Hazardous Waste Cleanup: 1033 Kings Highway, LLC in Saugerties, New York
On this page:
- Cleanup Status
- Site Description
- Contaminants at this Facility
- Institutional/Engineering Control
- Land Reuse
- Site Responsibility
Cleanup Status
A remedial investigation/feasibility study (RI/FS) was completed in 1992. The Record of Decision (ROD) was signed on March 26, 1994. Beginning in 1986, water from the two most contaminated monitoring wells on the northern portion of the plant was removed from the ground and stripped of the contamination by a pump-and-treat system. In 1992, the remedial system was enhanced by the implementation of three technologies: air sparging (AS), soil vapor extraction (SVE), and an expanded groundwater extraction and treatment system. The AS/SVE systems were operated until April 1998, at which time these systems had reached the limit of their technical effectiveness and were shut down.
In-situ Chemical Oxidation (ISCO) utilizing sodium permanganate as oxidation agent was successfully pilot tested and fully implemented in 2006 to treat residual contamination in the bedrock aquifer. The treatment drastically reduced the levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). The treatment continued until there were no VOCs detected in groundwater samples except one with 96 ug/L total VOCs including freon 113 (1.4 ug/L).
In June 2001, a full-scale implementation began at the former Above Ground Storage Area using Hydrogen Releasing Compound (HRC®). The HRC promotes anaerobic degradation of chlorinated volatile organic compounds in the subsurface. Monitoring data collected through 2022 has resulted in a substantial decrease in groundwater VOC concentrations in the impacted area. However, there are seasonal fluctuations of some contaminants of concern that occasional appear above NYSDEC standards and EPA Maximum Contaminant Levels.
Monitoring of groundwater has continued, and results are reported on a quarterly basis.
Site Description
The facility is located at 1033 Kings-Highway on 41.5 acres in the Town of Saugerties, Ulster County. It is is bounded by railroad property to the east and the New York State Thruway to the west. Philips Components manufactured electronic components at this facility from1961 to 2001 and used halogenated solvents for its degreasing operations. Philips ceased operations and sold to Clearly Tech and subsequently leased to American Candle, a small perfume and candle manufacturer. The site is currently vacant.
Contaminants at this Facility
The contaminants of concern in groundwater and soil are halogenated VOCs, such as 1,1,1-trichloroethane, trichloroethylene, tetrachloroethene, and Freon-113. In 1986, high concentrations of these compounds were found in the groundwater at the upper boundary of the bedrock, but these concentrations have declined dramatically over time.
In 1982, halogenated hydrocarbons above drinking water standards were found in several nearby residential wells. The contaminated residential wells were monitored monthly since 1982. By 1999, Philips purchased several of the contaminated properties and equipped the rest with activated carbon wellhead filtration systems and bottled potable water. The clean-up of the last contaminated property was completed in September 2014.
An EPA preliminary risk assessment showed no risk to human health or the environment from chemicals in soil and groundwater at the facility. Any risks from direct contact with contaminated groundwater were eliminated by the capping and decommissioning of the drinking wells.
Site Responsibility at this Facility
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) is delegated with the authority to implement the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) Programs, in lieu of EPA, and is responsible for overseeing the implementation of remedial activities and/or measures under the State Superfund Program. Ms. Rachel Savarie is the NYSDEC project manager and can be reached at (518) 402-9717 or rachel.savarie@dec.ny.gov
The facility is subject to the RCRA requirements.