The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is considering a plan to clean up Diaz Chemical Superfund site in the western New York town of Holley.
The EPA's proposed plan calls for the use of a heating technology to treat six areas of contaminated soil and ground water as well as natural attenuation of the groundwater outside the source area.
Diaz Chemical manufactured specialty chemicals for the agricultural, pharmaceutical, photographic, color and dye and personal care products industries at the site.
Following an accidental release of 75 gallons of a chemical mixture in January 2002, members of the public complained of acute health effects.
In March 2002, the State of New York obtained a court order requiring Diaz Chemical to continue to fund the relocations.
EPA took the responsibility for the relocation expenses of the residents secured the site, and removed contaminated materials.
In June 2003, Diaz Chemical filed for bankruptcy and abandoned the facility, leaving behind large volumes of chemicals in drums and tanks.
