`
`Imagine the result
`
`
`Phase I Environmental Site
`Assessment
`
`PB Americas, Inc.
`Massena Electric Department Hydroelectric Project
`Village of Massena
`St. Lawrence County, New York
`
`October 2009
`
`
`
`
`

`

`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`Jeffrey J. Bonsteel
`Project Scientist
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`Phase I Environmental Site
`Assessment
`
`PB Americas, Inc.
`Massena Electric Department
`Hydroelectric Project
`Village of Massena
`St. Lawrence County, New York
`
`
`
`Prepared for:
`PB Americas, Inc.
`
`Prepared by:
`ARCADIS
`465 New Karner Road
`First Floor
`Albany
`New York 12205
`Tel 518.452.7826
`Fax 518.452.4398
`
`Our Ref.:
`CO001474.0001
`
`Date:
`15 October 2009
`
`This document is intended only for the use
`of the individual or entity for which it was
`prepared and may contain information that
`is privileged, confidential, and exempt from
`disclosure under applicable law. Any
`dissemination, distribution, or copying of
`this document is strictly prohibited.
`
`
`
`

`

`
`
`Table of Contents
`
`MED Hydroelectric Project
`Village of Massena
`St. Lawrence County, New York
`
`
`
`1 
`
`Executive Summary
`
`1.1 
`
`Recognized Environmental Conditions
`
`1.2  Other Findings
`
`1.3 
`
`Data Gaps
`
`2 
`
`Introduction
`
`2.1 
`
`2.2 
`
`2.3 
`
`2.4 
`
`2.5 
`
`2.6 
`
`2.7 
`
`Purpose
`
`Detailed Scope of Services
`
`Significant Assumptions
`
`Limitations and Exceptions
`
`Special Terms and Conditions
`
`Reliance
`
`Deviations
`
`3 
`
`Site Description
`
`3.1 
`
`3.2 
`
`Location and Legal Description
`
`Physical Setting Sources
`
`3.2.1 
`
`3.2.2 
`
`3.2.3 
`
`Topography
`
`Geology
`
`Groundwater
`
`4 
`
`Site Reconnaissance
`
`4.1  Methodologies and Limiting Conditions
`
`4.2  General Site Description
`
`4.2.1 
`
`4.2.2 
`
`4.2.3 
`
`4.2.4 
`Bridge
`
`Railroad Bridge to Parker Avenue Bridge
`
`Parker Avenue Bridge to Main Street Bridge
`
`Main Street Bridge to Riverside Parkway Development
`
`Riverside Parkway Development to State Highway 37
`12 
`
`1 
`
`2 
`
`2 
`
`3 
`
`4 
`
`4 
`
`4 
`
`5 
`
`6 
`
`6 
`
`7 
`
`7 
`
`8 
`
`8 
`
`9 
`
`9 
`
`9 
`
`9 
`
`10 
`
`10 
`
`10 
`
`11 
`
`11 
`
`11 
`
`
`
`i
`
`

`

`12 
`
`13 
`
`13 
`
`13 
`
`13 
`
`16 
`
`17 
`
`18 
`
`18 
`
`21 
`
`23 
`
`24 
`
`25 
`
`26 
`
`
`
`4.3 
`
`Employee Interviews
`
`5 
`
`Historical Review
`
`5.1 
`
`5.2 
`
`5.3 
`
`5.4 
`
`Historical Topographic Maps and SanbornTM Maps
`
`Aerial Photograph Review
`
`Review of Historical Documents
`
`Historical Review Summary
`
`Well and Septic Review
`
`Database and Government Records Review
`
`7.1 
`
`7.2 
`
`Federal Database
`
`State Database
`
`Data Gaps
`
`Conclusions
`
`Limitations of Investigation
`
`References
`
`6 
`
`7 
`
`8 
`
`9 
`
`10 
`
`11 
`
`Site Location Map
`
`Site Boundary Map
`
`Railroad Bridge to Parker Avenue Bridge
`
`Parker Avenue Bridge to Main Street Bridge
`
`Main Street Bridge to Riverside Parkway Development
`
`Riverside Parkway Development to State Highway Bridge – Eastern
`Section
`
`Riverside Parkway Development to State Highway Bridge – Central
`Section
`
`Riverside Parkway Development to State Highway Bridge – Western
`Section
`
`Figures
`
`1
`
`2
`
`3
`
`4
`
`5
`
`6
`
`7
`
`8
`
`
`
`
`
`Table of Contents
`
`MED Hydroelectric Project
`Village of Massena
`St. Lawrence County, New York
`
`ii
`
`

