Health and safety is a critical part of the Citizens MGP site remediation project as we work to address the environmental impacts at the site and improve the environment. National Grid is committed to protecting the public, our workers and contractors and the environment from potential hazards that can occur as part of cleanup activities planned for the site.
Health and safety programs are comprised of careful planning, good communication and effective monitoring of the execution of the health and safety plans. Remediation work will be performed by qualified contractors that are appropriately trained and monitored, and is to be performed in accordance with applicable regulations. Health and Safety Plans have been developed for each remediation activity. Contractors are required to have employee training and medical monitoring programs, and are evaluated based on their compliance with established health and safety plans.
Public safety will be monitored under oversight from NYSDEC and NYSDOH using the Community Air Monitoring Program and a Traffic Control Plan. The Community Air Monitoring Program will include air monitoring at the construction / remediation site and also between remediation activities and nearby residential and commercial areas. Remediation of MGP wastes can produce unpleasant odors, and this will be controlled to the extent practicable by using a temporary enclosure over the work areas, limiting the size of the area excavated; using foam to cover exposed waste materials and by occasionally stopping work if necessary. The Community Air Monitoring Plan has specified monitoring locations and concentrations that will determine when additional odor or emission controls must be used and when the work must stop to protect workers and the public.
The Traffic Control Plan will be used to manage traffic in and around the remediation activity and whenever trucks travel to and from the site. This program will include route planning for trucks and other vehicles, and coordination with local authorities and agencies on transportation safety issues.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the problem?
Historical gas manufacturing activity has impacted soil and groundwater at the Citizens former MGP Site. Some of these materials have the potential to affect human health or the environment. The site remediation program is designed to clean up the site so that it can be returned to valuable use.
Should I be concerned?
The Final Remedial Investigation Report accepted by the NYSDEC identified the extent of site related contamination both on and off-site. The contaminants are all under the surface and there are no currently open pathways through which people on site or in the surrounding neighborhood are being exposed to them. Shallow groundwater and surface water near the site are not used for drinking water sources. In addition, extensive testing performed to date with oversight from the NYSDEC and NYSDOH does not show any site-related indoor air concerns in the buildings on the site or in the community.
What can I expect when remediation starts?
National Grid is continuing to conduct on-site activities to complete the development of a Remedial Design for the sections of the site. These activities include locating underground structures and any underground utilities, completing the delineation of where concentrations of contaminants may be located and developing additional information about soil conditions related both to the construction of the barrier wall and the excavation program. A comprehensive Community Air Monitoring Program will also be developed and put in place under NYSDEC and NYSDOH oversight to effectively monitor the work. Truck traffic will be managed in accordance with a Trucking plan being developed for review by the NYSDEC and local agencies.