costs
a. Gabion \;311 Construction ($135/ft. X 300 ft.) $ 40,500
b. Hazardous \iaste 'I'ransoortation , and Disposal (100 cucic- yards) 30,000
c. Seeded Topsoil 10,000
d •. Fence Erection ($20/ft.,X 1100 ft.) 22,000
SUBTOTAL $102,500
2. Contingency (20% of $102,500) 20,500
SUBTOTAL (Contract ~itigation C6sts) $123,000
3. Intramural EPA Costs 4,000
4. Extramural (Tl\T) Costs 10,500
SU3TC':'J.\,L $137,500
5. Other Costs (15% of all above costs) 20,625
TOTAL ESTIMATED PROJECT COST $158,125
S;qY $160,000
o 11 ., e e
-13-
_c. Project Sched~le
The proj-ect can he -initiated vlithih one week of approval of this request for fund authorization. The mitigative actions outlin~d"in this Action MemoranduM will take approximately fiv~ weeks to complete. NYSDEC has indicated that stream encroachlnent permits \>/i 11 not berequi red for the retaining wall construction, since this work i~ considered an "emergency action.
VI. RECOMMENDATION
The"Cayadutta Creek' site meets the criteri.a for a removal action under 40CFR 300.65 of the National Oil and Hazardous Substances pollution Contingency Plan (NCP). Under subsection 300.65(b)(2) of the NCP, a removal action is appropriate when there exists:
1} "Actual or· potential exposure to hazardous substances or pollutants or contiminants by nearby populations; animals, or food chain~ [300.6S(b)(2)(i)Ji or .
2) "High levels of hazardous subs~ances or pollutants or contaminants in soils largely at or near the 5urface, that may migrate" [300.65(b)(2){iv)] •.
As detailed in this memoranjum, site aSsessments performed by EPA, NYSDEC and NYSDOH have confirmed' the exlstence of both 1) and 2), above.
Other appropria~eFederal or State mechanis~storespond to this release are unavaiiable~ The NYSDEC has referred this site to EPA. It is unlikely that a responsible party will be i?entified.
Based on t~e information presented in thi~ Action Memorandum, and for the reasoni mentioned above, I recommend your approval of this Removal Funding Request to stabilized and secure the Caya- . dutta Creek site, 'located on the Jansen Avenue Elementary School grounds in the City of Johnstown, Fulton County, New York. The Center for Disease Control'agree with EPA's determinations a~d proposed project: The estimated cost of this project is $160,000 of which $123,000 is for mitigation contracting •.
~, ;-
~ "':. 12 • :,. ;-'...... ' e ,e .. -14-
'Your authority to'authorize ,these funds is pursuant to Deputy Administrator)).l vin AIm IS i\pr il 16, 1984 memorandum, Delegation Number 14-1-A, and Richard T. Dewling's R~delegatiori Order RII ·1200.6 of August 29, 1984.
". APPROVAL : __~..:..- ______Dl\TE: --"------
01 SAP PrtOVAL: ______Dl\.TE: ------
cc :.( afte r approval is obtained) w. Librizzi, 2ERR F. Rubel, 2ERR-RP . G. Zachos, 2ERR-RP B. Sprague, 2ERR-RP J. Czapor, 2ERR-SIC G. Pavlou, 2ERR~NYCRA J. Marshall, 20EP W.Mugdan, 20RC-WTS R. Cherardi, 20P~-FI~ s. Wolfe, 2IG '. P. Flynn, PM-214F (EXF~ESS HAIL) T. Fields, WH-548E H. Longest, W~-548 N. Nosenchuck, ~YSDEC C. HOy ik, 2ERr.:.-S IC
-,,-'
13 -~'" @ r', rA-Ui'. a4-e;... Greater Johnstown School Distrrct Administration Center 501 Glebe Street JOHNSTOWN, NEW YORK 12095
S. Lomanto Dr. John A. McNamara Joan L. Colvin Administrator of Educational Services Superintendent of Schools District Clerk Tel. 518-762-4613 Tel. 518-762-4611 Tel. 518-762-3126
,.-'- September 13, 1985 r""'-;;""O'o-
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F' an:.."'
Mr. William J. Librizzi Director, Office of Emergency and Remedial Response United States Environmental Protection Agency Region II 26 Federal Plaza New York, New York 10278
Dear Mr. Librizzi:
This letter is written to support the request of Norman Nosenchuk of the New York State Environmental Conservation Department that a possibly hazardous substance, presently identified as naphthalene, be removed from the Cayadutta Creek bank in back of the Jansen Avenue School in Johnstown.
The School District has erected a fence and will be installing warning signs as soon as they are received from the New York State En vironmental Conservation Department. School children have been warned to keep away from the creek bank.
It is our understanding, however, that the substance could be hazardous, and thus we are urgently requesting that it be removed at the earliest possible opportunity.
If you need further information, please do not hesitate to contact me. I am sure that you will give this a very high priority knowing that school children are involved. Please be assured that we will fully and promptly cooperate in any way with any work that may need to be done.
Very truly yours,
/1 j / )'1 I " /' ",,' '. ~J'L '--it/ilL t\, I ~l '- vv~~"vL.1,0- Dr. John A. McNamara Superintendent of Schools
JAM/cb cc: Johnstown Board of Education Mr. Ackerbauer Commissioner Ambach Mr. Ronald Tramontano Mr. Brian Walsh Mr. Charles Goddard Mr. Rooney Mr. Norman Nosenchuk Mr. Guild 14 .... . I ~,r":'1 ... ,
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation 50 Wolf Road, Albany, New York 12233·0001 ....., ~ Forest PreserveN~~ Henry G. Williams Centennial-Z Commissioner - Mr. William J. Librizzi Director, Office of Emergency and Remedial Response U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region II 26 Federal Plaza New York, New York 10278 Dear Mr. Librizzi: Re: Request for USEPA Immediate Removal Action Inactive Hazardous Waste Disposal Site Cayadutta Creek at Briggs Street Johnstown (C), Fulton County, N.Y. The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation has recently discovered an inactive hazardous waste disposal site in the City of Johnstown, Fulton County, New York. This site is located adjacent to Cayadutta Creek immediately adjacent to the Jansen Avenue School. The disposal area is estimated to be several feet thick and approximately 300 feet long by 110 feet wide. The wastes are exposed at the creek bank. Samples have been collected for analyses. Investigative staff speculates, based on odor and visual observation, that the material is naphthalene, a listed hazardous waste. There is ready access to the exposed waste from both the creek side and the school playing fields. I request that the United States Environmental Protection Agency provide funding pursuant to the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act of 1980 (PL 96-510) and conduct an immediate removal action for a cleanup of the hazardous waste of the Cayadutta Creek at Briggs Street site. For additional information, please call Frank T. Ricotta, P.E. of my staff at 518/457-5677. r·-'·t~~ . ." ' Sin71Y, ~_iLLL ~.... , q .')c. r' '. Norman H. Nosenchuck, P.E . Director t:- Division of Solid and Hazardous Waste ~~~ . ~-, '-oJ; ...... J .' I • ~l:- "" cc: h. Rubeh!'USEPA J..'·td1i son, NJ R. Tramontano, NYSDOH l 15 A ,~~, ,r-, -.-~y TAT-02-F-02026 COMMUNITY RELATIONS PLAN CAYADUTTA CREEK AT BRIGGS STREET JOHNSTOWN, NEW YORK Prepared By: Gerard Maresca Weston/SPER Division Edison, New Jersey 08837 Prepared For: Thomas Kady, OSC Emergency and Remedial Response Division Response and Prevention Branch, U.S. EPA Edison, New Jersey 08837 Date Issued: April 11, 1986 3 01 """- Community Relations Plan Cayadutta Creek At Briggs Street Johnstown, New York I. INTRODUCTION A. Site Setting/Description The Cayadutta Creek site is classified by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) as an inactive hazardous waste disposal site. Approx imately 3,000 cubic yards of industrial wastes are buried at the site, which is located along Cayadutta Creek near Briggs Street in the City of Johnstown, Fulton County, New York (see Figures 1 and 2). The site is directly on the grounds of the Jansen Avenue Elementary School, which is situated within a residential area of the town. Cayadutta Creek borders one side of the site, and the elementary school playing fields border the other side. The NYSDEC discovered the buried wastes on August 6, 1985, while performing a biological study of Cayadutta Creek. Extensive erosion of the east bank of the creek had exposed a layer of waste approximately 300 feet in length and ranging in thickness from approximately 6 feet at the center to about 6 inches at each end. Large chunks of waste which eroded from the creek bank were observed in the creek. Many old bottles and cans are buried within the wastes, indicating that the wastes were deposited in or around the 1940's. A snow fence has been erected around the site and warning signs have been posted to prevent further access to the site. B. Quantities and Types of Substances Present On August 26, 1985, the NYSDEC took five soil samples of the waste layer at the site. The sample analyses identified three substances of major concern. These substances and their respective maximum concentrations were arsenic at 300 ppm, chromium at 137 ppm, and naphthalene at 4,000 ppm. Arsenic, chromium, naphthalene and various compounds of arsenic and chromium are designated hazardous substances under CERCLA. These substances are also EPA priority toxic pollutants. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has designated arsenic as a carcinogen; certain chromium compounds are also carcinogenic. -1- 30 2 'J >~ ~.) NEW JERSEY SPILL PREVENTION & EPA P.. ~ EMERGENCY RESPONSE DIVISION TOM KADY FIGURE 1 In association with TAT P .. ICF,lnc., Jacobs Engineering, Inc., & Telra Tech. Inc. HERESE PERRETT 3UOU03 - t.. \,.