Cleanup of Former Matt Petroleum Site Underway in Utica

• by New York State Department of Environmental Conservation

ALBANY, NY (02/04/2010)(readMedia)-- Marking another environmental milestone in Utica, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Pete Grannis today announced that the cleanup of the former Matt Petroleum site in the heavily industrial northern section of the city is underway.

"The launch of the Matt Petroleum cleanup is significant for the people of Utica, the local economy and the environment," Commissioner Grannis said. "With this cleanup, DEC will address contamination left behind by past users of the property which will enable the city to plan for its future productive use."

Since fall 2008, DEC has achieved three major remediation goals in Utica: the removal of the Bossert Manufacturing site from the Superfund program, the launch of the dredge-spoil cleanup of Utica Harbor and the commencement of the Matt Petroleum cleanup.

Located on Leland Avenue and bordered by the Mohawk River, the former Matt Petroleum site is a 4.7-acre parcel that housed a brickyard in the first half of the 20th century and a bulk petroleum terminal from the 1950s to the 1990s. Over the years, leaking pipes and tanks contributed to soil and water contamination, and several major oil and gasoline spills in excess of 50,000 gallons resulted in discharges reaching the river. Various grades of petroleum products ranging from heavy fuel oil to lighter gasoline and diesel products were routinely stored and used on the site.

As DEC was developing the cleanup remedy for Matt Petroleum, some interim remedial work was conducted, including the removal of 14 above-ground petroleum storage tanks, five underground storage tanks, a network of piping and several buildings. The interim work allowed DEC to determine the extent of the pollution and the appropriate cleanup strategy. As the cleanup gets underway, the plan calls for excavating approximately 77,000 tons of petroleum-contaminated soils. Digging will be conducted to the underlying clay layer which ranges from five to 12 feet below the surface. Beginning this week, contractors will be on-hand to prepare the site for the cleanup work.

Utica Mayor David Roefaro said: "I've spent my first two years in office working tirelessly with the DEC and committing to projects that promote green energy, revitalization and overall urban renewal. Today, the DEC and the City of Utica work hand-in-hand. Together, we've embarked on three major projects, and the cleanup of the former Matt Petroleum Site is another major milestone that will usher in clean land, investors and, eventually, developers. I thank Commissioner Grannis for working with my administration to enhance underutilized land just waiting for its second chance, its renaissance. These remediation projects play a vital role in sustaining our tax base, our environment and our people."

"The clean-up of the Matt Petroleum site is an extremely important step in the revitalization of the Harbor Point area and of North Utica," said Assemblywoman RoAnn M. Destito. "The removal of the large cluster of storage tanks that were on-site greatly improves the appearance of the area, and the cleanup of contaminants removes a major obstacle to Mayor Roefaro's plans to redevelop this very valuable tourism asset here in the Mohawk Valley region. I want to commend Commissioner Grannis because he clearly understands the importance of remediating this area so that Harbor Point can reach its full potential as a recreation area for local residents and visitors."

"This site has been one of the most notorious contaminated areas in Utica and I applaud DEC for its continued commitment to assist Mayor Roefaro in helping to clean this site," said State Senator Joseph A. Griffo. "Commissioner Grannis is to be commended for keeping our area a high priority."