State Department of Environmental Conservation and federal Environmental Protection Agency officials resumed progress reports Friday on radiological testing taking place across Niagara and Erie counties.
Since July 23, joint NYSDEC and EPA teams obtained 1,134 signed access forms and screened 1,094 properties. Preliminary data reviews indicate that the vast majority of properties screened will need no further action. Of the initial screenings, more than 907 properties received notification indicating no additional radiological investigation is needed at their property.
In reports released in mid-August, officials said 856 property owners had granted them access.
To date, NYSDEC referred 40 parcels to EPA for additional investigation, with four properties receiving voluntary temporary relocation and the owners of two parcels later declining supplemental assessment.
Teams expect to continue assessing all properties and notify property owners of results on an ongoing basis as the data is reviewed. Information packets, which include a formal letter of determination, a copy of the property’s screening map, and fact sheet, were mailed to property owners.
Once an on-site radiological survey is complete, the data is brought back to EPA, NYSDOH, and NYSDEC experts to thoroughly analyze the data and determine if additional assessment is needed.
Where additional investigation is needed, EPA and NYSDEC are working directly with property owners and residents to schedule and complete additional assessment activities, which may include additional radiological scans, air sampling, and soil sampling.
Public dashboard launched
To enhance transparency and keep communities informed, the agencies have launched a public dashboard posted to the NECRA website that provides real-time access to project information and progress updates.
The dashboard enables residents to see where survey activities have been conducted in their area and whether properties were referred to EPA for additional sampling, assessment, and potential cleanup actions. This resource is designed to provide greater visibility into ongoing work and the daily updates will help support informed community engagement throughout the process.
Background sampling
Starting this week, EPA and NYSDEC, in consultation with the state Department of Health, are conducting background sampling to define the range of naturally occurring radiation throughout Niagara and Erie counties. While the initial screening identified the presence of contamination, this effort will help inform the cleanup phase of the assessment.
The agencies are collecting soil samples from areas where radiological screening indicates that contamination is NOT present.
The background sampling event will quantify the range of radionuclide concentrations naturally present in the soils of Niagara and Erie counties. Background levels for radiation can vary from one area to another depending on natural features and rock formations, among other factors.
Participation in the background sampling effort is voluntary and does not change a property’s status as not needing further action at this time. The sampling for background will be completed by winter. EPA and partners will use the winter months to complete the analysis that can help guide site cleanups. A fact sheet is attached and available on the NECRA webpage.
Witmer Road investigation
NYSDEC, in consultation with NYSDOH, will soon begin a supplemental environmental assessment at the Former Witmer Road Drive-In site in the Town of Niagara. This will include evaluating certain adjacent off-site areas along Gill Creek.
DEC secured site access from property owners and developed a plan to conduct an investigation building upon existing chemical data from previous evaluations of the site. DEC’s sampling will allow for full delineation of the nature and extent of chemical contamination in soil, groundwater, surface water and sediment.
All historic and new data collected will inform any next steps necessary, including potential cleanup actions, to protect the community and prevent potential exposure to contamination both onsite and offsite, as necessary. EPA will also examine radiological samples. The prep work happening over the next several weeks includes putting up snow fencing and signage at the Drive-In site and removing a significant amount of trees and brush that will help clear the way for equipment to screen the properties. This begins the investigation process, which will continue in Spring 2027.
DEC will keep the public informed throughout the investigation and during any cleanup of the site as part of the assessment’s EPA referral process. A fact sheet is attached and available on the NECRA webpage.
Drop-In session
The latest in a series of drop-in sessions is now scheduled for Tuesday, November 10, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Calvin K. Richards Community Center in Veteran’s Memorial Community Park in the Town of Niagara. Residents can meet with program staff directly to address questions and learn more about the ongoing NECRA assessment project and related activities.
The public can call 844-612-8144 Monday to Friday between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. to reach the NECRA team helpline. Outside these hours, callers can leave a message and a call center representative will get back to you during operational times.
The public can also email NECRA@dec.ny.gov and visit the dedicated webpage – on.ny.gov/NECRA – to sign up for updates by email.