By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 13 July 2022 at 6:47 pm
The Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments reported an increase in confirmed Covid cases in the past week.
In Orleans, the cases totaled 28 from July 6-12, up from 26 the previous seven days. Genesee more than doubled, going from 21 to 58.
Genesee County reported a Covid-related death in the past week and now has had 193 residents pass away from Covid since the pandemic started in march 2020. Orleans remains at 119 Covid-related deaths.
Statewide the 7-day positivity rate for Covid tests is at 9.21 percent, ending on Tuesday. Orleans County is in the nine-county Finger Lakes Region which has a positivity rate of 6.51 percent. That is almost the lowest rate in the state. Only the Southern Tier at 6.36 percent is lower. Long Island is the highest at 10.53 percent.
“We continue to respond to new variants as part of our ongoing efforts to protect New Yorkers against Covid-19,” Governor Kathy Hochul said in a statement today. “New Yorkers should get vaccinated and get the boosters doses for which they’re eligible. Parents and guardians should talk to pediatricians about getting our youngest New Yorkers vaccinated, too, now that they are able. Get tested if you feel ill and if you do test positive, talk to your doctor about possible treatments.”
‘Too many parents are not understanding the risks involved in allowing underage drinking in their homes. There are liability issues, potential injury or even death and criminal implications. The responsible answer is to not allow this activity.’
By Mike Pettinella, GCASA Publicist
Did you know:
• That more than two-thirds of students in Genesee and Orleans counties in grades 7, 9 and 11 who reported drinking alcoholic beverages said they got it at home – some with their parents’ permission and others without their parents’ knowledge of the behavior?
• That slightly less than 20 percent of 11th graders in the two counties reported past 30-day use of an electronic cigarette or vape pen with nicotine?
• That less than 40 percent of students perceive there is harm caused by marijuana use, which represents a significant decrease over previous years?
Those are just three of the critical data points derived from the Community-Level Youth Development Evaluation survey administered to students in grades 7, 9 and 11 in 2021. The survey was commissioned by Genesee/Orleans Council on Alcoholism and Substance Abuse and facilitated with the assistance of Catalyst Insight of Depew.
More than 2,000 students fill out survey
The survey, known as CLYDE, is modeled after the former Communities That Care Youth Survey, a nationally validated study developed at the University of Washington to assess youth attitudes, behaviors and community risk and protective factors. It also incorporates elements from the Prevention Needs Assessment Survey by Bach Harrison.
GCASA has been surveying youth at the Genesee and Orleans schools it has had relationships with for several years. The latest survey resulted in 2,234 valid responses from pupils in the three grade levels.
“It was determined to survey these particular grades, especially 11th graders – understanding that they would be seniors the following year and that strategies could be applied to prevention efforts targeting those students, if needed,” said Shannon Ford, director of Prevention at GCASA.
The survey’s questions are formulated in a way to procure accurate information regarding students’ usage of alcohol, tobacco and other drugs and their perception when it comes to parental attitudes and the degree of harm caused by these substances.
Core measures include past 30-day use, perception of harm of substance use, perception of parental disapproval of substance use and perception of peer disapproval of substance use.
Risk factors explored – related to an increased likelihood of substance use problems for youth – included favorable laws and norms, perceived availability of drugs, family conflict, commitment to school and peers’ attitudes and use of alcohol, cigarettes and/or drugs.
Protective factors, or areas where youth can be shielded from substance use, include opportunities for social involvement, family attachment and belief in laws and norms.
“In general, students believe that their parents are opposed to ATOD (alcohol, tobacco and other drug) use, but it is concerning that 69 percent of those who reported they drink – about 23 percent of those surveyed – say they obtained the alcohol at home, both with and without parental permission,” Ford said.
Sheila Harding, GCASA’s assistant director of Prevention, said the agency continues to emphasize the dangers involved with students’ drinking at home or at their friends’ homes.
“Too many parents are not understanding the risks involved in allowing underage drinking in their homes,” she said. “There are liability issues, potential injury or even death and criminal implications. The responsible answer is to not allow this activity.”
