Heading into this week, federal Environmental Protection Agency and state Department of Environmental Conservation teams have visited more than 1,200 properties since July 23 to seek permission for radiological testing.
Officials with both agencies said over the weekend that preliminary data reviews on sites tested indicate the vast majority of properties will need no further action.
EPA and DEC officials are contacting residents and property owners when screening results and a property-specific technical review are complete to advise when no additional radiological investigation is needed at their property and no further action is needed at this time.
The first email notifications went out on Saturday, and additional notifications will continue on a rolling basis. This initial notification will be followed in the coming weeks with a more detailed information packet by mail that will include a formal letter of determination, a copy of the property’s screening map, general information about the screening process, and contact information.
Where additional investigation is needed, EPA and NYSDEC are working directly with property owners and renters to schedule and complete additional assessment activities, which may include additional radiological scans, air sampling, and soil sampling.
On Saturday, teams visited 115 properties in areas of interest to speak directly with residents and request permission to conduct screening. Also on Saturday, joint DEC-EPA teams screened 31 properties. The heavy rains on Sunday have impacted testing.
Both agencies also remain in direct contact with four residents who have been offered voluntary temporary relocation, providing updates, discussing next steps, and helping connect them with available support.
Residents who have questions about the ongoing radiological assessments are encouraged to call 518-712-8279, a dedicated phone line for the Niagara and Erie County Radiological Assessment. This phone line will be monitored daily from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Residents seeking to request a property assessment or submit a property access form can also do so via email at NECRA@dec.ny.gov. Residents can also visit the dedicated webpage — on.ny.gov/NECRA – and sign up for updates by email.
Residents can also attend Aug. 10’s scheduled drop-in session at the Town of Niagara’s community center to learn more about the property access and survey process.