National Grid Kicks Off Cleanup of Ilion Site

Final Phase of Manufactured Gas Plant Remediation Project

Ilion, N.Y. – National Grid has started the environmental cleanup of a Village of Ilion Department of Public Works facility at 1 East Street, the final phase of a remediation the company started last year of a former manufactured gas plant (MGP) located at East and East State Streets. The work is being done with guidance from the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) and the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH).

The site is owned by the Village of Ilion DPW and is currently vacant. The cleanup will involve the excavation, removal, and off-site disposal of contaminated soils at a NYSDEC-approved facility and restoration of sections of an open drainage ditch to meet residential use requirements. National Grid will also replace a portion of an aging village storm sewer system that runs through the site.

“National Grid takes seriously its role in helping to cleanup former MGP sites in our service area,” said Melanie Littlejohn, National Grid regional executive of Upstate NY. “Through collaboration with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation and the entire project team, we are proud partner on projects like this to protect public health and the environment and to help restore useable space for the community.”

The former MGP was operated from the 1870’s through 1912 and manufactured gas from coal that was used to heat and light homes and businesses in Ilion. The site also contained a natural gas regulator station that recently was taken out of service. The site is vacant and currently owned by National Grid.

“I would like to again express my appreciation to National Grid for taking the initiative in remediating both of these sites,” said Mayor Terry A. Leonard, Village of Ilion. “Their staff, crews, managers and contractors have worked efficiently and with a keen awareness of neighboring resident’s concerns. I applaud the company’s efforts.”

Crews will work at the site during normal business hours from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. The project is expected to be completed by the end of October 2016 and restored for non-residential use.

Ilion is one of a number of sites across New York that are part of a full remedial program being conducted by National Grid, and previously Niagara Mohawk, as part of a consent order with the NYSDEC.

Additional site details, including environmental and health assessment summaries, can be reviewed by contacting the Ilion Free Public Library at 315-894-5028.