\" V LV V,-, v v \,.0 ~:, v \"v ~~v '- .... v ~v uJ ':) 2! uJ ':>« % uJ fJ) % c(.., RECREATION €Is AREA \,.. \. "'v\,....J \,.. l. ~'V 1" =200 ft SPILL PREVENTION & EP A PM ~ EMERGENCY RESPONSE DIVISION TOM KAOY ~IGURE 2 In association wilh TAT PM ICF. Inc .. Jacobs Engineering. Inc ~ & Tetra Tech. Inc. THERESE PERRETTE I SITE MA P -30·0004 -'- -..... 1 ""-~,/ One sample contained lead at a concentration of 3,240 ppm. This result is questionable, however, since the average lead concentration in the remaining four samples was 177 ppm with the highest concentration being 297 ppm. Additionally, of the 18 soil samples taken and analyzed by EPA (sampling effort is discussed below), the average lead concentration was 33 ppm with the highest concentration being 186 ppm. - EPA Region II activated the Environmental Response Team (ERT) to perform a geotechnical investigation of this site as part of the site assessment for removal action. The field phase of the investigation was performed October 28, 1985 to November 6, 1985. The ERT borings identified waste thicknesses up to 3.4 feet underlain by graded silts, sands, and gravel. A continuous clay zone that is at least several feet thick underlies the entire site and out-crops along the creek. Eighteen soil samples were collected and analyzed from this boring program. Again, of the substances identifie~, arsenic, chromium and naphthalene were those of concern. Arsenic concentrations averaged 197 ppm with a high concentration of 860 ppm. Chromium concentrations averaged 56 ppm with a high of 212 ppm, and the average naphthalene concentration was 707 ppm with a high of 11,900 ppm. Monitoring wells installed by the ERT in selected borings were developed, purged, and sampled. The groundwater gradient, as suspected, was toward the creek. Analyses indicated minimal impact on groundwater quality from this site. Hand auger borings identified the area of deposition as approximately one acre. In addition to the hand auger borings, waste thickness was also determined by measuring the cross-section of the exposed material at the stream bank. It was determined that, in general, the waste thickness decreased in a radial pattern from a maximum of six feet at one point on the stream bank. Cover materials over the waste ranged from about six inches to several feet. The estimated volume of waste material is 3,000 cubic yards. C. National Priorities List Designation This site is not on the National Priorities List. -2- 30 05 .~\ I I. THREAT A. Theat to Public Exposure This site poses a threat to human health and the environment due to its proximity to the Jansen Avenue Elementary School and the unstable condition of the eroding bank along Cayadutta Creek. The primary threat is the potential for persons, especially children, to come into direct contact with the arsenic, chromium and naphthalene because the site borders the elementary school playing fields. The fields are used by the school children as well as many Johnstown residents. Playing balls do enter the site as evidenced by a softball found during the site assessment. Persons searching for stray balls may expose the waste or encounter already exposed waste. Due to its aesthetic value, the attraction for people to the site is enhanced and gives people the false impression that this is a safe recreational area. In addition to the recreational attraction, the many antique (circa 1940) bottles and cans buried in the waste layer may attract collectors to the site. In the process of collecting these bottles and cans, the people can expose themselves to the hazardous substances present at the site. Secondary to the direct contact threat discussed above, the sites poses an indirect threat to public exposure through the food chain. Many large chunks of the waste layer were observed in the creek during the site inspection. Since arsenic, chromium and naphthalene are all denser than water and insoluble in water, these hazardous substances will tend to settle in deeper and slower moving areas of Cayadutta Creek. Fish populations are usually greater in these areas. These fish, especially bottom feeders, are likely to ingest these hazardous substances. The bioconcentration factors of arsenic, chromium and naphthalene in fish are 2.3, 1.0, and 60, respectively[l]. This site, therefore, could cause adverse health effects in those who eat fish caught from Cayadutta Creek. [1] Sittig, M., Ed., PRIORITY TOXIC POLLUTANTS, Health Impacts and Allowable Limits, NOYES Data Corporation, Park Ridge, New Jersey (1980). -3- n 06 A third possible threat posed by this site is that of public exposure to naphthalene vapors. Naphthalene concentrations far exceed the concentrations of other hazardous substances found at the site. Since naphthalene sublimes at room temperature at atmospheric pressure, an accumulation of naphthalene vapor is possible. B. Evidence of Extent of Release Investigation, sampling and analysis by NYSDEC and EPA have identified an inactive hazardous waste disposal site containing approximately 3,000 cubic yards of buried wastes over an area of about one acre on the Jansen Avenue Elementary School grounds in Johnstown, New York. As discussed in Section I-B, the predominant hazardous substances in the buried wastes are arsenic, chromium and naphthalene. Erosion of the east bank of Cayadutta Creek has exposed the buried waste layer. Many large chunks of the waste layer have entered, and continue to enter, the creek due to erosion of the creek bank. C. Previous Action to Abate Threat The Greater Johnstown School District in conjunction with the NYSDEC and NYSDOH erected a four-foot snow fence and posted warning signs around the perimeter of the site to prevent site access. Parents have been advised via television, newspaper and town meetings to keep their children away from the site. These actions are effective in preventing site access only on a temporary basis. D. Current Action to Abate Threat Except for the actions described above and the project proposal below, no mitigative efforts are known to be underway at this time. III. PROPOSED PROJECT: A. Objective of the Project The objective of this proposed action is to mitigate the existing threat to public health and the environment imposed by the hazardous substances found on the Jansen Avenue Elementary School property. -4- 3 07 B. Objective of the Community Relations Plan 1. Make available accurate, understandable information to interested local citizens, elected officials, and the media. 2. Integrate the local government, state and federal responses. 3. Assist public acceptance of the chosen response action. 4. Enlist the assistance of local officials as needed. The information and groups for whom the plan is aimed are: local citizens, citizen groups, school principals, local businesses, elected officials, local, state, and federal agencies working in association with Region II EPA. The information will be supplied by EPA's Office of External Programs with the cognizance of the Office of the Regional Administrator. C. Community Relations Activities Work Date(s) Activities Objective Staff Hours Upon author 1. Meeting To discuss OSC 24 ization of with State community OEP Rep 24 funding' and Local relations TAT* 24 officials needs Upon author 2 • Press To brief OSC 4 ization of release local OEP Rep 4 funding and community as needed and press. Provide community with in formation on progress of the action *TAT stands for the U.S. EPA authorized contractor, Technical Assistance Team, Roy F. Weston, Inc. -5- 08 Work Date(s) Activities Objective Staff Hours 3 • Fact Sheet To provide OSC 4 information OEP Rep 4 for affected/ interested public on activity at key decision points 4. Briefings To inform OSC 4 state and OEP Rep 4 local offi cials about on-going developments at the site 5. Public To discuss OSC 8 meetings the need for OEP Rep 8 response to and review of key decision points, ex plain the cleanup method and respond to concerned residences D. List of Key Officials and Contacts: Federal Agencies Phone EPA Region II Response and Prevention Branch - Tom Kady, OSC (201) 321-6621 - Mark Pane, OSC (201) 321-6813 EPA Office of External Programs -Jim Marshall (212) 264-4913 -Rich Cahill (212) 264-8504 -Herman Phillips (212) 264-1044 -Lillian Johnson (212) 264-2515 -6- 30 9 ~",'''' Federal Officials Phone Senator Alfonse D'Amato (212) 947-7390 Senator Daniel Moynihan (212) 661-5150 Congressman David Martin (202) 225-4611 New York State Agencies New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (518) 457-5637 New York State Department of Health (518) 843-3520 New York State Police Fonda (518) 853-3415 Mayfield (518) 725-3034 New York State Officials Senator Hugh Farley (518) 455-2800 Assemblyman Glen Harris (518) 762-4508 Johnstown Officials and Agencies Mayor Susan Hammond (518) 773-4551 Health Officer Dr. Arthur Brelia (518) 773-4545 Johnstown Police Department (518) 762-3143 Johnstown Fire Department (518) 762-3177 Johnstown Hospital (518) 762-3161 Dr. John McNamara, Superintendent Greater Johnstown School District (518) 762-4611 Newspapers The Leader-Herald (518) 725-8616 The Schenectady Gazette (518) 725-8412 The Amsterdam Recorder (518) 843-1100 -7- 10 NEW JERSEY ...... SPILL PREVENTION & EMERGENCY RESPONSE DIVISION TOM KAOY