Vaping use among students concerns GCASA
Vaping is an increasing concern, Ford said, adding that “an alarming number” of seventh-graders – 3 percent – have indicated they are vaping with nicotine.
As noted above, 19.7 percent of 11th graders in the two counties reported vaping with nicotine in the past 30 days while another 11.1 percent reported vaping with marijuana over the same time period.
“Nicotine is one of the most addictive substances around and now we’re seeing vaping with THC (tetrahydrocannabinol, the crystalline compound that is the main active ingredient of cannabis),” Harding said. “These vape pens are being marketed to our youth and we’re seeing harmful effects on the adolescent brain which isn’t fully developed.”
‘Nicotine is one of the most addictive substances around and now we’re seeing vaping with THC. These vape pens are being marketed to our youth and we’re seeing harmful effects on the adolescent brain which isn’t fully developed.’
Marijuana use declines
The survey revealed that marijuana use by 11th-graders was at 14.4 percent – which is down by about 50 percent from the survey of three years ago. Interestingly, the students’ perception of harm is at 38.7 percent, which also is less than previous years.
“This perception data is likely due to cannabis legalization and the use of medical marijuana,” Ford said. “But just because it is legal for adults, it doesn’t remove the risk to students. It’s still illegal for those under 21.”
On a national level, rapid decreases in marijuana risk perceptions by adolescents have not translated to a dramatic drop in usage, however.
“Prevention leaders may need to consider different strategies as well as targeting cannabis use risk perceptions,” Ford offered. “As more states legalize recreational marijuana use, further monitoring of predicted use trends are essential.”
Ford pointed out that although much of the national focus is on the opioid epidemic, GCASA and other agencies haven’t pulled back their prevention strategies when it comes to alcohol, tobacco and marijuana.
“We’ve been able to secure grants for compliance checks of retail establishments in both counties – something that we haven’t done in awhile but will be getting back to,” she said. “In the past, we have found that bars, restaurants and convenience stores are doing a good job of not selling to those under the legal drinking age.”
Other key findings include decrease in binge drinking, increase in students feeling depressed
Other key findings from the 2021 CLYDE survey are as follows:
Past 30-day alcohol use in grade 11 fell to 19.6 percent – down from 46 percent in grade 11 in Orleans in 2019 and from 33 percent in grade 10 and 50 percent in Genesee in 2018.
Around 90 percent of 11th-graders indicate parental disapproval of alcohol and cigarettes but that drops to 78 percent when it comes to marijuana.
Concerning peer disapproval, overall the percentages range from 78 to 88 regarding alcohol, tobacco and prescription drug use, but it falls to 74 percent concerning marijuana.
When looking at risk factors, 60 percent of students surveyed indicated a low commitment to school was the leading risk factor, followed by 45 percent that reported parental attitudes favorable to substance use and conflicts in the family unit.
On the protective side, 71.6 percent responded that social skills were important, followed by 65 percent who indicated the importance of extracurricular activities in school and 60 percent who indicated the availability of community service programs.
“Social skills are enhanced by evidence-based programs in schools offered by GCASA and by the individual schools, while prosocial involvement is enhanced by community service hours and volunteering,” Ford said.
Prevention initiatives – by agencies such as GCASA and through school-based programming – have led to a significant decrease in binge drinking (five or more alcoholic drinks in a row over the past two weeks), she added.
“Overall, just 5 percent reported binge drinking in the past 30 days. That means that 95 percent of students are not doing this,” she said. “We’d like to believe that our prevention efforts are taking hold.”
Another area of concern is the mental and emotional health of students, especially coming out of two years of the Covid-19 pandemic.
“The survey indicated that 33.4 percent of students reported that sometimes life is not worth it, 44 percent said I am no good and that 40 percent were depressed – and it was consistent across the three grade levels,” Ford said. “Without question, Covid has had an effect on students, but more resources need to be devoted to addressing this issue.”
For more information about the CLYDE survey or GCASA’s Prevention efforts, contact Harding at sharding@gcasa.org.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 13 July 2022 at 3:07 pm
Provided photos
ALBION – The Albion Lions Club celebrated a successful year of community service on Tuesday evening. Dan Conrad, left, passes the gavel of the club’s leadership to new President Ron Albertson.
