We are hopeful that our work at Hastings will become a model for how the State, local communities and industry can unite to return such industrial properties to economic viability. DEC issued a proposed cleanup plan for the property in September 1998, which called for the excavation and off-site disposal of PCB contaminated soils, the replacement of the wooden bulkhead and additional measures to prevent possible public exposure to site contaminants. After extensive public review and comment, the company conducted additional sampling at the site to better delineate the location and extent of PCB contamination. Based on this new information, AER, LLC. is evaluating additional alternatives for cleanup of the site. The bulkhead replacement is being done as an interim measure to prevent PCB contamination associated with the site from further threatening the Hudson River and its natural resources while a remedy for the site is being finalized.
Oil continues to be removed on a weekly basis.
A fence also was erected around contaminated areas. Based on the additional sampling being done, DEC expects to issue a new proposed remedy for the site in Spring 2001. After additional public comment on the plan, a final cleanup strategy for the site will be issued. A second investigation involving off-site contamination is being handled separately. Last fall, DEC performed an extensive investigation of sediment contamination adjacent to the site.