`

`
`
`
`
`Table of Contents
`
`MED Hydroelectric Project
`Village of Massena
`St. Lawrence County, New York
`
`A
`
`B
`
`C
`
`D
`
`Appendices
`Photographic Summary
`Historical Topographic Maps
`SanbornTM Fire Insurance Map Search
`Aerial Photographs
`NWIS Database Well Search Results
`Environmental Data Resources, Inc. Report
`
`E
`
`F
`
`
`
`iii
`
`

`

`
`Phase I Environmental
`Site Assessment
`
`MED Hydroelectric Plant
`Village of Massena,
`St. Lawrence County, New York
`
`
`
`1 Executive Summary
`
`ARCADIS of New York, Inc. (ARCADIS) was retained by PB Americas, Inc. to conduct
`a Phase I Environmental Site Assessment (ESA) of portions of the north and south
`banks along an approximate 4-mile stretch of the Grasse River located in the Village of
`Massena, St. Lawrence County, New York (the Site). Specifically, the Phase I ESA
`was conducted over bank areas along the north shore between elevation 178 feet
`mean sea level (msl) and 186 feet msl from the proposed hydroelectric dam upstream
`to the Main Street Bridge (Mile 8) and along both shores between elevation 178 feet
`msl and 187 feet msl from the Main Street Bridge (Mile 8) up to the Route 37 Bridge
`(just below Mile 10). The project proposed at the Site is referred to by PB Americas,
`Inc. as the Massena Electric Department (MED) Hydroelectric Project.
`
`The Phase I ESA was conducted in general accordance with the American Society for
`Testing and Materials (ASTM) E 1527-05 Standard Practice for Site Assessments:
`Phase I Environmental Site Assessment Process. The goal of the Phase I ESA was to
`identify recognized environmental conditions (RECs) and historical recognized
`environmental conditions (HRECs) associated with the Site in conformance with ASTM
`E 1527-05.
`
`A REC is defined as the presence or likely presence of hazardous substances or
`petroleum products on a property under conditions that indicate an existing release, a
`past release, or an observable or obvious threat of a release of hazardous substances
`or petroleum products into structures on the property or into the ground, groundwater,
`or surface water of the property, excluding de minimis conditions that generally do not
`present a threat to human health or the environment and that generally would not be
`the subject of an enforcement action if brought to the attention of appropriate
`governmental agencies.
`
`A HREC is defined as an environmental condition that, in the past would have been
`considered a REC, but that may or may not be considered a REC currently.
`
`The ASTM practice requires environmental professionals to identify data gaps
`following reasonable inquiry of Site personnel and search for “reasonably
`ascertainable” resources. ASTM E 1527-05 defines a data gap as “a lack of or inability
`to obtain information required by this practice despite good faith efforts by the
`environmental professional to gather such information.”
`
`
`
`1
`
`