FIGURE 1 TA T PM In aSSOCIallon wllh CIT Y OF THERESE P ERR ETT ICF . In c . Jacobs Englneenng. Inc. & Telra Tech. Inc. JOHNSTOWN, N .Y. 3fl0011 It e , ,. Questions & Answers about CAYADUTTA CREFK AT BRIGGS STREET SITE September 24, 1985 New York State Department of Health 3 12 e e Is it true that an inactive hazardous waste site was discovered at the Jansen Avenue School? Yes, staff from the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) discovered buried wastes while performing a biological study of the cayadutta Creek on August 6, 1985. The wastes were uncovered during the inspection of an eroding portion of the east side of the Creek bank. DEC has designated this site in its Inactiye Hazardous Waste Site Registry as -Cayadutta Creek at Briggs Street-. Where are the buried wastes on the school property? the map shows the approximate location GMJ ~ o :xJ (29J :t What has been done about this situation? Since the discovery of the buried wastes, many activities have begun involving many State agencies as well as the federal government. Staff from DEC immediately collected a sample of the waste material and submitted it to a laboratory for chemical analysis. A site reconnaissance was then conducted by staff from DEC and the New York State Department of Health (DOH) to take a careful look at the areas where waste materials were buried to evaluate and determine the potential for direct contact (exposure), its relation to other parts of the school property, the uses of this property and to select locations for collection of additional samples. On August 26, 1985, DEC collected additional samples from the Creek bank to determine how deep the waste materials were buried in the soil and how far the waste materials extended along the bank of the Creek. On August 28, 1985, DOH contacted the State Education Department to advise them that an inactive hazardous waste site had been identified on the property of the Jansen Avenue School. On August 29, 1985, representatives of DEC, DOH, the School District and 300013 -3- government for Superfund (CERCLA) money to remove the waste and clean up the Creek bank. Although direct contact with these chemicals is nQt life threatening, exposure should be minimized or eliminated and DOH recommended that the site be fenced and the waste removed. My children have been playing in that part of the Creek for years, could these chemicals affect their health? Based on the limited data available at this time, the most likely health problem from direct contact would be a skin rash or irritat!:~ ~f the ~yes; ~~:? a~d ~~=0~t. !~ t~~s ~~!~ a s:~~~~ -=~~ and vapors from the wastes were allowed to accumulate, exposure to these vapors could cause headache and nausea; this is nQt likely to occur in this situation because it is an open area. What should I do if I believe that my child is experiencing any of these medical symptoms? If your children are experiencing any type of medical symptom on a persistent basis for any reason, you should consult with your physician and explain your concerns, including the fact that your child may have had contact with buried waste materials which contain naphthalene, diacetone alcohol, and other chemicals. If your physician would like additional information about the kinds of symptoms associated with exposure to these wastes, he/she should contact the Health Depar~~ent's Bureau of Toxic Substance Assessment. If I have any additional questions, who should I call? If you have any additional questions, you should contact Dr. John McNamara, Superintendent of Schools at 762-4611, or Mr. John Hotaling, District Administrator of the Amsterdam District Office of the Health Department at 882-1414 or Mr. Robert Olazagasti, DEC at (518) 457-0747. Prepared by: New York State Depar~~ent of Health Bureau of Toxic Substance Assessment Environmental Exposure Investigation Section Health Liaison Program (HeLP) 3 14 -3- government for Superfund (CERCLA) money to remove the waste and clean up the Creek bank. Although direct contact with these chemicals is nQt life threatening, exposure should be minimized or eliminated and DOH recommended that the site be fenced and the waste removed. My children have been playing in that part of the Creek for years, could these chemicals affect their health? Based on the limited data available at this time, the most likely health problem from direct contact would be a skin rash or irr!tati:~ ~f the eyes; ~C2~ a~d t~=~~t. !~ t~~s ~~r~ a sl~~~~ -:~ and vapors from the wastes were allowed to accumulate, exposure to these vapors could cause headache and nausea; this is nQt likely to occur in this situation because it is an open area. What should I do if I believe that my child is experiencing any of these medical symptoms? If your children are experiencing any type of medical symptom on a persistent basis for any reason, you should consult with your physician and explain your concerns, including the fact that your child may have had contact with buried waste materials which contain naphthalene, diacetone alcohol, and other chemicals. If your physician would like additional information about the kinds of symptoms associated with exposure to these wastes, he/she should contact the Health Department's Bureau of Toxic Substance Assessment. If I have any additional questions, who should I call? If you have any additional questions, you should contact Dr. John McNamara, Superintendent of Schools at 762-4611, or Mr. John Hotaling, District Administrator of the Amsterdam District Office of the Health Department at 882-1414 or Mr. Robert Olazagasti, DEC at (518) 457-0747. Prepared by: New York State Department of Health Bureau of Toxic Substance Assessment Environmental Exposure Investigation Section Health Liaison Program (HeLP) 3 15 Questions'& Answers about CAYADUTTA CREEK 0:-- AT BRIGGS STREET SITE New York State Department of Health u.s. Environmental Protection Agency (l 16·- _0--_- IS IT TRUE THAT AN INACTIVE HAZARDOUS WASTE SITE WAS DISCOVERED AT THE JANSEN AVENUE SCHOOL? Yes, staff from the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) discovered buried wastes while performing a biological study of the Caydautta Creek on August 6, 1985. The wastes were uncovered rluring the inspection of an eroding portion of the east side of the Creek bank. DEC has designated this site in its Inactive Hazardous Waste Site Registry as "Cayadutta Creek at Briggs Street". WHERE IS THE BURIED WASTE ON THE SCHOOL PROPERTY? The area designated "Site" on the map below gives the approximate location of the waste material. ,-I".,", \. "",.., ...... ",,; .... • ~l"t.""·" ~ .t.:~' L:J .; ::> '"% '"...,. <--<& fd alcaCa'IO. "-la n 17 WHAT HAS THE STATE OF NEW YORK DONE ABOUT THIS SITUATION? Since the discovery of the buried wastes, many activities have begun involving many State agencies. Staff from DEC immediately collected a sample of the waste material and submitted it to a laboratory for chemical analysis. A site reconnaissance was then conducted by staff from DEC and the New York State Department of Health (DOH) to take a careful look at the areas where waste materials were buried to evaluate and determine the potential for direct contact (exposure), its relation to other parts of the school property, the uses of this property and to select locations for collection of additional samples. On August 26, 1985, DEC collected additional samples from the Creek bank to determine how deep the waste materials were buried in the soil and how far the waste materials extended along the bank of the Creek. On August 28, 1985, DOH contacted the State Education Department to advise them that an incative hazardous waste site had been identified on the property of the Jansen Avenue School. On August 29, 1985, representatives of DEC, DOH, the School District and the City of Johnstown toured and inspec ted the site and reviewed available alternatives to correct the problem. The DEC with the concurrence of DOH recommended that the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) use money available under the Comprehensive Environmental Response Compensation and Liability Act of 1980 (PL 96-510) (CERCLA), or Superfund, to take immediate action to remove the buried waste along the Creek bank. WHAT PRECAUTIONS HAS THE STATE OF NEW YORK TAKEN TO PROTECT MY CHILDREN? After the inspection of the site on August 29, 1985, DOH recommended that the School District immediately take measures to restrict access to this area before classes resumed for the new school year. The School District erected a four-foot snow fence around the site, and started an education program in the School to instruct the children about the problem discovered along the Creek bank and the potential dangers associated with playing in this fenced-in area. Large warning signs were posted along the fence to alert passers- by about the discovery of buried waste materials. 