CLIFTON SPRINGS — The G.W. Lisk Co. manufacturing site at 2 South St. has levels of trichloroethene, or TCE, well above state standards — and it poses a significant threat to public health and the environment. That’s the conclusion of the state Department of Environmental Conservation’s Region 8 office in Avon after reviewing a Remedial Investigation Report prepared by the company.
TCE is a halocarbon, or a clear, odorless, non-flammable liquid used as an industrial de-greasing solution and for paint stripping.
The report recommends the development of a remedy to address the contamination found.
“Based on the findings of the investigation, the DEC, in consultation with the state Department of Health, has determined that the site poses a significant threat to public health and the environment,” the report said. “This decision is based on levels of TCE which persists at levels above 300 micrograms per liter in the groundwater, thereby increasing the risk for soil vapor intrusion.”
DEC officials said TCE has been found at levels 340 times greater than allowed by DEC, or 1,700 micrograms per liter, in overburden groundwater. The TCE was 70 times greater than allowed, or 310 micrograms per liter, in bedrock groundwater.
State officials say TCE and other volatile organic compounds in the groundwater may move into overlying buildings and affect the indoor air quality. In fact, state officials said on-site soil vapor intrusion already had been mitigated through two interim remedial measures.
“Sampling indicates that soil vapor intrusion is not currently a concern for off-site structures, but could become a concern as the plume continues to migrate over time,” the report said.
DEC will continue its review of the report, make any necessary revisions, and, if appropriate, approve the investigation report, making it available to the public.
Lisk officials may then develop a cleanup plan, called a Remedial Action Work Plan, describing how contamination will be addressed, with the DEC and DOH overseeing the work. DEC will present a draft cleanup plan to the public for review and comment during a 45-day period. DEC officials say they will keep the public informed throughout the investigation and cleanup of the site.
Documents are available for review at the Clifton Springs Public Library, 4 Railroad Ave. Comments and questions also can be directed to DEC Project Manager Joshua Klier in Avon at 585-226-5357 or [email protected]. The site number is C835026.
The Lisk facility is in the south-central portion of the village, directly south of the Clifton Springs Hospital and Clinic. It features two main clusters of buildings, a parking area, and driveways. The western and southern portion of the industrially zoned site are mostly wooded, with Sulphur Creek flowing northwest through the site. The surrounding parcels are used for a combination of industrial, commercial and residential uses.
G.W. Lisk’s history in Clifton Springs dates to 1882. It’s a global leader in the design and manufacturing of custom solenoids, solenoid valves, sensors and flame arrestors for use in the aerospace, defense, highway, oil and gas, industrial, and medical fields. Founded by George Washington Lisk, the company began as a maker of bake ware, cake pan tins,and paint-sprayer devices.