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New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Region 3 21 South Putt Corners Road New Paltz, NY 12561-1696 914-255-5453

Edward Falcone Library Director Ossining Public Library 53 Croton Avenue Ossining NY 10562

October 16, 1992

Dear Mr. Falcone: Attached please find the Record of Decision for the Harmon Railroad Yard Wastewater Lagoon Inactive Hazardous Waste Disposal Site (ID#360010). Also enclosed is a transcript of the February 27, 1992 public meeting held by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) on this site. Please include these items in the document repository for the Harmon Lagoon site that has been established at your library.

Thank you for your attention to this matter.

Sincerely, Jl^ &A£/

Erin O'Dell Citizen Participation Specialist Region 3

EO/ Enclosure cc: ^ c-R-r-Pergadia- C. Vasudevan B. Bentley New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Region 3 21 South Putt Corners Road New Paltz, NY 12561-1696 914-255-5453

Mr. Richard Herbek Village Manager Croton Village Hall Van Wyck Street Croton-on-Hudson NY 10520

October 16, 1992

Dear Mr. Herbek: Attached please find the Record of Decision for the Harmon Railroad Yard Wastewater Lagoon Inactive Hazardous Waste Disposal Site (ID#360010). Also enclosed is a transcript of the February 27, 1992 public meeting held by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) on this site. Please include these items in the document repository for the Harmon Lagoon site that has been established at your village hall.

Thank you for your attention to this matter.

Sincerely,

Erin O'Dell Citizen Participation Specialist Region 3

EO/ Enclosure cc: CR. Pergadia^ C. Vasudevan B. Bentley New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Region 3 21 South Putt Corners Road New Paltz, NY 12561-1696 914-255-5453

Mary Donnery Librarian Croton Free Library 171 Cleveland Drive Croton-on-Hudson NY 10520

October 16, 1992

Dear Ms. Donnery: Attached please find the Record of Decision for the Harmon Railroad Yard Wastewater Lagoon Inactive Hazardous Waste Disposal Site (ID#360010). Also enclosed is a transcript of the February 27, 1992 public meeting held by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) on this site. Please include these items in the document repository for the Harmon Lagoon site that has been established at your library.

Thank you for your attention to this matter.

Sincerely,

Erin O'Dell Citizen Participation Specialist Region 3

EO/ Enclosure cc: LR. Pergadia^ C. Vasudevan B. Bentley New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Region 3 21 South Putt Corners Road New Paltz, NY 12561-1696 914-255-5453

October 19, 1992

Mayor Robert Elliot Croton Municipal Building Van Wyck Street Croton-on-Hudson, NY 10520 Dear Mr. Elliot: Attached please find copy of the Record of Decision (ROD) for the Harmon Railroad Yard Wastewater Lagoon Inactive Hazardous Waste Disposal Sites (ID#360010) in the Village of Croton-on-Hudson, Westchester County. The ROD presents the approved remedial action chosen for the site and documents the information and rationale used to arrive at the decision. On February 27, 1992 DEC held a public meeting to discuss the Proposed Remedial Action Plan (PRAP) for the site. The remedial alternative selected in the PRAP included on-site incineration of the PCB contaminated lagoon sludge and soils exceeding cleanup levels. Based on the strong public opposition to the proposal and the negative comments received during this meeting, DEC and the New York State Department of Health (DOH) extended the 3 0-day comment period to 90 days and provided additional opportunities for the public to voice its concerns about the proposal. On June 30, 1992, DEC Commissioner Thomas C. Jorling announced his decision to select a different remedial alternative for the lagoon site. The ROD, signed on September 17, 1992, formalizes the Commissioner's decision to excavate the contaminated sludge and soil for off-site incineration and land burial. The ROD also includes a Responsiveness Summary, prepared by DEC, which presents a written summary and response to questions and comments received during the comment period. Mr. Elliot 10/19/92 Page 2

If you have any questions or comments, contact me at (914) 255-5453.

Sincerely,

Erin O'Dell Citizen Participation Specialist Region 3

eo/ Enclosure cc: C. Vasudevan c-R. Pergadia> B. Bentley New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Region 3 21 South Putt Corners Road New Paltz, NY 12561-1696 914-255-5453

October 19, 1992

Linda Puglisi Cortlandt Town Supervisor Municipal Building Van Wyck Street Croton-on-Hudson, NY 10520 Dear Ms. Puglisi: Attached please find copy of the Record of Decision (ROD) for the Harmon Railroad Yard Wastewater Lagoon Inactive Hazardous Waste Disposal Sites (ID#360010) in the Town of Cortlandt, Westchester County. The ROD presents the approved remedial action chosen for the site and documents the information and rationale used to arrive at the decision.

On February 27, 1992 DEC held a public meeting to discuss the Proposed Remedial Action Plan (PRAP) for the site. The remedial alternative selected in the PRAP included on-site incineration of the PCB contaminated lagoon sludge and soils exceeding cleanup levels. Based on the strong public opposition to the proposal and the negative comments received during this meeting, DEC and the New York State Department of Health (DOH) extended the 3 0-day comment period to 90 days and provided additional opportunities for the public to voice its concerns about the proposal. On June 30, 1992, DEC Commissioner Thomas C. Jorling announced his decision to select a different remedial alternative for the lagoon site. The ROD, signed on September 17, 1992, formalizes the Commissioner's decision to excavate the contaminated sludge and soil for off-site incineration and land burial.

The ROD also includes a Responsiveness Summary, prepared by DEC, which presents a written summary and response to questions and comments received during the comment period. • •

Ms. Puglisi 10/19/92 Page 2

If you have any questions or comments, contact me at (914) 255-5453.

Sincerely,

Erin O'Dell Citizen Participation Specialist Region 3

eo/ Enclosure cc: C. Vasudevan < R. Pergadia B. Bentley New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Region 3 21 South Putt Corners Road New Paltz, NY 12561-1696 914-255-5453

October 19, 1992

William Burton Ossining Supervisor Municipal Building Ossining, NY 10562 Dear Mr. Burton: Attached please find copy of the Record of Decision (ROD) for the Harmon Railroad Yard Wastewater Lagoon Inactive Hazardous Waste Disposal Sites (ID#360010) in the Village of Croton-on-Hudson, Westchester County. The ROD presents the approved remedial action chosen for the site and documents the information and rationale used to arrive at the decision. On February 27, 1992 DEC held a public meeting to discuss the Proposed Remedial Action Plan (PRAP) for the site. The remedial alternative selected in the PRAP included on-site incineration of the PCB contaminated lagoon sludge and soils exceeding cleanup levels. Based on the strong public opposition to the proposal and the negative comments received during this meeting, DEC and the New York State Department of Health' (DOH) extended the 3 0-day comment period to 90 days and provided additional opportunities for the public to voice its concerns about the proposal. On June 30, 1992, DEC Commissioner Thomas C. Jorling announced his decision to select a different remedial alternative for the lagoon site. The ROD, signed on September 17, 1992, formalizes the Commissioner's decision to excavate the contaminated sludge and soil for off-site incineration and land burial. The ROD also includes a Responsiveness Summary, prepared by DEC, which presents a written summary and response to questions and comments received during the comment period. • •

Mr. Burton 10/19/92 Page 2

If you have any questions or comments, contact me at (914) 255-5453.

Sincerely,

Erin O'Dell Citizen Participation Specialist Region 3

eo/ Enclosure cc: C. Vasudevan R. Pergadia B. Bentley A. *>&°fo New York State Departmentrrai t of Environmental Conservatiorn ,^^HH^EuJ~ Region 3 ^^^^^^^k * 21 South Putt Corners Road New Paltz, NY 12561-1696 914-255-5453 October 19, 1992

RECORD OF DECISION

HARMON RAILROAD YARD WASTEWATER LAGOON INACTIVE HAZARDOUS WASTE SITE (#3-60-010) NOTICE OF AVAILABILITY

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) announces the availability of the Record of Decision (ROD) for the Harmon Railroad Yard Wastewater Lagoon Inactive Hazardous Waste Disposal Site (#3-60-010). The ROD presents theyapproved remedial action chosen forc the Harmon Lagoon site and documents the information and rationale used to arrive at the decision. On February 27, 1992 DEC held a public meeting to discuss the Proposed Remedial Action Plan (PRAP) for the site. The remedial alternative selected in the PRAP included on-site incineration of the PCB contaminated lagoon sludge and soils exceeding cleanup levels. Strong public opposition to the proposal and negative comments were received during this meeting; at the request of the public, DEC extended the 3 0-day comment period to 90 days and provided additional opportunities for the public to voice its concerns about the proposal. On June 30, 1992, DEC Commissioner Thomas C. Jorling announced his decision to select a different remedial alternative for the lagoon site. The ROD, signed on September 17, 1992, formalizes the Commissioner's decision to excavate the contaminated sludge and soi,l for off-site incineration and land burial. i The ROD also includes a Responsiveness Summary, prepared by DEC, which presents a written summary and response to questions and comments received during the comment period.

CONTENTS OF THE ROD: The chosen remedial action plan described in the ROD includes: • Incineration of the PCB contaminated sludge at an off-site stationary incinerator, permitted by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA); • Disposal of PCB contaminated soil greater than 10 parts per K million (ppm) at an off-site chemical waste landfill, permitted by the USEPA; • Low level PCB contaminated surficial soil (less than 10 ppm) will be placed in the remediated lagoon between, a clay liner and a clay cover each two feet thick. This will assure separation between the high groundwater table and the contaminated soil. • The existing system to recover oily product floating on the top of the groundwater table will be enhanced to improve the rate of recovery. • Decontamination, demolition and proper disposal of the Old Wastewater Treatment Plant (OWTP) components found to be contaminated. Metro-North will decommission the remainder of the OWTP.

ADDITIONAL INVESTIGATION PLANNED: The selected remedy will also include an investigation into the possible impacts of past releases from the OWTP and the lagoon on the groundwater, surface water and sediment of the Hudson River. If, after the investigation, it is deemed appropriate, a Feasibility Study will be conducted, another ROD will be issued and necessary remedial efforts will be implemented. The draft work plans for implementation of the lagoon remediation and additional investigation will be made available for public review and a public meeting will be held to answer questions and gather comments. DEC will announce the location, data and time of the public meeting. A copy of the ROD and the transcript of the February 27, 1992 public meeting are available for public review and/or copying at the following document repositories:

Croton Village Hall Croton Free Library Ossining Library- Van Wyck Street 171 Cleveland Drive 53 Croton Avenue Croton-on-Hudson, NY Croton-on-Hudson, NY Ossining, NY DEC, Albany DEC, Region 3 50 Wolf Road 21 S. Putt Corners Rd Albany, NY New Paltz, NY

If you have any questions or comments, contact Chittibabu Vasudevan, DEC, Albany Office at (518) 457-1708 or Erin O'Dell, Citizen Participation Specialist, New Paltz Office at (914) 255- 5453 or use the DEC toll-free number 1-800-342-9296. For health related questions, call or write Mark Van Valkenburg,. New York State Department of Health (DOH), Bureau of Environmental Exposure Investigation, 2 University Place, Albany, NY 12203 at (518) 458-6305 or Nina Knapp, DOH, Health Liaison Program (HeLP), Albany at (518) 458-6402 or use the DOH toll-free number 1-800-458-1158. vw

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation 50 Wolf Road, Albany, New York 12233-7010

Thomas C Jorling ' Commissioner

UPCOMING EVENTS FOR INACTIVE HAZARDOUS WASTE SITES IN THE CROTON/OSSINING AREA

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and the New York State Department of Health (DOH) have been investigating several inactive hazardous waste disposal sites in the Croton/Ossining area including the Croton Landfill (3-60-001), the Harmon Railroad Yard Wastewater Lagoon (3-60-010) and the Harmon Railroad Yard, Metro-North site (3-60-019). Each site investigation has reached a significant decision point in its remedial program. In the upcoming months, DEC and DOH will present information to the public and ask for public comments and concerns on the following decisions:

Croton Point Sanitary Landfill (3-60-001) - In cooperation with Westchester County, DEC has completed its investigation of the landfill and is currently preparing a Proposed Remedial Action Plan (PRAP) for the site. A PRAP identifies DEC's preferred .alternative for remediating the site. When the PRAP has been finalized, there will be a 30-day comment period and a public meeting to solicit public concerns and questions regarding the remedial action.

