ENDICOTT, N.Y. (WBNG) — The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation is working closely with the State Department of Health to protect public health in Endicott.
According to the DEC in 1979, volatile organic compounds, or VOCs, gases from solids or liquids, were found in the soil and water at IBM. The campus’ storage and handling of solvents and petroleum products caused these VOCs.
VOCs could have short and long-term health effects, including cancer or visual impairments, according to the Department of Health.
According to a recent report, IBM’s cleanup initiatives have resulted in significant environmental improvements for over four decades. The former IBM campus is divided into seven sections, all of which have active cleanup efforts performed by IBM with oversight by the DEC.
In the 1980s, soil excavation and contamination recovery efforts began after an underground storage tank leaked solvents and impacted the groundwater.
Extraction wells were upgraded and implemented in 2004. Clean water injections continued for more than 10 years
As of March 2024, approximately 500 ventilation systems have been installed.
The DEC noted that direct contact with soil contaminants is currently unlikely. People are not drinking contaminated groundwater because the area is served by a public water supply that is routinely tested, and the possibility of health effects in workers exposed to these levels is low.
Maintenance and groundwater sampling will continue, followed by demolition and soil sampling beneath the former building.
Before these cleanup initiatives, officials said they could not conduct soil samplings.
For the full report, follow this link.
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