Duracell Soil Remediation: 7 Down, 71 to Go

The Duracell soil remediation project in Sleepy Hollow's Barnhardt Park area is on hold for the winter months but work is expected to resume in March.

"We started remediating properties in September and completed seven properties to the satisfaction of the property owners," said newly appointed communication director for the project Win Sakdinan. "During the winter, we are diligently meeting and preparing plans with many of the 71 remaining property owners."

The first yards to get fenced off and dug up were those closed to the former Mallory battery plant, source of high mercury levels detected in surrounding soil. In a letter of introduction sent to Patch back in September when the work first began, Sakdinan outlined the project.

Remediation activities will specifically include:

1. Removing top soil from the front and back yards

2. Collecting soil samples to ensure the cleanup objective has been met

3. Properties will be restored to their original condition to the greatest extent possible including new soil, sod, bushes, and trees (for some properties we will also replace patios and fences as needed)

4. To ensure the safety of the area, a Community Air Monitoring Program will be in place during all times of the excavation work to measure dust levels

One of the photos along with this article shows what one air monitoring device looks like, sitting just outside a Lawrence Avenue fence.

"Our goal is to minimize disruption for the neighborhood while expeditiously completing the work," Sakdinan said. 

As they did in the fall, when spring comes the remediation crew promises to work only during normal construction hours, follow the Village’s ordinances, and follow planned trucking times and routes to minimize traffic. Duracell is collaborating closely with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC), the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) and the Village of Sleepy Hollow throughtout the process.

Despite the winter break, the public outreach continues: the Project Office on 160 Cortlandt Street is open, albeit with less hours.

"We thank the property owners and the Sleepy Hollow community for their cooperation and collaboration," Sakdinan said.

For an appointment or more information, phone: 1-877-410-8412, email info@formermallorybatteryfactory.com, or visit the storefront at 160 Cortlandt Street (Monday and Wednesday 10am-2pm or by appointment.)

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Do you live in or own one of the seven properties already remediated? How did the process go for you? Or are you up next? What are your questions or concerns as spring approaches and work resumes? Tell us in the comments.