Amherst Times

CONCERNED CITIZEN :

I saw nothing in Benderson’s application to the NYS Brownfield Cleanup Program or submitted Remedial Investigative workplan indicating clean-up to residential standards (they stated clean-up to commercial standards). The state will allow 2nd floor residences in a site cleaned up to commercial standards (but not on ground level). They will leave plenty of lead and other stuff in the ground. Also, I didn’t see a discussion of the perpetual groundwater monitoring wells and specialty drainage outlet system to prevent pollution escaping the site. Who pays to maintain, monitor and fix these? Usually outlets are public improvements handed over to the town? I don’t think we need to pay any more fines to the NYSDEC for polluted groundwater and runoff. I also believe that participation in the BCP means that Benderson will not be liable for any pollution after the “clean-up.”