Diaz fields residents’ questions

At a January 16 community meeting, Diaz Vice President Clif Jenney informed residents of Holley who were gathered in the Holley High School auditorium that the goal of his company is to be a good corporate citizen.

“I apologize for any inconvenience or discomfort anyone has suffered because of the event on January 5,” he said. “We are taking your concerns seriously and are working diligently to make things right.”

During a question and answer session that lasted more than four hours, residents were given the opportunity to speak, for five minutes, to Diaz, health department, village and Department of Environmental Conservation officials.

Jenney explained to the audience that the reason for the release of more than 75 gallons of steam and chemicals into the air was because too much pressure built up in a vessel being used to heat those chemicals. The chemicals were a mixture of water, 2-chloro-6 fluorophenol and toluene. Jenney said the release was due to human error.

When questioned about the procedure used to notify residents of the chemicals’ release, Jenney said on Sunday morning a letter was delivered to the homes of the people that they felt were impacted by the release. Later in the afternoon, he said, the mayor of Holley delivered more letters to impacted residents.

“We have fielded more than 61 individual complaints from residents,” he said.

The main chemical released, 2-chloro-6 fluorophenol, is “moderately toxic” and is a skin irritant, he said. “Not much is known about the chemical,” he said. “It was a limited amount released and individuals only had a short term exposure.”

According to health department officials, “short term exposure” is a relative term and no exact time limit could be placed on it.

David L. Napier, regional toxics coordinator with the New York State Department of Health, said his team has been taking air samples from both the insides and outside of homes in the affected areas.

He cautioned residents that the tests being conducted are being made to see if the system for testing is working. If the department determines the procedure is adequate, testing will continue.

Because the chemical is so new to the market its effects are unknown and there have been no systems implemented for testing, he said.

Karen Nolan, an epidemiologist with New York state, said she is involved in the effort to gather information on exposure and health concerns from residents. Her department is also collecting urine samples from residents.

“There are no tests for this specific compound,” she said. “Our office is confident we can develop a test to detect if the chemical is in an individual’s urine sample.”

The test, however, will not tell how an individual will be affected, long term by exposure to the chemical; it will just measure whether it is in the urine.

Resident Andrew Saul urged village officials to condemn Diaz for their actions; asked that the fire department conduct monthly emergency fire drills inside Diaz’ complex; require Diaz to pay for clean up of the entire village; remove the top 18 inches of soil, clean the inside and outside of houses, remove and replace carpets and drapes; and require Diaz to supply every man, woman and child in the village with respirators.

“Our trustees are charged with taking all steps necessary for the safety, comfort and welfare of the village’s residents,” he said.

Mayor Lewis Passarell said the decision on soil removal would have to be determined by the DEC. “The Village of Holley did condemn Diaz for their actions,” he said.

Resident Dan Cole pleaded with the community to give Diaz the opportunity to clean up the spill. “They have always addressed our concerns,” he said. “I find it appalling that people believe everyone in the village deserves new carpeting and getting their homes painted.”

He said residents are trying to ride the “gravy train” from the incident in order to get their homes cleaned and clothing replaced.

Diane Heminway reminded residents of prior events at Diaz that included a release in December 1991 and a spill in August 1992. “Diaz told us there was no danger,” she said. “Once again Diaz is hiding behind a cloak of conspiracy … I’m upset to think you can continue to operate. I call what you do eco-terrorism.”

The most contentious point seemed to be Diaz’s lack of commitment to clean the entire interior of residents’ homes. “If you can’t smell it, your chance of exposure is minimal,” Jenney said.

Napier indicated that if the chemical had gotten into homes it was likely it could be carried throughout the home and could attach itself to items in the home.

Jenney indicated his willingness to continue to work with residents to address their concerns while Passarell urged individuals to contact the town attorney to discuss their rights regarding the clean up process.

Clean-up still continues on the exterior of the homes as well as vehicle and ductwork cleaning in affected homes. Many residents still reside in the Holiday Inn Express in Brockport. Jenney said Diaz is willing to pay for individuals to remain in the hotel as long as they cooperate with the clean up efforts that have been implemented.