`

`
`
`
`Phase I Environmental
`Site Assessment
`
`MED Hydroelectric Plant
`Village of Massena,
`St. Lawrence County, New York
`
`The Phase I ESA included a visual inspection of the Site completed on September 21-
`22 and October 15, 2009, observation of adjacent properties, reviews of historical
`documents and records that were available from PB Americas, Inc. No specific
`interviews were conducted of current Site owners or local officials, and no agency file
`review was conducted.
`
`The Site, an approximate 4-mile stretch along the Grasse River, comprises developed
`and undeveloped land along the northern and southern banks of the river. The Site
`location is shown on Figure 1. The Site is located in the Village of Massena, St.
`Lawrence County, New York.
`
`The Site, under current use, and surrounding properties were not identified as having
`had any active releases on the federal, state, and local database review provided by
`Environmental Data Resources (EDR). Several reports completed by consultants to PB
`Americas, Inc. and MED in efforts to understand Site conditions were reviewed. These
`reports did define areas of further investigation (i.e., Phase II Investigations). However,
`review of these reports did not constitute the characterization of a REC, HREC or off-
`Site REC.
`
`The findings identified by ARCADIS are summarized below and discussed in greater
`detail in the body of the report.
`
`1.1
`
`Recognized Environmental Conditions
`
`One on-Site REC was identified as a result of our site reconnaissance (and confirmed
`as a potential REC in conversations with PB Americas, Inc.). No off-Site RECs or
`HRECs were identified in connection with the Site.
`
`A debris pile, located on the northern boundary of the Site, was noted behind
`Trombino’s Restaurant (at 181 Center Street). This pile contained primarily
`construction-related debris (including concrete, asphalt, brush, PVC pipe, rubber
`molding, carpeting, iron fencing, plastic bottles, a pick-up truck cap, and various wood
`pieces).
`
`This area was the subject of a soil assessment, as described in Section 2.2.
`
`1.2 Other Findings
`
`No other findings were noted in connection with the Site.
`
`
`
`2
`
`

`

`
`Phase I Environmental
`Site Assessment
`
`MED Hydroelectric Plant
`Village of Massena,
`St. Lawrence County, New York
`
`
`
`1.3
`
`Data Gaps
`
`As part of the Phase I ESA, the following data gaps were identified:
`
`• As PB Americas, Inc. never owned or operated the Site, there was very
`limited knowledge of Site history, former operations, and former
`environmental conditions pertaining to the Site. The information presented
`was based on the review of historical documents provided to ARCADIS by
`PB Americas, Inc.
`
`• A review of New York State Department of Environmental Conservation
`(NYSDEC) files for the identified RECs was not completed as part of the
`Scope of Work for the Phase I ESA. Additional information regarding
`potential RECs may be included in these files.
`
`
`
`3
`
`

`

`
`Phase I Environmental
`Site Assessment
`
`MED Hydroelectric Plant
`Village of Massena,
`St. Lawrence County, New York
`
`
`
`2
`
`Introduction
`
`On behalf of PB Americas, Inc., ARCADIS conducted a Phase I ESA of the Site, (an
`approximate 4-mile stretch along the Grasse River and immediate neighboring
`properties on the north and south banks of the river) located in Massena, St. Lawrence
`County, New York. PB Americas, Inc. requested this assessment be performed as
`part on environmental evaluations associated with the development of a hydroelectric
`dam located along the Grasse River (MED Hydroelectric Project).
`
`2.1
`
`Purpose
`
`PB Americas, Inc. indicated that the purpose for conducting this Phase I ESA is to
`supplement the existing Phase I ESA (Environmental Resources Management, 2006),
`provide an evaluation of potential environmental concerns on the banks and
`neighboring property of the Site, and determine the need for further investigation.
`
`2.2
`
` Detailed Scope of Services
`
`The work was conducted in general accordance with the ASTM E 1527-05 Standard
`Practice for Site Assessments: Phase I Environmental Site Assessment Process in
`order to satisfy the statutory requirements for conducting all appropriate inquires in
`accordance with Standards and Practices for All Appropriate Inquires rule (40 CFR
`Part 312). A Phase I ESA, as defined by ASTM, is not intended to be a formal survey
`for lead-based paint, lead in drinking water, mold, asbestos-containing materials
`(ACM), urea formaldehyde insulation, ozone-depleting chemicals, or radon.
`
`The purpose of the Phase I ESA was to identify, to the extent practical, RECs and
`HRECs associated with the site. A REC is defined in the ASTM Phase I Standard as
`“the presence or likely presence of any hazardous substances or petroleum products
`on a property under conditions that indicate an existing release, a past release, or a
`material threat of a release of any hazardous substances or petroleum products into
`structures on the property or into the ground, ground water, or surface water of the
`property. The term includes hazardous substances or petroleum products even under
`conditions in compliance with laws. The term is not intended to include de minimis
`conditions that generally do not present a threat to human health or the environment
`and that generally would not be the subject of an enforcement action if brought to the
`attention of the appropriate governmental agencies.” A HREC is defined as an
`environmental condition that in the past would have been considered a REC, but that
`may or may not be considered a REC currently.
`
`
`
`4
`
`

