EPA Seeks Removal of Former Scrap Yard from Superfund List

Construction & Demolition Recycling

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has proposed removing the Consolidated Iron & Metal site in Newburgh, New York, from the EPA’s Superfund list of the most contaminated hazardous waste sites. The agency made the proposal after demolishing buildings and removing more than 68,000 cubic yards of contaminated soil, 30,000 tires, 1,400 tons of scrap metal and 380 tons of concrete from the site.

According to the EPA, past operations at the site had contaminated the soil and groundwater with polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), volatile organic compounds and metals, the EPA says.

“Ironically, the Consolidated Iron & Metal site is located on the banks of a beautiful stretch of the Hudson River. I am happy that the cleanup is complete and this important land can become a useful asset to the Newburgh community,” says Judith Enck, EPA regional administrator.

The EPA and the New York Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) have determined that all necessary cleanup actions have been completed and the site no longer poses a threat to people’s health or the environment.

The EPA says it will continue to oversee groundwater monitoring and will conduct periodic reviews to ensure that the cleanup continues to be protective. The public is encouraged to comment on the proposed deletion of the site through October 30, 2014.

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