3 18 WHAT HAS THE UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY DONE ABOUT THIS SITUATION? On September 3, 1985, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) formally requested the U.S. Environmental Pro tection Agency (EPA) to assess this site for a "Removal Action" (clean up) pursuant to the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA) to mitigate the threat posed by the site. The Reponse and Prevention Branch perfomed an initial site assessment on October 1, and 2, 1985. A detailed site assessment was performed with the Environmental Response Team, a team of EPA experts who specialize in hazardous waste site assessments. This assessment was performed October 28, 1985 to November 6, 1985. The assessment included: 1) Drilling and sampling 14 borings to clearly identify the type of waste present and the thickness and depth of the waste layer; 2) Hand augering over 40 bore holes to define the contaminated/non-contaminated boundary; and 3) Installing 4 monitoring wells to measure possible groudwater contamination. WHAT WERE THE RESULTS OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECITON AGENCY'S ASSESS MENT? Quantity and Location of Buried Waste The EPA assessment determined that a total of approximately 3000 cubic yards of waste is buried at the site. The waste is confined to an area of about one acre, roughly one-third of the area enclosed by the present snow fence. Cover material, soil and vegetation, over the waste ranges from about six inches to several feet. Although the cover material limits the chance for persons to come into direct contact with the waste from the surface of the site, the waste layer is completely exposed along 250 feet of the eroded creek bank. Soil Analyses Laboratory analyses of the soil samples indicated elevated levels of naphthalene. Due to its location and detected concentrations, however, it poses a threat only to persons coming into direct contact with the waste. By way of example, the concentration of naphthalene in moth balls is 90 to 100 times higher than the highest concentration of naphthalene found at the site. Slightly elevated levels of arsenic and chromium were also found at the site, but again, at concentrations that pose only a direct contact threat. 19 Water Analyses Samples were taken of the groundwater below the buried waste. Samples of Cayadutta Creek, both upstream and downstream of the site, were also taken. Laboratory analyses of the water samples indicate that leachate (water that has percolated through the waste) has little, if any, impact on Cayadutta Creek. The exposed waste layer along the creek bank is having an adverse effect on the creek, as it continues to erode-rnto the creek. Actions to be taken by EPA (discussed below) will address this problem. WHAT ACTION IS EPA PLANNING TO UNDERTAKE TO STABILIZE THIS SITE? Beginning today, June 17, 1986, the EPA has initiated the following actions to remove the direct contact threat presented by this site. 1) To isolate the waste and prevent further erosion of the creek bank, a stone retaining wall will be built along the creek bank. The wall will have a clay backing, and will be lined with a filter cloth to prevent solids from migrating through the stone and into the creek. 2) To further reduce the possibility of direct contact exposure to the waste from the surface of the site, additional covering, soil and vegetation, will be applied to areas where the top of the buried waste layer is close to the surface. 3) To restrict access to the site, an 8-foot high, chain-link fence will be erected to completely encompass the site. EPA also recommends the continuation of the School District's educational program to instruct children on the potential dangers associated with playing in the fenced area. WHAT ARE THE SYMPTONS OF EXPOSURE TO THE BURIED WASTES AT THIS SITE? Sensitive individuals may develop a skin rash and/or irritation of the eyes, nose or throat upon exposure to the waste. If your children are experiencing these or any other type of medical symptoms on a persistent basis for any reason, you should consult with your physician and explain your concerns, including the fact that your child may have come into contact with buri~d waste mate~ials containing naphthalene, aresenic, chromium and other chemlcals. 20 If your physician would like additonal information about the chemicals present at this site and their associated symptoms, he/ihe should contictthe Health Dep~rtmentts Bureai of Toxic Substance Assessment. IF I HAVE ANY ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS, WHO SHOULD I CALL? If you have any additional questions, you should contact: Dr. John McNamara, Superintendent of Schools at (S18) 762-4611, or Mr. John Hotaling, District Administrator of the Amsterdam District Office of the Health Department at (S18) 882-1414 Frank Ricotta, Department of Environmental Conservation at (518) 457-5671 or EPA- Office of External Programs at (212) 264-2515. Prepared by: New York State Department of Health Bureau of Toxic Substances Assessment Environmental Exposure Investigation Section Health Liaison Program (HeLP) IN CONJUCTION WITH: Environmental Protection Agency Region II Response and Prevention Branch Site Mitigation Section 3 21 of the day any~n • .: ~I.lmb."on It, there Itfll Is six feet • OBITUARIES - Page 4 them and the waste • POLICE REPORT - Page 4 Pane about hazard Local/Region , _ ..ata ·.! clean-up .. actlvltlel this week In • \ ,": • - 'j . ~'!'J ..... t._ ... J~ • • I ~ ~ _. , ..... "'" J I "U ~ ·,~ ":' .:: I".d ~''''''' , t " ' , ' <- " '~"' };• .<>: ". i ~'1i1I~ . ; ;Up of old tannery waste begins The project also includes a filter cloth as a final layer of protection, and the whole thing is backfilled with sand and gravel against the riverbank. Pane said the Jansen Avenue project re presents the first use of gab ions by the EPA, as far as he knows. They have been used in several projects by the state Department of Health, he said. The other way to build the wall would have been to use concrete, P~ne said. Con crete, however, is only as good as its foun dation and and could collapse into the creek if the foundation weakened. Gabions are independently weighted and could re cover better if their foundation were weak ened, he said. Pane said the EPA is trying to make area residents aware of the nature of the prob lem so children will stay away from the site, but is not trying to scare people. "We've spoken to Dr. (John) McNamara (superintendent of schools) and Mr. (Rog er) Rooney (Jansen Avenue principal). and the school district has done a good job of ;:-.-.;.; making the children aware and keeping Workers begin clean-up .ctlvlt)'~ear the C.)'.dutt.'creek ~ . ,. them away from the area," Pane said. . " ' , ','1' , " . " If all goes well, the entire job should take schoolyard, ; . . ' '" '.' ,.. : . ' ,: . ... , .. the : ';;ork to\)e dOlleragged edges would present a danger to any- about three weeks. Pane said he hopes to be d~wn ~n~u8h ; for done by July 4. Construction and installa ". " The dozen workers spent Friday building: :'. sa(ely ; .~;·:.:;.;' :; . ;~:~ :: ;.: ::" ':',>:::/.<'1' .", one climbing on the new wall, Pane said. tion of the gabions should take 10 or 15 days, he said, depending on the creek le vel. Pane said he was grateful to officials of ..'P.. .. 'Ij:. .•. '!h so. w 1'F'~." 1 ~~=~ilCOII",1 ! _f,:.~dIB:ct, •...•.· ~n. :.· ~ , ':' ~~o~~t:as . bulidllli. l?bi:~~blqc~ forn: .. a wall.a1ong~{o~~Ii~~~~~ . the~. J.:.';.·.'.·\.brought;:~::j~i~ tht matcril1~=.· . ~~~~' to . ·the·i~.·,l surface.~. ;~~iin Theh~~ \ .·. ~iJ:fe:~~;!lIIgroupsoffourandfilied Th~y ~~.~%\n~~~~e:~e~hentheyaretn the Feuer Leather Co., located across from ! ~~ (Jit.~ " ; tests to ,: c:reekbed to sbore It up as protect,ton apIRst :': 'WOrk!fllcaPthat ;.with . clay and soil. place in the river, Pane said. ' . the back of the school, for allowing the crew ,! r~: . ... ' , mentof :.further erosion. A,stone foundauona,Jready(·".. ,~ ,,,, ,· , - ' " "'. " " '<', ' .. ', ., '. ' ,. ' . . . to use his parking lot as a base of opera I ". ' . ..~:tt ...... vered::: is in place in ' a 2SO-foot ~nch : III . tho+ > . ! ~ that ~U IiILtjle s.ablo,~s wIll . "Ifanyo~e chmbs on It, there sllllis SIX tions. The location of the lot makes it easier ~_-';'-hii.~f 'Ih.. ~ 'i c:reekbed." and the , wall , i w.\U :~ ¥ :. I!Iaced,:r:";i; ~' from ·~ !out')·tO;; ; eiahtt inches "i feet of sohd stone. ~tween "them and Ihe . a __ ._. ~ ____ _ .... ~._...L..~ :...... t- ._ ~.: ; ~W..tllll · la~T~ .t' . he " wd. to get at the waste site, he said. ~ : C\} I <: .~ ·~ec .( ,I " ti l '; Ii i ~ ' ~ : I' 1" I! ' ~ 'i'.' ;',(. 'II '''1 <:> ,~ 4 \ i I ,.. j ,: ( ; .,. :., ~ . 1; \' .' " If; , "I' ' c . ,. ' i ; . i :: ': " ' ::;,- ":)1\ TIlB Nnw YORK TIMBS, SiiNDAY, OCTOBeR!. 'HI ~ 24 L.I. . '::11. , ' ~ . an .dJ_ Lon8 ..1.nd Rln Itoed ' ...... 'lIof." .. r1nj"' ..... ,"""...... !II petl<1n8 10<. ~ I~ncy .1 .. 'ound IlhI. n... of n.ooo • day II .... Ind " 'j' ':" .. more tvnlamlnated dirt In the ... re-- ' tm5e d.maget. .. OUCIIned til the' . ,, ., hou ...nd II lwo prl.. I.ly owned ' Fedenl.ct. · ' : Ruling Will Speed Toxic Cleanups hornet ....rb)" . • W.gner ",.Int.1ned th.IIl .... HI· I ~ \; up a 10)[1< "pili ""' upheld. amount oIlhe cost 01 I clunup If lhe • nel""""rhood. apretod1n81""1e dleml. lo,l Dec. 31, "'" "B"""1 onIerod . InS In .. ~ ,.1111" Ind ohould be ..' 'I' IIY ELLEN IWtTCHELL • The Federll Bnvlronmen181 p.". Govemmenll. lo~ 10 woe Ff - -. - ~ . , I', ".;-. -.' ~~-, !, ,":,"~- ---- ~ ~~ ,\ ;?"·"r I ! ! ::r~' -', !H ~l ill ~~mi! mr~!mf~J JtNJ~;~~t !!lMUiITm1finjf'1m;ll,j :n~II:-m!ii i ,! i ~·ii~i. iiii:r~·i~· i·~ii~.t ,l~i.~~i!tii, tli ~~ ,I·i . ii/_I~i 111-~ir!dndt;~~a f qr!"iif~uflJi - .