`

`
`Phase I Environmental
`Site Assessment
`
`MED Hydroelectric Plant
`Village of Massena,
`St. Lawrence County, New York
`
`
`
`The Phase I ESA was comprised of the following specific elements consistent with
`ASTM Standard 1527.05:
`• An on-site inspection of the subject property to evaluate current conditions and
`identify areas of potential concern, including underground storage tanks
`(USTs), aboveground storage tanks (ASTs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB)-
`containing material, or other hazardous materials that may be present at the
`Site;
`• A review of property history through interviews and SanbornTM Maps, aerial
`photographs, city directories and historical mapping;
`• A review of historical reports and site maps, as available;
`• Limited visual inspection of adjacent properties and the local area to evaluate
`the potential for adverse environmental impact to the subject property;
`• Contracting of EDR to identify recognized environmental concerns as required
`in the regulatory records review section of the ASTM standard for a Phase I
`ESA; and
`• Preparation of a report summarizing the findings of the Phase I ESA.
`
`The Phase I ESA did not include the collection or analysis of soil, air, water,
`groundwater, or material samples, with the exception of limited collection of soils
`from an area of observed construction debris dumping at a single property (181
`Center Street) (i.e., REC) at the Site, and at the request of PB Americas, Inc. The
`soil assessment was conducted concurrently with the Phase I ESA effort and not as
`a result of any particular findings. The results of this limited sampling effort are to be
`provided under separate cover to this report. A title search was not conducted as part
`of the Phase I ESA.
`
`Photographs of the site and surrounding areas were taken to document current
`conditions and are included in Appendix A.
`
`2.3
`
`Significant Assumptions
`
`ARCADIS has assumed that the information sources utilized for this investigation
`provide complete and accurate information. Evaluations presented in this report are
`based exclusively on information provided by available public records and observations
`made during the Site visit. No quantitative or qualitative field activities were conducted
`and no laboratory analyses were performed (except as noted in Section 2.2).
`
`
`
`5
`
`

`

`
`Phase I Environmental
`Site Assessment
`
`MED Hydroelectric Plant
`Village of Massena,
`St. Lawrence County, New York
`
`
`
`ARCADIS was provided with historical reports and current site maps by PB Americas,
`Inc., that showed the general area and boundaries of the Site. ARCADIS has taken this
`representation as true and accurate and has not sought to independently verify the
`property boundaries. The limits of the Site subject to this assessment were described
`by PB Americas, Inc. personnel and ARCADIS accepted as true their representations
`regarding the location of the property boundaries.
`
`2.4
`
`Limitations and Exceptions
`
`This Phase I ESA was performed in conformance with all applicable legal requirements
`and accepted practice prevailing in the environmental assessment industry. The Phase
`I ESA is limited in nature and should not be construed to be a characterization of
`environmental regulatory compliance or of conditions above or below grade.
`
`The evaluations presented in this Phase I ESA are based on information provided by
`PB Americas, Inc. and its representatives, available site records, readily ascertainable
`historical documents, and observations made during the Site reconnaissance. In
`preparing this report, ARCADIS has accepted as true the information provided by PB
`Americas, Inc. personnel on current and historical operations of the site, verified as
`possible from historical documents. ARCADIS warrants that the services performed
`were conducted in a competent and professional manner in accordance with sound
`consulting practices and procedures. ARCADIS cannot warrant the actual site
`conditions described in this report beyond matters amenable to visual confirmation
`within the limits of this site assessment program. ARCADIS makes no express or
`implied representation or warranty that this document or the information contained
`herein is fit for a particular purpose, nor does ARCADIS make any representation or
`warranty regarding the accuracy or reliability of information or documents provided by
`other parties that are contained or relied on herein.
`
`In addition, existing uses that are off-Site were not included as part of the Phase I ESA,
`except to note their presence and potential related concerns.
`
`2.5
`
`Special Terms and Conditions
`
`No special terms and conditions were imposed on this Phase I ESA.
`
`
`
`6
`
`