In early 1990 a decision was made to begin an Interim Remedial Measure (IRM) in the form of a engineered cap over the waste mass. This effort has reached the point where Westchester County has awarded a $24.4 million construction contract to Biarwood Construction Company. The County will discuss the construction schedule and related activities at the PRAP meeting. It is expected that the actual construction will begin next month (11/92).

Harmon Railroad Yard Wastewater Lagoon (3-60-010) - As stated in the Notice of Availability, a Record of Decision announcing the selected remedial action for the site was signed on September 17, 1992. In the near future, DEC and DOH will hold an availability session to answer questions and receive comments about the implementation of the selected remedy.

• Harmon Railroad Yard, Metro-North (3-60-019) - This site consists of the entire yard excluding the wastewater lagoon area. Several investigations have been completed at the railroad yard. Copies of these Investigation Reports are available for review and/or copying at the DEC offices in New Paltz or Albany. Based on these investigations, it has been determined that no hazardous waste as defined by 6 NYCRR Part 371 was disposed and hence, the site was delisted from the New York State Registry of Inactive Hazardous Waste Disposal Sites. However, Metro-North will be directed to investigate groundwater contamination and take proper remedial actions.

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people OM M*£. MCTYVOIO ATTENTION —— IMPORTANT

If you are interested in being notified about these upcoming events, as well as any other future site activities, please fill in the information on the bottom of this sheet and mail to Erin O'Dell, DEC Region 3, 21 South Putt Corners Road, New Paltz, NY. 12561 or call the toll-free number 1-800-342-9296. By returning the information, sheet below, you will be placed on our mailing lists for these sites.

DEC is asking those people who are already on the Harmon Lagoon site (3-60-010) mailing list to fill in the information below as well. We realize that many people on the Harmon Lagoon mailing list were concerned about the proposal to use on-site incineration as a site remedy. With the decision to remove the contaminated sludge to on off-site facility and the signing of the ROD, some individuals may no longer wish to receive information about the site. Through this notification process, we are attempting to update our mailing list to include those individuals and organizations that are interested in future activities at the Harmon Lagoon site. If we do not hear from you, either through the form below or the toll-free number, you will be removed from the mailing list.

DEC is committed to ensuring that all interested parties are notified of upcoming events at these inactive hazardous waste sites and we need your help to update our mailing lists. Please assist us in keeping our mailing list up to date by completing the form below.

Thank you for your cooperation and we hope to hear from you soon.

Please cut along dotted line & mail to:

Erin O'Dell DEC, Region 3 21 South Putt Corners Road New Paltz, NY 12561

Please add me to/keep me on the mailing list for (check box):

LJ Croton Landfill (3-60-001) "' LJ Harmon Lagoon (3-60-010)

• Harmon Yard, Metro-North (3-60-019)

Name:

Street:

City, State, Zip:

Phone No. (Optional):

Onna O <-»-P O 9 yhs^ re tvww r

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Region 3 21 South Putt Corners Road New Paltz, NY 12561-1696 914-255-5453

NOTICE OF PUBLIC AVAILABILITY SESSION Harmon Railroad Yard Wastewater Lagoon Inactive Hazardous Waste Disposal Site (360010) May 6, 1992

You are invited to attend a public availability session to be conducted by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and New York State Department of Health (DOH) concerning the Proposed Remedial Action Plan (PRAP) for the Harmon Railroad Yard Wastewater Lagoon Inactive Hazardous Waste Site (ID #360010). The site is located in the Village of Croton- on-Hudson, Westchester County. DEC presented the PRAP at a February 27, 1992 public meeting which included a discussion of various remedial alternatives which were evaluated for the site. DEC extended the public comment period for the PRAP an additional 6 0 days to ensure that all public comments, concerns and questions could be taken into account in the final selection of a remedy. The May 6, 1992 availability session will provide an opportunity for the public to discuss their concerns and questions with DEC and DOH staff before the close of the comment period on May 15, 1992. DEC and DOH staff will be available one-to-one to discuss the site and the PRAP so that these questions and comments can be discussed in detail. The availability session is scheduled for May 6, 1992, from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm and from 7:00 pm to 10:00 pm at:

Croton Municipal Building Van Wyck Street Croton-on-Hudson, NY

For further information, call or write Ram Pergadia, Project Manager or Erin O'Dell, citizen Participation Specialist at the DEC Region 3 Office, 21 South Putt Corners Road, New Paltz, NY, 12561-1696, (914) 255-5453.

eo-4/23/92 2/^i-/y^-/ •IB). RECEIVE® JUL 1 4 1992 JUL 1 o 199z Prepared by: Bruce Bentley/dlb ADU : Date: June 25, 1992 "i£H!!£REGIO™FN #3 "NIT

SUGGESTED REPLY FOR GOVERNOR'S SIGNATURE

Dear Ms. Schneider:

Thank you for writing regarding the proposed incinerator in Croton on Hudson. It is

always of benefit to me when New York residents like you take the time to inform

themselves about an issue and then express their concerns. Many other individuals in your

community have written with their views.

Selecting the correct cleanup strategy at the Croton Site is challenging because of the

complex issues involved. I forwarded the information you sent to Commissioner Jorling at

the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) for consideration as the Department

reviewed the alternatives.

Commissioner Jorling has determined that the PCB-contaminated sludge and soil will

be excavated and removed off site for incineration and land burial. Public participation is an

important part of the decision-making process as the DEC works to accomplish cleanups of

toxic waste sites. Your participation was appreciated, and I trust you are pleased with

Commissioner Jorling's decision. Please stay involved as the remedial program is

undertaken, and inform yourself thoroughly to best discuss any issues that concern you. For further information about this site, or to express your views in the future, you may contact the DEC directly at:

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation

50 Wolf Road

Albany, NY 12233

Once again, thank you for contacting me with information about this issue.

Sincerely,

Governor

Ms. Pauline Schneider 53 Hudson View Hill Ossining, NY 10562

#49498

bcc: Commissioner Jorling (1) L. Marsh R. Cross M. Gerstman R. Manna M. Gallo M. O'Toole (2) B. Bentley File Pauline Schneider 53 Hudson View Hill Ossining, N.Y. 10562 (914)762-9279 Governor Mario Cuomo Executive Chamber State Capitol Albany, N.Y. 12224

Dear Governor Cuomo: I'd like to begin by telling you that I admire and respect you very much. If you would run for president I am certain you would win by a landslide, and I would let everyone know I helped. Secondly, I would like to say that your stance against the death penalty is brave and human. I support your efforts to keep justice in N.Y. civilized and tempered by compassion. Human rights are something we must fight for endlessly because there are always those who would like to take our freedoms away and take advantage of us. Which brings me to my third reason for writing: Right now, the N.Y. State Department of Environmental Conservation is trying to take advantage of my town of Ossining and other neighboring towns of Croton on Hudson, Briarcliff, Montrose and Cortlandt. We have been made hostages to the EPA and the DEC who insist that we have no right to question them or to comment past today on the poisons they plan to spew into our air, our land, and our water. They plan to do this is by incinerating and burying on site 12,000 tons of PCB laden sludge and dirt and have said that the EPA will not monitor the building of the incinerator, the burning of the toxins, or the emissions from the stack. The EPA, itself, has written several reports on how it is not able to monitor what is emitted from the stack during and after incineration and that many toxins and chemicals spewed into the air are not even know to them. The few emitted chemicals known are harmful to humans in small doses, but nothing can be said about the unknown chemicals, of which to label and do experiments with would cost trillions, according to a study done by Greenpeace, USA. The other day I read that George Bush, our "fearless leader", has backed Quale and is going to make it easier for companies like DOW Chemical to up their toxic emissions by 90,000 tons, when making operational changes, by restricting public hearings and comments. We, the people, must be pretty powerful to scare these folks so badly that they try to keep us uninformed and gagged. Maybe I'm confused, but I don't think you would allow some thing like this to happen to your own children. If I am right about your love for your own flesh and blood, then you can understand the emotional turmoil that we've been experiencing down here in the Hudson Valley. A doctor from the Department of Health, Dr. John Hawley (a robot if I ever met one), when answering a citizen's question, referred to our children as 'sensitive receptors.' This is a man who has taken the Hyppocratic oath and is now telling us that we have given birth to 'sensitive receptors' and that the emissions from the stack will be nothing different than what is already in nature. Benzene is very prevalent in nature, as is lead and arsenic and cadmium, but we don't go around looking for these elements to breath and eat and drink, neither do we seek out radiation or radon, yet they are also a part of nature. I think these people at the DEC and DOH mean to stuff these elements down our throats in mass quantities. To show you how disgusting this whole thing is the DEC is not even considering in their risk assessment the other dangers nearby. We are at this time imperiled by the Indian Point Nuclear Plant, we are endangered by the Sprout Brook Ash Pit, we are jeopardized by the Charles Point Incinerator, we are troubled by the Peekskill Hollow Sewage Treatment Plant, we are plagued by the Croton Landfill, and we are unnerved by the Rockland Incinerator. Now, we are held hostage to the would-be Croton on Hudson Toxic Incinerator. And there's probably something else around here that I don't know about yet.

