Are CWM excavations releasing radioactive contaminants into our air and water?

The NYS DOH and NYS DEC approved an excavation plan for CWM to perform maintenance activities at the site despite a 1972 Order to prohibit excavation. The plan neglects to require CWM to conduct soil sampling in advance of excavation. Gamma detection equipment (similar to a Geiger counter) will not detect all forms of radioactive material known to have been present on CWM property, such as plutonium. CWM air sampling has been very limited during the past 10 years in terms of locations, frequency, and constituents analyzed.

• The 1972 order says that the Lake Ontario Storage Area (now LOOW) “shall not be developed or used for industrial, commercial or residential purposes,” except that use at the time of the order could continue, but not “expanded or broadened.” It can be used for recreation, but only occasionally to avoid undue exposure.
• The 1974 DOH “Supplementary Order” changes the “industrial” and “commercial” restriction, but not the residential one, and adds specific restrictions pertaining to schools and hospitals. However, it requires “slab construction.”
• History: ChemTrol took over the property in 1972 – hence, the 1972 DOH order. Then came SCA Chemical Waste in 1973 and it violated the 1972 order. According to the CWM history web site, CWM itself was not formed until 1975 and did not take over administration of the Model Cities facility until 1984. See: http://www.fundinguniverse.com/company-histories/Chemical-Waste-Management-Inc-Company-History.html

Summary: NO DIGGING Prohibit all excavation at CWM. RRG opposes excavation on CWM property due to the history of chemical and radiological contamination there.  For more information on the property history, see the Lake Ontario Ordnance Works Restoration Advisory Board (LOOW) website.