Local News

submitted by Rich Crist

The Federal government should provide a clear timeline for the remediation of properties in Hoosick Falls and Petersburgh with PFOAs, particularly if the properties are added to the Superfund list, said Chair of the Legislature Stan Brownell.[private]

Brownell said he wants to avoid delays seen in the remediation of other toxic clean-up projects, including federal Superfund sites in the region and across the country.

An application has been filed for inclusion of the Saint-Gobain McCaffrey Street site on the federal Superfund National Priorities List. The Legislature has supported clean-up efforts in both communities, and ongoing efforts to provide clean and safe water to both communities.

A federal remediation timeline would help revitalization efforts in the community, restore confidence among residents and property owners and help coordinate actions by different levels of government, said Brownell. Along with the remediation timeline, Brownell has also called for establishment of a dedicated website to upstate residents on progress of the clean-up.

“Residents of Hoosick Falls and Petersburgh need and deserve a clear timeline for the clean-up of these sites, and to ensure progress is made in months, not decades,” said Brownell.

There are numerous examples nationally of Superfund projects making little progress after years and even decades. Right in Rensselaer County, there has been little marked progress on the Loeffel toxic waste site five years after the site was included on the Superfund list.

“There is frustration nationally and locally with progress on Superfund projects. We want to avoid that, and help Hoosick Falls and Petersburgh grow and heal after dealing with the PFOA issue,” said Brownell.

“There has been considerable concern and frustration with Superfund projects, and we want to avoid those types of delays moving forward in Hoosick Falls and Petersburgh,” said Legislator Judith Breselor.

Brownell has sponsored a resolution seeking a clear timeline from the federal government, along with adequate funding for remediation, and inclusion of the Saint-Gobain McCaffrey Street site. The resolution will be included for consideration at the November 9 legislative meeting.[/private]