a I don't want my two children poisoned by lead, or unknown chemicals,: or the gas used in WWII. I want them healthy and strong and smart, to grow up and beat the pants off of people in the EPA and the DEC and spank Quale and Bush. Not necessarily in that order. But, seriously, there are options that the DEC and the EPA won't even look at because they are not considered "permanent solutions." Cleanup must be permanent as mandated by the EPA. Although they will consider interim cleanup procedures. One of those alternatives not considered is above ground storage containment. It would be a temporary, cement storage container with a walkway underneath so that inspectors could see wether the container was leaking leachate, a toxic byproduct of chemical wastes that commonly leaks into ground water. This design would be used until technology exists that could destroy PCB's without any risk to our children's health or lives. And, since cleanup research is advancing quickly, we shouldn't have to wait too long. The fact that the nuclear industry is employing a similar system right now (thanks to environmental groups) and that the chemical industry is not allowed to do so by the EPA tells me something fishy is up. Coincidentaly, the incineration idustry is doing very well. One big fear, on top of all the others, is the suspicion that Metro North and the DEC are working out some kind of plan for a permanent incinerator. Mr. Ralph Manna, region 3 director of the DEC, was asked whether plans for a permanent icinerator were being drawn up. He paused a moment while the audience gasped in terror at the very idea and then he said: "At this time there are no plans for a permanent incinerator." 'At this time.' Well, Vm relieved. And pigs fly. My other serious complaint and accusation of the DEC is that in their failure to perform responsibly they showed a poor ability to inform the public about this incinerator idea, about the public forum held at Ossining High School, and about the availability session at the Croton Village Hall. The DEC has done a miserable job and left the work to us and the League of Women Voters, who did a fine job

« and made the DEC extend the public comment period by 60 days. Maybe thefgovernment and corporations are terrified of us citizens for good reas|fl. WE WORK HARD AND GET THE JOB DONE! ButT'too many people still don't know about this toxic terror arriving and the DEC continues doing their job of hiding the facts and playing our good neighbor. Unfortunately, you, Mr. Cuomo, pay them to do this. I hope you intervene in our behalf. I have included two reports sent to me by one of the four engineers who designed the above ground, waste storage system. I am certain that by now you may have already begun to receive letters and petitions from my fellow citizens, many of them asking for a change of venue for the incineration. I feel that would be like an ostrich burying its head in the sand. I believe it is unfair to send this torment, to someone else just because we weren't able to deal with it responsibly. I know above ground storage is feasible and realistic and I also know there is alot of money going against us. We need your help in getting these folks at the DEC and Metro North to stop their plans to incinerate our world. We need your help to force them to consider and implement above ground storage of the toxic waste. We need your help! Please help us, for our children's sakes. Please. Cancer is an awful way to die. For anyone.

Yours, Sincerely

Pauline P. Schneider J*!ew York State Depaiwent of Environmental ConVrvation 50 Wolf Road, Albany, New York 12233-4510 (518) 457-0849

May 12, 1992 Thomas C. Jorling NYS - DEC Commissioner REGION 3-NEW PALT2

Mr. and Mrs. Vincent Gabriele 11 Studio Hill Road Briarcliff Manor, NY 10510

Dear Mr. and Mrs. Gabriele:

The Metro North Harmon Railroad Yard hazardous waste site is a significant environmental and health concern. As you are aware, the proposed remedial action plan identified on-site incineration as the recommended alternative. A great deal of concern and resistance to on-site incineration has been expressed.

We are struggling to balance the many legitimate, understandable and dynamic issues and concerns that have resulted from this site, and the on-going effort to finalize the selection of a remedial program. The interest, ideas and opinions of community members like yourself are an essential part of the process.

Enclosed is a listing of some commonly asked questions and answers about this project. We encourage you to learn more about the site and the remedial alternatives. Project documents are available for your review at the Croton Municipal Building, Ossining Public Library and the Croton Public Library.

The Department's goal is to remediate this site so that it no longer presents a significant threat to either public health or the environment. We appreciate your interest, understand your concern and encourage your continued involvement in the identification and evaluation of the Metro North hazardous waste site's remedial program.

If you have any questions or need additional information, please contact Erin O'Dell at NYSDEC, 21 South Putt Corners Road, New Paltz, NY 12561, 914-255-5453; call DEC's hazardous waste site information number 1-800-342-9296; or DOH's environmental health information line 1-800-458-1158.

Sincerely,

Bruce Bentley, Chief- Citizen Participation Section Division of Hazardous Waste Remediation

BB:dlb cc: Commissioner Jorling Erin O'Dell Anita Gabalski New. York State DeparAent of Environmental Pinion Hinii "50 Wolf Road, Albany, New Y^rk 12233-4510 fn)_H!L (518)457-0^49

NYS - DEC May 12, 1992 REGION 3-NEW PALTZ lomas C. Jorling Commissioner

Ms. Ann Lindau 123 Old Post Road North Croton-on-Hudson, NY 10520

Dear Ms. Lindau:

Sincerely,

Bruce Bentley, Chief Citizen Participation Section Division of Hazardous Waste Remediation

BB:dlb cc: Commissioner Jorling Erin O'Dell Anita Gabalski New York State DepaiAent of Environmental Con£rvation 50 Wolf Road, Albany, NewTbrk 12233-4510 r~^ ~ (518) 457-0849

May 12, 1992 NYS - DEC Thomas C. Jorling REGION 3-NF.W PALTZ —Commissioner

Mr. R. Scott Johnston 310 Half Moon Bay Drive Croton-on-Hudson, NY 10520

Dear Mr. Johnston:

Sincerely,

z^^^ Bruce Bentley, Chief Citizen Participation Section Division of Hazardous Waste Remediation

BB:dlb cc: Commissioner Jorling Erin O'Dell Anita Gabalski New York State DepaiAent of Environmental Con£vation 50 Wolilf Road, Albany, NewYork 12233-4510 JH (TIFIT (518) 457-0849 illfll

May 12, 1992 NYS - DEC as C. Joriing REGJ0N3-NEW PALTZ Commissioner Mr. Richard W. Hauptner, Jr. President Hudson View Condominium 8-2 Steven Drive Ossining, NY 10562

Dear; Mr. Hauptner:

t&i The Metro North Harmon Railroad Yard hazardous waste site is a significant environmental and health concern. As you are aware, the proposed remedial action plan identified on-site incineration as the recommended alternative. A great deal of concern and resistance to on-site incineration has been expressed.

The Department's goal is to remediate this site so that it no longer presents a significant threat to either public health or the environment., We appreciate your interest, understand your concern and encourage your continued involvement in the identification and evaluation of the Metro North hazardous waste site's remedial program.

If you have any questions or need additional information, please contact Erin O'Dell at NYSDEC, 21 South Putt Corners Road, New Paltz, NY 12561, 914-255-5453; call DEC'S hazardous waste site information number 1-800-342-9296; or DOH's environmental health information line 1-800-458-1158.

Sincerely,

Bruce Bentley, Chief Citizen Participation Section Division of Hazardous Waste Remediation

BB:dlb cc: Commissioner Joriing Erin O'Dell Anita Gabalski New York State Department of Environmental C location 50 Wolf Road, Albany, New York 12233-4510 np (3 E0 W I (518) 457-0849

(J Li j

NYS - DEC May 12, 1992 REGION 3-NEW PALTZ Thopnas C. Jorling Commissioner

Mr. Timothy James Siglock, MD 3630 Hill Boulevard, Suite 202 P.O. Box 215 Jefferson Valley, NY 10535

Dear Mr. Siglock:

The Metro North Harmon Railroad Yard hazardous waste site is a significant environmental - and health concern. As you are aware, the proposed remedial action plan identified on-site incineration as the recommended alternative. A great deal of concern and resistance to on-site incineration has been expressed.

Sincerely,

Bruce Bentley, Chief Citizen Participation Section Division of Hazardous Waste Remediation

BB:dlb cc: Commissioner Jorling Erin O'Dell Anita Gabalski New York State Department of Environmental C ervation 50 Wolf Road, Albany, NewYork 12233-4510 '£ g H 0 W (518)457-0849 I 41

NYS - DEC May 12, 1992 |_ REGION 3-NEW PALTZ _Tjomas C. Jorling Commissioner

Mrs. Mary Mclntyre 11 Feeney Road Ossining, NY 10562

Dear Mrs. Mclntyre:

Sincerely,

Bruce Bentley, Chief Citizen Participation Section Division of Hazardous Waste Remediation

BB:dlb cc: Commissioner Jorling Erin O'Dell Anita Gabalski New York State Department of Environmental Consexvatin '50 Wolf Road, Albany, New York 1-2233 '"""* " ~

NYS - DEC Tt omas C. Jorling REGION 3-NEW PALT7 ommissioner Ms. Hilary Kitasei, President League of Women Voters 160 Mt. Airy Road Croton-on-Hudson, NY 10520 MAY 0 5 1992

Dear Ms. Kitasei:

On behalf of the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, thank you for the time and effort the League of Women Voters devoted to the Informational Forum which it sponsored on April 23 for the Harmon Railroad Yard inactive hazardous waste site.

In particular, I would like to single out Ms. Ginger Griffin, who served as Forum Chair and Ms. Karen Schatzel, who served as Forum Moderator, for their efforts. Their work helped to ensure that the Forum encouraged constructive dialogue between government and the affected community.

The Harmon Railroad Yard site represents a significant threat to the environment and the people who live in the area. The site needs to be remediated to alleviate the threat. The Department also believes it is important to create opportunities for everyone to become informed about the site and the cleanup alternatives, and for the Department to learn more about the public's concerns, knowledge and perspectives. The Informational Forum which LOWV sponsored has helped the Department to improve dialogue and exchange information with the community ~ two important components of the Department's decision-making process.

Once again, thank you and the members of the League of Women Voters for your efforts to help the Department to inform and involve the public about the Harmon Railroad Yard site. Please feel free to contact me or my staff with any ideas or suggestions you have regarding the Department's ongoing citizen participation program.

Sincerely, E, Su llivan G. Carlson, NYSD0H M. Ga llo A. Gabalski, NYSD0H M, 0' Toole J. Hawley, NYSD0H C, Go ddard R, Ma nna Iward O. Sullivan R, Pe rgadia Deputy Commissioner C, Va sudevan E. 0' Dell J, Ha rrington S, Er volina B, Be ntley D. Ma rkell ffMl-LLLl

New York State Department of Environmental Conserve 50 Wolf Road, Albany, New York 12233010 NYS - DEC REGION 3-NEW PALT2

Thomas C. Jorling Commissioner

MAR IT 1992

Mr. John P. Galloway Slikwik Sorbents P.O. Box 119 Maumee, OH 43537

Dear Mr. Galloway:

RE: Proposed On-Site Incineration at Harmon Yard

Commissioner Thomas Jorling has asked me to respond to your letter of March 9, 1992 concerning the incineration of PCB wastes at Croton. The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) appreciates your interest in the incineration of PCB wastes. Please contact Mr. James Harrington, P.E., of the Technology Section, at (518) 485-8792 for further information about incineration methods.

Your name will be included in the mailing list for the site, and we will send you any future site-related notices. If you desire any additional information on the Harmon Yard site, please contact either Mr. Ram Pergadia, P.E., the Project Manager, or Ms. Erin O'Dell the Citizen Participation Specialist, for this project. They can both be reached in our Region 3 Office at (914) 255-5453

Thank you for your interest in the project.