`

`
`Phase I Environmental
`Site Assessment
`
`MED Hydroelectric Plant
`Village of Massena,
`St. Lawrence County, New York
`
`
`
`2.6
`
`Reliance
`
`This document and the information, findings, opinions and recommendations herein
`have been prepared for the benefit only of PB Americas, Inc., and no third party is
`intended as a beneficiary or intended to rely on this document or the information herein
`unless otherwise expressly stated in writing by ARCADIS. Any use of the contents of
`this report by any third party is at the sole risk of that party.
`
`2.7
`
`Deviations
`
`There were no deviations from the proposed scope of work other than those
`specifically described within this report.
`
`
`
`7
`
`

`

`
`Phase I Environmental
`Site Assessment
`
`MED Hydroelectric Plant
`Village of Massena,
`St. Lawrence County, New York
`
`
`
`3 Site Description
`
`3.1
`
`Location and Legal Description
`
`The Site (the Grasse River banks and neighboring properties) is currently owned by
`various private residential and commercial owners. The Site is an approximately 4-mile
`stretch along the Grasse River, not including portions of the north and south banks
`where water retention walls (dikes) are planned. The Site is generally shown on
`Figures 1 and 2.
`
`The Site is located in the Village of Massena, St. Lawrence County, New York. As
`shown on Figure 2, the Site includes the area.
`
`• Between elevation 178 feet above msl and 186 feet msl from the proposed dam
`location upstream to the Main Street Bridge (Mile 8) on the north shore of the
`Grasse River only.
`
`• Between elevation 178 feet msl and 187 feet msl from the Main Street Bridge
`(Mile 8) up to the Route 37 Bridge (just below Mile 10) along both the north
`and south shore of the Grasse River.
`
`The Site boundaries are as follows:
`
`• The Site is generally bounded to the north by residential and commercial
`properties. Commercial properties are more prevalent towards the eastern extent
`of the Site, in the section of the Site within the downtown area of the Village of
`Massena.
`
`• The Site is bounded to the east by a walking bridge and railroad bridge which
`traverse the Grasse River at the eastern extent of the Site.
`
`• The Site is bounded to the south by residential and commercial properties.
`Similar to the area to the north of the Grasse River, commercial properties are
`more prevalent towards the eastern extent of the Site, in the section of the Site
`within the downtown area of the Village of Massena.
`
`• The Site is bounded to the west by the State Highway 37 Bridge, which
`traverses the Grasse River.
`
`
`
`8
`
`

