Freeport Proceeds With Soils Removal: Power Plant 2 PCB Remediation Incorporates Extensive Measures to Protect Public Health & Safety

(Freeport, New York, September 9, 2003) - Work is underway removing the PCB contaminated soils from the Power Plant 2 site. Based on more than 500 soil samples, the remediation plan was finalized in continuing consultation between the Village Electric Department, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) and USEPA Region II officials. The soil management plan requires soil to be removed, temporarily stockpiled and tested before it can be transported from the site for disposal.

In the last week, a concrete containment structure was installed as part of the remediation project. Typical remediation projects use a plastic liner to temporarily contain stockpiled soils. However, the Village elected to utilize a concrete containment comprising concrete foundation and sidewalls. The concrete system is more durable, will withstand heavy equipment used to move soils on and off the containment system, and will better retain the soils in place while they are temporarily stockpiled for testing prior to off site transport.

Soils are first tested using an in-field screening instrument as they are removed. This in-field screening is conducted by Freeport Electric's independent consultant, P.W. Grosser Consulting Engineers and Hydrogeologists, P.C. Based on that preliminary screening, soils may be segregated as they are stockpiled in the concrete containment structure.

From the containment area, soil samples are taken and directed to New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH)-certified laboratories for expedited analysis. Up to three NYSDOH-certified laboratories are being used to ensure expedited service. After the laboratory results are received, the soils are transported by NYSDEC authorized transporters for disposal at NYSDEC authorized facilities.

All soil shipments are documented, identifying the load, laboratory results, transporter and destination facility. Soils meeting state and federal "hazardous" criteria are shipped with tracking manifests, subject to state and federal hazardous waste regulations.

Significant measures have been implemented to protect public and worker safety and the local environment. All work is under continuous on-site supervision of P.W. Grosser personnel. In addition, P.W. Grosser has retained a Certified Industrial Hygienist to implement a plan to ensure the health and safety of site workers as well as the community. The air quality and fugitive dust conditions are continuously monitored upwind, downwind and around the soil movement activity. As directed by the Industrial Hygienist, soil excavation and loading activities are routinely sprayed and roads are periodically sprayed to control dust. In addition to controlling fugitive airborne dust, site storm drains have been closed off to prevent runoff or spills, and hay bales further ensure that fugitive dust is trapped.

All workers involved in soil movement have received Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) "40 hour" safety training. All remediation workers on site conform to the project's Personal Protective Equipment plan, and attend daily coordination meetings run by P.W. Grosser to review and coordinate daily site activities.

Subject to weather conditions, the remediation project is expected to continue for six weeks.