Conrad will now work with seven local Lions Club in the region to establish or grow Leo clubs in local high schools.
“Being a Lions Club member is more than just a meeting or an event,” Conrad said. “This club is a family and is always there to work with each other and is there for the community.”
Other officers of the Albion Lions include Jake Stinson as vice president, Mary Janet Sahukar as secretary and Lloyd Wright as treasurer.
Conrad welcomed two new members into the Albion club. June Persia is shown in photo at left and Keith Adams is at right.
Christine Buongiorne, right, presents Mary Janet Sahukar with the “John Keding Pride of the Pride Award” in honor of Buongiorne’s father. Keding was a Lions Club member for more than 50 years and a longtime local auto repair shop owner. He passed away at age 85 on Jan. 18, 2021.
Sahukar was praised for her many years of service to the local Lions Club.
“Mary Janet is always there to lend a hand, give advice, mentor new members and always has that great smile on her face,” Conrad said. “The award was voted on within the club and she won anonymously. She always gives it her all not only at meetings but at events also. She is what being a Lion is all about.”
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 13 July 2022 at 2:25 pm
State Senate Republican Leader is blaming Democrats in Albany and Washington, D.C. for causing a surge in inflation.
U.S. inflation was at 9.1 percent in June, compared to a year ago, which is the highest yearly increase in 40 years.
Ortt issued this statement about the inflation:
“Today’s historic inflation numbers are the direct result of the failed policies of One-Party Rule. The dramatic rise in the price of gas, groceries and other necessities is crushing household budgets and having a devastating impact on millions of New Yorkers.
“Sadly, Democrats in Washington and Albany are doubling down, advancing policies that will make this inflation crisis even worse. Here in New York, the Legislative Majority is pushing for a 55-cent increase in the gas tax, adding new mandates on family farms, and advancing radical energy policies and other unaffordable policies that further increase the cost of living in our state.
“New Yorkers deserve solutions that will drive down long term costs and provide immediate relief to their wallets. If Albany’s ruling class won’t take this crisis seriously, this November, the people of New York should elect leaders who will.”
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 13 July 2022 at 9:58 am
Ben Curfman of North Carolina likes character of historic church at Courthouse Square
Photos by Tom Rivers: Ben Curfman is the new pastor of North Point Chapel at 19 North Platt St.
ALBION – The new pastor of North Point Chapel already has been struck by the friendliness of the Albion community.
Ben Curfman, 35, and his family moved to Orleans County about three weeks ago. Curfman, his wife Rebekah and their six children relocated to Albion from the mountains of western North Carolina.
“We have a lot to learn from the locals, but the community has been very friendly and welcoming to us over the past few weeks,” Curfman said.
He comes to North Point Chapel as their second pastor since the church began in 2016. North Point is affiliated with the Southern Baptist Convention, but the church is independent.
North Point is located in the former home of the Albion United Methodist Church. That congregation has since merged with the Disciples United Methodist Church on Route 237 in Clarendon.
Ben Curfman and his family moved from the mountains of North Carolina to Albion.
Curfman said he likes how the North Point church building is located in the historic Courthouse Square with many key sites, services and residents within a close walking distance.
He also was drawn to historic and spacious church building that can be used to serve the community.
“There is a great group of people to work with here and a beautiful facility with lots of potential,” Curfman said. “We believe North Point Chapel can be a powerful encouragement to Albion and Orleans County.”
The church is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The building has been under extensive remodeling since it was acquired in 2017 from the United Methodist Church.
“I like serving in a place with character and that has history,” he said. “I like being in a walk-in community where we can know our neighbors.”
Curfman and his family plan to move into the parsonage next door soon.
“We are excited to be at the ground zero of ministry in the village and hope to be good neighbors to those living near the church,” he said.
Curfman was one of three pastors at a church in Asheville, North Carolina. He felt a calling to come to Albion and build a ministry in Orleans County.
“I totally believe God can change people and communities,” he said. “We have a gospel that changes people.”
