Contamination Clean-Up Plan For New Rochelle Armory Open For Comment

NEW ROCHELLE, NY — State environmental officials have opened a public hearing period on toxic cleanup plans at the New Rochelle Armory site ahead of ambitious waterfront redevelopment efforts.

The public is invited to comment on the proposed remedy currently being reviewed by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC), in consultation with the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH), to address contamination related to the armory.

According to the agencies, the primary contaminants of concern at the site are petroleum-related semi-volatile organic compounds (SVOCs), which are present site-wide in soil and groundwater, and PCBs and metals present in the southern portion of the site in soil and groundwater.

Based on the findings of the investigation, NYSDEC, in consultation with the New York State Department of Health, has determined that the site does not pose a significant threat to public health or the environment. This decision is based on the nature of the existing contaminants identified at the site, including no off-site migration of contaminants in the groundwater; the depth of contamination in the soil; and lack of the potential for human exposure to site-related contaminants via soil vapors, officials said.

According to the NYSDEC the proposed remediation plans call for:

• The removal of previously unidentified Underground Storage Tanks.
• Excavation and off-site disposal of contaminated soil to approximately 2 feet below ground surface (bgs) across the site. Soil will be removed to about 3 to 12 feet bgs in three approximately 15 feet by 15 feet areas in the southwest portion of the site impacted with PCBs and metals.
• Collection and analysis of end-point soil samples and post-remedial groundwater samples to evaluate the effectiveness of the remedy.
• Importation of clean material that meets the established Soil Cleanup Objectives for use as backfill.
• Placement of a cover system, including a demarcation layer over areas without hardscape (buildings, asphalt or concrete) to address contamination remaining above restricted residential soil cleanup objectives.
• Implementation of Health and Safety Plan (HASP) and Community Air Monitoring Plan (CAMP) during all ground intrusive activities. The HASP and CAMP establish procedures to protect on- site workers and residents and includes required air monitoring and dust and odor suppressions measures.
• Implementation of a Site Management Plan (SMP) for long term maintenance of the remedial systems.
• Recording of an Environmental Easement to ensure proper use of the site.

The proposed remedy plan was developed by Pratt Landing Partners LLC, the developers for the planned waterfront mixed-use, public, residential, office and retail space at the site, after performing a detailed investigation of the site under New York's Brownfield Cleanup Program (BCP).

NYSDEC is accepting written comments on the “Draft Remedial Action Work Plan (RAWP)” for 45 days, from December 7 through January 20. Documents related to the project can be found here.

For Project-Related Questions, contact:
Michael Squire, Project Manager
NYSDEC
625 Broadway
Albany, NY 12223
(518) 402-9546
michael.squire@dec.ny.gov

For Project-Related Health Questions, contact:
Sarita Wagh
NYSDOH
Bureau of Environmental Exposure
Investigation
Empire State Plaza, Corning Tower
Room 1787
Albany, NY 12237
(518) 402-7860
beei@health.ny.gov