Health and safety is a critical part of the Fulton Municipal MGP site remediation project as we work to address the environmental impacts at the site and improve the environment. National Grid is committed to protecting the public, our workers and contractors and the environment from potential hazards that can occur as part of cleanup activities planned for the site.
Health and safety programs are comprised of careful planning, good communication and effective monitoring of the execution of the health and safety plans. Remediation work will be performed by qualified contractors that are appropriately trained and monitored and is to be performed in accordance with applicable regulations. Health and Safety Plans have been developed for each remediation activity. Contractors are required to have employee training and medical monitoring programs and are evaluated based on their compliance with established health and safety plans.
Public safety will be monitored under oversight from NYSDEC and NYSDOH using the Community Air Monitoring Program. The CAMP will include air monitoring at the investigation sites and also between investigation activities and nearby residential and commercial areas. Rarely, investigation of MGP wastes can produce unpleasant odors, and this will be controlled to the extent practicable by using a temporary enclosure over the work areas, limiting the size of the area excavated, using foam to cover exposed materials and by occasionally stopping work if necessary. The Community Air Monitoring Plan has specified monitoring locations and concentrations that will determine when additional odor or emission controls must be used and when the work must stop to protect workers and the public.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the problem?
Historical gas manufacturing activity has impacted soil and potentially groundwater at the Fulton Municipal former MGP Site. Some of these materials have the potential to affect human health or the environment. The site remediation program is designed to clean up the site to ensure that there are no adverse effects to human health and the environment while the properties on the site remain in valuable use.
Should I be concerned?
The Site Characterization conducted by the NYSDEC in Thomas Greene Park and the local streets noted “coal tar contamination was not found at or near the surface of the ground, but was found in soil borings in the subsurface soils at depths below 7 feet. Soils less than 7 feet below ground surface were not found to contain tar contamination. Because of these depths, human exposure to coal tar contaminants by routine users of the park, workers involved in park operations or people in the surrounding neighborhood is not expected. Exposures to construction or maintenance staff could occur during intrusive subsurface work that reaches to depths.”
What can I expect during the investigation?
You will see equipment and specialized work crews taking soil samples, digging test pits using excavators and taking soil borings using a truck that appears to have a drill rig mounted on it. As currently planned, none of the work will interfere with traffic, the operation of businesses, use of the Park and its facilities or other normal community activities. Some of the workers may be wearing protective gear, which is required for this type of work because of the possibility of their direct contact with the contaminants.