DEC completes one phase of Brockport cleanup

More than 17,000 tons of contaminated soil and sediment have been removed from the tributary near the former 3M/Dynacolor site in Brockport. Yet, even with all of that work, Department of Environmental Conservation Director Sean Hanna says the clean up "isn't finished yet."

The soil was removed, in some spots up to six feet deep, in order to eliminate the danger of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB), cynanide and silver from the area. Also, removed has been wood, pipe and debris from the tributary and more than 5,000 feet of storm sewer has been cleaned or replaced.

"The clean-up is more than 99 percent complete," Village of Brockport Mayor Josephine Matela said. "So far, the DEC is satisfied with the results."

What remains to be completed is the continued injecting of the soil with molasses to help in the removal of soil and groundwater contamination. The injections began last fall and are done routinely.

No further clean up is proposed at the Superfund site but DEC will sample additional sediment and fish from the tributary to Brockport Creek to ensure the effectiveness of clean-up efforts.

"I think it's time we put this behind us," Matela said. The mayor said she thanked all who were involved in the clean up efforts including the DEC, 3M and GE as well as the residents who had to "endure the disruptions."