The major development is that excavation at the site has gone as deep as the current setup of the site will allow and there is still contamination of phthalates an estimated 4-5 feet below what has already been excavated. Along with the MRC, DEC is proposing to allow a procedure called “In-Situ Solidification” or “ISS” which essentially mixes contaminated soil with concrete. The original decision had called for removal of all of the contaminants which the DEC has now deemed not feasible. Because of this change, there has to be an amendment to the Record of Decision which will trigger a 30-day public comment period and a formal meeting during that time.
We have been informed that while public comment begins today, “The ISS for the whole site is complete.”