Sincerely, Jpas&^g^e ZLr**rtL«^

Salvatore Ervolina, P.E. Director Bureau of Eastern Remedial Action Div. of Hazardous Waste Remediation

cc: Commissioner Jorling R. Pergadia, Reg. 3 E. O'Dell, Reg. "3 J J. Harrington New York State Department c^JWivironmenta>Iwl\ l Conservation Region 3 21 South Putt Corners Road New Paltz, NY 12561-1696 914-255-5453 awua i n^•li E MORANDUM

To: Bruce Bentley From: Erin O'Dell, Region 3 £0 -j Jj •' Date:May 11, 1992 RE: Harmon RR Yard Wastewater Lagoon (3 60010)

Enclosed are original letters and petitions sent to me concerning the Harmon Railroad Yard Inactive Hazardous Waste Disposal Site (ID#360010). I will continue to send you all correspondence as I receive it so that they may be included in the contact list. Please provide me with a copy of the mailing list, when it is finalized. . The correspondence that I gave to you last week prior to the availability session were copies instead of originals. Would you like me to send you the originals of those letters since you maintain a file of all the original correspondence received concerning the site? Thank you for your assistance on this site.

cc: R. Pergadia

f>X* l# *_J (f-isV f& New York State DeparWient of Environmental Conira rvation n 50 Wolf Road, Albany, New York 12233

Thomas C. Jorling Commissioner

Mr. Ramanand Pergadia Environmental Engineer NYS DEC - Region 3 21 South Putt Corners Road NewPaltz, NY 12561

Dear Mr. Pergadia:

We received a large number of letters from concerned and interested citizens of the Croton, Ossining and Cortlandt area regarding the Metro North Harmon Railroad Yard hazardous waste site. You were listed as a recipient of the letter on many of them.

In order to help you continue to be aware of the interest in this site, the status of the remedial program and the on-going community dialogue, we have attached a copy of the Department's response and the mailing list of those the letter was sent to.

As noted in the attached letter, the identification and implementation of a remedial program for the Harmon Railroad Yard Site is a difficult task, and your continued interest and involvement is important.

Sincerely, Sw»-A ©. &JKi Edward 0. Sullivan Deputy Commisioner Office of Environmental Remediation

Attachments New York State Depanment of Environmental ConWrvation 50 Wolf Road, Albany, New York 12233

Thomas C. Jorling Commissioner

Dear :

Thank you for your interest in the Metro North Harmon Rail hazardous waste site located in Croton.

The Harmon Railroad Yard Site is a significant environmental concern and its remediation presents very real challenges. It is clear that additional opportunities are needed for the community to more clearly understand the concerns raised by the contamination and the available remedial alternatives. The Department has extended the public comment period an additional 60 days to May 15, 1992, because of the concerns expressed by you and others. Additional copies of the appropriate project documents will also be made available as soon as possible.

The League of Women Voters has offered to serve as host for a community dialogue. All of the concerns and alternatives regarding this project need to be fully discussed and the difficult task of dealing with this contamination problem addressed in the most acceptable and effective manner. In the next week, we will be meeting with the League to develop a plan to foster a productive community dialogue.

The Department's goal is to remediate this site so that it no longer presents a significant threat to either health or the environment. In achieving this goal, everyone interested in, or affected by this site, needs to work together to select a remedial plan that is the most beneficial to the environment and public health, as well as the most cost effective. You have taken an active role in urging further community dialogue, and your continued involvement in an open and cooperative effort to explore the remedial program for the Harmon Railroad Yard is important.

Sincerely,

Edward O. Sullivan Deputy Commissioner Office of Environmental Remediation Mr. Albert Annunziata Ms. Karen Appleby Mr. George Atlas t' Westchester Coop Condo Council 53 Old Albany Post Road 520 Half Moon Bay Drive 600 North Broadway Ossining, NY 10562 Croton-on-Hudson, NY 10516 White Plains, NY 10603

Ms. Lanette Baldwin Mr. Stephen L. Ballas Hon. Henry W. Barnett 22 Aqueduct Street • 120 Half Moon Bay NYS Assembly Ossining, NY 10562 Croton-on-Hudson, NY 10520 720 Legislative Office Bldg. Albany, NY 12248

Ms. Louise M. Belevich Mr. Kenneth W. Binney Mr. & Mrs. Murray Blotkin 606 Eagle Bay Drive Binney & Company 415 Half Moon Bay Road Ossining, NY 10562 Cedar Lane Croton-on-Hudson, NY 10520 Ossining, NY 10562

Ms. Claire B. Blust Ms. Ruth Botek Ms. Harriet L. Boyle 607 Half Moon Bay Drive 19-54 Lincoln Place Town of Cortlandt Croton-on-Hudson, NY 10520 Ossining, NY 10562 Municipal Bldg, Van Wyck St. Croton-on-Hudson, NY 10520

Mr. Joseph Brancato Ms. Jamie Bratman Mr. David B. Brown Gensler and Associates Architects 208 Half Moon Bay Drive 507 Eagle Bay Drive One Rockefeller Plz, Suite 500 Croton-on-Hudson, NY 10520 Ossining.^NY 10562 New York, NY 10020

Mr. & Mrs. David Bryan Ms. Heather Burgett Mr. William Burton, Supv. 37 Briarcliff Drive 24 Emerson Avenue Town of Ossining Ossining, NY 10562 Croton-on-Hudson, NY 10520 16 Croton Avenue Ossining; NY 10562

Mr. & Mrs. Peter Buteau Ms. Heather Byrne Mr. Gary J. Cahill, Editr 1604 Eagle Bay Drive 58 Melrose Avenue Croton-Cortlandt Gazette Ossining, NY 10562 Croton, NY 10520 P.O. Box 38 Croton-on-Hudson, NY 10520

Mr. G. Anders Carlson, Dir. Mr. & Mrs. Richard Ceccatti Ms. Lois Cohen B.E.E.I., NYS Dept. of Health 111 Half Moon Bay Drive 613 Half Moon Bay Drive 2 University Place - Room 205 Croton-on-Hudson, NY 10052 Croton-on-Hudson, NY 10620 Albany, NY 12203

Mr. David R. Cohen, Pres. Mr. Todd Coleman Mr. William T. Coleman Half Moon Bay Home Owners Assn 31 Elizabeth Street, Apt. 2 31 Elizabeth Street Hudson House-Half Moon Bay Dr Ossining, NY 10562 Ossining, NY 10562 Croton-on-Hudson, NY 10520

Ms. Gail-Marie Cullen Governor Mario Cuomo Ms. Jane Davies 505 Eagle Bay Drive Executive Chamber 35 Lounsbury Road Ossining, NY 10562 State Capital Croton, NY 10520 Albany, NY 12224 Mr. Seth A. Davis Ms. Lynne Dennerlein Editor Suite 1500, 420 Lexington Ave. 6-4 Briarcliff Drive South Westchester Sec-New York Times New York, NY 10170 Ossining, NY 10562 170 Hamilton Avenue White Plains, NY 10601

Ms. Joanne Elliott Hon. Hamilton Fish, Jr. Mr. & Mrs. Joseph L. Gagnon 67 Briarcliff Drive U.S. House of Representatives 803 Eagle Bay Drive Ossining, NY 10562 2269 Rayburn House Office Bldg Ossining, NY 10562 Washington, DC 20515

Ms. Sandy Galef Gannett Papers Mr. George Giorno Westchester Co Brd of Legis. 1 Gannett Drive 208 Half Moon Bay Drive 148 Martine Avenue White Plains, NY 10606 Croton-on-Hudson, NY 10520 White Plains, NY 10601

Hon. Mary B. Goodhue Mr. Nathaniel Goulby Ms. Daria Gregg NYS Senate 21 Hill Crest Avenue 51 Old Albany Post Road 226 East Main Street Ossining, NY 10562 Ossining, NY 10562 Mt. Kisco, NY 10549

Ms. Elizabeth Hendrick, Dir. Mr. Richard F. Herbek Mr. David B. Hirschhorn, VPres Westchester County DOH Village of Croton-on-Hudson HMB Acquisition Corporation 19 Bradhurst Avenue P.O. Box 249 60 East 42nd Street, 48th Fl. Hawthorne, NY 10532 Croton-on-Hudson, NY 10520 New York, NY 10165

Mr. Peter Hoffmann Mr. Gareth Hougham Ms. Kathleen Hurlie 101 Half Moon Bay Drive 53 Old Albany Post Road 806 Eagle Bay Drive Croton-on-Hudson, NY 10520 Ossining, NY 10562 Ossining, NY 10562

Ms. Helene Imber Ms. Diane Ingram Dr. J. Juechter 404 Half Moon Bay Drive P.O. Box 490 904 Eagle Bay Croton-on-Hudson, NY 10520 Crompond, NY 10517 Ossining, NY 10562

Mr. Steven L. Karas Ms. Judith Karten Ms. Carol Katz 309 Half Moon Bay Drive 1304 Eagle Bay Drive 41 Briarcliff Drive South Croton-on-Hudson, NY 10520 Ossining, NY 10562 Ossining, NY 10562

Mr. Jake Kehlenbach Mr. Stephen Kirschehbaum, Esq. Ms. Lisa M. Kovitz 110 Half Moon Bay Drive Kirschenbaum, Shapiro & Marro 1601 Eagle Bay Drive Croton-on-Hudson, NY 10520 295 Madison Avenue Ossining, NY 10562 New York, NY 10017

Ms. Rita A. Kozlowski Mr. Chris Lapetina Ms. Barbara Lariar 12 Briarcliff Drive South Westchester Regional Represent 22 Van Wyck Street Ossining, NY 10562 OMBUDSMAN, 95 Church St-Rm 401 Croton-on-Hudson, NY 10520 White Plains, NY 10601 Ms. Margaret M. Leary Ms. Janet Lester Ms. Silvia M. LeVoci 1210 Eagle Bay Drive 95 Briarcliff Drive 1208 Eagle Bay Drive Ossining, NY 10562 Ossining, NY 10562 Ossining, NY 10562

Mr. Ronald L. Mann, M.D. Mr. & Mrs. Peter Mara Mr. & Mrs. Kevin McCarroll 1888 Commerce Street 120 Half Moon Bay 502 Half Moon Bay Drive Yorktown Heights, NY 10598 Croton-on-Hudson, NY 10520 Croton-on-Hudson, NY 10520

Mr. & Mrs. Alan Moss Ms. Evelyn H. Murov Ms. Eileen K. Murray 117 Briarcliff Drive South 44 Briarcliff Drive Briarcliff Drive South Ossining, NY 10562 Ossining, NY 10562 Ossining, NY 10562

Mr. & Mrs. Ted Nelson Mr. Dennis O'Brien Mr. Andrew P. O'Rourke 75 Sunset Drive 66 Cleveland Drive Westchester County Executive Croton-on-Hudson, NY 10520 Croton-on-Hudson, NY 10520 148 Martine Avenue, 9th Floor White Plains, NY 10601

Dr. A. Joanne Olgee Mr. Michael Pantalion Mr. Andrew Paoletta 1006 Eagle Bay Drive 505 Eagle Bay Drive 1601 Eagle Bay Drive Ossining, NY 10562 Ossining, NY 10562 Ossining, NY 10562

Hon. George Pataki Ms. Susan M. Pate Mr. Ram Pergadia NYS Assembly 92 Briarcliff Drive NYS DEC - Region 3 534 Legislative Office Bldg. Ossining, NY 10562 21 S. Putt Corners Road Albany, NY 12248 New Paltz, NY 12561