The Sunday morning services are at 10:30 a.m. each week, and all are welcome to attend.
“We study verse by verse through books of the Bible, so we get the big picture and don’t skip any details or difficult parts,” Curfman said. “It’s a great opportunity to learn whether you have been a Christian for a long time or if you have never read the Bible before. I would encourage anyone interested to reach out to me and share their story or helpful information about the community as we settle into Western New York.”
Photos courtesy of Orleans County Sheriff’s Office: Dawn Basinait, a corrections sergeant, spent two weeks assisting youth at the NYS Sheriff’s Summer Camp.
Press Release, Orleans County Sheriff’s Office
ALBION – Orleans County Sheriff Chris Bourke and Undersheriff Jeff Gifaldi are pleased to announce that 19 children from Orleans County attended the NYS Sheriff’s Summer Camp at Keuka Lake.
The Sheriff’s Summer Camp is held each year and has been in operation since 1986. Each county sheriff is designated a predetermined number of camper slots for boys and girls between the ages of 9 and 12.
Children enjoyed water activities at the camp on Keuka Lake.
Campers had the opportunity to attend various demonstrations and classes provided by law enforcement officers from multiple agencies across the state. Campers also had the opportunity to participate in daily activities such as hiking, swimming, archery and sailing.
There were 10 children from Orleans County at the camp the first week beginning June 26, and 9 children from the county at the second week beginning July 3. All of the children were transported by the Orleans County Sheriff’s Office from the Public Safety Building to the Batavia Thruway Exit, where they were then rode a tour bus to and from the Sheriff’s Camp in Yates County.
Sgt. First Class Dawn Basinait greets local youth at the camp.
Bourke and Gifaldi said they are especially proud of Orleans County Corrections Sergeant First Class Dawn Basinait for her dedication to the Sheriff’s Summer Camp.
Basinait was active in both weeks of the summer camp. Especially admirable was her willingness to take time off of work, and volunteer her time during the second week.
Orleans County Jail Superintendent Scott Wilson greets youths before they depart for the summer camp.
Additionally, Basinait’s daughter volunteered her time assisting with the camp as well. The Orleans County Sheriff’s Office’s commitment to building strong community relations, and having a positive impact on youth extends beyond the borders of Orleans County.
Bourke and Gifaldi are pleased that so many local youth had an opportunity to attend the NYS Sheriff’s Summer Camp, and that the Orleans County Sheriff’s Office had an employee dedicated to the camp’s success.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 13 July 2022 at 8:21 am
Photo by Tom Rivers: Firefighters arrive on scene at a fire on the morning on July 8 at 215 East State St. The fire would spread to the house next door at 217 East State St.
ALBION – Fire investigators are unable to pinpoint the cause of a fire at 215 East State St. due to extensive damage to the house “and a variety of potential ignition sources that were unable to be ruled out,” said David Cleary, a fire investigator for Orleans County.
The cause has been ruled undetermined. The fire spread to 217 East State St. The two houses are connected.
The fire displaced 14 residents – 7 adults and 7 children.
The fast-moving fire quickly destroyed much of 215 East State St.
A GoFundMe fundraiser has been set up for residents at 215 East State St. and another GoFundMe fundraiser has been set up to assist residents at 217 East State St. with clothing, bedding and other needs.
“I’m having hope that this fundraiser helps raise any amount of funds to help place the family back into a safe home or apartment,” Sarah Drier wrote about the fundraiser for her father-in-law and other residents at 215 East State St. “I’m hoping to raise funds so they can get their everyday essentials that we take for granted. Any amount donated will help.”
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 12 July 2022 at 9:43 pm
Photos by Tom Rivers: The Holley Village Office has been vacant for about two years since the village moved the office to the former Holley High School in August 2020.
HOLLEY – The former village office is now for sale.
The Village Board voted this evening to list the property with Mary Fudge of Early Sunrise Realty in Holley. The listing price will be $79,900.
The two-story building is about 3,000 square feet. It has been vacant since Holley moved its village office to the former Holley High School in August 2020. The village is the main tenant in the old school, which also includes 41 apartments.
