Report to DEC Recommends Cleanup of Contamination at Old United Hospital Site

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) is reviewing a Remedial Investigation Report (RIR) for the former United Hospital Site, just over the Rye line in Port Chester, across from the Whole Foods. A major mixed use development plan is underway for the 12 acre site. The report describes the results of the remedial investigation and recommends development of a remedy to address the contamination that was found. The RIR was submitted by Boston Post Rd Owner LLC and BR RA Port Chester LLC, LLCs representing the developers Rose Associates and BedRock Real Estate Partners.

Based on the findings of the investigation, NYSDEC, in consultation with the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH), has determined the site does not pose a significant threat to public health or the environment. This decision is based on the lack of potential for human exposure to site-related contaminants in soil and via soil vapor.

The Remedial Investigation Report identified the presence of semi-volatile organic compounds (SVOCs) and metals in soil/fill material across the site; petroleum related SVOCs in soil and groundwater in the northern, northwestern, and central portions of the site; and faint petroleum odors in soil and sheens on groundwater in the northern, northwestern, and in central portions of the site. Several volatile organic compounds, including petroleum-related compounds (e.g., benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, xylenes, etc.) and chlorinated solvent-related compounds (e.g., tetrachloroethene (PCE), trichloroethene (TCE), carbon tetrachloride, methylene chloride) were detected in soil vapor samples. Emerging contaminants, including perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS), were detected in on-site groundwater above applicable standards.

NYSDEC will complete its review, make any necessary revisions and, if appropriate, approve the RIR. The approved reports will be made available to the public. The developers may then develop a cleanup plan, describing how contamination will be addressed, with NYSDEC and NYSDOH overseeing the work. NYSDEC will present the draft cleanup plan to the public for its review and comment during a 45-day comment period.