Mr. Roger Peterson Ms. Robyn Pforr Mr. Bruno Picco Reservoir Road Gannett Suburban News 1808 Eagle Bay Drive Ossining, NY 10562 1825 Commerce Street Ossining, NY 10562 Yorktown Hghts, NY 10598

Ms. Gloria Brandt Pliskin Mr. Murray Plotkin Mr. & Mrs. Herman Poritzky 1803 Eagle Bay Drive 415 Half Moon Bay Drive 1508 Eagle Bay Drive Ossining, NY 10562 Croton-on-Hudson, NY 10502 Ossining, NY 10562

Ms. Marcie Powers Mrs. Linda D. Puglisi, Supv. Mr. & Mrs. A. Charles Rossi 804 Eagle Bay Town of Cortlandt 213 Half Moon Bay Drive Ossining, NY 10562 Municipal Bldg., Van Wyck St. Croton-on-Hudson, NY 10520 Croton-on-Hudson, NY 10520

Ms. Carol J. Ryan Ms. Mary D. Rynersen Mr. & Mrs. Andre' J. Van Schaften 1606 Eagle Bay Drive 1705 Eagle Bay Drive 514 Half Moon Bay Drive Ossining, NY 10562 Ossining, NY 10562 Croton-on-Hudson, NY 10520 Mr. Edgar M. Seel Mr. John M. Shanahan Mr. & Mrs. Peter B. Sheridan 504 Eagle Bay Drive 312 Half Moon Bay Drive 1 Ridgewood Drive Ossining, NY 10562 Croton-on-Hudson, NY 10520 Pleasantville, NY 10570

Ms. Laurie Sholensky Ms. Erma Sinni Ms. Joanne Steinhart Teatown Road 612 Half Moon Bay Drive 1203 Eagle Bay Drive Croton-on-Hudson, NY 10520 Croton-on-Hudson, NY 10520 Ossining, NY 10562

Ms. Sharon H. Stern, Esq. Mr. & Mrs. Stanley Teller Hon. Stephen Tenore, Chair 91 Briarcliff Drive 109 Half Moon Bay Drive Westchester Co Brd of Legis. Ossining, NY 10562 Croton-on-Hudson, NY 10520 148 Martine Avenue White Plains, NY 10601

Mr. Brad Turner Ms. Dina M. Viscarde Mr. Henry T. Webb, Jr. North County News 612 Half Moon Bay Drive 22 Van Wyck Street 1520 Front Street Croton-on-Hudson, NY 10520 Croton-on-Hudson, NY 10520 Yorktown Hghts, NY 10520

Ms. Joan Weinstein Dr. Michael Wolland 86 Briarcliff Drive South 44 Lounsbury Road Ossining, NY 10562 Croton-on-Hudson, NY 10520 J? fa> ^ New York State Department of Environmental Conservation 50 Wolf Road, Albany, New York 12233 ®R23m This letter was sent to the attached list of people!

Thomas C Jorling APR 17 1992 Commissioner

Dear Interested Citizen:

We appreciate your continued interest in the Metro-North Harmon Railroad Yard inactive hazardous waste disposal site (#360010) located in Croton-on-Hudson.

I would like to take this opportunity to continue the dialogue that was begun at the February 27, 1992 public meeting held by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) concerning the Harmon Railroad Yard site. At that meeting, NYSDEC presented the Proposed Remedial Action Plan (PRAP) which describes the preferred means of remediating the site so that it no longer presents a significant threat to human health or the environment. The PRAP is based on data gathered during site investigations such as the Remedial Investigation carried out by McClaren Hart Associates, Inc., under contract to Metro-North. The PRAP also includes a discussion of the various remedial alternatives that were reviewed during the Feasibility Study. This PRAP only deals with part of the overall site - the Wastewater Lagoon Area (Operable Unit 1). The Wastewater Lagoon Area is the first part of the site to be addressed. We will be addressing the hazardous waste contamination problems at the entire site. Additional investigation and identification of remedial actions to deal with the remainder of the site concerns, which include groundwater and off-site contamination (Operable Unit 2), are under way.

The public comment period on the Wastewater Lagoon Area-Operable Unit 1, has been extended to May 15, 1992. Following the close of the comment period, NYSDEC and the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) will review all comments and concerns that are received. When a final remedy is selected by NYSDEC, the information and rationale used to arrive at that decision will be documented in a Record of Decision (ROD). The ROD also includes a Responsiveness Summary, which presents a written summary and response to questions and comments received during the comment period.

The Metro-North Harmon Railroad Yard hazardous waste site is a threat to the environment and the people living in the area. It needs to be remediated so that it is no longer a significant threat. It is important for everyone interested or affected by this site to understand the problems presented by the site and the alternatives available to remediate it.

Additional community dialogue is necessary for everyone to learn more about the site and the remedial alternatives, as well as to understand and address the public's concerns and comments. These are many issues, different areas of interest, and a lot of information and questions related to this hazardous waste site. We would like to hold a public availability session to provide an opportunity for people to discuss their concerns and questions with us, one-to-one, so that the discussions can be more detailed. The public availability session will be scheduled for the first, week in May. When a specific date and location are identified, we will contact you. As part of our efforts to continue an open dialogue with the community, the Departments of Health and Environmental Conservation -2-

will participate in the public forum sponsored by the League of Women Voters. The forum, to discuss the Harmon Yard site and the preferred remedial alternative, is scheduled for April 23, 1992 at 8:00 pm at the Ossining High School. In addition, I have enclosed a summary of major public comments and DEC'S responses, and a very brief history and status report which addresses several issues raised during the February meeting and in letters received during the comment period.

Copies of the project documents have been placed in the Croton Municipal Building, Ossining Public Library and Croton Public Library for your review. I encourage you to take advantage of these document repositories to learn more about the site and the proposed remediation program.

If you have any questions regarding the Metro-North Harmon Railroad Yard inactive hazardous waste site, the enclosures, or the upcoming League of Women Voters forum, please contact Erin O'Dell, NYSDEC, 21 South Putt Corners Road, New Paltz, NY, 12561, (914) 255-5453.

Sincerely,

Sullivan Deputy Commissioner Office of Environmental Remediation

Enclosures bcc: Commissioner (2) L. Marsh R. Cross M. Gerstman E. Sullivan S. Weber M. Gallo M. O'Toole (2) C. Goddard R. Manna R. Pergadia C. Vasudevan E. O'Dell G. Carlson, NYSDOH W. Stasiuki, NYSDOH J. Hawley, NYSDOH A. Gabalski, NYSDOH D. Markell A. McCarthy, WPFU S. Ervolina B. Bentley E. Hendricks, WCHD \ Mr. Albert Annunziata Ms. Karen Appleby Mr. George Atlas Westchester Coop Condo Council 53 Old Albany Post Road 520 Half Moon Bay Drive 600 North Broadway Ossining, NY 10562 Croton-on-Hudson, NY 10516 White Plains, NY 10603

Ms. Lanette Baldwin Mr. Stephen L. Ballas Hon. Henry W. Barnett 22 Aqueduct Street 120 Half Moon Bay, NYS Assembly Ossining, NY 10562 Croton-on-Hudson, NY 10520 720 Legislative Office Bldg. Albany, NY 12248

Mr. G. Anders Carlson, Dir. Mr. & Mrs. Richard Ceccatti Ms. Lois Cohen B.E.E.I., NYS Dept. of Health 111 Half Moon Bay Drive 613 Half Moon Bay Drive 2 University Place - Room 205 Croton-on-Hudsdn, NY 10052 Croton-on-Hudson, NY 10620 Albany, NY 12203

Ms. Gail-Marie Cullen Governor Mario Cuomo Ms. Jane Davies 505 Eagle Bay Drive Executive Chamber 35 Lounsbury Road Ossining, NY 10562 State Capital ; Croton, NY 10520 Albany, NY 12224 Mr. Seth A. Davis Ms. Lynne Dennerlein Editor ' -'.'.. '• ':;•;;"•:•< '•••,'-• • Suite 1500, 420 Lexington Ave. 6-4 Briarcliff Drive South Westchester Sec-New York times New York, NY 10170 Ossining, NY 10562 170 Hamilton Avenue ••'"',' White Plains, NY 10601 .

"S Ms. Joanne Elliott Hon. Hamilton Fish, Jr. Mr. & Mrs. Joseph L. Gagnon 67 Briarcliff Drive U.S. House of Representatives 803 Eagle Bay Drive Ossining, NY 10562 2269 Rayburn House Office Bldg Ossining, NY 10562 Washington, DC 20515

Hon. Mary B. Goodhue Mr. Nathaniel Goulby Ms. Daria Gregg NYS Senate 21 Hill Crest Avenue 51 Old Albany Post Road 226 East Main Street Ossining, NY 10562 Ossining, NY 10562 Mt. Kisco, NY 10549

Mr. Peter Hoffmann Mr. Gareth Hougham Ms. Kathleen Hurlie 101 Half Moon Bay Drive 53 Old Albany Post Road 806 Eagle Bay Drive Croton-on-Hudson, NY 10520 Ossining, NY 10562 Ossining, NY 10562

Ms. Helene Imber Ms. Diane Ingram Dr. J. Juechter 404 Half Moon Bay Drive P.O. Box 490 904 Eagle Bay Croton-on-Hudson, NY 10520 Crompond, NY 10517 Ossining, NY 10562

Mr. Steven L. Karas Ms. Judith Karten Ms. Carol Katz 309 Half Moon Bay Drive 1304 Eagle Bay Drive 41 Briarcliff Drive South Croton-on-Hudson, NY 10520 Ossining, NY 10562 Ossining, NY 10562

Mr. Jake Kehlenbach Mr. Stephen Kirschenbaum, Esq. Ms. Lisa M. Kovitz 110 Half Moon Bay Drive Kirschenbaum, Shapiro & Marro 1601 Eagle Bay Drive Croton-on-Hudson, NY 10520 295 Madison Avenue Ossining, NY 10562 New York, NY 10017

Ms. Rita A. Kozlowski Mr. Chris Lapetina White Plains, NY 10601 12 Briarcliff Drive South Westchester Regional Represent Ossining, NY 10562 OMBUDSMAN, 95 Church St-Rm 401 Ms. Barbara Lariar Ms. Margaret M. Leary Ms. Janet Lester 22 Van Wyck Street 1210 Eagle Bay Drive 95 Briarcliff Drive Croton-on-Hudson, NY 10520 Ossining, NY 10562 Ossining, NY 10562

Ms. Silvia M. LeVoci Mr. Ronald L. Mann, M.D. Mr. & Mrs. Peter Mara 1208 Eagle Bay Drive 1888 Commerce Street 120 Half Moon Bay Ossining, NY 10562 Yorktown Heights, NY 10598 Croton-on-Hudson, NY 10520

Mr. & Mrs. Kevin McCarroll Mr. & Mrs. Alan Moss Ms. Evelyn H. Murov 502 Half Moon Bay Drive 117 Briarcliff Drive South 44 Briarcliff Drive Croton-on-Hudson, NY 10520 Ossining, NY 10562 Ossining, NY 10562