~-. -~ . fii!lii! ji~!I!!Jii!I!illii~'iiilrililiijil!~Jttl!:~iiiii!tl!il}~jlill; i]lfIiiitili !!l!i~!iii!iii ____---.:HiP!!fl ;:fiHiJl !h ·h!lti:d litH !!a~!~! ill h~M M!J !MtmU a . LEADER· HERALD GLOVERSVILLE·JOHNSTOWN, N.Y. On School Property EPA' Defines Hazardous Zone The Inactive hazardous waste wheelbarrows on tbe other side. "When' we're done," Cady said, alte discovered In early August McNamara said the property, In "It will be safe." along an eroding Cayadutta Creek 1946, was deeded to the city by the However, in the meantime, he bank on Jansen Avenue School Kline family and the city turned It asked that residents honor the fenc· property has been "pretty well over to the school district In the Ing and signs posted and that per· defined" as the result of testing this 196Os. sons stay out of the area. He said If past week by the federal En· Cady said he bas submitted the people stay outside the boundaries, vlronmental Protection Agency site for Inclusion on EPA's Super· there Is "no threat to residents." (EPA), fund list, If It Is re-authorlzed by the Cady also pointed out that they Thomas Cady, EPA project man· federal government and Indicated should refrain from entering the ager'for Region II, has reported test that photographs of children play· creek as well, commenting It may drilling was conducted throughout ing on adjOining Briggs Field should be "more dangerous than the site last week at the site to determine be a good selilng point. itself" as chunks have been seen what hazardous chemicals are As far as cleanup Is concerned, failing Into the creek. present; the volume of the con· Cady reported that will depend No one, not even EPA officials, tamlnation and the exact location. upon the anaylsis of the numerous are being allowed beyond . the The site was first discovered by samples that have been taken, fenced·ln area without protective State Department of Environmental whether the substance can be clothing on. . Conservation (EnCon) personnel treated, destroyed via InCineration A total of eight workers; In· Aug. 6 while performing a biologl· or dug up and taken to a landfUL cludlng two from EPA, and sill: con· cal study of the creek. Subsequent Test results are expected to take tractors were on the site last week. investigation of the "flaky white about a month and Cady predicted Dr. Harry Allen, an environmen· mass" (naphthalene) by the state it may take until mld·December or tal scientist with EPA's emergency has resulted in the site being put .on later to stabilize the area, depen. response team, reported some of the Inactive hazardous waste site ding on results, with the cleanup In the samples will be sent as far away registry. the spring. as Oregon for testing. According to tests already con· ducted by the state, the major substance found was calcium ~Ja~a~~\?P'fQI:IdG: sulfate, which has naphthalene in it, I AYeSlue Scbool at a hazardous waste site federal officials worked to which makes it a hazardous waste. Preliminary testing also indicates arsenic, lead, mercury and alumi· The Leader· "e~atd num. Sales Tax Revenues It is believed the dumping took y place more than 40 years ago. The in Johnstown material was subsequently buried ',~",~~~ ;:.:::;~ ~~;.-. ~ ~"ti!A!'~ and then slowly uncovered the past Cit $2.7 Million for 1985 two years because of an eroding rer Authority may need an ad· The county will benefit since creek bank. ce In tuDdlDg. Once In operation, part·time employes currently work Cady reported EPA, via the Hur· Five Mishaps Probed autborit7 will be paid with 24 hours per week while full·tlmers dis Pump and Supply Company of Two persons were hurt and three RD 1, told Patrolman Warren Hbroucb fuDdlna. work 40. The committee agreed Foster, R.I., drilled about a dozen S. Of aoath'. powrr II computed full·time jobs are needed In the drivers ticketed In five accidents Maas, he attempted to pass a car core borings, taking samples of soil. investigated by city police between driven by Almeda F. Thompson, 64, qoa.! S$.m.14. county. and Installed four groundwater The board agreed to extend the yesterday and Friday. of 51 Second Street, GloversvUle, In ' ... rrported DO money bas monitoring wells. C~dy also bl tile bodaet lor the temporary appointment of the ac· A parked car sustained consider· when their southbound vehicles col· . * reported about 60 holes have also able left side damage after being ~ - counts clerk until tbe end of the been dug by utilizing hand augers. IIded. IBII of tlIc BoanI Peter S. year. The employe may retain the struck by an unknown vehicle - an Zap was ticketed In charges of Along the creek bank, he added, accident reported to city police at operating a motor vehicle without I0Il upIabled the hlt.oII CowIty . job at that time, If qualified. holes were drilled every 50 feet. The l1Dary wtD eoaYUt etcht part· ' . In bls report, County Treasurer 12: 26 Saturday morning. Insurance and the Thompson state had previously reported the The mishap resulted in back left woman was ticketed on a charge of e poaIUoaI Into fov tuB-Ume AIleD R. Boboe explained the sale of contaminated area measures about IttoaS. <. . • piece of landlocked property In fender and bumper damage to a car Improper lane usage. llO feet by 300 feet with depths owned by Julia A. LaVoie, 203 South The Zap auto sustained left side . the Towu of Mayfield and the ranging from 18 Inches to 14 feet . •01/,,, ROtld"'o,1c - . ·c:IJICdlaUonofa tax sale. Perry Street, which was reportedly damage and the Thompson car was Cady last Thursday confirmed parked in front of 201 South Perry damaged slightly on the right side. . " JI. D I .' .... He alto said he will draw up an they have found evidence of the ,tI I • r v"rl ., - ... YeSIDIat procedure. Street, about eight feet south of substance as far as ISO feet out West Montgomery Street. . 'N ~ ' I' t·· BolIDe', olliee has distributed from the creek bank, but which is and The unknown car is believed to be Fire Doused or ~ nlped,on , ~YII~~Ployment within the f~ced·in area created by A A Ydepartment. green. r.au.. tramc .. ~ ' . 111117 Greater Johnstown School District Patrolman A.C. Berecka In iIKted ." city ,..aer- , >. allocation billing At City Firm ~ 'rr- MariDe ~~ officials. Also, as the result of vestigated. uy raaIted ill• .,...... , .. paid "- tile &nd Bank will be testing, he indicated the substance O((fctals of Gordon Finishing fill tIc:bWd _ dIatps of .-; ' Dee ... It c=~treasurer's of· A deer was blamed for damage to is closer to the surface the nearer to a Gloversville driver's car after a Company, 19 West State Street, the fence, with depths as deep as were told not to operate this morn· ..... , mishap at 6;50 last night on Route ~ , ~~,!ICtecl : =-~~' :~~~ &~;C~Z 6'12 feet at the creek bank (starting 30·A , 100 feet south of Bloomingdale Ing until a sprinkler system trig· . aty ~ ell tHW " '; '· '-' . A ' a..... mell4!iiei about a foot under the ground) and Avenue. gered by a small fire was back In rMCIfIIoCt IIetwMII lJ Ia 1M ··, _hlt.:.... t'omtf} -· C as shallow as two inches at the most A car driven by Robert H. Gard· operation...... I ~ .'c., CeIJe&!t ~-::ki'it;~ eastern portion, or near the fence. ner, 69, of 4 Prospect Place, was Fire fighters were called to the .rc.tII . hnJ ::·Z __'· .1Ir ~ ana-_ Cady also reported he will reo damaged in the front end while scene at 10:42 this morning, SCreet. Jfo6lrtltl froII"...... ~: : ' c...... emp~ quest an epic study by EPA, which responding with a chief's car, two towa. ~: G~ 't " , . - . heading south on the Arterial involves current aerial photos that Highway and striking a deer that engines, a ladder truck and an will be compared with aerial shots ran Into the roadway. emergency truck. They found taken as far back as the 1930s. The deer then left the scene. smoke emanating from the struc· "We hope that gives us a clue ... Patrolmen N.S. Luck and J .E. ture. . helps us In recovering the cost if we Sleezer Inve'sUgated . . Hose's,-Scott air packs, handllghls pro- can determine the responsible par· A passenger and a driver were and tools were used to fight the ~ ties," Cady said. Injured In two of three accidents blaze, which seemed to originate _ "P- " As far as financial responslblltles investigated by city police Friday . from a spray machine on the second .C".I~ee g are concerned, Cady said he "can't Three persons were ticketed, one floor. ~ IitaiIoJl '7 see · that the school district will be for drunken driving. According to the department ,~~" :,, -,;".' . -- ", .. si .flnanclally responsible" for some- Police said David Van Alstyne, report, the structure suffered DO ..:;;:£:' . w::::::r ~ . . ::II . ~1!1g that apparently occurred long damage. However. some skins may ' It owned the property. 