The State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), St. Lawrence County, and the Development Authority of the North Country (DANC) held a comprehensive presentation on cleanup efforts at the former Jones and Laughlin (J&L) Steel Company site in Star Lake, St. Lawrence County. The public meeting was held at Clifton-Fine Central School auditorium in Star Lake. Approximately 60 people took part in a site tour following stakeholder presentations.
Approximately 760 cubic yards of PCB contaminated soil will be excavated and disposed of from 6 separate areas on the site. DEC approved the work plan to conduct the excavation in June. A contractor has been selected and the work has begun. Field work is expected to last up to three weeks.
To date, DEC has recovered 350,000 gallons of fuel oil released to the environment from the site. Removal of the released oil is ongoing. Since 2010, DEC, EPA, St. Lawrence County and DANC have been working together to remove asbestos and PCB contamination and to demolish and remove blighted buildings. Areas of the site found clear of hazardous waste contamination have been transferred to St. Lawrence County for redevelopment. The ongoing cleanup effort is designed to facilitate future, productive use of the site.
Published in the September 2018 Edition
