Residents still remain out of their homes in Holley

More than 35 days have passed and many Holley village residents are still living out of suitcases in Brockport’s Holiday Inn Express.

Residents were given the opportunity to speak to village officials during the February 12 regular board meeting. They addressed the board members, again, with their concerns over the handling of the Diaz chemical spill that occurred January 5.

Diaz has admitted and apologized for the chemical leak on January 5 that saw more than 80 gallons of 2-chloro-6 fluorophenol released into the air. Neither Diaz nor health department officials are able to determine the long term effects of the chemical on public health. Short term effects include burning eyes, skin irritation and in some cases, respiratory problems.

In order to accommodate the large crowd, officials moved the meeting to the Holley Fire Department.

Retired New York state certified chemist and village resident Andrew Saul again urged the board to pass resolutions condemning the actions of Diaz Chemical Corporation; requiring the fire department to conduct monthly practices inside the facility; demand that Diaz conduct and pay for all intense clean up of the entire village including the replacement and removal of the top 18 inches of top soil of all lawns, repaint all village homes inside and out; removal and replacement of all carpeting, draperies and curtains inside all village homes; require Diaz to purchase respirators for every man, woman and child in the village and require Diaz to construct and pay for an access road to their plant by way of the Industrial Park.

Saul said until the trustees and mayor move, approve and vote for all of the above resolutions, all the residents are getting is talk. "Diaz profits while polluting our homes," Saul said. "What are you… the mayor, trustees and attorney going to do for us?"

Saul said up to this point, the officials have not done much. "There have been no resolutions passed and no legislation introduced to protect us against Diaz."

Village Attorney Joe Sansone presented everyone in attendance with a detailed list of the summary of actions taken by Mayor Lewis Passarell and the village board. The list detailed meetings attended, correspondence sent and received, and independent safety efforts that had been implemented.

"There is no sense in passing a resolution that has no teeth," Sansone said. "Environmental conservation and these type of regulations are highly regulated areas and it would be difficult for us to draft a resolution that would make a difference," Sansone said.

Sandra Jennings said she went back to her home and after a brief time there her eyes started burning and she developed contact dermatitis from touching items in her home. "My doctor told me not to go back," she said.

Sansone agreed with information released by the State Department of Health a week ago. "If you are unable to stay in your home, if you can still smell the chemicals, then you should definitely vacate."

Resident Anita Trupo said she has dealt with Diaz and the problems for more than 12 years and she commended board members for their swift response to the January 5 incident. "I think our current mayor and trustees have done their best," she said. "Their efforts convey concern for our future," she said.

In addition to helping residents address concerns with the State Attorney General’s office, Sansone said, they have also begun independent air duct testing in the school system.

Meetings, correspondence and testing of village properties will continue, Sansone said.