17, no address listed, a passenger In a car operated by Phillip W. Smrtic, have suffered water damage and of Schools Dr. 18, of 7 Collingwood Drive, was In· the spray macblne nozzles were ra has reported jured in a 3·car mishap at 9:30 Fri· damaged. investigation has revealed that The cause of the fire Is stUi under llIery was once located day night in front of Gloria's Plzze· ria, 314 North Perry Street. Investigation. Sparks from the : ~ the creek from the site. spray machine may be at fault, the ~ s c- dUring the 1940s. Also, Van Alstyne complained of head ..... recalled a bridge eXisted pain, but reportedly refused im· fire department noted . C' Deople used to empty mediate medical attention. The department responded to two c::: According to the police report, calls Saturday afternoon. Smrtic was northbound when he A pickup truck owned by <: allegedly drove his auto Into parked Maryanne Barker, no address c: ~a~s owned by Susan B. Serpa, available, started a fire when the fe nstown RD 1, and Frank Rug· carburetor backfired and burned 11/~' 9.7 East Main Street, before out the griU, setting leaves In East Srnehlcle came to rest. Main Street on fire. " : ' - '"'7~,.. , of dri~:c was arrested on charges Fire fighters were called out at anti -, _ . ng Whl!P i nt .... v ; ...... 1 ' ~HrT \ l?·'lQ :::I"rI lI (' p rl ~ ,... ~ -~ ~- '" ~Z,ooot 12 _ MONDAY, NOVEMBER 4,1985 - LEADER-HERALD GLOVERSVILLE-JOHNSTOWN, N.Y. ~. i·· 8 THURSDAY, OCTOBER 3,1985 LEADER-HERALD GLOVERSVILLE-JOHNSTOWN, N _Y_ :., " School Officials Await EPA Action--.------, School B~ Hazardous Waste Site Targeted lor Cleanup By SUSAN I. MYLOTT temporary fencing erected by the to be utilized for the recreation . aled to la t I g!s1ato'n to ex- Early Rei The Greater Johnstown School school district is actually the line of program. ,. pedlte I con c e It looks like the Grea' District will give the U.S. En- demarcatIOn. As far as the district's financlal c eanup_ town School District wi vlronmental Protection Agency Since the discovery, McNamara responsibilites are concerned;. In the meantime, the school bas viding its staff with a I, (EPA ) one month to take action reported investigation has un- McNamara indicated there Is • imtlated an educational program retirement option as the ' concerning cleanup of the inactive covered the fact that Adams Tan- question of whether the federal concerning the hazards of the SIte poll vote taken by the hazardous waste site discovered in nery was once located Just across Superfund will be reauthorized and and all are warned to stay out of the Education during las early August along an eroding the creek from the site. It burned he . said the district will have to fenced-in area. meeting at Knox Jun Cayadutta Creek bank on Jansen during the 1940s. Residents recalled write .EPA "tel,l,ing of the district', ChildreD experiencing aDY type of School. Avenue School property. . a bridge eXIsted and that people us- InabIlIty. to pay for site cleanup. A medical symptoDs OD a persisteDt Last month board Dr. John A. McNamara, su~erl~- ed to empty wheelbarrows on the cost estImate for site cleanup was . basis, such as a skin rash or irrita- reviewed three options : tendent, reported , at last mght s other ~ Ide , ,. not aV ~ llable " " ,'. tion of the eyes, nose and throat, plan, a district or local p Board of EducatIOn meetIng at. McNa mara saId m 1946the prop- McNamara saId the dIstrict WIll should be taken to a physician and plan at all ; and decided t Knox Junior High School that EPA erty wa s deeded to the cIty by the gIve the federal government a concerns explained including the like to offer either the sta representatives were on site Kline family and the cit ~ turned it month to act on the problem , but if possibility that the child may have plan. yesterday and, followmg an Inspec- over to the school dIstrict, whIch at the end of that period no actIOn had contact with the discovered Further information w, tion and session with school, city had separated from the city in 1948, has been taken, steps will be Inlt~ buried waste materials. ed during last night's se$< and State Health Department off· 7-1 vote was cast for the I cials ; confirmed the area is a threat One board member fell ~-~?::~~f--:.:.,;~. ·~.t-~ZfS%t:£P,,§;t;:"!1fuM~-i\.~~g:t.:·~t.~;)••••• •••••••••• to public health in the sense th at the should be implemented. substance, mainly naphthalene, Only board member M. when mixed with sulfuric acids or Harazin opted for the St benzol , is soluable in water. Retirement Incentive. McKamara also said EPA has There would have beer indicated there will be further in payout, if the district opt vestigation and it is likely the state plan, According to agency will put some type of tem The Leader·JJerald figures compiled hy Mrs. porary cover on the site, followed • vin. business adminlsl by removal in the spring. would cost the district In the meantime, Mc Namara has In Johnstown average teacher, abou been asked by EPA officials to wait while with the local plan I a month before pursuing the matter is expected to run about $I! further to give them a chance to rl~iZ~.*1~2;/~~~~filL~Z:il~::i~:t;0:~>rf'~~·~~7~tf!b~~~1gf. The plan is open to tea possibly act on it. other staff memhers a@ The site was first discovered bv older. However, they m State Department of Environmental Candidate for Town Board the district of their Inti Conservation (EnCon ) personnel Johnstown retire by Dec. 31 . Aug. 6 while perform ing a biologi The local plan, which 1 cal study of the creek, Subsequent Gets Probation, $850 Fine ; Hoseital ficlally acted on by the t investigation of the "flakey white Ina V. Kurz, City Slicker can meanor before County Judge, ing its Oct. 16 meeting, w: mass" (naphthalene ) has resulted didate for Ephratah Town Board. Robert P. Best this morning. Admissions a benefit equivalent to 50 I in the site being put on the inactive pleaded guilty to three charges con· Payne was sentenced to a 3-year Mrs, Eugenia Desjardins, 95 the retiree's current ba! hazardous waste site registry. tained in a Jul y indictment in one of probationary term, fined $500 and West Pine Street, Gloversville. which could be paid in The toxic substances are believed two cases disposed of in Fulton ordered to perform 200 hours of Joseph Sardelll Sr., 12 East Pine payments with the first ir to have been dumped there more County Court yesterday and this community service. Street, Gloversville. to be payable between J\ than 40 years ago. buried and then morning. He wa s arrested after his car was Mrs, Emma Jacobson, Mayfield. and June 30, 1987 at the , slowly uncovered the past two years A Gloversville man pleaded guil· stopped last Nov, 21 on West State· option; and the second ir because of an eroding creek bank. ty to a driving while intoxicated Street. Atty, Edward Lomanto of Discharges after July I, 1987 and be Also , during spring wh en the water (OWl) ch arge this morning. Gloversville represented Payne. Mrs. Mary Ward, Fort Johnson 30, 1988 ; or the retiree ml levels are high , it is believed the Kurz, who allegedly confronted County Assistant Dist. Atty. RD 1. receive both between Ju substance has been washing into the Atty. George Abdella with a Robert A. Martin Jr. appeared for Mrs. Janet Wager, 541 North and June 30 , 1988. creek, baseb all bat M ay 20 at his hom e on the prosecution in qoth cases. Perry Street. The plan will hopefully In addition to the discovery of Heagle Road . Johnstown , pleaded district money In the lor naphthalene, diacetone alcoho l and guilty yesterday morning before highly paid teachers will ' several kinds of aliphatic carbox County Judge Angelo D, Lomanto to plans are . to replace tl ylic aci ds . EnCon tests ha ve two counts of fourth degree crimi· teachers at lower rates of ~ revealed traces of lime and cal cium nal mi sc hief. a Cla ss A mi sde Mrs. Colvin'S study als as well , meanor, and DW!. out the district could save Mc!\ amara said the confirmed The plea by the 41-year-old can $1.47 million over the contaminated area now measures didate, who resides on Route 29, years with the local plan 1 110 by 3()() feet with depths ranging was made in full satisfaction of all normal retirements and from 18 inches to 14 feet. He said origin al charges in an indictment during the same time peril the area does extend into the tree with the consent of the county million savings could be re area from the creek bank and the district attorney's office as well as Board member Mr a DWI charge filed May 7 following DeVarennes said she wa: Man Accused an accident in Ephratah. to both plans, stating sl Th e Kurz woman was put on a 3- justify it," pOinting to c Of Taking Nude year probationary period for the nancial conditions in Full< criminal mischief pleas, was fined a . as the main reason. Photos of Girl total of S850 and ordered to make Board President Edwal restitution totaling $1 ,324 . favored early retirem A 35·year-old city man was in The original indictment included pointed out "there are I carcerated in the Montgomery charges of third degree assault and ntees" there wiIr be a cost County Jail this morning alter be menacing: the district as the "figur ing charged with third degree On May 20, she allegedly drove theoretical. .. obscenity in connection with the McNamara has expre her pi ckup truck into Atty . cern about either plan ; alleged photographing of a nude Abdella 's 1963 Studebaker Avant!. teen-ager, city police reported, lieves enacting one or the While being processed at the result in difficulties for h Steven Ill, Somerville. 