News

HAZMAT on the Hudson: Nyack Center Mon Mtg

Published

November 15, 2013

O&RGasPlantSign201207 Next month Nyack will welcome a big tent to town down by the river. However, the show inside won’t be open to the public because the only juggling taking place will involve the careful handling of hazardous wastes, some of which date back to 1852. You can learn more about the remediation plans for the former Manufactured Gas Plant site on Gedney Street fronting the Hudson River at a public hearing at the Nyack Center on Mon Nov 18 at 7p.

The Gedney Street site, adjacent to the Clermont Condominiums at the foot of Main Street in Nyack, was once home to a 19th century Manufactured Gas Plant. While the gas tanks and pressure gauges are long gone, its pollutants remain. The original gasworks service was established in 1852 as a small-scale operation that delivered gas through underground pipes to local clients.

[pullquote]”Sediment handling activities will take place under a large tent-like structure with an air handling system and carbon filters.[/pullquote] This temporary structure will control vapors and dust generated by the sediment management activities and will be similar to the temporary structures that were used at the site during previous phases of remediation. Real-time air monitoring will be conducted 24-hours a day, seven days per week throughout the project. The structure and air monitoring will ensure that local residents are not exposed to dust and vapors above NYSDOH established guidelines. These precautions will also minimize the potential for odors from the site activities.” — NYS Department of Environmental Conservation Project Update and Public Information Meeting Announcement

In 1890, it was reorganized as Nyack Gaslight and Fuel Corporation and converted from coal to carbureted water gas. Later, the company halted production, operating only when consumer demand peaked. Despite infrequent production, the gas manufacturing process produced coal tar condensation that escaped from storage vessels and pipes, seeping into the surrounding soil on the banks of the Hudson River.

Remediation work on the site will begin in December, 2013 and is expected to last 6-8 months. All work will be conducted during Mon-Fri from 7a-5p.

NYSDEC, NYSDOH and O&R will hold a public information meeting at 7p on Mon Nov 18 at the Nyack Center, 58 Depew Avenue, Nyack, NY to discuss the details of the remedial activities. In the event of snow, the meeting will be held at the Nyack Center on November 25, 2013.