`

`
`Phase I Environmental
`Site Assessment
`
`MED Hydroelectric Plant
`Village of Massena,
`St. Lawrence County, New York
`
`
`
`3.2
`
`Physical Setting Sources
`
`In order to obtain information regarding the Site’s physical setting, ARCADIS
`conducted a review of information provided by EDR, topographic maps published by
`the United States Geological Survey (USGS), and geologic maps published by the
`New York State Geological Survey. The following sections summarize the physical
`setting of the Site.
`
`3.2.1
`
`Topography
`
`The Site is located within the Adirondack physiographic province of New York. As
`shown in Figures 1 and 2, the Site constitutes an approximate 4-mile stretch along the
`Grasse River and its immediate vicinity within the Village of Massena. The Site area is
`bounded on the north and south by rising uplands that increase as much as 50 feet
`above the river elevation. The Site itself indicated this topography in the eastern
`section of the Site, with relatively less topographic relief in the western half of the Site
`property. The Grasse River, in essence, serves as the center of a valley with all lands
`generally sloping towards the river in the immediate vicinity of the Site.
`
`3.2.2 Geology
`
`The surficial geology within the majority of the site and surrounding area is mapped as
`the Adirondack till, which is a variable till (boulders to silt), and undifferentiated marine
`and lacustrine sands (Caldwell and Pair, 1991). The area of the Grasse River is
`additionally mapped as consisting of recent alluvium deposits (oxidized fine sand and
`gravel). Bedrock within the Site area is mapped as the part of the Beekmantown group
`(Ogdensburg Dolostone) (Fisher, Isachsen, and Rickard, 1970). Bedrock outcropping
`was observed during Site reconnaissance activities (as further described in Section 4).
`
`3.2.3 Groundwater
`
`Groundwater was not investigated as part of field activities related to this Phase I ESA.
`
`Groundwater flow direction at the site has not been confirmed by ARCADIS, but it is
`expected that the groundwater generally flows toward the Grasse River. It is important
`to note that groundwater flow direction can be influenced locally and regionally by the
`presence of local wetland features, surface topography, recharge and discharge areas,
`horizontal and vertical inconsistencies in the types and location of subsurface soils,
`and proximity to water pumping wells.
`
`
`
`9
`
`

`

`
`Phase I Environmental
`Site Assessment
`
`MED Hydroelectric Plant
`Village of Massena,
`St. Lawrence County, New York
`
`
`
` 4
`
` Site Reconnaissance
`
`4.1 Methodologies and Limiting Conditions
`
`The site reconnaissance was completed on September 21-22 and October 15, 2009 by
`ARCADIS employees Mr. Jeffrey Bonsteel, Mr. Scott Cunningham and Mr. Robert
`Conden. ARCADIS was not accompanied by a PB Americas, Inc. representative
`during the site reconnaissance, or by any representative of the property owners. The
`Site reconnaissance consisted of a walking tour through the developed residential and
`commercial properties of the Site and along the northern and southern banks of the
`Grasse River. The Site was defined based on the information provided by PB
`Americas, Inc. prior to the site reconnaissance. During the site reconnaissance, areas
`specified as the Site were inspected. However, due to the size of the Site, as well as
`challenges in accessing several wooded, undeveloped portions of the Site (such as
`areas primarily to the western end of the Site), the undeveloped portions were
`traversed to the extent feasible. The weather during the site visit was sunny to partly
`cloudy with a temperature of approximately 70 degrees Fahrenheit.
`
`4.2 General Site Description
`
`The Site is located within the Village of Massena and is located generally between the
`pedestrian bridge and railroad bridge (located between Richards Street and Bayley
`Road) and the State Highway 37 Bridge. The Site is accessible from numerous private
`(yards and undeveloped frontage) and public access points.
`
`Properties immediately adjacent to the Grasse River (and within the Site boundaries)
`are occupied by residential and commercial uses, with some properties vacant or
`undeveloped.
`
`The Grasse River generally flows from west to east, and is traversed within the Site
`boundaries by the State Highway 37 Bridge, Parker Avenue Bridge, Main Street
`Bridge, and a pedestrian and railroad bridge. Bedrock was noted as comprising the
`bed of the Grasse River at several locations.
`
`Various utilities, including overhead electrical lines, fire hydrants, storm drains, and
`water, gas and sewer manholes were observed at the properties and in the town roads
`that border the Grasse River. Properties located at the western extent of the Site (and
`
`
`
`10
`
`

