Schumer Announces EPA has Heeded his Call & Will Relocate Residents Along Eighteenmile Creek in Lockport as Part of Clean-Up Plan

Press Release

Today, U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer announced that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has heeded his call and agreed to relocate six residences along Eighteenmile Creek in Lockport that are routinely impacted by flood waters from the contaminated creek. Eighteenmile Creek is an EPA Superfund site that has been plagued by hazardous waste contamination, which is now threatening the health and safety of half a dozen homeowners and their families along Water Street. The EPA today announced a plan for remediation, the includes relocating residents and buying contaminated property along the creek and taking remedial action to clean up the land. In his letter earlier this month Schumer had argued that -- first and foremost -- the EPA should move these residents to protect their health and safety. Secondly, he argued that not only is relocation a cheaper short-term option, but it's also more cost-effective over the long-term. The cost to purchase all the homes is estimated at only $250,000 but a temporary soil cap would cost approximately $1.2 million and could be washed away by future flooding.

"The EPA's decision to move the residents away from contamination first, and then clean up the contaminated site is a smart choice for the health and safety of Western New Yorkers. I am pleased that the EPA has heeded my call and is proposing as part of their remedial action plan the relocation of these residents, which prioritizes safety and is the far more cost-effective option," said Schumer. "This proposed solution takes these residents out of harms' way, and avoids a course of action that would have left them exposed to hazardous contamination. These homeowners who have rightfully been concerned about contamination in their yards, drinking water, and flooded basements are now going to get the relief and peace of mind they deserve."

Following five inches of rain June 28, Eighteenmile Creek -- which is contaminated with PCBs, heavy metals and other hazardous materials -- overflowed its banks into nearby properties. Some residents on Water Street report experiencing recurrent flooding, up to 8 to 10 times a year. The EPA recently held a public hearing during which a number of residents voiced their support for the inclusion of relocation in the remedial action plan. Schumer noted that this is a public health concern and relocation of the six homes should be included in any action plan, regardless of other strategies. Today the EPA announced that they would clean up nine homes along Eighteenmile Creek and purchase six of the properties -- and relocate the residents -- as a part of their first phase of remediation. The phase one plan includes the purchase and demolition of the six contaminated properties, which will allow the EPA to excavate the soil, measure the extent of the contamination, and begin phase two and phase three cleanup. The EPA is encouraging public comment on the proposed first phase of remediation at a public hearing on August 13th, where they will outline their plan and collect feedback.

The Eighteenmile Creek site is located in Niagara County, New York, on the south side of Lake Ontario. Much of the flow in the main branch of Eighteenmile Creek comes from water diverted from the New York State Barge Canal (NYSBC). The creek flows north for approximately 15 miles and discharges into Lake Ontario in Olcott, New York.

Eighteenmile Creek has a long history of industrial use dating back to the 19th century when it was used as a source of power. Eighteenmile Creek was designated as an area of concern (AOC) because of water quality and bottom sediment problems associated with past industrial and municipal discharge practices, the disposal of waste and the use of pesticides. Sampling indicates the presence of numerous contaminants in creek sediments, the most prevalent being Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). Other pollutants include mercury, lead, copper, pesticides/insecticides, dioxins, and furans.

Specific causes of contamination have not been determined, but possible sources may include releases from hazardous waste sites or contaminated properties. Burt and Newfane dams, both located on Eighteenmile Creek downstream of the Corridor Site, may serve as areas within the creek where contaminated sediments accumulate.

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