The village will need to clear out the building to get ready for the listing. Some of the furnishings and office equipment have been declared surplus and will be sold through Auctions International.
“The first step in selling is to empty it out,” said Mayor Mark Bower.
Village Trustee Jim DeFilipps said selling the former office will benefit the village by having the site on the tax rolls.
The former village office is located at 72 Public Square.
Provided photo: Pictured from left include Robin Govanlu, LMHC, LAC, LPC, director of Behavioral Health; Danielle Renodin-Mead, pediatrician and chief medical dfficer; and Peter Head, president of the Kiwanis Club of Brockport.
Press Release, Oak Orchard Health
BROCKPORT – Peter Head, president of the Kiwanis Club of Brockport, visited Oak Orchard Health to make a $1,000 donation to the new Mommy and Me program.
This program is designed to support mothers/primary caregivers and babies together in achieving optimal maternal and child health. The data shows that 1 in 7 women experience postpartum depression or anxiety, according to Postpartum Support International.
“The Kiwanis Club of Brockport looks for opportunities to help families in our community. The Mommy and Me Program addresses a critical need in our area. Our Club has always had a close relationship with Oak Orchard Health. We believe our missions are similar – supporting children and keeping everyone healthy,” said Peter Head, President of Kiwanis in Brockport.
The local program is co-founded by Dr. Danielle Renodin-Mead, pediatrician and chief medical officer; and Robin Govanlu, LMHC, LAC, LPC, director of Behavioral Health.
The Mommy and Me Program is an extremely innovative approach to improve child health outcomes in our region, and not only that but to also improve maternal health outcomes, with special attention to mental health in the postpartum period.
All Mom/Primary caregivers and babies of Oak Orchard Health are automatically enrolled in the program, from birth up to 5 years of age! In addition, some of the benefits of the program include enrollment in the WIC program and access to the Diaper Bank.
“As of the beginning of this year, 65 families were added to the WIC program who otherwise would not have had any way to get that service,” Dr. Renodin-Mead said.
Oak Orchard care managers are assigned to each mother to be evaluated for postpartum depression and anxiety, and then they are referred to one of our behavioral health counselors specializing in perinatal mental health.
“Mom’s mental health is so important to the whole family and we’re taking care of it in the early stages. Parents are very grateful for this service,” Govanlu said.
About Oak Orchard Health
Originally founded in 1973, Oak Orchard has grown from a migrant health project into an integrated health center with multiple locations providing health care services for everyone located in the communities we serve. Currently serving over 30,000 patients at twelve locations, Oak Orchard Health is a recognized patient-centered medical home and 501(c) nonprofit Federally Qualified Health Center located in the towns of Albion, Alexander, Batavia, Brockport, Corfu, Hornell, Lyndonville and Warsaw.
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 12 July 2022 at 3:32 pm
Last year there were only 12 participants; Program was cancelled in 2020 due to Covid-19
Photos by Ginny Kropf: Park counselor Corey Saj and 11-year-old Todd Fairbanks rest on a climbing ladder at the playground at Oak Orchard Elementary School.
MEDINA – The Medina Joint Recreation Park and Swim program is underway with a large enrollment of students ages 5 to 12.
Heading the summer event this year is Michelle Capstick, a special education teacher at Oak Orchard Elementary School.
Capstick said she received an e-mail in May from the Joint Recreation Park and Swim committee saying they were looking for a director, and if one couldn’t be found, the program would be canceled.
“I called and they hired me,” Capstick said.
The Medina Joint Recreation Park and Swim committee consists of Village Clerk Jada Burgess, village trustees Jess Marciano and Marguerite Sherman; Mary Woodruff and Jeff Toussaint, representing town of Ridgeway; and John Pratt and Ed Zelazny, representing town of Shelby.
The summer program has been going since Capstick was a kid, she said, originally taking place in the village’s individual neighborhood parks.
The program was canceled during the summer of 2020, then resumed last year with a registration of only 12 participants.
This year, however, 58 children are registered. The program runs from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Fridays from July 5 through Aug. 12.