100 South Fulton County sheriff's department Perry Street, allegedly took nude office, the Kurz woman allegedly photos of a 15-year-old girl at an dam a ged a breath analysis undisclosed location and date, The machine by knocking it off a desk, Drama Gu youth 's name and address were not Deputy Benjamin Siligato allegedly released by police. was injured when the machine Names Stc Somerville was arrested at 1:30 struck him on its path to the floor. yesterday afternon on the Class A Att v. Walter J. Law of Diam ond I Officers for Fulton-Mo misdemeanor charge at Friendly's Point. Warren County, represented Community College's Dra Restaurant, 248 iliorth Comrie the defendant. were recently elected. Avenue. police said. The Kurz woman is running Elected president v. He was arraigned in City Court aga inst in cumbent Rep,ublican " Laurie Bragstedt. Matth yesterday afternoon before Assis· Councilman Kenneth SmIth and was elected vice presid tant Judge Frederick Stortecky and Bull Moose candidate Vernon Mr. and Mrs. Larry R. Brown Cindy Weaver, secretary remanded to jail in lieu of $2,000 Duesl er. K~~en Eyp, treas~.rer .. . bail. In other court action. Richard J. 10 WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 1985 lEADER·HERALDGlOVERSVILlE·JOHNSTOWN, N.Y . __ 0 _ ,.,...;;. , - , _ --· ,:" r.~ .. w_ Officials Hopeful of Cleanup Action Near School The Leader·JJe~ald Creek Bank 'Inactive Hazardous· Waste Site' By SUSAN I. MYLOTT Ihan 40 yurs 'go, burled and then several klDda of allphaUc earbox. some pl .... to ... UtUe .. I' toches in Johnstown A portion 01 I.nd owned by Lhe slowly uncovered Lhe past two years ylle acids and olber undenUfled ID oLhers. . Greater Jobnstown School Dlstrtct because of an eroding creek b ••k . cbemlcal ""mpounds, according to UThe lource II uDJtDown.' ~ ' Y " ',, ~~ ....,.: ,~~~ ~ on lbe easl bank of Lh. Cay.dutta Ronald TramonLano, 01 Lhe Stale • 2·page lnf.rm.Uonal handout Tramontano said. but did I.odJcat. Creek near Jansen Avenue School. Department of HealLh '. (DOH) prepared by DOH Ind pISSed out the .t.te EnCon 1n,,,UllaUon - has been destgnated by the Stale Bureau of TOIJe Substance Jastnfjbt. Albany ''wUltry. 6=Session Program Department of Environmental Con- Assessment, said EnCoD stiff ' ~n:e~~!. servatioD (EnCon), as an "Inactive dlscovered the buried wastH "hUe The dump Is "very old," TramOD Tram .. ,;> 4J'" a.,. '*"'""'MM''''PlijiA.... , ~mP.~·~~~~,~''I',.l'f-.,· ,....n' , ~ Attempt to Block County Landfill Work Fails The Leader·Herald By ROBYN L. REED of the board 's natural resources templatlng partlcillating In a State "arbitrary" and' "capricious Fulton County has won a Civil ac· committee, which has been working Department of Environmental Con· manner. tion brought by a local envlronmen· to site the proposed county landfill, servatlon (EnCon) Part 360 formal Ally. Henner said In court Aug. in Johnstown tal group attempting to stop work at said this morning he was pleased hearing, If one Is scheduled. This Rainbow contends the c( the proposed Mud Road landfill site. with the decision. U&4A au ,. ., . MX4JZl$!i04naU!iNEt* " !",,. , ~:A¥.1~TI B hearing would be held only after the decided to site the landfill at State Supreme Court Justice Buanno expressed his hope "this county received an EnCon permit to Road before any tests were take!) to John G. Dler of Lake George ruled favorable ruling, as well as the new construct a landfill. Justify the decision. ' In favor of the County Board of technical work being performed, This hearing, run by EnCon, Is He went on to say the county did Middle School Panel Supervisors In the legal petition will pave the way.cor receiving the presided over by an administrative ,not drill adequate welis and did not' brought against It and the county by necessary perm Its In the near. law judge and, In errect, puts the do adequate research to answer the Rainbow Alliance for a Clean future." county's proposed landfm site on questions about water flow at the Environment, a case heard In State Buanno added he hoped the trial, taking testimony and eVidence site. To Continue Study Supreme Court In Johnstown Aug . Rainbow Alliance would "work from the county's landfill engineers Buanno said notice of the It looks like an administrative program and the committee hopes 20. constructively with the county to and specialists on their data. justice's ,decision "was very good committee, formulated last year by to develop a concept that would be Atty. Robert Kafln of Saratoga site the landfill." news; It represents a vindication of the Greater Johnstown School appropriate to Johnstown consistent ' Springs, the county's speCial It is not yet known whether Rain· The Rainbow Alliance had flied the county. The county's hard work District Board of Education to con· with and enhancing the present counsel for ,landfill matters, and bow will appeal the court's decision. an Article 78 with the county earlier and thoroughness has paid orr In duct a middle school study, will junior high program. Rainbow Atty . Peter Henner of Atty . ilenner said this morning. At· this summer, compelling the county this positive legal finding ." branch out and continue Its task as For the next five years, enroll· Albany ' were both notified by ty . Henner said he was "disap to presel)t Its case In court. Justice Dler ruled no basis exists a result of a report presentation ment Is prOjected to be close to the Justice ' Dler of his deciSion late pointed by the decision" and the ,The group claimed In Its action to overturn the selection by the during Wednesday night's ' board rated capacity of the Knox building, yesterday afternoon. ' group had "not ruled out" appeal that the county's decision to site a Baordof Supervisors of the Mud session at Knox Junior High School. 480 students. It was noted with the Gloversville Fourth Ward Super· Ing the decision. landfill at Mud Road, located In the , Road site as a county landfill loca Assistant Superintendent of census now being completed, the visor Anthony C. Buanno, chairman Henner said Rainbow Is con· Town of Johnstown, was done In an tion. Educational Services Donald C. committee will be able to project In Its action, Rainbow also Lomanto stressed that this Is an for another five years In the course _ , claimed the county's selection "open" study being conducted and of the study. . -,- h "t-"- -_. should be Invalidated on ' the Is "not the type that we would do In If the sixth grade was moved to JO ns own Meeting Slated on 'Waste grounds that the requirements of a closed closet." He explained that Knox, It would seem that It could be I I the State Environmental Quality staff Input, as well as that of the accommodated and enable the Problem Near City School Review Act (SEQRA) , were not PTA, parents, and residents of the elementary schools to accommo- H 0 S p.I t a , I properly followed . The lawsuit also community, will be requested. date somewhat Increased enroll- " ,. d ' n, - Representatives of both the State posure to a substance thought to be requested the county be stopped The primary study was authoriz ment ' A missions ' Departments of Health and En· naphthalene In t~e creek bank from doing any further testing work ed by the board as an outcome of Wlih a sixth grade In the middle Mrs. Alice Llzlo, Chestnut ~treet vlronmental Conservation will ad Itself, some 200 to 300 feet from the and that the county pay for the the "futurll)g" study released last school, the committee reports It Extension. dress an Industrial waste problem school. Soli tests beyond the creek group's legal fees and other costs year, which addressed declining would offer an opportunity to bridge Mrs. G era I din e S I It e r I y , along the banks of Cayadutta Creek bank have Indicated that the associated with the legal action. enrollment and the feasibility of the transition from elementary to Trackslde Homes. near Jansen Avenue School during substance Is not present. The decision by Justice Dler also closing a building In hhe district. junior high school both academ. Mrs. Helen Surnear, 16 East a neighborhood meeting there Naphthalene Is a moth repellant reinforced the distinction between Dr. John A. McNamara, superln· Ically and emotionally. Also , It may State Street. Tuesday. and Is also used In making acids the environmental review process tendent, explained In his report that be possible to offer sixth grade stu· The session will begin at 7 that utilized In dyeing processes. In ad· and the EnCon landfill permitting this was discussed extensively at an dents some additional educational Dlschllrges night and Is being sponsored by the dltion, naphthalene Is used In mak procedures. administrative starr planning programming without additional Lester Blackwood, 14 Akin Street. school's PTA. Ing gunpowder, some solvents and , The county Is termed the "Iead meeting In July and an ad cost. It Is felt the study should coil· Mrs. Marguerite Ciani , Fort Dr. John A. McNamara, superln· motor fluids. Poisoning can occur If agency" for environmental review ministrative committee was formed cern Itself with an appropriate sixth Plain. tendent of schools, reported are· the substance Is Ingested In large of the landfill project and Is respon to work on this task. grade curriculum. Bernard Miller, 23 South William cent .Inspection of the Cayadutta doses as well as through Inhalation sible for the preparation of ali en As the result of discussion with Presentiy the elementary schools Street. Creek by both state agencies in or skin absorption. vironmental Impact statements and these groups, McN amara said they are In a self·contained classroom Mrs. Dorothy Cerrone, Johns dicated there has been erosion of McNamara