DEC: No Environmental Concerns After Apalachin Recycling Fire
State environmental and health regulators are reporting no known problems following the blaze that destroyed a Tioga County recycling plant.
People who live near the site of the Taylor Garbage Services facility in Apalachin have expressed concerns about possible contamination in the aftermath of the January 3 blaze.
According to the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, the agency collected soil and sediment samples from where water had ponded to evaluate potential off-site effects from the fire and firefighting activities.
In a statement released to WNBF News, the agency said: "Based on the investigation, no concerns about any off site impacts were found and no further monitoring is necessary at this site."
The state Department of Health issued a statement that said the agency does not expect there to be significant exposure to combustion products in the air as a result of the fire.
The agency said the DEC sampling "does not support the need for testing of wells." The department encourages private well owners to have tests conducted annually for bacteria and other possible contaminants.
Demolition of the fire-damaged plant is underway. Taylor Garbage Service has announced it intends to build a new facility at the site.
Contact WNBF News reporter Bob Joseph: bob@wnbf.com
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