Contamination At Firestone Site Subject Of DEC Investigation

NEW ROCHELLE, NY — The New York Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) is inviting public comment about a draft work plan to investigate contamination at the site of the former Firestone Tire & Auto Repair facility downtown.

The Brownfield Cleanup Program site at 316 Huguenot Street currently houses a plumbing home improvement business. The structure was constructed in 1957 and housed the Firestone Tire & Auto Repair business, operating at various times as a filling station, automotive repair garage and tire business, according to the agency.

Earlier studies of the property located disused underground storage tanks, according to DEC reports on the site. Evidence of volatile and semi-volatile organic compounds, as well as metals in soil and groundwater on site were found. The agency also reported that elevated levels of petroleum-related volatile organic compounds were detected in the soil vapor beneath the site.

"The investigation will define the nature and extent of contamination in soil, groundwater and any other parts of the environment that may be affected," DEC said in a notice announcing its Remedial Investigation Work Plan.

According to the DEC, key components of the investigation work will include:

• Drilling and sampling soil borings to identify possible on-site sources of contamination
• Collecting soil vapor, sub-slab soil vapor, and indoor air samples
• Installing and sampling ground water wells to monitor impacts from areas of concern both on-site and off-site.

The investigation into contamination at the site is slated to be performed by Allstate Acquisitions with oversight by DEC and the New York State Department of Health. Public comment on the plans should be submitted in writing until Oct 15.