It not only includes the opportunity to sign up for swimming at Wise Intermediate School, activities at the playground and crafts adjacent to Oak Orchard School, but field trips within walking distance throughout the village.
They have already been to Mark’s Pizzeria, the fire hall and library and are planning a trip to Case-Nic Cookies and possibly the Medina Railroad Museum.
When the weather is inclement, the program moves into Oak Orchard School.
Capstick writes a weekly report on the program, and the first report describes the children playing tennis on the schools’ tennis courts, playing baseball and a game of Uno. They also walked to Pine Street Park and cooled off in the splash pad.
Assisting with the daily program are supervisor Hayden Woodroe and counselors Corey Saj, Danielle Schmidt and Sophia Goyette.
Students enjoying crafts at the Medina Joint Recreation Park and Swim program are, clockwise from left, Harlow Rhim, Vivian Neroni, counselor Sophia Goyette and Olivia Ellis. Partially hidden at left is Lyric Chinn.
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 12 July 2022 at 3:17 pm
MEDINA – Orleans Community Health has announced the selection of three new members to the board of directors.
Hector Fuentes, Aaron Knights and Jenifer Maynard were all named to terms for 2022-23 during the board’s June 27 meeting.
“Hector, Aaron and Jenifer are all great additions to our already strong board,” said Shannon Blount, who was also elected chairman of the board. “Orleans Community Health means a lot to so many in the community, and that number is only growing as the services being provided increase. It’s an exciting time to be part of this incredible team.”
Aaron Knights was born and raised in Medina and currently an attorney practicing civil litigation at the Buffalo-based law firm of Rupp Baase Pfalzgraf Cunningham. Prior to becoming a partner with the firm, he practiced law in Washington, D.C. for almost 20 years. He moved back to Western New York with his wife and two daughters late last summer, settling in East Amherst. He is very excited to be back home and is ready to serve his hometown any way he can.
Knights’ parents are Sue and the late Dick Knights, who were also born and raised in Medina and were local business owners.
“After my dad’s premature death in 1984, as I like to tell people, Medina raised me,” Aaron said. “My family, friends, teachers and people who were strangers to me but knew my dad looked after me and touched my life in more way than I can begin to explain. The notion that I could give back to my hometown, even just a little, is exciting for me.”
Knights has been involved in many civic organizations over the years and has handled cases pro bono for indigent clients needed help enforcing their legal rights in the court system. Lastly, his family members are the co-founders of the Knights-Kaderli Memorial Fund which assists Orleans County residents diagnosed with cancer with needs such as paying for prescriptions, medical supplies, transportation to medical appointment, medical bills, etc.
Jenifer Maynard has worked in healthcare for more than 20 years. Currently, she is administrator for an 82-bed skilled nursing home based in Niagara County. She also serves on the executive board as secretary of the New York State Health Facilities Association.
A resident of Lyndonville, she is a lifelong resident of Orleans County and feels Medina Memorial Hospital is vital to the community.
Hector Fuentes is an Air Force veteran and past auxiliary police officer who has worked in the behavioral health field for nearly 20 years. He currently works with the Central New York Forensic Psychiatric Center, which is a maximum security facility housing incarcerated individuals and pre-sentence detainees who have accepted a plea of insanity due to mental disease or defect. He’s responsible for supervising 80 security hospital treatment assistants and 10 security hospital senior assistants, along with assisting with all aspects of budgeting, policy and procedures and quality of care.
Fuentes has lived in Orleans County for most of his life and currently resides in Medina with his wife and daughter. He feels Orleans Community Health is vital to its residents and is proud of how they handled and served the residents during the recent pandemic. He’s excited to serve on the board and give back to the community he loves.
The three new board members join chair Shannon Blount, vice-chair Kevin Foley, secretary Cindy Hewitt, treasurer April McGaffick and members Richard Elman, MD, Lynne Johnson, Dawn Meland (past chairperson), Joseph Misiti, MD and Dale Sponaugle, MD.