reported a fence has for following certain established have come up with 10 topics they arrangement while the junior high town RD I. the creek bank, resulting In ex- been erected by the school district procedures. would like Included In the study : Is departmentalized. The study, It Is to keep students away from the Justice Dler's decision Indicated Definition, enrollment projection, felt, should concern Itself with creek bank and signs warning of the ' the County Board or Supervlsprs program·currlculum, school which approach would be more ap· potential hazard will be posted as "did a good job of environmental organization, committee to make proprlate for sixth grade If a middle soon as they are received from the review and no basis exists to over study, school vlsltation·consultants, school were to be implemented. State Department of Environmental turn the Mud Road site selection," staffing-finance·facilities utlllza· McNamara reported that In addl· Conservation (EnCon ). Buanno said. tlon, transportation, extra·cur· tlon to the Board of Education and McN amara said school children EnCon, on the other hand, Is rlcular and Intramural·athletlc administrative staff. It Is recom have been warned to keepaway responsible for a separate pro program and advantages and mended Ihat the committee making from the creek bank and that the cedure, as deCined In Part 360 of the disadvantages of a middle school. the study Include members of the school district and EnCon have sent EnCon Law. The county has twice Under definition, It Is noted there teaching staff from Knox and letters to the U.S. Environmental submitted permit applications to are many different approaches to elementary schools as well as the Protection Agency requesting that constuct a landfill at Mud Road. middle school organization and PTA, possibly four elementary, four the material be removed from the EnCon has twice Issued In Knox and four parents. creek bank. completion notices on the applica· It Is suggested the , committee According to correSPOndejCe tlons and requested more studies. meet frequently and that progress from Ronald Tramontano of he The latest of these stUdies Involv Obituaries reports be made to the Board of State Health Department, there Is ed drilling 12 more wells at the site Education during Its education not believed to be any danger as this summer to determine the di John F. Mattice committee meetings. It Is hoped a long as all persons stay away from rection and location of nearby John F. Mattice, 64, of 116 Burton committee report will be available the creek bank, McNamara undergound faults and the direction Street died at 2:30 yesterday after by mld·year. reported. of water flow In those faults.' ' noonat Brigham and Women's An effort Is being made to obtain During Tuesday's session, repre The work, done by Dunn-Geos Hospital, Bosl- "'ass., where he a list of districts with middle school sentatives of both state depart cience Corporation of Latham, was had been a p for the past 10 programs and it Is recommended ments will review the situation and recently comple ,~ . t the site and weeks. He had'b ..c l1 In failing ' health that committee members make an be available for a question and an reports on the f ) nal data, re for several years. errort to visit selected schools and swer session Immediately following quired by EnCo,_ , e expected to Rnrn In r.lnvpr~vtl1p: . hI'! wta Ut~ · to observe proRrams. their presentations. be done next month. ' ------~..---.--~------~-- , t ~. ( ~/ r----)".• /- EPA Cleanup Is Underway at Waste Site~., B'y SUSAN 1. MYLOTT ' After cleanup efforts are coin- ed concentration and.-tilat the oniy below ground level, which be said Cleanup efforts at the inactive pleted, it will take about three mon- threat Is by direct contact can "occur naturally In the soU hazardous waste site behind Jansen ths of continued testing to deter- Naphthalene, according to a local. anyway." Avenue School did begin on Monday mine just how successful EPA has chemist, is a moth repellent and Is "We're not considering them as and should be completed in about been and just where the site will also used in making acids utilized In contaminants due to the site, but three weeks, a federal En- rate on its national ranking system. dyeing processes. In addition, they are present and we want to vironmental Protection Agency David Curtis, an EnCon repre- naphthalene is used in making gun make the public aware of them," (EPA) representative told the se,ntative, also indicated samples powder, some solvents and motor Pane said. public during an informational WIll be taken from the monitoring fluids. Poisoning can occur If the He concluded that the "threat to meeting last night at that school. .' wells drilled on-site on an annual substance is ingested In large doses the water Is non-i!xistent." However, Interest. "'liS sparse as basis, as well as througb inhalation or skin The site area, which was fenced off by the Greater Johnstown School only. two persons'other;1han sc~ool Jack Hotali g of the State absorption. It is insoluble In water. admlmstrators and the press shQw- n District shortly after the discovery. ed up, Last fall more than;',SO Department of Health assured th~l However, to put it In better runs for about 400 feet along the parents and teachers seeking an- the steps beIng taken by EP II: wII perspective, Pane said that the creek bank and an approximately swers from the State Department of elimInate any threat to the publIc. naphthalene currently on-site Is equal distance from the school. Environmental Conservation (En- In addItIon to naphthalene.. Pane "100 times less" than that found In The problem's source Is Con) attended a neighborhood saId testIng resulted In fIndIng ,ar mothballs "you buy off the shelf." unknown, but prior Indications were meeting at the school. sem; and chrormum on the sIte. As far as the arsenic and chromi that Albany-based EnCon investi Last Aug. 6, EnCon officials Ho\\ever, he saId the area Is so um are concerned, Pane said, the gators w'Juld try to determine thr discovered toxic substances, which open, there Is no chance of moblllz substances were found three feet responsible parties. were believed dumped there more 7-' , than 40 years ago, buried and then ( '," .". ~ -..,. . slowly uncovered the past two years 'loo<"' . "'.,~ ;. , - \ - ~ .. . L ' .. .. because of an erodin~reek bank. "-.'. ~~.~ . ~ #' Tests determined the main ., .... 'O, substance to be naphthalene '~ .:. .t~~ ,-' ~";: -:( . ' l 'c Mark P. Pane, EPA environmen , ' tal engineer, site mitigation section, ' '_" ". ~' __::'" c . '. .\ said last night it is estimated that : ,., -( ~ ~ ,. - ; ~~~-:~ ;~;~~.~~0; ~ n 4,000 cubic yards of the substance / .. . - - ...... ' . were dumped there and since . ' . '. , .. ~ bU( 'lY another 2,000 cubic yards - !~ of ~ CIi!II! '. . explained the. cleanup will '1 . ,,: ~ ~... ~~ 'tT"; include the construction of a gabian ,...... Jil l... -' • wall (stone and wire) along the ,... ·,.... ",· ~ ":II, """-"tt - · . • bank of the Cayadutta Creek to ~ .. l~ 1 prevent any more erosion, an 8-foot ...... , ~ -... -'-',' .~: ~;. :. . ~ ,' II high chain link security fence, as .." -. ,,:.- . - - -- - ! :11\ "".':' ;1 J . " ~ . \ II \ well as ground capping, ~ ,.. . The gab ian wall will run approx '.«- "-, -."~ I" ~ >_, iii imately 250 feet along the creek bank, starting at ground level and ": ' ,': ~ f· : ' ! ~ L':~'.i '~" , " reaching a peak of approximately eight feet high in the middle and ~ "" .:..' then gradually dropping back off to ;",:<-:: ~ ,' I," - ~'~~"~1~;{,;j "'~<" ground level again. The actual naphthalene runs about ISO feet in length at thicknesses of three to six ~-"' " ~---, " , - .,." ~- -,';.-.... ~ , ~.. ..~ 'i:..w- - " ..: _--f. _ '" ' '"",,~ ~ '- ,' ".~ ~" '~. , feet at Its highest perimeter, Pane • ~ -- •• ,~",",". • >"T ,' ~ • _, said. ~--, ~ , "~",,~,~-./-'.~~~ , ~", -' '~-...'--::-~ , ~.' The chain link fence, he noted, :.t.2 !:.' ' . - \-.:. "- .~,,-'",• •", '. -, !t,-C,,,",~- "', . ,"'- B"' ,,"-~{-:-,,' " "'". ) . ~.• '-.••~ ." "_'",':~",r.<.;-:'''''-_' " 0 .. , " ~_. will be coated with a green vinyl " .'", . ...""" " ..~ '':'"''-''=',;, - ..•'--, ...... -' , " "/_ ,0{., , -, ,,~ ", covering to help it to blend with the -_.... ,.1- .....,. ~;,,-';'~.. ,,j.~~ !..:: 1?i' ~r(,':);;;::,... 1/0"-Y :,.;, \ \<::_. ~;<,;... •• ' !. 1', '.._.~., ~ ., terrain. : :":~'.. ~ r-:-;;,iI" ~"' ~ ::'::~"f,~-"'------:-,-, .. ~.. . Pane also said that where readings of naphthalene are within WORKERS for an EPA contractor clean up an Inactive hazardous waste site along Cayadutta Creek near six inches of the top soil, natural Jansen Avenue School this morning, capping will take place, which in volves a layer of clay and then soil as well as planting vegetation. Pane estimates about a quarter of the triangular section of land involved will have to be capped In that fash- ion, which will prevent persons tracking it out if they do possibly get in. The EPA's Emergency Response Cleanup Services (ERCS) has con tracted with O,H. Materials of Finley, 0., for the cleanup. The ,project ceiling cost is $123,000, Pane "said, which will be pald'through the 'i u---fund. That doesn't include sts, Pane added .. said \hI ...... -, .. ,,- · completed, EJi I,eYe on the I monitoring J/ ed.. • 3flOfl29