Ms. Eileen K. Murray Mr. & Mrs. Ted Nelson Mr. Dennis O'Brien Briarcliff Drive South 75 Sunset Drive 66 Cleveland Drive Ossining, NY 10562 Croton-on-Hudson, NY 10520 Croton-on-Hudson, NY 10520

Mr. Andrew P. O'Rourke Dr. A. Joanne Olgee Mr. Michael Pantalion Westchester County Executive 1006 Eagle Bay Drive 505 Eagle Bay Drive 148 Martine Avenue, 9th Floor Ossining, NY 10562 Ossining, NY 10562 White Plains. NY 10601

Mr. Andrew Paoletta Hon. George Pataki Ms. Susan M. Pate 1601 Eagle Bay Drive NYS Assembly 92 Briarcliff Drive Ossining, NY 10562 534 Legislative Office Bldg. Ossining, NY 10562 Albany, NY 12248

Mr. Ram Pergadia Mr. Roger Peterson Ms. Robyn Pforr NYS DEC - Region 3 Reservoir Road Gannett Suburban News 21 S. Putt Corners Road Ossining, NY 10562 1825 Commerce Street New Paltz, NY 12561 Yorktown Hghts, NY 10598

Mr. Bruno Picco Ms. Gloria Brandt Pliskin Mr. Murray Plotkin 1808 Eagle Bay Drive 1803 Eagle Bay Drive 415 Half Moon Bay Drive Ossining, NY 10562 Ossining, NY 10562 Croton-on-Hudson, NY 10502

Mr. & Mrs. Herman Poritzky Ms. Marcie Powers Mrs. Linda D. Puglisi, Supv. 1508 Eagle Bay Drive 804 Eagle Bay Town of Cortlandt Ossining, NY 10562 Ossining, NY 10562 Municipal Bldg., Van Wyck St. Croton-on-Hudson, NY 10520

Mr. & Mrs. A. Charles Rossi Ms. Carol J. Ryan Ms. Mary D. Rynersen 213 Half Moon Bay Drive 1606 Eagle Bay Drive 1705 Eagle Bay Drive Croton-on-Hudson, NY 10520 Ossining, NY 10562 Ossining, NY 10562 Mr. & Mrs. Andre' J. Van Schaften Mr. Edgar M. Seel Mr. John M. Shanahan 514 Half Moon Bay Drive 504 Eagle Bay Drive 312 Half Moon Bay Drive Croton-on-Hudson, NY 10520 Ossining, NY 10562 Croton-on-Hudson, NY 10520

Mr. & Mrs. Peter B. Sheridan Ms. Laurie Sholensky Ms. Erma Sinni 1 Ridgewood Drive Teatown Road 612 Half Moon Bay Drive Pleasantville, NY 10570 Croton-on-Hudson, NY 10520 Croton-on-Hudson, NY 10520

Ms. Joanne Steinhart Ms. Sharon H. Stern, Esq. Mr. & Mrs. Stanley Teller 1203 Eagle Bay Drive 91 Briarcliff Drive 109 Half Moon Bay Drive Ossining, NY 10562 Ossining, NY 10562 Croton-on-Hudson, NY 10520

Hon. Stephen Tenore, Chair Mr. Brad Turner Ms. Dina M. Viscarde Westchester Co Brd of Legis. North County News 612 Half Moon Bay Drive 148 Martine Avenue 1520 Front Street Croton-on-Hudson, NY 10520 White Plains, NY y 0601 Yorktown Hghts, NY 10520

Mr. Henry T. Webb, Jr. Ms. Joan Weinstein Dr. Michael Wolland 22 Van Wyck Street 86 Briarcliff Drive South 44 Lounsbury Road Croton-on-Hudson, NY 10520 Ossining, NY 10562 Croton-on-Hudson, NY 10520 NEWS DIRECTOR MIKB BENNETT NEWS DIRECTOR WPAS 123C AM.'WFAS 103.9 FM WHUD 100.7 FM/WLNA 1420 AM WRTN 93.5 FM/WVOX 1460 AM PO BOX SSI RADIO TERRACE 1 BROADCAST FORUM WHITE PLAJN3 NY 13602 PEEKSKILL NY 10S66 NEW ROCHELLE NY 10801

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UNA SHIH 1205 EAGLI: 3AY E-R OSSINING NV 1051:2 METRO-NORTH HARMON RAILROAD YARD HAZARDOUS WASTE SITE CHRONOLOGY

1980 The presence of hazardous waste (PCBs, heavy metals, ...) was discovered in 1980.

1985-1989 A preliminary investigation was carried out to determine if the site presented a significant threat to human health or the environment. The results of the investigation did show that the site is a significant threat to human health and the environment. The site was placed in the State Registry of Inactive Hazardous Waste Disposal Sites in 1985.

1988-89 Metro-North is under an Administrative Order to remediate the lagoon in accordance with Article 27, Title 13 (Inactive Hazardous Waste Remediation) of the New York State Environmental Conservation Law. The Administrative Order was issued in September, 1988 and subsequently amended in March 1989 and March 1990.

Summer 1989 A determination is made that the wastewater lagoon contamination problem could be addressed before completing the total site investigation.

February 1992 A feasibility study is completed which looked at a wide variety of alternatives for addressing the waste water lagoon contamination. Alternatives which were reviewed include bioremediation, thermal volatilization and incineration.

February 1992 A Proposed Remedial Action Plan (PRAP) for addressing the contaminated wastewater lagoon was issued; the preferred remedy includes the use of a mobile incinerator for destruction of the PCB contaminated sludges in the lagoon and the soils in the surrounding area.

February 27, 1992 A public meeting was held to discuss the alternatives that were reviewed and the basis for selecting the mobile incinerator.

April 23, 1992 The League of Women Voters sponsors a forum to further discuss the various alternatives.

May 1992 NYSDEC and DOH will hold an Availability Session to further address public questions, comments and concerns.

Summer 1992 NYSDEC will select a clean-up remedy for the lagoon and the surrounding soils.

Ongoing - The Departments of Environmental Conservation and Health will continue to work with the community and Metro-North on all aspects of remediation, such as health and safety, design work, etc.

A field investigation and feasibility study will be conducted by Metro-North to assess any impacts to the groundwater, Hudson River surface water, sediments and any off-site contamination. The public will continue to be informed and involved in this aspect of remediation. •

HARMON RAILROAD YARD WASTEWATER EQUALIZATION LAGOON AND OLD TREATMENT PLANT (I.D. #360010) WESTCHESTER COUNTY, NEW YORK

SITE LOCATION: The Harmon Railroad Yard is located in Croton-on-Hudson, Westchester County and is approximately 100 acres in size. This is a maintenance and repair yard owned by Penn Central Corporation of Cincinnati, Ohio and/or its subsidiaries. Penn-Central operated the Yard until 1976. From 1976 to 1982 it was operated by Conrail. Since 1983, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority has leased the Yard, and it has been operated by the Metro-North Commuter Railroad. The Yard is bounded by the Croton Point landfill on the south and the Hudson River on the northwest..

There are two inactive hazardous waste sites listed at the Yard: the equalization lagoon and pond (referred to as the lagoon) and the old wastewater treatment plant; and the remaining portion of the Yard. In 1980, PCBs were discovered in the effluent discharge from the old treatment plant. The source of PCBs was identified as one of the maintenance areas where transformers were serviced by Conrail and possibly Penn Central. This activity caused the release of fluids containing PCBs which were carried to the lagoon. Since the treatment process was not capable of removing PCBs, the old treatment plant, its pipelines and the lagoon became contaminated with PCBs. The pipelines were cleaned in 1984. Only the old treatment plant and the lagoon remain contaminated with PCBs.

CHARACTERIZATION OF THE SITE: A remedial investigation was conducted in the summer of 1989 to identify the type of contamination present at the site and to determine the extent of the contamination. During this study, samples of sludge, soil and groundwater were collected and analyzed for volatile organic compounds (VOCs), semi- volatile organics and metals.

The lagoon at the site was found to contain 3,520 tons of sludge. Approximately 200 tons of this sludge contains polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB) concentrations in excess of 500 parts per million (ppm); 1,080 tons of this sludge contains PCB concentrations between 50 and 500 ppm; and the remaining 2,240 tons contains PCB concentrations below 50 ppm. In addition to PCBs, the investigation identified VOCs, semi-volatile organics and metals in the sludge which exceeded NYSDEC cleanup levels.

Surface soils from around the perimeter of the lagoon and subsurface soils from below the lagoon will also be addressed during the remediation. The 3,750 tons of surface soil from around the perimeter of the lagoon contain PCBs that exceed a cleanup level of 0.5 ppm. Approximately 750 tons of these surface soils exceed 10 ppm of PCBs. The surface soils cleanup levels were also exceeded for cadmium, copper and magnesium and the semi-volatile organic compound 2-methylnaphthalene in the area surrounding the lagoon.

Page 1 of 5 Approximately 5,100 tons of soil situated below the lagoon sludges, though not sampled during this investigation, could potentially exceed the NYSDEC specified PCB cleanup level of 10 ppm for subsurface soils (soils below 2 feet). Consequently, all of these soils must be addressed during the remediation.

Nine groundwater monitoring wells were installed around the lagoon. A distinct -layer of petroleum product and other contaminants was found floating on top of the groundwater surface in three of the wells located both upgradient and downgradient of the lagoon.

ENFORCEMENT: Metro-North is under an Administrative Order to remediate the lagoon in accordance with Article 27, Title 13 (Inactive Hazardous Waste Remediation) of the NYS Environmental Conservation Law. The administrative order was issued in September 1988 and subsequently amended in March 1989 and March 1990.

CLEANUP LEVEL DETERMINATION: Based on the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) regulations (40 CFR 761) the USEPA has determined that all sludges contaminated with PCBs, regardless of concentration, must be properly remediated. The PCB disposal options under TSCA are limited to TSCA-permitted incinerators or an alternative treatment method that achieves a standard of performance equal to incineration.

NYSDEC has established a PCB cleanup level of 10 mg/kg for all subsurface site soils. Metro-North has proposed a PCB cleanup level of 0.5 mg/kg for surface soils. NYSDEC has also selected additional cleanup levels for specific organic and inorganic compounds that were detected in site soil samples during the RI.

SELECTION OF REMEDIAL ACTION: The Feasibility Study evaluated the following six remedial alternatives.

Alternative I: On-site Incineration and On-Site Disposal Total Cost: $10.13 Million

Alternative II: On-site Incineration and Off-Site Disposal Total Cost: $10.75 Million

Alternative III: Bioremediation and On-Site Disposal Total Cost: $9.87 Million

Alternative IV: Bioremediation and Off-Site Disposal Total Cost: $11.28 Million

Alternative V: Off-Site Incineration and Off-Site Disposal Total Cost: $14.69 Million

Alternative VI: Thermal Volatilization, Stabilization and On-Site Disposal Total Cost: $9.56 Million

Page 2 of 5 The NYSDEC recommended Alternative I, on-site incineration and on-site disposal of stabilized incineration residue. However, at the public meeting held on February 27, 1992, there was overwhelming opposition to on-site incineration. Alternative V - off-site incineration and disposal received the most support from the public. Comparisons of Alternatives I and V are presented below. Major differences between Alternatives I and V are highlighted in bold.

