NEW YORK STATE SUPERFUND 

What is the New York State Superfund Program?
In 1979, New York created the Superfund program, which was later expanded and funded by a state bond act in 1986. The program was created to find, investigate and clean up toxic waste sites. On October 7, 2003, Governor George Pataki signed into law the New York State Superfund and Brownfield Reform Act. This law authorizes refinancing of the State Superfund Program. Environmental Advocates of New York worked diligently for passage of this law.

What is a Superfund Site?
Superfund sites are seriously contaminated sites, where toxic industrial chemicals were dumped decades ago and continue to leak pollutants, frequently poisoning groundwater over wide areas. They are individually listed by the state as sites that “pose a significant threat” and are a danger to the environment or public health. The National Priorities List (NPL) is the federal listing of sites eligible for remediation through the Federal Superfund program. Under the state Superfund program there is a registry of Inactive Hazardous Waste Disposal Sites. (www.dec.state.ny.us/website/der/info/publications.html#registry)

Where are Superfund Sites Located?
Superfund sites exist throughout New York State and across the United States. It is an unfortunate reality that 10 million children live within a bicycle ride of a Superfund site. Find out if there is a Superfund site located in your area.

Why are Superfund Sites a Problem?
High concentrations of toxic chemicals are found at Superfund sites. Chemicals found at such sites can cause cancer, reproductive dysfunction, and neurological disorders. It takes years and usually millions of dollars to clean up each site. Although approximately 200 sites have been cleaned up in New York state, hundreds more continue to pollute the environment and threaten public health. According to the NYSDEC 2003 Annual Report, there are a total of 875 currently listed sites. DEC expects that the total number of sites requiring remediation will continue to increase in the foreseeable future.

Superfund Today
In 2003, the New York State Superfund and Brownfield Reform Act was signed into law. This law authorizes up to $120 million annually for the State Superfund Program. The law also expands the definition of hazardous waste to include hazardous substances. It will provide the statutory authority and funding to address sites contaminated with hazardous substances, previously not authorized under the State Superfund Program.

Environmental Advocates of New York & Superfund
Environmental Advocates of New York supports the planned Brownfield Cleanup Program that was enacted by the new State Superfund and Brownfield Reform Act. Environmental Advocates will follow the development of the brownfield regulations to ensure the full intent of the law is implemented.

For More Information Visit:
NYSDEC Superfund Site
Environmental Protection Agency’s Superfund Web site