`

`
`Phase I Environmental
`Site Assessment
`
`MED Hydroelectric Plant
`Village of Massena,
`St. Lawrence County, New York
`
`
`
`on the perimeter of the village boundaries) were observed at times to have water wells
`and leach fields (septic systems).
`
`Photographs documenting Site conditions at the time of the Site reconnaissance are
`included as Appendix A. Figures 3 through 8 indicate the boundaries of the Site.
`
`The Site was separated into distinct portions for discussion within this report. These
`portions are discussed in the following sections.
`
`4.2.1
`
`Railroad Bridge to Parker Avenue Bridge
`
`The section between the railroad bridge and the Parker Avenue Bridge was observed
`to be undeveloped along both the northern and southern banks (Figure 3). The Site
`boundaries were located primarily within the backyards of several residences or
`buildings, and were observed to be heavily wooded and/or wetland areas.
`
`Immediately north of the Site boundary, a small debris pile was noted behind
`Trombino’s Restaurant (at 181 Center Street). This pile contained primarily
`construction related debris (including concrete, asphalt, brush, PVC pipe, rubber
`molding, carpeting, iron fencing, plastic bottles, a pick-up truck cap, and various wood
`pieces). This area was the subject of the soil assessment described in Section 2.2.
`
`Other than the debris pile, ARCADIS did not observe any RECs on this portion of the
`Site.
`
`4.2.2
`
`Parker Avenue Bridge to Main Street Bridge
`
`The section between the Parker Avenue Bridge and the Main Street Bridge was
`observed to be undeveloped along both the northern and southern banks (Figure 4).
`The Site boundaries were located primarily within the backyards of several residences
`or buildings, as well as land immediately adjacent to Willow Street, and were observed
`to be heavily wooded and/or wetland areas.
`
`ARCADIS did not observe any RECs on this portion of the Site.
`
`4.2.3 Main Street Bridge to Riverside Parkway Development
`
`The section between the Main Street Bridge and the Riverside Parkway Development
`(located on the south bank of the Grasse River) was observed to be undeveloped
`
`
`
`11
`
`

`

`
`Phase I Environmental
`Site Assessment
`
`MED Hydroelectric Plant
`Village of Massena,
`St. Lawrence County, New York
`
`
`
`along both the northern and southern banks (Figure 5). The Site boundaries included
`areas within the backyards of several residences or buildings, as well as land as part of
`a large cemetery and undeveloped parcels, and were observed to be heavily wooded
`and/or wetland areas. However, some portions of the Site (specifically on the southern
`bank of the Grasse River at the Veterans Memorial Park, as well as at residences
`located on the southern bank) were observed to be lawn areas (grasses and related
`vegetation) extending to the edge of water.
`
`ARCADIS did not observe any RECs on this portion of the Site.
`
`4.2.4
`
`Riverside Parkway Development to State Highway 37 Bridge
`
`The section between the Riverside Parkway Development (located on the south bank
`of the Grasse River) and the State Highway 37 Bridge was observed to be
`undeveloped along both the northern and southern banks (Figures 6, 7 and 8). The
`Site boundaries were located primarily within the backyards of several residences, as
`well as large undeveloped parcels, and were observed to be heavily wooded and/or
`wetland areas. However, some portions of the Site (specifically on the northern and
`southern banks of the Grasse River at the eastern portion of this section) were
`observed to be lawn areas (grasses and related vegetation) extending to the edge of
`water.
`
`ARCADIS did not observe any RECs on this portion of the Site.
`
`4.3
`
`Employee Interviews
`
`Due to the fact that PB Americas, Inc. has never owned or operated this Site, no
`employees that worked at the Site could be interviewed. Additionally, there were no
`formal Phase I interviews conducted with any of the property owners.
`
`
`
`12
`
`

