The New York State Department of Environmental Conversation (NYSDEC), in consultation with the state Department of Health, seeks public comment on a proposed cleanup plan for the Rosendale Cleaners site at 1090-1094 Route 32 in Rosendale. The site, listed as a Class "2" hazardous waste site, poses a significant threat to public health or the environment, according to the NYSDEC.

The proposed plan aims to address contamination primarily caused by chlorinated volatile organic compounds (VOCs) found in the soil and groundwater. The contaminants are linked to a former dry-cleaning business that operated on the site until it burned down in 1981. Remedial investigation sampling detected tetrachloroethene in the soil south of the dry cleaner foundation. Contamination has spread north-northwest in the groundwater. No impacts were detected in the soil vapor intrusion samples.

The proposed cleanup will begin with excavating and disposing of approximately 1,300 tons of contaminated soil. Afterwards, post-excavation soil and groundwater samples will be assessed and contaminated soil beneath the groundwater table will be treated with nutrients, oxygen, and possibly beneficial microorganisms.

The site would then be backfilled with clean soil, and then on top of that would be added a soil cover suitable for commercial use, such as paved parking areas, sidewalks, or soil. There will also be an easement to restrict the site to commercial use.

The estimated cost for implementing the proposed cleanup plan is $2,350,000. The NYSDEC encourages public feedback on the proposed plan for 30 days, starting January 22nd and ending February 21st, 2025.

A public meeting will be held on Monday, February 3rd, 2025, at 7:00 PM at the Rosendale Community Center to discuss the proposed plan and receive public comments. DEC provides no-cost interpreter services for the hearing impaired and language interpreter services for those who struggle with English upon written request submitted by Monday, January 27th.

Following the public comment period, the NYSDEC will finalize the remedy for the site and issue a "Record of Decision" explaining the chosen remedy and addressing public comments. A detailed design of the selected remedy will then be developed, followed by the implementation of the cleanup.

Bordered by Route 32 to the west, a commercial property to the south, undeveloped woodlands to the east, and residential and commercial properties to the north, the Rosendale Cleaners site spans approximately 1.93 acres. Currently, the site is unoccupied, with an abandoned two-story structure and the foundation of the former dry cleaner still present. The site's history includes various commercial uses since the mid-1900s, including a hardware store and a diner that operated until approximately 2009. The NYSDEC anticipates the site will continue to be used for commercial purposes in the future.

For more information about the proposed cleanup plan and how to comment online, visit https://extapps.dec.ny.gov/data/DecDocs/356050/.