ALTERNATIVE I ALTERNATIVE V ON-SITE INCINERATION OFF-SITE INCINERATION AND DISPOSAL AND DISPOSAL

* Incineration of 3,520 tons of Incineration of 3,520 tons of sludge sludge

Stabilization/fixation of Off-site land disposal of the incineration residue and incineration residue relocation in the remediated lagoon

No transportation of waste Transportation of 3,520 tons required of sludge for several hundreds of miles

Incineration of 5,850 tons of Off-site land disposal of 5,850 soil exceeding 10 ppm PCB cone. tons of soil exceeding 10 ppm PCBs cone.

Relocation of surficial soil Relocation of surficial soil with with PCBs between 0.5 and PCBs between 0.5 and 10 ppm in 10 ppm in the remediated lagoon the remediated lagoon

At least two feet of clay At least two feet of clay material will be used to separate material will be used to separate the groundwater and the relocated the groundwater and the relocated material. material.

On-site incineration time is To be determined by the receiving six months to one year off-site facility, estimated to be one year

Decommissioning and disposal Decommissioning and disposal of the Old Wastewater Treatment of the Old Wastewater Treatment Plant facilities Plant facilities

* Cost: $9.1 million Cost: $14.3 million

Page 3 of 5 Both alternatives also require Metro-North to: (i) install an efficient product recovery system in the lagoon area; (ii) initiate an RI/FS to define the extent of contamination in the groundwater, surface water and the Hudson River sediment.

PERMITS No formal State permits are required as the remediation will be carried out under a consent order. However, before the remediation can commence, a demonstration must be made that the proposed treatment equipment will meet all substantive requirements and not pose an unacceptable risk to the community, public health, or the environment. This demonstration will include a review of the proposed unit's ability to meet all emission limits, dispersion modelling to demonstrate the maximum potential impact as well as a risk assessment to determine health impact. A test burn must be conducted to prove the unit's ability to meet the emission limits as well as its efficacy in remediating the soil and sludge. Approval of the test results must occur before remediation can commence. In addition, an approval from USEPA is required for incineration of PCBs which is regulated by the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). Major regulatory and technical requirements for on-site incineration are presented in the attachment.

PUBLIC PARTICIPATION Should on-site incineration remain as the selected remedy, the Department will continue to keep the public involved. Below is an outline of anticipated public involvement.

* Presentation at a public meeting of the draft Design Work Plan, including schedules and milestones for completion.

* Presentation of the draft Trial Burn Plan, including the Risk Assessment at a public meeting.

* Public meeting prior to the mobilization and start of the trail burn. If possible, an open house and a tour of the mobile incineration will be held at the site.

* Presentation of the trail burn results at a public meeting.

* Public meeting prior to the start-up of the production burn.

* Periodic meetings with the public during the production burn.

Page 4 of 5 MAJOR REGULATORY AND TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS

* Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) permit from USEPA will be required. NYSDEC regulatory staff from Divisions of Air and Hazardous Substances Regulation will be consulted.

* Destruction and Removal Efficiency (DRE) for PCBs = 99.9999% (i.e., of the 1,000 grams of PCBs in the soil and sludge, no more than 0.001 gram or one mg. of PCB would be allowed in the stack gases and the ash residue.

* DRE for Other Organic Contaminants = 99.99% (i.e., of the 1,000 grams of contaminants in the waste, only 0.1 gram or 100 mg. would be allowed to leave the stack and in the ash residue.

* 99% removal for hydrogen chloride gas or less than 4 lbs. per hour.

* Combustion efficiency of 99.9%

* Particulates emission will be less than 112.5 mg. per normal cubic meter of air, when corrected for 7% oxygen in the stack gas.

* Continuous monitoring of combustion temperature, oxygen and carbon monoxide; periodic monitoring of carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxides, hydrogen chloride, PCBs, total chlorinated organic compounds, and total particulate matter.

* Stack emission for metals of concern for hazardous waste will be established by the NYSDEC regulatory staff during the design based on the incinerator type, flow rate and concentration of metals in the waste stream. At present, the list of metals of concern for Hazardous Waste Incinerators regulated by the NYSDEC include Antimony, Arsenic, Barium, Beryllium, Cadmium, Chromium, Cobalt, Copper, Lead, Manganese, Mercury, Nickel, Osmium, Selenium, Silver, Thallium, Vanadium, and Zinc.

* A trial burn will be required prior to granting approval to operate a mobile incinerator. The purpose of the trail burn is to demonstrate that the incinerator meets TSCA and RCRA performance and operating standards, and to establish operating conditions.

Page 5 of 5 HARMON RAILROAD YARD WASTEWATER EQUALIZATION LAGOON AND OLD TREATMENT PLANT (I.D. #360010) CROTON-ON-HUDSON, WESTCHESTER COUNTY

Summary of Major Comments and Responses

Will this incinerator be running 24 hours a day? How much noise will there be and what kind of smells will be produced? What happens to the water that is used in this cleaning process? How much PCB dust will be airborne when the material is lifted into the incinerator and removed from it?

While this kind of incineration is capable of running 24 hours a day, it can be operated for shorter periods of time. If a shorter daily operating period is used, whether for technical or other reasons, it would make the remedial process take longer. Noise levels from most mobile incineration units should not be noticeable beyond a distance of 400 feet when the unit is operating, but the noise level in the immediate vicinity of the incineration unit will require ear protection for on-site personnel. Water used in the cleanup process, whether from the incinerator or other site-related activities, will be treated in Metro-North's wastewater treatment plant which is specially designed to treat PCBs. All wastewater treatment and discharge is controlled and monitored under an existing permit from the NYSDEC. Among other sources, contaminated water will come from general operation of the incinerator and dewatering sludge and soil prior to incineration. A Comprehensive Worker and Community Health and Safety Plan will be developed and will include requirements for controlling dust during all aspects of the project. We do not know now if there is anything in the sludge that would cause offensive odors during incineration. This is a concern that would be evaluated during design and required test burns.

The health effects of around 340 lbs. of lead being emitted at this incineration site is unacceptable. Lead and cadmium are non-volatile elements and will settle and remain in the community for many years.

The "estimate" that 340 lbs. of lead will be emitted from the incinerator during remediation is too high. This was based on controlling 90% of the metals emissions. In actuality, the air pollution control equipment will exceed 90% collection efficiency for metals. Among others, any incinerator used at this site will have to meet the requirements of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA). RCRA requires that a risk assessment must also be done for all metals, including lead and cadmium, emissions. NYSDEC and NYSD0H staff Will work closely with the public on all aspects of remediation including designing locations and methods/frequency of air monitoring, and any contingency plan necessary to assure the public health is protected during the remediation of the lagoon.

Page 1 of 4 C: Even if you can convince us that the incineration is safe, who is going to monitor?

R: A consultant approved by the State, and who specializes in air quality modeling and monitoring will be hired to design and oversee the operation of all monitoring activities. Continuous and periodic monitoring of several air quality parameters such as combustion control parameters, carbon monoxide, metals, hydrocarbons, hydrogen chloride and PCBs will be conducted. All air quality monitoring will be carried out under NYSDEC's oversight.

C: Incineration does not treat heavy metals and vast amounts of lead and other poisonous metals would remain as molten material to be buried on-site. This site does not qualify as a garbage landfill, yet NY3DEC is going to use it for toxics, without a liner, and within 100 feet of the Hudson River.

R: It is true that most of the metals would be retained in the incinerated ash residue, in fact that would be a goal of the emission controls. In order to make the metals unavailable for leaching into the environment, the residue will be stabilized, using a proven and widely used technology before replacing it in the remediated lagoon. The stabilized residue will be tested using State or Federal toxicity leaching tests. If the residue fails any of the tests for the toxic metals, it will be disposed in an off-site landfill: Only non-hazardous material will be disposed in the remediated lagoon. The stabilized residue will be placed back into the remediated lagoon on top of a clay liner at least two feet thick. These measures will protect the groundwater and prevent leaching of metals.

C: Loss of power, loss of induced draft, excessive built-up pressure in the combustion chamber and high temperatures in the quench chamber are possible upset conditions. Although these conditions may not occur frequently, there is a concern that any emissions that are unexpectedly released could harm both remediation personnel and residents in the vicinity.

R: Yes, though improbable, it is possible for upset conditions to occur. Stack emissions from the worst of these upset conditions will be taken into account in performing the human health risk assessment and air quality modelling. Appropriate contingency plans will be developed and put in place prior to the mobilization of the incineration unit. The incinerator will also be required to have controls that will automatically shut it down if there is an upset.

Page 2 of 4 Who will have the authority to halt the process if the environmental emissions exceed standards, and the process is determined to be hazardous to neighboring communities?

Prior to the mobilization of the incineration unit, "trigger" levels or monitoring criteria operating conditions and emissions of metals, PCBs and other constituents will be established. The on-site health and safety officer and the engineering consultant hired to oversee the operation of the incinerator will have the authority to shut down the operation. After the shut down, the whole incineration system will be checked and tested before it is re-started. If the incineration unit repeatedly fails to meet the established performance and regulatory standards, the Division of Hazardous Waste Remediation will re-evaluate the continued use of that incineration unit.

There are no provisions reported in the Feasibility Study to address the necessary further study of existing or suspected contamination attributable to the lagoon facility beyond the Metro-North property limits. Groundwater contaminants at this facility have not been tested below a depth of 40 or 50 feet. Addressing this information need would likely warrant consideration of additional groundwater investigation and other types of cleanup measures.

The Proposed Remedial Action Plan for the Harmon Yard Lagoon presented at the February 27, 1992 public meeting discussed a remedy to remove a major source of PCB contamination, thereby greatly reducing the public health and environmental threat. By no means was this meant to be the final remedy. Shortly, a detailed Remedial Investigation will be conducted by Metro-North to assess any impacts to the groundwater, Hudson River surface water and sediments and any off-site contamination. Once the detailed work plan is drafted, we will share that information with the public and solicit public input. We welcome your comments and suggestions.

The NYSDEC representative at the February 27th hearing also mentioned "in passing" that a separate State-funded investigation is in its "advanced stages" on other parts of the Metro-North site. It sounded very much like a "different agency" investigation, with no coordination between the Lagoon Study and this "other" process.

If multiple types of contamination exist on the same site and if these other problems also require remediation and if pooling the data and remediation process could expedite the cleanup...why does it sound like you people are not talking to each other? Or am I incorrect in what I thought I heard?

Metro-North is a large facility with challenging environmental problems involving several Divisions within the Department. Recently the Department has initiated a multi-media approach in an effort to coordinate all ongoing and future remedial actions at the site. This will assure better enforcement of Metro-North's environmental activities.

Page 3 of 4 The cost of all property in the area is bound to fall.

