Letter to the Hon. Andrew Wheeler, Admin. of the Environmental Protection Agency - Following massive fire Wednesday night at abandoned Charlestown mall, Schumer, Brindisi say property could pose environmental and public health threats to surrounding communities; Reps call for EPA to immediately inspect site for potential qualification for emergency response program

Letter

Dear Administrator Wheeler

We write to urge the U.S. Environmental Protect Agency (EPA) to send an On-Scene Coordinator to the abandoned Charles Town Mall site in Upstate New York -- which is near a total loss after it was engulfed by a massive fire -- to assess conditions and determine if the site qualifies for the EPA's emergency response program. Thankfully there was no loss of life or injuries and emergency responders did a superb job containing the fire. However the compromised building structure and the smoke released from the fire may pose an environmental and public health threat that the EPA, via its emergency response program, is better suited to handle than local authorities.

The Charles Town Mall -- located on the border between Herkimer and Oneida counties, straddling the Town of Frankfort and City of Utica in New York -- has been a burden for local officials as fires and vandalism have plagued the site for years. After decades of productive use dating back to the 1900s, the property has been abandoned and in a state of disrepair since the early 2000s. While this was not the first fire at the property, it is by far the most severe. Much of the property has collapsed and smoke from the fire spread for miles. The city of Utica declared a state of emergency as they and state officials monitor air quality. Responding to the damage poses a technical and financial challenge for these communities and requires the EPA's assistance.

We request that you send an On-Scene Coordinator to the site to determine if actions are needed to address release or threatened release of hazardous substances, which would require prompt action from the EPA. Until it can be determined that the site does not pose a threat to the environment or public health, it is crucial that the EPA devotes all necessary resources immediately to remedy this situation.

Thank you for your attention to this important request. If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact my office.

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