`

`
`Phase I Environmental
`Site Assessment
`
`MED Hydroelectric Plant
`Village of Massena,
`St. Lawrence County, New York
`
`
`
`5 Historical Review
`
`ARCADIS contracted EDR to complete a search of available historical data for the
`historical review (EDR, 2009). The search (provided in Appendix B) included available
`and historical USGS topographic maps and SanbornTM Maps for the Site.
`
`5.1
`
`Historical Topographic Maps and SanbornTM Maps
`
`Historical topographic maps for the Site were provided for the years 1907, 1942, and
`1964. Review of these maps indicated no significant changes in topography to the Site
`area, other than an increase in development of the general region, and has remained
`relatively unchanged over the past 100+ years. Historical topographic maps are
`provided in Appendix B.
`
`EDR was also retained to conduct a search of available SanbornTM Maps (Appendix C)
`for the Site. SanbornTM Maps from the year 1965 were obtained and reviewed as part
`of the Phase I ESA. These maps indicate that the properties adjacent to the Grasse
`River, in general, are consistent with their uses today (i.e., residential and commercial
`properties).
`
`5.2
`
`Aerial Photograph Review
`
`EDR was retained to conduct a search of available aerial photographs (Appendix D) for
`the Site. Aerial photographic coverage of the Site was obtained from EDR for the years
`1973, 1985, 1997, and 2006. Recent aerial photographs provided to ARCADIS by PB
`Americas, Inc. (included as the base for Figures 2 through 7) were also reviewed.
`Copies of the aerial photographs from EDR are provided in Appendix D. In general, the
`review of the aerial photographs indicated that areas of commercial and residential
`development adjacent to the site remained relatively unchanged.
`
`The general Site area is visible on each of the aerial photographs; however, Site-
`specific features or structures are not discernable on all of the photos due to the scale
`of the photographs. Consequently, no RECs on the Site could be identified based on
`review of the aerial photographs.
`
`5.3
`
`Review of Historical Documents
`
`ARCADIS reviewed the following documents provided by PB Americas, Inc.:
`
`
`
`13
`
`

`

`
`Phase I Environmental
`Site Assessment
`
`MED Hydroelectric Plant
`Village of Massena,
`St. Lawrence County, New York
`
`
`
`• Letter to NYSDEC by MED entitled Massena Grasse River Multipurpose
`Hydroelectric Project (FERC Project P-12607), Findings During Phase I
`Environmental Site Assessment (MED, 2007)
`
`• Phase II Environmental Site Assessment (ERM, 2007)
`
`• Letter to PB Power from Normandeau Associates entitled Update on Site
`Activities (Normandeau Associates, 2008a)
`
`• Summary Report of Additional Phase II Environmental Site Assessment
`Investigation in the Grasse River, Massena, NY (Normandeau Associates,
`2008b)
`
`These documents provided an initial overview of the site, including historical
`environmental issues or concerns related to past investigations. A brief summary of the
`significant environmental findings of each of these documents is provided below.
`
`Massena Grasse River Multipurpose Hydroelectric Project (FERC Project P-12607),
`Findings During Phase I Environmental Site Assessment
`
`This letter, from the MED to the NYSDEC (Mr. Gary McCullouch) provides additional
`information related to sheens observed by MEDs contractor (ERM) during their 2006
`field investigations. Two small areas of sheens in shallow, stagnant water were noted
`immediately adjacent to the shoreline at the Parker Avenue and Main Street bridges.
`This letter provides the technical basis on why MED has determined that those sheens
`did not possess the characteristics of an oil or petroleum-related discharge, but rather
`were indicative of biological-type sheen.
`
`In response to the observance of this sheen in 2006, PB Americas, Inc. requested that
`ARCADIS, as part of the Phase I ESA, review the areas immediately adjacent to the
`shoreline at the Parker Avenue and Main Street bridges. ARCADIS did note a
`biological film/sheen in the stagnant water along the southern banks of the Grasse
`River at both the Parker Avenue and Main Street bridges. As with the ERM
`observance, it was noted that these sheens did not possess the characteristics of an oil
`or petroleum-related discharge, and are therefore of limited significance as a potential
`tracer for contamination sources. Based on these observations, and the fact that the
`sheen did not appear “sizeable” and “significant,” no further assessment was
`performed.
`
`
`
`14
`
`

`

`
`Phase I Environmental
`Site Assessment
`
`MED Hydroelectric Plant
`Village of Massena,
`St. Lawrence County, New York
`
`
`
`Phase II Environmental Site Assessment
`
`The purpose of the Phase II Environmental Site Assessment completed in December
`2007 was to collect and analyze six soil samples to characterize conditions in areas
`of noted waste disposal areas. A soil sample was collected fro