Submitted by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation
The state Department of Environmental Conservation and Environmental Protection Agency assessment teams continue to conduct fieldwork across areas of interest in Niagara and Erie counties. Nearly 1,000 access forms have been received to date. Since Sunday, teams began going to properties in Aurora, Boston, Brant, Concord, Eden, Evans, Hamburg, Marilla and Orchard Park to request access for permission to conduct radiological screenings. Joint NYSDEC and EPA teams screened 30 properties and included the use of a drone equipped with radiological detection equipment to aid in screening larger properties in the survey. Teams took soil samples from six properties.
Preliminary data reviews indicate that the vast majority of properties screened will need no further action. To date, 486 properties have been sent notification indicating no additional radiological investigation is needed at their property. Information packets, which include a formal letter of determination, a copy of the property’s screening map, a fact sheet, and frequently asked questions with contact information, were mailed to property owners. Notifications to residents and property owners will be forwarded on a continuing basis as the data is reviewed…