EPA hosts Holley meeting for Diaz neighbors

For more than four hours March 24, officials from the Environmental Protection Agency listened to concerns from Holley residents over their former neighbor, Diaz Chemical. EPA officials also offered updates about the clean-up efforts that are underway at the site.

More than two years after chemicals were released into the air over many Holley homes, there are 11 families who are still living in Brockport hotels and apartments because their homes have not been declared safe to live in.

At the recent meeting, EPA officials detailed the agency's efforts to remove more than 4,600 drums of chemicals and other equipment from the former Diaz site. Diaz declared bankruptcy last June and closed its doors at that time.

Several residents raised concerns over the lack of attendance at the meetings by village board officials. Newly elected Mayor Skip Carpenter said that the meetings were geared towards people who believe their health and property has been impacted by Diaz.

The EPA said it would likely be at least two more months before it would issue its report about the safety of houses and the neighborhood adjacent to the Jackson Street facility.