The proposed remedy is short term and expected to take only 6 to 12 months for completion. Once the remedy is completed, it will eliminate or greatly reduce hazardous materials from the site. The remediation will ultimately improve the environmental and public health aspects of the community.

Page 4 of 4 ' <2 £ve> '•&' *• New York State DepaWnent of Environmental Coiwlrvation 50 Wolf Road, Albany, New York 12233

THIS LETTER- WAS SENT TO THE ATTACHED LIST OF PEOPI/E Thomas C. Jorling ON MARCH 27,.1992 Commissioner

Dear

Thank you for your interest in the Metro North Harmon RailroafiTYard hazardous waste site located in Croton.

The Department's goal is to remediate this site so that it no longer presents a significant threat to. either health or the environment. In achieving this goal, everyone interested in, or affected by this site, needs to work together to select a remedial plan that is the most beneficial to the environment and public health, as well as the most cost effective. You have taken an active role in urging further community dialogue, and your continued involvement in an open and cooperative effort to explore the remedial program for the Harmon Railroad Yard is important.

bcc: F. Murray J. Martens Commissioner Jorling(2) Sincerely, L. Marsh R. Cross M. Gerstman E. Sullivan Edward O. Sullivan S. Weber Deputy Commissioner D. Banks Office of Environmental Remediation M. Gallo M. O'Toole C. Goddard B. Bentley R. Manna E. Hendricks, WCHD R. Pergadia C. Vasudevan E. O'Dell G. Carlson, NYSDOH S. Ervolina. ' Mr. Albert Annunziata Ms. Karen Appleby Mr. George Atlas Westchester Coop Condo Council S3 Old Albany Post Road 520 Half Moon Bay Drive 600 North Broadway Ossining, NY 10562 Croton-on-Hudson, NY 10516 White Plains, NY 10603

Ms. Lanette Baldwin Mr. Stephen L. Ballas Hon. Henry W. Barnett 22 Aqueduct Street 120 Half Moon Bay NYS Assembly Ossining, NY 10562 Croton-on-Hudson, NY 10520 720 Legislative Office Bldg. Albany, NY 12248

Mr. G. Anders Carlson, Dir. Mr. & Mrs. Richard Ceccatti Ms. Lois Cohen B.E.E.I., NYS Dept. of Health HI Half Moon Bay Drive 613 Half Moon Bay Drive 2 University Place - Room 205 Croton-on-Hudson, NY 10052 Croton-on-Hudson, NY 10620 Albany, NY 12203

Ms. Joanne Elliott Hon. Hamilton Fish, Jr. Mr. & Mrs. Joseph L. Gagnon 67 Briarcliff Drive U.S. House of Representatives 803 Eagle Bay Drive Ossining, NY 10562 2269 Raybura House Office Bldg Ossining, NY 10562 Washington, DC 20515

Ms. Sandy Galef Gannett Papers Mr. George Giomo Westchester Co Brd of Legis. 1 Gannett Drive 208 Half Moon Bay Drive 148 Martine Avenue White Plains, NY 10606 Croton-on-Hudson, NY 10520 White Plains, NY 10601

Hon. Mary B. Goodhue Mr. Nathaniel Goulby Ms. Daria Gregg NYS Senate 21 Hill Crest Avenue 51 Old Albany Post Road 226 East Main Street Ossining, NY 10562 Ossining, NY 10562 Mt. Kisco, NY 10549

Ms. Elizabeth Hendrick, Dir. Mr. Richard F. Herbek Mr. David B. Hirschhom, VPres Westchester County DOH Village of Croton-on-Hudson HMB Acquisition Corporation 19 Bradhurst Avenue P.O. Box 249 60 East 42nd Street, 48th Fl. Hawthorne, NY 10532 Croton-on-Hudson, NY 10520 New York, NY 10165

Mr. Peter Hoffmann Mr. Gareth Hougham Ms. Kathleen Hurlie 101 Half Moon Bay Drive 53 Old Albany Post Road 806 Eagle Bay Drive Croton-on-Hudson, NY 10520 Ossining, NY 10562 Ossining, NY 10562

Ms. Helene Imber Ms. Diane Ingram Dr. J. Juechter 404 Half Moon Bay Drive P.O. Box 490 904 Eagle Bay Croton-on-Hudson, NY 10520 Crompond, NY 10517 Ossining, NY 10562

Mr. Steven L. Karas Ms. Judith Karten Ms. Carol Katz 309 Half Moon Bay Drive 1304 Eagle Bay Drive 41 Briarcliff Drive South Croton-on-Hudson, NY 10520 Ossining, NY 10562 Ossining, NY 10562

Mr. & Mrs. Alan Moss Ms. Evelyn H. Murov Ms. Eileen K. Murray 117 Briarcliff Drive South 44 Briarcliff Drive Briarcliff Drive South Ossining, NY 10562 Ossining, NY 10562 Ossining, NY 10562

Dr. A. Joanne Olgee Mr. Michael Pantalion Mr. Andrew Paoletta 1006 Eagle Bay Drive 505 Eagle Bay Drive 1601 Eagle Bay Drive Ossining, NY 10562 Ossining, NY 10562 Ossining, NY 10562

Mr. Roger Peterson Ms. Robyn Pforr Mr. Bruno Picco Reservoir Road Gannett Suburban News 1808 Eagle Bay Drive Ossining, NY 10562 1825 Commerce Street Ossining, NY 10562 Yorktown Hghts, NY 10598

Ms. Gloria Brandt Pliskin Mr. Murray Plotkin Mr. & Mrs. Herman Poritzky 1803 Eagle Bay Drive 415 Half Moon Bay Drive 1508 Eagle Bay Drive Ossining.NY 10562 Croton-on-Hudson, NY 10502 Ossining.NY 10562

Ms. Marcie Powers Mrs. Linda D. Puglisi, Supv. Mr. & Mrs. A. Charles Rossi 804 Eagle Bay Town of Cortlandt 213 Half Moon Bay Drive Ossining.NY 10562 Municipal Bldg., Van Wyck St. Croton-on-Hudson, NY 10520 Croton-on-Hudson, NY 10520

Ms. Carol J. Ryan Ms. Mary D. Rynersen Mr. & Mrs. Andre' J. Van Schaften 1606 Eagle Bay Drive 1705 Eagle Bay Drive 514 Half Moon Bay Drive Ossining.NY 10562 Ossining, NY 10562 Croton-on-Hudson, NY 10520 ' m-

Mr. Edgar M. Seel Mr. John M. Shanahan Mr. &. Mrs. Peter B. Sheridan 504 Eagle Bay Drive 312 Half Moon Bay Drive 1 Ridgewood Drive Ossining, NY 10562 Croton-on-Hudson, NY 10520 PleasantvUle, NY 10570

Ms. Laurie Sholensky Ms. Erma Sinni Ms. Joanne Steinhart Teatown Road 612 Half Moon Bay Drive 1203 Eagle Bay Drive Croton-on-Hudson, NY 10520 Croton-on-Hudson, NY 10520 Ossining, NY 10562

Ms. Sharon H. Stern, Esq. Mr. & Mrs. Stanley Teller Hon. Stephen Tenore, Chair 91 Briarcliff Drive 109 Half Moon Bay Drive- — Westchester Co Brd of Legis. Ossining, NY 10562 Croton-on-Hudson, NY 10520 148 Martine Avenue White Plains, NY 10601

Ms. Joan Weinstein Dr. Michael Wolland 86 Briarcliff Drive South 44 Lounsbury Road Ossining, NY 10562 Croton-on-Hudson, NY 10520 New York State Department of Environmental Con^vation 50 Wolf Road, Albany, New York 12233

Thomas C. Joriing THIS LETTER WAS SENT TO THE ATTACHED DISTRIBUTION Commissioner LIST AND ALSO RECEIVED COPIES OF PACKAGE A (ATTACHED).

Dear :

Sincerely, V. Edward 0. Sullivan Deputy Commisioner Office of Environmental Remediation

Attachments • •

Distribution List Letter of March 27, 1992 from Edward O. Sullivan re: Remediation of Metro North Harmon Railroad Yard Hazardous Waste Site

Mayor Robert Elliott, Jr. Village of Croton-on-Hudson P.O. Box 249 Croton-on-Hudson, NY 10520

Mr. Richard Herbek, Village Manager Village of Croton-on-Hudson P.O. Box 249 Croton-on-Hudson, NY 10520

Mr. William Burton, Supervisor Town of Ossining 16 Croton Avenue Ossining, NY 10562

Mayor Joseph Caputo Village of Ossining 16 Croton Avenue Ossining, NY 10562

Mrs. Linda D. Puglisi, Supervisor Town of Cortlandt Municipal Building Van Wyck Street Croton-on-Hudson, NY 10520

Mr. George Pataki NYS Assemblyman Legislative Office Building, Room 534 Albany, NY 12248

Senator Mary Goodhue District Office 226 East Main Street Mt. Kisco, NY 10549

Mr. Henry Barnett NYS Assemblyman Legislative Office Building, Room 720 Albany, NY 12248 •

Page 2

Mr. Albert Annunziata Westchester Coop Condo Council 600 North Broadway White Plains, NY 10603

Ms. Robyn Pforr Gannett Suburban News 1825 Commerce Street Yorktown Heights, NY 10598

Mr. Brad Turner North County News 1520 Front Street Yorktown Heights, NY 10520

Mr. Gary J. Cahill, Editor Croton-Cortlandt Gazette P.O. Box 38 Croton-on-Hudson, NY 10520

Editor, Westchester Section New York Times 170 Hamilton Avenue White Plains, NY 10601 .

Mr. Stephen Kirschenbaum, Esq. (Counsel to Halfmoon Bay Homeowners Association Kirschenbaum, Shapiro & Marro 295 Madison Avenue New York, NY 10017

Mr. Ramanand Pergadia, Environmental Engineer NYS DEC - Region 3 21 South Putt Corners Road New Paltz, NY 12561

Representative Hamilton Fish, Jr. 2269 Rayburn House Office Building Washington, DC 20515

Mr. Andrew P. O'Rourke Westchester County Executive 148 Martine Avenue, 9th Floor White Plains, NY 10601 #

Page 3

Honorable Stephen Tenore, Chairman Westchester County Board of Legislators 148 Martine Avenue White Plains, NY 10601

Ms. Sandy Galef Westchester County Board of Legislators 148 Martine Avenue White Plains, NY 10601

Ms. Elizabeth Hendrick, Director Office of Environmental Health - Risk Control Westchester County Department of Health 19 Bradhurst Avenue Hawthorne, NY 10532

Mr. G. Anders Carlson, Director of B.E.E.I. NYS Department of Health 2 University Place - Room 205 Albany, NY 12203

Governor Mario Cuomo Executive Chamber State Capital Albany, NY 12224

Mr. Christopher Lapetina Westchester Regional Representative OMBUDSMAN 95 Church Street, Room 401 White Plains, NY 10601

Mr. David Cohen, President Half Moon Bay Homeowners Association Hudson House, Half Moon Bay Drive Croton-on-Hudson, NY 10520

Gannett Papers 1 Gannett Drive White Plains, NY 10606