“For starters, I want to thank Lance Mark, Dr. David Monti and Jeff Klotzbach, who have all served Orleans Community Health admirably,” said Marc Shurtz, CEO/CIO of Orleans Community Health. “Exciting times are ahead for OCH and this board is well-positioned to help get us there. This list includes medical and healthcare professionals, community leaders, legal minds, business leaders and individuals who have an unyielding commitment to the community.”
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 12 July 2022 at 12:35 pm
Natural gas needed to heat up soil as part of $20 million cleanup
Photo by Tom Rivers: David Macone, a lead thermal technician for AECOM, speaks during a public hearing on Monday about the company’s need for trailers of compressed natural gas as part of the cleanup at the former Diaz Chemical site at 40 Jackson St. Mylynda Kubo, the village code enforcement officer, is at left.
HOLLEY – The Village of Holley Planning Board approved the site plan to allow two trailers of compressed natural gas at the former Diaz Chemical site at 40 Jackson St.
The AECOM environmental services company, a contractor hired by the federal Environmental Protection Agency, said the trailers with natural gas are needed as a backup heating source as part of the cleanup at the site.
If used at capacity the trailers would need to be replaced every 3 ½ days, said David Macone, a lead thermal technician for AECOM.
The trailers would be kept in a fenced in area that would be locked. There would be an automatic shut-off if the heat gets too high or if there is a malfunction.
The natural gas is needed to heat up soil to 100 degrees Celsius (212 degrees Fahrenheit). AECOM will use piped-in natural gas for the project. The trailers are a backup if more gas is needed especially during very cold weather, Macone said.
Provided photo: Many heater wells have been constructed as part of the thermal treatment project in Holley.
Planning Board Chairwoman Sandy Heise highlighted a letter from Justin Neiderhofer, the Orleans County deputy emergency management director. He said he supports the project with the natural gas trailers because it will ensure the project moves along without disruption. Having the trailers on site doesn’t pose a significantly greater risk, he said.
The biggest risk is when the trailers are swapped out. Niederhofer said the trailers come with several safety features to reduce the risks.
“The alternative option would be to not allow them to bring in the trucks, and have this ground decontamination process take up to a year longer, extending the length of the overall risk to the community,” Niederhofer wrote in a July 7 letter.
Murray Joint Fire District Chief Harris Reed attended Monday’s public hearing about the trailers of natural gas at the property. Reed said he favors the plan because it will speed up removal of contaminants from the soil.
However, he asked that AECOM pay to have 30 volunteer firefighters be trained in responding to an emergency at the site. Reed would like a group of firefighters from Murray, Clarendon, Kendall and Brockport be trained at the state academy in Moutour Falls. He said the cost would be about $3,000.
Macone said he couldn’t give official approval for that request on Monday without checking with the company, but he expected AECOM would approve the funding.
The EPA has hired AECOM for the second and final phase of a thermal treatment of contaminated soil and groundwater at the Diaz Chemical Superfund site in Holley.
The system is being used to treat the remainder of the on-site contamination. EPA started constructing the system in May 2020, using samples and other information obtained during the first phase of treatment that used a smaller-scale version of the system.
EPA treated about 10% of the contaminated soil and groundwater at the site under that first phase, which was completed in October 2018.
The thermal cleanup is a $20 million project. That doesn’t include the $12.5 million the EPA has already spent on the cleanup, using money from the Superfund. The EPA removed buildings, pipes, drums and tanks. Only two warehouses remain from Diaz, which declared bankruptcy and abandoned the site in 2002. The company operated for about 30 years in Holley.
The final phase of treatment targets 1.5 acres of the site and will be performed in two stages. The thermal treatment system is projected to operate for up to four years to clean up the site.
Thermal treatment system
The thermal treatment system uses heat to turn the contaminants in the soil and groundwater into vapors. The vapors will then be captured by extraction wells and treated by a combination of compression, cooling, condensation and granular activated carbon. The system will operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
In addition, EPA will excavate soil from two areas. The excavated soil will be consolidated, thermally treated, and disposed of off-site, the EPA said in a previous news release. The excavated areas will be backfilled with clean soil. EPA will monitor the air around the perimeter, monitor noise, and follow a traffic control plan to minimize disruptions to the neighborhood.
