News 12 tours site that Melrose residents say is contaminated
News 12 previously reported people in Melrose calling for action about a contaminated site.
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News 12 toured an area of Melrose that some community members believe is contaminated with harmful chemicals.
News 12 previously reported people in Melrose calling for action about a contaminated site.
Angel Garcia, head of the Melrose Environmental Awareness Committee, says he wants to see more from the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation.
“Test and remediate this area environmentally. Test for the human health impacts. Report clearly, regularly, and in-person to all of the stakeholders of this community," said Garcia.
Melrose residents, like Luis Morales, say they think there could be more done when it comes to communication.
“They should communicate and let us know what’s the purpose and what’s going on here," said Morales.
The Environmental Protection Agency says while more testing is needed, the types of chemicals the site is alleged to be contaminated with - known as PCE's - can cause dizziness, headaches and possibly cancer.
Lisa Garcia, the regional administrator at the Environmental Protection Agency for Region 2 was also on the tour, and says the agency is looking forward to working with the community to turn the place around.
“While it may take a long time, there are huge opportunities to take over brownfield sites," said Garcia.
News 12 received a statement from the NYS DEC:
"New York State has a proven track record of successfully investigating and cleaning up contamination across New York City and the state, including sites in the Brownfield Cleanup Program (BCP) and State Superfund (SSF) located in the Bronx, as part of DEC’s sustained commitment to protect public health and the environment. When cleaning up a site like a former dry cleaner, DEC prioritizes the protection of public health by working closely with our partners at the state Department of Health (DOH) to eliminate any potential exposure pathways, and DEC then determines the appropriate cleanup that will be fully protective of the environment and the community. "