After the second phase of operations is completed, EPA will remove the treatment equipment and restore the property. This will include regrading the site to ensure it has proper drainage and revegetation so as to prevent erosion.
Governor Kathy Hochul announced the availability of $255 million in state grants for critical water infrastructure projects that will protect public health and the environment through the State’s Water Infrastructure Improvement, Intermunicipal Grant, and State Septic System Replacement programs.
This announcement marks the latest action by Governor Hochul to upgrade New York’s water and sewer systems, reduce water pollution, and safeguard vital drinking water supplies from emerging contaminants and toxic chemicals.
This infusion of public funds will continue to help make water infrastructure investments more affordable for local governments and create jobs in the manufacturing, engineering, construction, plant operations, and related industry sectors. The announcement was made in Suffolk County where $20 million from the State’s Septic Replacement Program will help address more than 2,000 substandard or failing septic systems and cesspools that cause significant water quality impairments.
“New York will continue to prioritize resources for projects that provide reliable, clean water for communities across the state while creating good-paying jobs and spurring economic development,” Hochul said.
Water Infrastructure Grants Prioritize Projects that Address Emerging Contaminants, Critical Wastewater Projects
The announcement includes $225 million in grants for municipalities to bolster New York’s actions to protect drinking water supplies. To date, more than $400 million in state water grants has been awarded to projects that address emerging contaminants.
The State’s goal is to provide grants to all communities that need help in their efforts to tackle emerging contaminants in their drinking water. As part of the ongoing statewide effort to confront PFAS pollution and help communities that are on the frontlines of PFAS contamination, this round of funding continues to prioritize grant awards for drinking water projects that address emerging contaminants. Critical wastewater projects are also eligible for grants.
The Environmental Facilities Corporation administers the WIIA and IMG programs working closely with the Departments of Health and Environmental Conservation. The State has awarded more than $1.76 billion in water infrastructure grants through EFC since 2015, including $638 million announced by Governor Hochul in April. To date, EFC has awarded 834 WIIA and IMG grants to 488 communities.
Local units of government are eligible to apply for funding for:
WIIA grant awards that will fund up to 25 percent of an eligible wastewater project’s total cost, up to $25 million.
WIIA grant awards that will fund 60 percent of net eligible project costs for projects that address emerging contaminants above the State determined Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL), with no cap on the total award.
WIIA grant awards for all other drinking water projects will be awarded up to 60 percent of net project costs up to a maximum of $5 million.
IMG awards that will fund up to 40 percent of an eligible wastewater or drinking water project for communities that share services, up to $30 million.
Grant applications and required supporting documentation must be submitted through EFC’s website by 5 p.m. on Sept. 9.
Septic System Replacement Program Investments Target Water Quality and Protection of Public Health
An additional $30 million is now available through the State Septic System Replacement Program to support home and small business owners in the targeted replacement of aging and sub-standard septic systems and removal of cesspools in communities statewide.
The Septic Replacement Program improves water quality by encouraging and incentivizing homeowners’ replacement of cesspools and failing or inadequate septic systems around a waterbody known to be impaired by septic system discharges.
DEC and DOH identified priority geographic areas where property owners are eligible to participate based on the presence of a sole-source aquifer used for drinking water, known water quality impairment linked to failing septic systems, and/or the ability for septic system upgrades to mitigate water quality impairments.
EFC will be providing detailed information about how to access the funding to counties with identified priority geographic areas. DEC and DOH will re-evaluate priority geographic areas in future rounds of funding.
New York State will provide funds to counties to reimburse eligible property owners for a portion of the cost of replacing cesspools and septic systems and installing more environmentally effective systems. Eligible property owners can be reimbursed 50 percent of eligible costs up to $10,000.
Counties may also set graduated incentive reimbursement rates for septic system projects to maximize program participation and pollution reduction goals. A list of eligible counties and priority geographic areas within those counties is available on EFC’s website.
Editor’s Note: Orleans isn’t eligible but parts of Genesee are eligible at Tonawanda Creek, Bowen Brook and Bigelow Creek as well as their tributaries.
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